revision.paigntononline.com · web view2017-11-29 · physics: forces. light. ... you might want...

Date: November 2017

Our Ref: Year 9 examinations

Reply to: ALF/JXB

At: Borough Road

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am writing to inform you that Year 10 will be taking their first set of PPEs (Pre-public exams) during the week beginning the 8th January 2018. This will be the first opportunity this year for students to have crucial practice in a formal situation for their GCSE exams. The new style GCSEs are far more demanding than they have been in the past, so these exams will give students a real understanding of how hard they will need to work to be successful in their final GCSE exams.

It is essential that Year 9 start their revision for these exams now. Students will be given a comprehensive revision guide with important advice and guidance from each individual subject. All information about these exams, including the revision guide, will be on the Academy website. The Waterleat Road Library is also open after school from 3pm to 4pm Monday – Thursday to support student’s learning, as well as from 8am – 8.30am every morning.

It is important that the students take these examinations seriously, as the results of these exams will inform the staff and the students of their current grade, and more importantly what they need to do to improve so that they can reach or exceed their target grades at GCSE. The results from these exams will be sent home and will be reported using the new 1 – 9 grading system and using the BTEC Pass, Merit & Distinction criteria.

I am also attaching the exam timetable, although students will also receive their own individual timetables nearer the time.

If you have any questions regarding the exams, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected].

Yours faithfully,

mailto:[email protected]

Anne Freeman (Assistant Head of School – Progress)

Year 9 examinations

Week beginning 8th January 2018 2017GENERAL REVISION ADVICE

1. Make a revision timetable so that you can plan your revision.

2. Try different ways of revising: Mind maps Doddle Flashcards Highlight key words – reduce your notes Revision apps/websites

3. BUG the question in the exams:BUBBLE command wordsUNDERLINE key pointsGLANCE back

4. Find out from your teacher what a model answer looks like so that you can reach your target grade.

5. Spend at least an hour on revision each night.

6. Attend all revision sessions available to you.

7. Turn off all mobile devices whilst revising!

1 hour on revision per night

8. Get plenty of sleep before your exam and eat well.

9. Make sure that you have all the equipment you need for each exam.

10.

Year 9 examination timetableWeek beginning 8th January 2018

Year 9 examinations

Week beginning 8th January 2018ENGLISH

Format of the exam: Your exam will be similar to the Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2, but only section B, the transactional writing part. You will be given a choice of two questions asking you to write in a certain form for a certain purpose. You only have to respond to one of the questions.

Topics that need to be revised:

Different forms of writing. Conventions of different forms of writing. Use of more sophisticated punctuation.

Hints and tips for preparation:You need to think about how form and purpose are used. You could, for example, practice writing guides or magazine article. Ensure that you are familiar with the conventions of different forms. Practice writing in the different forms and ask your teachers to look over them for you.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:

Try to use varied punctuation such as question marks, exclamation marks, semicolons, commas.

Try to use different types of sentence such as questions, commands, exclamations, short sentences.

You are aiming to shape audience response with subtlety, with sophisticated and sustained use of tone, style and register.

You are aiming to manipulate complex ideas, utilising a range of structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion.

Useful websites & where to find help:https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z9m6tfr/revisionhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/ztwtnbk/revisionhttps://youtu.be/-7qYDvAGBgA

Year 9 examinationsWeek beginning 8th January 2018

Mathematics

Format of the exam: There will be two papers, and calculators will be allowed for both. Students will aim to complete all of the questions. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes in length and has a maximum score of 80. There are three tiers of paper. Paper 1 and paper 2 are for students in foundation bands. Papers 2 and 3 are for students currently studying higher. Questions in paper 1 are typically 50% at grade 4, paper 2 has 50% at level 6 and paper 3 has a 50% weighting at grade 7.

Topics that need to be revised: The papers will cover all of the four Maths strands; Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics. The main focus of the papers will be on Number and Algebra. As a rough guide the following topics should certainly be looked at:Paper 1:The focus of paper 1 will be on number. Areas to also look at include algebra, data handling, fractions decimals and percentages, properties of 3D shapes and angles.Paper 2:This paper will also be slightly weighted towards number with the remaining marks evenly split across angles, data handling, ratio, perimeter and area, percentages and a variety of other topicsPaper 3:This paper has a greater bias towards algebra with the remaining marks distributed across the remaining topics of angles, perimeter area and volume, ratio and proportion, data handling and a variety of other topics.

