Last Minute Support For GCSE Parents

It's time for Year 11 to shine!

After 5 years of dedication, your child is about to embark on their GCSE exam season. We know you want to support them every step of the way so our newsletter will take a slightly different format over the coming weeks.

Think of this newsletter as a handy guide in your parenting toolkit. We'll break down key exam dates, including those for core subjects. Plus, we'll tell you where you can find extra support if you need it from our back catalogue of newsletters and other key websites.

Our goal is simple - Support you so you can support your child.

Let’s get started!

Key Exam Dates 9th May - 16th May

We can’t list every single exam for every single exam board in one newsletter so instead here are the biggest exams this week along with the official exam board timetables where you can look up other exams.

Your child should have an exam timetable and/or entry sheet that you both can use to see their next exam date. You may need to know their exam board as not all exam board assess the same subject on the same day.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• The format: The GCSE Biology exam is either Foundation or Higher Tier. The papers will contain multiple choice, short answer questions and longer answer questions that test students' ability to analyse data, recall knowledge, and apply their knowledge to new situations.

• The content: The GCSE Biology Paper 1 exam covers a wide range of topics, including cell biology, organisation, infection and response and bioenergetics. The specific topics covered will vary depending on the exam board, but most boards will cover the same core concepts.

• Revision resources: There are a wide range of revision resources available to help students prepare for the GCSE Biology exam, including textbooks, revision guides, websites, and online courses. The guide below is a past newsletter where we went into detail about GCSE Science revision including recommended guides and the equipment they need for the exam.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• The Focus: This paper tests students' analytical and interpretive skills on unseen literary texts. Unlike Paper 2 which focuses on studied texts, Paper 1 throws students a curveball with text they haven't encountered before.

• The Format: Typically, the paper will have two sections. Section A will present students with a creative text, while Section B inspires the students to be creative. Each section will have a range of questions testing reading, comprehension, analysis of language and form, and the ability to connect the text to broader themes and contexts.

• The Skills Assessed: This paper goes beyond memorising plot points of studied texts. It's about demonstrating a strong understanding of literary devices, exploring characters' motivations, analysing the author's craft, and forming well-supported arguments about the text's meaning and impact.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• Calculator-Free Challenge: This paper tests your child's mental math and problem-solving skills without a calculator. This focus on core numeracy and applying concepts is crucial for building a strong foundation in maths.

• Content Covered: The topics tested will vary slightly between Foundation and Higher tiers, but both will cover number and algebra, geometry and measures, probability and statistics. The Foundation tier will focus on applying these concepts in practical contexts, while Higher tier will delve deeper with more complex problems.

• Assessment Style: Expect a mix of question formats, including multiple choice, short answer, and longer answer questions requiring calculations and explanations. Some questions may involve interpreting tables, graphs, or diagrams.

Click here to get the timetables for all the main exam boards

Key Takeaways 🗝️

Time is going to feel like it is running out and that is because it is! However, that does not mean it has to feel chaotic.

Here are 3 tips to remember;

• Prioritise ruthlessly: Time is tight, so identify key topics or areas of weakness and concentrate your efforts there. Use revision tools like mind maps or condensed notes for targeted review.

• Short bursts, Big Impact: Avoid marathon study sessions. Break down revision into manageable chunks with short breaks in between to refresh your focus and boost memory retention.

• Stay Calm & Upbeat: Last-minute cramming can be stressful. Prioritise sleep, healthy snacks, and short bursts of exercise to maintain energy levels and a positive attitude going into the exam.

If you need more last minute tips check our newsletter from last week where we covered this in detail;

Links to the main exam board 2024 exam timetables;

• AQA exam timetable

• CCEA exam timetable

• Edexcel exam timetable

• Eduqas and WJEC exam timetables

• OCR exam timetable

Disclaimer: Even though we have done everything we can to ensure the dates included in this newsletter are correct mistakes can happen. We therefore urge parents to consult their child’s exam timetable and/or entry sheet and the official exam board timetables above if they are in doubt over exam dates and times.