Prepare for Success! 💪

Parents, the second phase of the GCSE exam stretch is here!

This week's newsletter provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming exams and invaluable resources to support your child's preparation. Explore detailed exam information along with our archive of past issues and engaging YouTube video tutorials.

These carefully curated resources offer exam tips, study strategies, and subject guidance from experienced educators.

Their hard work combined with your support will pave the way for outstanding results.

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

Let’s get started!

Key Exam Dates: 31st May - 6th June

While it's impossible to cover every exam across all boards in a single newsletter, we've highlighted the major assessments taking place this week.

However, it's crucial to consult the official exam board timetables to ensure you don't miss any subject-specific exams your child is scheduled for.

To stay organised, refer to the exam timetable and entry sheet provided to your child. These documents will clearly outline the dates and times of their upcoming exams. Keep in mind that exam boards may assess the same subject on different days, so double-check the specific board your child is registered with to avoid any confusion or missed exams.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• The format: AQA Maths Paper 2 is a calculator paper for both Foundation and Higher tiers, consisting of multiple-choice and structured questions

• The content: It assesses the entire GCSE Maths curriculum, with a focus on topics like algebra, ratio, proportion, rates of change, geometry, probability, and statistics.

• Revision resources: Past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports are available on the AQA website and third-party sites like Corbett Maths. Online video tutorials, practice questions, and revision checklists are also provided by various educational resources. Check out our FREE maths guide below for more support.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• The Focus: The AQA English Language Paper 2 consists of two non-fiction source texts and five questions assessing reading and writing skills. It is 1 hour 45 minutes long and worth 80 marks total.

• The Format: The AQA paper has two sections: Section A (Reading - 40 marks). Here is a sample overview to help you identify the skills to practice.

  • Q1: Identify 4 true statements from Source A (4 marks)

  • Q2: Summarise differences/similarities between the sources on a given focus (8 marks)

  • Q3: Analyse the writer's use of language in one source (12 marks)

  • Q4: Compare writers' viewpoints and methods across both sources (16 marks)

  Section B (Writing - 40 marks):

  • Q5: Write a non-fiction text expressing a viewpoint on the topic covered in Section A (40 marks)

• Revision resources: The AQA website provides past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports. Other useful resources include revision guides, practice questions, sample answers, and video tutorials from educational websites and YouTube channels focused on GCSE English revision. Our FREE guide below will give you more details.

Things parents should know about this exam;

• Format: The exam has a variety of question styles including multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

• Content Covered: The key content areas covered include:

  • Homeostasis and response

  • Inheritance, variation and evolution

  • Ecology and material cycles

  • Plant structures and their functions

  • Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

  • Exchange and transport in animals

  These can vary depending on the exam board.

• Revision resources: Exam board websites provide specification details, past papers, mark schemes and reports. Other useful resources are revision guides, flashcards, practice questions, summary notes and video tutorials from educational websites, science channels on YouTube, and third-party revision resources. Use our FREE Science exam guide to find more resources.

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

Key Takeaways 🗝️

With more exams rapidly approaching, it's natural to feel the pressure mounting, but staying focused and implementing effective strategies can help you and your teen navigate this crucial period with confidence.

Here are 3 tips to remember;

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Completing past papers and practice questions is crucial. It helps identify knowledge gaps, builds exam technique, and boosts confidence.

• Active Recall Techniques: Flashcards, mind maps, and teaching concepts to others are powerful active recall methods that strengthen memory and understanding far better than passive re-reading.

• Stay Positive & Motivated: Celebrate small wins, visualise success, and remind yourself of how far they have come.

If you need more last minute tips check this newsletter where we covered exam revision 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.