Exams and Revision
Revision is the key to a confident approach to exams and, of course, successful outcomes.
At Bramcote College we work with our students to develop their revision skills by starting them off with low stakes, small knowledge checks throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, then building up to revision of larger amounts of course content in preparation for their mocks in Year 10 and two more sets in Year 11, before they sit their summer GCSEs. This build up aims to minimise the stress or uncertainly students may feel around exams by the time it really counts.
Students are shown that revision is a three stage process:
- Getting the information together (ensuring there are no knowledge gaps); this needs to be done as actively as possible through flash cards, notes and mind maps which include colour and pictures to make them memorable. Students are encouraged to ask their teachers for help.
- Reviewing this information; reflecting on how confidently they know it (could they describe / explain it to someone else) and going over it enough times to make them feel confident.
- Checking memory and understanding by applying the information learned to the exam questions. This is a vital stage which allows students to establish if they 'know it' and shows them if they can apply the information they do know in the context of the exam questions.
To cover all three stages properly, we encourage students to start revising well in advance of the exams because knowing you have done enough revision gives you the confidence to take on the exam.
Students cover revision techniques in Personal Development lessons and in Form Time in the run up to exams. They work their way through a revision guide over a series of weeks, covering setting up a revision timetable / tally chart, how to produce really good revision notes / flash cards, how to motivate yourself even when you’re tired and silly mistakes to avoid before, during and after an exam.
We also stress the importance of getting the balance right between work and wellbeing. A stressed or tired brain retains less information and forms fewer long lasting connections, so time to relax, sleep or have fun is also essential when preparing for exams. If you have any concerns about your child regarding any aspect of exams, please email their Head of Year, or Jo Cooper (Deputy Headteacher).
At Bramcote College we work hard to ensure all our students are ready for external exams at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Teachers provide notes, copies of past papers, run revision sessions and ensure students have the revision materials they need, whether in paper or digital formats.
Revision sessions are provided in school for students during both the Easter and May holidays; timetables are sent to students and parents.
Students with specific needs around exams are supported to ensure that they can access the exams and show what they are capable of through the use of ‘Access Arrangements’.
We believe that being exam ready is a process which builds students’ independence and resilience and the confidence to tackle all aspects of the courses they are studying, be it exams, coursework, or practical exams.
At Bramcote College we follow JCQ regulations for all assessed work and exams extremely closely. As is the case with all schools that are exam centres, our exams procedures are inspected annually and our exams team ensure that we are up to date with any changes to JCQ regulations.
Please see below for JCQ regulations related to all exams and coursework taken at Bramcote College.