Hints and tips for preparation:

Make sure you have looked at every topic and not just your favourites Revise a little and often. Rather than two hours the night before the exam

pick a topic and spend 30mins looking through revision material every other night

Make revision active – reading things will only help a little bit; make sure you give yourself time to do and understand examples

Make use of the online support as it will support your learning


There will be a top tier paper which is intended for Higher level students aiming for grades of 7 and above. Foundation tier will also have the opportunity to achieve a level 6 on paper 2.

Useful websites & where to find help:The maths team will run lunchtime drop-in classes for revision with sample questions. These run from 1pm to 1:30pm in room W19.www.hegartymaths.com. Please register for a free account then select KS3 and Key Stage 3. Selecting from the four main topic areas provides for individual topic revision.www.mymaths.co.uk (username: paignton password: pyramid. Use the search tool to look up each of the areas)http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zqhs34j (select topics from the menu)Google classrooms – frequent check-ins for current topics as you progress through your GCSE course. www.mrbartonmaths.com. An excellent free website with lots of useful resources.

http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zqhs34j

http://www.hegartymaths.com/


Science

Format of the exam: one 1 hour paper50% knowledge questions20% data analysis questions30% applying knowledge questions (QWC)This transition test aims to highlight gaps in students’ knowledge from year 7 & 8 so we are able to tailor the year 9 GCSE course to their needs.

Topics that need to be revised:Chemistry:

Atoms, elements and compounds The periodic table (groups / periods) Metals & non-metals Group 1, 0 & 7 elements & trends Chemical reactions Cooling curves

Biology:

Plant and animal cells (similarities and differences with organelles) Specialised cells Microscopy (calculation) Chromosomes Diet Reaction times Life cycles of plant/animals

Physics:

Forces Light Energy


Be sure to read all of the questions carefully and use the B.U.G system (BOX command words, UNDERLINE keywords, GLANCE back at the question).Re-read a question if you are unsure of what it is asking.Make an educated guess rather than leaving blank spaces.If a question is worth 6 marks, make at least 6 points.Put a * next to a question if you are stuck and return to it at the end once you have got to the end of the test.Double check data questions as often the answer is within the question.Make sure you have looked at every topic and not just your favourites.Revision should be conducted little and often. It is much more productive to spend 30 minutes revising each night as opposed to doing 4 hours revision just before the assessment. Make revision active – reading material/content will only help a little bit. Make sure you be creative with revision. You might want to create post-it notes, revision Mindmaps or videos etc.

Stretch and challenge for top grades: Pupils should be able to apply their knowledge to real life examples.Demonstrate an understanding of trends of the periodic table.Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues of stem cells.

Useful websites & where to find help:www.doddlelearn.co.ukhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ https://connect.collins.co.uk/school/portal.aspx


Geography

Format of the exam: Data analysis. Application of knowledge and understanding. Case study questions.

Topics that need to be revised:The structure of the Earth. Plate boundaries, their movements, their impacts. Effects of an earthquake – with a focus on understanding primary and secondary effects.Ways in which people can plan and prepare for earthquakes.You will need to know case studies of an earthquake or volcano.

Hints and tips for preparation:Read all questions carefully – use BUG to box command words, underline key words, glance back at the question. Attend invited revision sessions and aim for 100% attendance in lessons before the exam.Spend time most evenings revising for the exam and allow yourself plenty of breaks – don’t do more than 20 minutes at a time. Create materials which help you to revise such as mind maps, flash cards with key words, write out notes and RAG (red, amber, green) them to check your understanding. Mix it up by using Doddle, Bitesize and watching clips explaining how earthquakes happen on YouTube.Ensure you revise all topics including case studies (your teacher will tell you which ones) and concentrate on those that you are not confident with. Stretch and challenge for top grades:Answers should not only include key words but should show understanding by linking their points and ideas with explanation. Answers should include references to case studies or examples that have been researched.

The exam paper is styled on Foundation GCSE examination questions and will be marked using GCSE criteria and grade boundaries.

Useful websites & where to find help:Doddle – your teacher will set you activities, revision PowerPoint’s and quizzes.KS3 and KS4 Bitesize – Geography – Physical Geography – Natural Hazards http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zn476sg YouTube has a selection of clips that explain how earthquakes happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtBXTvtFaCUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwtFuG_M4EE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_UBLFUpYQ


HISTORY

Format of the exam: Knowledge questions. Source inference questions. Essay questions.

