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KHope@gshs Set for Success Parent Info 2015

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR THEIR EXAMS


When do GCSE’s start?

11th May 2015


HELPING YOUR SON/DAUGHTER WITH REVISION/ RECALL SKILLS AND SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH THEIR GCSES!

(From the 11th May )

Most importantly be openly supportive!

Be aware of the various ways they can revise. It is not about reading two years worth of notes a couple of weeks before hand. It is never too early to start revising, the night before is obviously too late!

SO HOW can students avoid stress? if students panic, they will not recall their knowledge/understanding. WHAT strategies can be used ?

DON’T PANIC

WHY? The brain hates it! When you are stressed

there is a change in chemi-cal and electrical activity in the brain.

When stressed the brain goes into SURVIVAL MODE

FIGHT or FLIGHT. Higher order thinking asso-

ciated with the neo cortex is stopped.

Thinking stays in the brain stem.

Thinking stays in the reptili-an brain - only concerned with survival! No logical or creative thinking ie. If you’re stressed you do not learn/ it is difficult to recall infor-mation.

WHERE?

The right type of environment Comfortable for the individual

but not necessarily locked in the bedroom at a table all night!

Undisturbed Enough light Everything they need (books,

notes, pens, revision guides etc.)

Music if they need it. Best type 60/70 beats per minute.


Important areas of the brain for learning

NEO Cortex Divided into left and right hemispheres - higher order thinking

LIMBIC SYSTEM Linked to emotion and self esteem

CORPUS CALLOSUM Connects information between left and right sides

REPTILIAN BRAIN Survival only—no real learning but has to be kept ‘happy’ and stress free to ensure that learning happens

RECTICUAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM

Works with Limbic System to control attention


THE BRAIN AND HOW IT WORKS - LEARNING

Different parts of the brain process different types of information. In general the LEFT hand side plays a major part in processing language, logic, maths and sequence; while the RIGHT hand side of the brain deals with music, rhythm, rhyme, pictures and day dreaming. The two hemispheres are connected by the CORPUS CALLOSUM which can be considered as the information exchange system. The trick is to develop activities which actively engage both parts of the brain - so we get WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING - this is when creativity and true learning occur!

LEFT HEMISPHERE logic processes information

convergently, rationally language likes words, symbols, letters number and judgement of

quantity learns from part up to whole sequence linearity

RIGHT HEMISPHERE whole picture processes information

divergently, holistically perspective and dimension likes forms, patterns pictures visualisation and pictorial

representation learns whole first, then parts music, melodies, musical

chords spatial awareness imagination


Loneliness

Fear of failure

Overwork

Pressure - from teachers and parents

Guilt - haven’t done enough work etc.

AVOIDING STRESS REASONS FOR STRESS SYMPTOMS

Boredom

STRATEGIES start revision early LIST ALL TOPICS TO REVISE .establish a routine and .stick to it .sleep and eat well - built into a REVISION PLAN .get plenty of exercise .take regular breaks .build in variety of strategies to prevent boredom .spend time with friends/family .relax regularly, have leisure time.

DIVIDE INTO MANAGEABLE PARTS

ENSURE EACH TOPIC IS COVERED IN REVISION TIMETABLE

HI LIGHT WEAK AREAS & GIVE MORE TIME ON REVISION TIMETABLE

EMPHASISE all YOU expect is that they DO THEIR BEST - you cannot ask any more, neither can their teachers!

Desire to be alone Difficulty sleeping Inability to concentrate Becoming emotional/

sensitive Loss of self-esteem Depression Short tempered Headaches, skin problems


REVISION STRATEGIES

Personalised

Personal projects, individually researched will be remembered. Make a personal connection eg. how would you teach to a young-

er brother/sister?

Chunked Maximum units of information an adult can recall without chunking is 7 PLUS or MINUS 2. Don’t try to learn long lists. Think how you remember telephone numbers! In chunks!

Shared

There is a need to test understanding without fear. Need regular/informal tests. So DO IT AT HOME. Explain personal notes/memory maps to someone else. Formulate questions and ask someone else to test you! Mind Mapping

These connect LEFT & RIGHT sides of the BRAIN through use of strong visuals, pattern-ing, key words. (Main topic in centre, subsidiary notes radi-ate out from centre)

Located Visualisation is important Learn key information

in different rooms in house - create an association with a place you are familiar

Visualise key facts brought to life by eg. ‘soap’ characters!

Sequenced

Index cards eg. detail stages of an experiment/events in a play etc. on back. Mix cards up, turn over and explain the stages. Flow charts. Clock face diagrams.

Numbered

To remember dates/numbers use WORDS to represent numbers 186,282 = A DAZ-

ZLING SUNRAY IS FLASHING BY

Number key points - eg. 5 causes of ……...

