Crack the Code: Understanding Exam Structure and Requirements 😊

In today’s email:

• Why understanding exams requirements is crucial for parents

• 8 questions you need to answer NOW

• How to find the answers

• What to do when you have the answers

Key Question

❓Why understanding exams requirements is crucial for parents

When it comes to your child's GCSE exams, knowledge is power. As a parent, understanding the exam structure and requirements can make all the difference in supporting your child's success. That's why we've put together this newsletter to help you unravel the exam mystery and provide the support your child needs to excel. 📚✨

Unveiling the Secrets: Questions You Need to Answer

To decode the exam structure, there are a few crucial questions you and your child should be able to answer:

1. How many papers do you have in each subject?

2. What is my exam board?

3. How long is each paper? (Time and number of marks)

4. Do certain topics only come up in certain papers?

5. When is the first exam and what order are the papers ( e.g. Is the maths non-calculator or calculator paper first?)

6. Are there specific requirements regarding equipment or materials for certain exams (e.g., calculators for Maths and Science)?

7. Are there any practical exams or assessments for subjects like Design & Technology or Drama?

8. How are practical skills assessed in subjects like Science and P.E.?

But now you have the questions, how do you find the answers?

Keep reading and we will tell you!

Becoming a Sleuth: Finding the Answers

Now that you have the questions, it's time to uncover the answers. Here are a few suggestions to help you become a true exam detective:

• Reach out to your child's teachers and school for detailed information.

• Attend any school after school meetings that cover the year ahead or exam information

• Explore the exam board's website for subject-specific guidance and download the specification. Some exam boards have a parent support page on their website.

• Encourage your child to talk to their peers and classmates to gain valuable insights but always validate the information with teachers.

• Utilise online resources and forums to gather information and tips from experienced parents and students.

• Ask a tutor if you have one for your child. The teachers at National Tutors for example are on hand outside of lessons and can answer student questions about lesson content and exam preparation. If you already have a tutor they should be able to do the same.

🏆 What's Next for Exam Success?

Once you've cracked the code and understand the exam structure and requirements for each subject, you're well on your way to helping your child thrive.

Here's how this knowledge can benefit your child's journey:

• Revision Mastery: With a clear understanding of the exam structure, you can guide your child in organising their study sessions and focusing on the right topics. Prioritise them based on which exam comes first.

• Coursework Deadlines: By grasping the requirements, you can ensure your child stays on track with coursework deadlines and understands the expectations for each piece of work and which deadlines need to be met first.

• Lowering anxiety - If both you and your teen know what is coming up you can weather the stressful times together, prepare effectively and lower anxiety about the exam season as much as possible.

How can National Tutors Help?

If you are looking for more support and you know that online tutoring can help you child then our qualified teachers are here to help. Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.

Whether your child is struggling with a specific subject or simply needs some extra guidance and resources, our tutors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them succeed. Even if you are unsure about tuition for your child check out the National Tutors YouTube channel for free revision lessons on a huge range of GCSE subjects.

If you subscribed before February 10th 2024 check your Welcome Email for a 10% discount code on all our courses.

Key Takeaways 🔑

Remember exams can be stressful and cause anxiety for both students and parents. The best way forward to to feel empowered and like a team. To do this get all the information you need from the experts around you so you know what will happen during exam season. Then set out a plan that works for you and your child so that you can work as a team.

In our next issue we discuss managing exam anxiety and set out a parent plan so you can be there for your child each step of the way.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips and insights in our upcoming newsletters. 💌

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