Topics that need to be revised:Industrial Revolution.The Victorians.Jack the Ripper.

Hints and tips for preparation:Work on your 3 mark inference questions. Many of the answers will follow this structure:

From the source it can be seen… This is clear because… This is important because…

Practice APE/PEE for your essay questions.Remember to refer to or quote from all sources provided, that’s why they are there.Use BUG and remain focussed on what the question asks you to do.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Go DEEP in your essay questions to add dates, examples, events and people. Add balance to your essay by presenting an alternative view e.g. however an alternative viewpoint is…Carefully choose a short Quote from ANY written Sources provided to enhance your answer.

Useful websites & where to find help:

Paignton Online BBC BitesizeHistory Club every Thursday in W05.

Year 9 ExaminationsWeek beginning 8th January 2018

Ethics

Format of the exam:45 minute exam. Two topics – Human Rights and The Holocaust. Students must attempt to answer all questions. All students will be familiar with the types of questions – keywords, opinions, knowledge and factual and balanced opinions.

Topics that need to be revised:The Holocaust

What is the Sho’ah? Prejudice & Discrimination Concentration Camps Nuremberg Laws

Human Rights

Story and main events from the film Innocent Voices The forming of the United Nations The 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights The issues for Child Soldiers

Hints and tips for preparation:Use the revision resources on the Revision HubUse Quizlet for keywords.Attend after school revision

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Remember the exam criteria.

Each question is a certain type of question and requires a certain way of answering to gain full marks.

1. Make sure you learn the 12 keywords – both spelling and meaning – for both The Holocaust and Human Rights. These questions are worth 1 mark and just require you to select the correct answer from a choice of 4 key terms.

2. These questions ask for two facts and are worth 2 marks. You do not need to write an explanation. A list of the two requested answers is enough to get full marks.

3. These questions are worth 4 marks and ask you to explain something. To get full marks you need to identify a relevant idea and follow it with a reason or example. This should take you about 4 minutes to answer.

4. These questions are worth 5 marks and ask you to explain something. It is similar to No.3 questions and to get full marks you need to identify a relevant idea and follow it with a reason or example. This should take you about 5 minutes to answer.

5. These questions are worth 12 Marks – half the allocated mark for each section. They require you to explain reasons to support a statement, reasons to not support a statement and finally your own opinion supported by beliefs of others. This should take you about 12 minutes to answer.

Useful websites & where to find help:Quizlet.com – search in PCSA Year 9 Holocaust and Human RightsKahoot.it – search for PCSA Yr9 Holocaust and Human RightsPaignton Online Ethics Exam Yr9 PPE 2018


Computer Science

Format of the exam:Theory based exam - 1 hour

Topics that need to be revised:Computer Hardware

Components of the Computero Inputo Outputo Storage

Internal Components and their function.o Motherboardo CPUo Hard driveo RAM

Peripheral Devices and their function Software

o Operating systemso System softwareo Utility softwareo Application software

Moral, Legal and Environmentalo Moral Issues, Legal Issues and Environmental Issues

Memory and Storageo Primary Storageo Secondary Storage

Hints and tips for preparation:You can review all the work that has been completed in class on Google Classroom. You can log into Classroom from home here (classroom.google.com) using your school log in details.


For each section try to research the latest information and specifications, such as latest CPU speed, latest versions of software and any current issues.

Useful websites & where to find help:All areas have been placed into topics on Google Classroom.http://w


French

Format of the exam: The exam will have two elements – reading and writing:Reading This will take the form of a series of questions which test your knowledge of the most recent module which you have studied (“Moi”).WritingYou will be expected to write about yourself, family and friends. The topic revision section below lists all that you will need to include. Try to use a wide variety of grammatical structures appropriate to your target, or aspirational level.

Topics that need to be revised: To be successful in this exam you will need to review the following units from Expo Vert Module 1. Your teacher will put relevant vocab sections on Classcharts and you should use your exercise book for guidance.They are:

Je me présente P. 6/7 Les choses que j’aime faire P. 8/9 Je m’entends avec .. P. 10/11 Mes parents P. 12/13 Mes copains et mes copines P. 14/15 Les champions sportifs P. 16/17 La semaine dernière P. 18/19 Mes loisirs P. 20/21

To summarise, the topics covered are: talking about yourself and saying where you are from, en and au with the names of countries, saying what you like and don’t like doing, j’aime and je n’aime pas, talking about your family, using possessive adjectives mon,ma,mes, saying what your parents do, using masculine and feminine words for jobs, talking about your friends, adjectival agreement, describing famous sportspeople using son,sa,ses, the past tense and the future tense.