Colourful & Visual

NB. Our memory is better for PICTURES than

words. (Use visualisation to recall these)

Use highlighter pens Make review posters Sensory

POST ITS with key vo-cabulary/information on them placed around the room. Then take them down and walk through in sequence.

Mnemonics = Word Games

Best invented by learner. Critical letters to information lists of things eg. MRS. GREN - 7 characteristics of living things, etc

Outrageous

The unusual and outrageous are immediately memorable. By taking the information out of context and giving it a ridiculous application it STICKS! eg. outrageous voices, famous people telling you key points.

Thematic/Topical

Need something to relate your understanding to. eg. 1 acre is about size of a soccer pitch.

Summarise notes in different ways

Onto post cards Headings and points Use tables Use spider diagrams Venn diagrams Flow charts 3,3,1


HELPING YOUR SON / DAUGHTER AT HOME

The most important thing you can do to help your child is to be supportive. These exams are important but your son/daughter still deserves to enjoy this year and not see their life disappear.

Try to have realistic expectations. You want your child to do

well but their happiness is very important too. Academic achievement may seem vital for future security but your son/daughter may have other ambitions. If they worry about failing reassure them there are other options.

Don’t underestimate the stress your child may be feeling. If

things seem to be getting too much, try to ensure they don’t bottle it up! Encourage them to talk to someone they trust - it may be you, a teacher, aunt, uncle, family friend etc.

Encourage a realistic revision timetable with targets they can

achieve. If they are worried about a specific subject, encourage them to

speak to us - Guidance Manager, Tutor or subject teacher concerned. If the problem continues encourage them to ask for extra help eg. Staff are available at lunchtimes; and after school encourage them to attend subject specific revision sessions. All that is often needed is for us to help build confidence.

Find out when coursework is due in, whether there are any

helpful book lists, websites etc.

Remember - there is life beyond exams and that you as parents can help - here’s how...


Give your son/daughter their own space to come up with solutions - as far as possible. Trust them. Don’t interrupt them just to find out if they’re on the phone or listening to music It will irritate them.

Avoid too much caffeine - its can increase stress levels. Plenty of sleep the night before an exam makes them more alert, more

able to cope. Help them to do timed questions/essays in conditions similar to an

exam. The real thing isn’t as hard if they’ve had a chance to practice first. (They will be taught exam technique for various subject areas)

Nearer the time make sure your son/daughter has checked their

statement of entry (it’s done in school) and put it in a safe place. It shows their candidate number which they may worry about if they forget it!

Make sure they have the right equipment for the exams - pens, pencils,

rubber, calculator, ruler etc. Create a comfortable study area with few distractions and good lighting

where your child can learn. Make time in your own schedule to take an interest in what they are

doing. Make a game of getting them to recall what they have learned and

asking them to explain concepts to you in their own words. If they can explain it to you and you understand, they definitely understand!

Offer drinks and snacks, surprises or treats to break up revision. Keep things quiet IF that’s the way they like it. But if they like to work

with music, or work whilst lying on the floor, then RESPECT that too! Help them get organised, make sure they have files, folders, plastic

wallets, postcards, post its etc. Highlighter pens are essential! Key words are crucial to recalling

information.


Suggest your son/daughter finds a method of revision that suits them. Ask if they have used the revision sources on the website. This will help them identify a strategy that may be helpful – key points noted on postcards, revision posters at eye level in their room etc.

Encourage without pressurising. Know which exams or tests they are taking and when and get

them up in good time on appropriate days. Make sure they have a good breakfast and wish them GOOD LUCK.

Keep everything in perspective. Respect their independence. Don’t fuss them ! A change of scene e.g. working with friends or a for a few

hours at the library can be of value. (The School Library is open until 4.30pm Monday —Thursday, Friday till 4.00)

Revision guides may help - ask subject staff for advice Short bursts of revision, with a few small breaks are better than

trying to revise for hours on end! An evening sorting out revision notes will help with LAST

minute checking the night before! Encourage your child to revisit topics along the way. Its easier

to remember things if you go back to them more than once. A varied approach to revising is helpful - boredom is not helpful

at all! Use CD Roms, TV, making cards/posters, use of post its etc. -

try to make it interesting!


GOOD SOURCES OF HELP

www.gshs.org.uk For students Study support

www.gshs.org.uk For parents Study support

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize - lots of revision advice and exam practice

Contacts

School Telephone No: 0191 216 1115 Year 11 Guidance Manager ~ Michael Moat Achievement Support Co-ordinator ~ Duncan Jarvie Leadership Team Link ~ Tracey Anderson Achievement Support Leader ~ Pam Milton


NOTES

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