The examiners do not expect you to know every fact presented to you over the two years. Your teacher knows the areas of the syllabus that will be examined and class revision will be geared to these areas. If you miss a revision lesson make sure you copy up the notes and ask your teacher if you are unsure on any revision point.

The lead-up to the examinations requires you to pace carefully your revision. When athletes train for a major event they train well before the event and gear everything to make sure they peak at the correct time. When you revise do not go for over-kill at the start. Carefully build up your revision programme. Start light and finish heavy just before the examinations.

All Year 11 pupils have a REVISION COUNTDOWN PLANNER.

Take note of the subject revision topics covered by your teachers and plan your revision sessions to cater for the teacher advice. Before you plan your revision check off these points:

When you sit down to revise, try to do so in a relaxed frame of mind. If you are not tense you will learn more.

Do not listen to negative attitudes which manifest themselves in such statements as:

Be positive; the human mind is still the best computer invented and you will remember much more than you think.

Try and stick to your planned revision schedule and avoid being influenced by friends to leave revision for another time. You know what you need to do. The revision targets set must be achieved.

WHEN REVISING
Just reading through your notes and hoping important facts will stick in your memory is not very effective. Remember you need to set specific revision targets which allow you to focus on a specific area or topic. Make notes on the specific topics.
Highlight with a red pen any weak points in your notes and use a blue pen to tick strong points.

MAKING NOTES

When you are making notes if you do not understand something then you must see the relevant teacher. Never be afraid to ask for help.

EXAMINATION SKILLS
On the day of the examination make sure of the time when the examination is to start. Arrive in good time, try to avoid rushing as this creates tension. Try and keep calm. Avoid meeting people you know who are nervous and prone to panic as this can make you panic.
Always take a spare pen and pencil (you might need one of them.)

Always read the front page of an examination paper. This page gives you information and instructions.

Always make sure you know how many questions you have to answer and how long you need to spend on each question.

Always check the number of marks awarded for each section and allocate time according to the marks. If section A is worth 20% and section B is worth 40% then you should spend much more time on section B.

When you are told to begin the examination try not to write immediately but spend a short time:

• reading all the questions
• marking the questions you could answer
• reading the questions carefully, choosing the correct number to answer
• deciding on the order to answer (best first)
• dividing up your time
• underlining key words in the question
• planning your answer - STICK TO THE POINT THEN WRITE YOUR ANSWER.

Make sure you answer every question you select. More marks can be gained at the beginning of an answer than at the end.

Should you be running out of time and you need to answer one more question then choose a question that asks you to interpret charts, tables or graphs.

Try and leave a few minutes free before the end of the examination so that you can quickly check through answers. It is easy to make mistakes so check through your work.

Here is some advice to help those who are taking French or German.

LANGUAGE SPECIFIC EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

A. SPEAKING
Role plays
Look at what you have to say - if you are unsure about a word or phrase, paraphrase as far as possible. Also on the last situation try to anticipate as you prepare what ‘problem’ will arise.

General Conversation
Try to give an answer to all questions if you think you have understood what you have been asked. If you stray from the topic your teacher will get you back on track. Don’t let uncomfortable pauses occur. Make sure your answers are as full as possible and try to express some opinions.

B. LISTENING
As soon as you have finished writing one answer look at the next question so that you know what you are listening for.

Listen to everything - don’t assume you’ll hear the answer immediately. If you have any doubts do not write anything until the second listening.

At Higher Level listen to how things are said - this is often a clue to the feelings being expressed.

C. READING
Read the whole passage - especially at Higher Level. Then look at the questions. Read the passage again - as with Listening don’t assume you’ll find the answer immediately.

Listening/Reading
If the word ‘ exactly ’ appears in a question give as much detail as possible. Make sure that your answers are clear in meaning.

D WRITING
Basic Level
Attempt each task in both questions - you know enough language to gain some credit.

Higher Level
Whereas at Basic Level it is usually enough to do the tasks as set, at Higher Level you must attempt to:
a) develop at least some of the points fully.
b) express opinions.

General Writing
Tick off each point as you do it.