Hints and tips for preparation:For the reading exam, you need to revise all of the vocabulary from the module. The writing exam is a prepared assessment. Remember any advice that your teacher may have given you, and look through notes you have made in class. Be ever mindful of your target/aspirational grade, and try to include all of the relevant grammatical structures which are required to achieve this. Stretch and challenge for top grades: To achieve the top grades you must incorporate either three tenses ( Grade 6) or a wider variety of tenses and structures (Grade 7+) in the skills assessed.

Useful websites & where to find help: www.linguascope.comwww.paigntononline.com


Art

Format of the exam:30 Minute Theory Exam – writing about an Artwork.1 Hour 30 Minutes Practical Exam – Pop Art Still Life.

Topics that need to be revised:You have been studying Pop Art in lessons for the last term. You need to familiarise yourself with the Pop Art movement. Look at different Pop Artists, the kind of work they developed, the styles, colours and techniques they used. Research into the historical context of Pop Art, why it was developed, the meaning behind it and what historical events lead up to it and went on during it.

Hints and tips for preparation: Ensure you are clear on pop art styles, colours, features, text, patterns and materials.You need to be confident when writing about artworks and know your Pop Artists.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Think carefully about composition. How can you manipulate your own artwork to make it different from what you have developed in class? What materials, techniques and processes could you use that would manipulate your work and ideas?Be confident with your own opinions and be able to justify your reasons and link back to artists.

Useful websites & where to find help:www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-resources/glossary/p/pop-artwww.poparthistory.com


Product Design

Format of the exam: It is a 1 hour paper which is in 4 sections:Section 1 - Materials, tools & techniquesSection 2 - Products Section 3 - Design ideas Section 4 - Health and safety in the workshop

In the Hall: In class you will have covered the topic areas which the exam is based upon, through a range of written, design and making tasks to learn in preparation for the exam.

Topics that need to be revised: See the section headings.

Hints and tips for preparation:Familiarise yourself with key words and meanings, be able to explain techniques used clearly in writing, practise your drawing skills.Look at www.technologystudent.com & BBC Bitesize.

Stretch and challenge for top grades: You should be able to write detailed answers and opinions using key specialist vocabulary. Checking for accuracy is essential and being disciplined to review your written answers and be prepared to modify them.Your design work should be original, detailed and apply a wide range of media and techniques. The designs should be based on a wide range of research sources; this should be supported by detailed annotation.

Year 9 examinations

Week beginning 8th January 2018

MUSIC

Format of the exam:

The Music exam is a 1 hour written exam.


Students should revise the topics covered since the beginning of the school year: Jazz, Blues and the Fanfare. Be sure to revise the keywords, scales, chords, notes and instrumentation used in each topic.


● Use the internet to search keywords and topics covered, especially BBC Bitesize’s section on music.

● Look back over information and home learning covered in your books.

● Use the revision guide on Doddle to help you.

● Identify instruments and time signatures to music you listen to.

● Speak to Mrs Bidder about anything you are unsure of.


To reach the top grades you will need to be aware of exam format, thoroughly revise the topics covered and make sure you write in enough detail giving examples where possible.

Useful websites & where to find help:

BBC Bitesize Music – search for the topics covered.


DRAMA

Format of the exam:Written: 2 sections.Section A : drama terms and devising work Section B : Questions on the play ‘The 39 Steps’

Topics that need to be revised:Drama devices, key terms, vocal & physical skills.Staging types and stage positions.Devising with Music, Physical theatre and script work on ‘The 39 Steps’ and ‘Too Much Punch for Judy’

Hints and tips for preparation:All questions will relate to work you have done in class practically through exploration.You will have an extract from ‘The 39 Steps’ and will need to explain you vocal & physical choices for the characters.You will be expected to know the context of the play – 1930’s Britain, set design, costume staging ideas. Mindmap all the key devices and skills - annotate with examples of when you used them in class so you have specific moments from each topic to discuss.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Give specific examples explaining how vocal and physical skills were used to create characters in specific moments. Quotes of dialogue to exemplify the use of voice.Be able to relate your choices to contextual understanding of the period.

