Head’s Blog: Exam Season Is Here

It’s that time of year again when Y11 & Y13 students begin taking their final exams. GCSE written exams start of Thursday and A Level exams begin next Monday. Students of all ages often struggle with revision. They do not know how to revise or which strategies are going to help them most to prepare. We put a lot of support in place to help students with this. Here is a reminder of what we know about the most effective means of preparing for exams:

Take Care

Firstly, brain function varies significantly depending on how well fed, hydrated and slept we are. It is vital that students eat well, get plenty of fluids and sleep well. There have been many studies on the impact of lost sleep on cognitive function. The results consistently demonstrate that even after one night of poor sleep, our ability to solve problems and regulate our emotions is diminished. Getting to bed on time, without technology in the bedroom and getting enough sleep (more than 8 hours a night for teenagers) makes a huge difference.

Revision is hard

Active retrieval practice is very effective, but it is also hard work. Because effective revision is hard work and ineffective revision is much easier; students can opt for these easier strategies. The more students can stick to the strategies recommended above, the more confident they will become as they see the impact of their revision.

Good luck!

Finally, I would like to wish all year 11 & 13 students (and parents!) the best of luck throughout the exam season. Most students have worked very hard with great commitment and resilience; the end is now in sight. I have every confidence in them and we will be cheering them on every step of the way!

Tim Spencer, Headteacher