Preparing for Exams

In recent weeks there have been lots of conversations in school, on Twitter and on teacher blogs about preparing for the ‘final push’ ahead of their NZQA exams.  So, as a timely reminder, I thought it would be useful to try and gather together some of the key things we can be doing to help them through to the ‘finishing line’. Our GEMS programme has addressed this well.

1. Focused – Do they know where they are in relation to their target grades, and the key things they need to be working on in order to achieve it?
2. Familiar – Are they familiar with the format and layout of the exam paper in your subject?
3. Basics – Do they know the key exam skills required for success in your subject? e.g. identifying the command words in questions, how to use connectives, how to use sources, data, text extracts etc.
4. Organised – Do they know the dates and times of their exams?  Have they put together a well thought out revision schedule that covers all subjects and prioritizes weak areas?  They can use the calendar function on their smart phones to do this and set alarm reminders, to remind them to revise.
5. Share your plan – Help them feel secure about your preparations by sharing you plan with them e.g. ‘We have X number of lessons left until your exam, we will spend X number of lessons on topic Z……etc.  But, be flexible with your plan and respond to their needs.