Useful websites & where to find help:GCSE Bitesize - Drama YouTube video clips of the 39 Steps and historical archive footage of the 1930’sOnline reviews and photos of past productions of ‘The 39 Steps’

Year 9 examinations

Week beginning 8th January 2018Food and Nutrition

Format of the exam: One 1 hour paper.


8 tips to healthy eating. The ‘Eat Well guide’. 5 main Nutrients Macro and micro nutrients. Vitamins: functions, sources. Minerals: functions, sources. Fibre: function, sources. Kitchen or personal hygiene/safety. Baking (Dutch Apple Cake): ingredients and their functions, weighing and

measuring, methods.Section 3 of the exam requires you to complete some research beforehand. The design brief has been included below. You will not be permitted to bring any paper work into the exam.

Design Brief

• Design a healthy multicultural main meal for one person suitable to be served for lunch or dinner in the school canteen.

• The meal should be:• served hot (or part of it must be hot);• be healthy (fit within the Eatwell guide. High in carbohydrates and

vegetables, low in fat and salt.);• have a combination of flavours;• have an attractive appearance;• have an interesting flavour that appeals to a wide range of tastes;• can be made within 120 minutes including washing up;• not cost more than £5 to serve one person.


1. Understand the following terms which are commonly used in examination papers:

o Define: give the meaning ofo List: make a listo State: write clearly but brieflyo Describe: give an account ofo Discuss: give important aspects of; give advantages and disadvantages

of; give benefits and constraints ofo Explain: make clear, giving reasonso Evaluate: give important aspects of; give your own opinion ofo Assess: consider, weigh up, evaluate, make a judgement about

2. Follow the instructions given on the front of the exam paper.3. Read each question carefully and highlight or underline key words.4. Remember that there are many different question types in sections A and

B. Many questions test understanding as well as knowledge; candidates are likely to be asked to assess or evaluate, rather than just list or explain a topic area. Candidates should practise applying their knowledge in this style of question.

5. Try not to use bullet points. This can look the same as writing a list, therefore it is important that candidates expand their answers and give a fact or point, explanation or reason, and good examples. One word answers are only acceptable for question types that ask for this type of response, e.g. name the main nutrient in chicken.

6. Check the number of marks available for each question, and remember that questions near the end of the paper are criteria marked so six or eight points may have to be given to earn 4 marks.

7. Ensure answers are relevant.8. Write as legibly as possible and not use text speak.9. Write clearly on any additional continuation pages which question they are

continuing to answer. 10. Keep an eye on the time. Time should be left to read through answers, and

check that facts (points), reasons or explanations and examples are given throughout.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Be able to show excellent analysis and evaluation of the topics covered. Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of nutrients. Demonstrate excellent knowledge and use correct terminology.

Useful websites & where to find help:https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/resources/nutritionrequirements.htmlhttps://www.food.gov.uk/https://www.nutrition.org.uk/

https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/resources/nutritionrequirements.html

Year 9 examinations

Week beginning 8th January 2018Engineering

Format of the exam:This examination consists of 20 questions including:

10 multiple choice questions asking you to identify tools and equipment in the workshop. (10 marks)3 questions asking you to measure and record the dimensions of material. (15 marks)2 questions asking you to measure the dimensions of a steel bar, mm (6 marks)2 questions asking you to calculate the area of a piece of material in cm² (8 marks)1 question challenging you to sketch a common workshop tool to scale (3 marks)1 question asking you to sketch and name each of five main bridge structures (6 marks)1 question asking you to identify the forces acting upon bridge structures. (2 marks)


The names of machines and pieces of equipment in the Waterleat Road Workshop.

Measuring lines, radius and diameters using a ruler. Ensure you can name all of the classifications of Bridge Structure. Name the forces that act upon a Bridge Structure.

Hints and tips for preparation:Practise using a ruler to measure linear dimensionsKnow the difference between the metric units’ of millimetres, centimetres and metres.Be able to calculate the area of a rectangle.Practise scaling down drawings of hand tools using the grid method.

Stretch and challenge for top grades:Ensure you answer all questions thoroughly.

How would you calculate the area of a rectangle with a square hole in it.How would you add texture to a Sketch to resemble a shiny painted surface?Show all of your calculations.

Useful websites & where to find help:Look at the equipment posters in the workshophttp://www.technologystudent.com/struct1/struindex.htm, for different bridge structures

http://www.technologystudent.com/struct1/struindex.htm

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