Exams can be a stressful time, but getting organised can help you to stay calm. By making a revision plan, organising your time and understanding what to expect you can make things seem more manageable.
The WJEC has some excellent revision resources on their website. Try the knowledge organisers to aid revision, or as a starting point for creating your own. There are also blended learning resources like quizzes and videos on different topics. There are also Exam Walk Through resources that offer practical hints and tips on how to effectively approach questions in examination papers. Using questions from past exam papers, each Powerpoint with audio help and audio script in the notes will walk you through a mock examination paper, helping you revise and practise useful exam techniques. You can complete the “mock” in a single sitting, tackle one or two questions at a time or revisit some parts of the presentation to reinforce your learning. These are great ways to get ready for your exams!
Revision for your exams is essential. By getting organised you can help increase your chances of doing your best. Make sure you know which topics you need to revise for each subject and what's in each exam. Make your revision active. Don’t just read notes. You could make flash cards, mind maps or use post it notes. Watching videos online can really help to bring your notes alive! Test yourself by completing past papers or asking a friend to test you! This will identify areas of strength and weakness so you can feel more confident. Don't forget to build in rewards for your revision eg: your favourite snack or using social media.
Make the most of any extra revision sessions in school. If you feel overwhelmed then one of the best places to start with your revision is the BBC Bitesize website. It has a very wide range of GCSE and A Level resources to help you get started, and organises your topics for you. Your subject teacher can also help you to get organised. There will also be more specific resources in your Google Classroom. Make a list of problem topics to talk through with your teacher. Help us to help you!
The Power up Wales website gives you hints, tips and information to get you through the 2022 exam and assessment season and onto the next level in your life. There are links here to Careers Wales and what to do after results day in August. Miss Downey can help with Careers Advice, and Mrs Lippiett can answer any exam timetable questions. Speak to your Head of Year if you'd like to message them.
If you feel that you are getting stressed about your revision or exams then talk through your concerns with a member of staff who can let you know what support the school can offer you. Your Head of Year or your Form Tutor is an excellent first person to contact. They will have spoken to lots of students before who are going through similar things. You should also take a look at these websites for more ideas about how to cope. The Young Minds website gives you practical tips on how to manage exam stress and links on how to get extra support, and the Childline website also has some great ideas on how to help yourself, including strategies for what to do on exam days. Don't struggle in silence. Talk to someone you trust, and remember that your health and wellbeing is the most important thing.