GCSEs

1. GCSEs What can parents do? Ms Pathan – Vice Principal Mrs Jotham – Head of Year 11

2. The most common frustrations for parents There’s a million websites to help but how do you know which are any good? He always leaves everything to the last minute – one moment he has all the time in the world – the next it’s all stress and stropping because it has to be in tomorrow and he hasn’t got the stuff he needs to do it ….. I can’t stand the arguments and stress when I tell him exams are important and try to make him work – it always ends up with him saying it’s his life and slamming the door’ Surely she shouldn’t be going out again when she’s got exams coming up?

3. Priorities • Understanding the long-term importance of doing the best they can • Learning to shelve short-term fun at times in the interest of long-term benefits

4. Unfortunately! The teenage perspective interest and effort in education and the long-term benefits these can bring often come rather a long way down the priority list Sometimes friendships, the ‘right clothes’, social life, romantic concerns and hobbies can come first In addition, children will differ in their levels of maturity, their ability to take responsibility for their learning, organisational skills and level of motivation

5. Parents’ active engagement with their children’s learning is the most important long-term influence on academic success and behaviour, research published by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust shows Parental support is eight times more important in determining success than social class ‘The findings also show that, contrary to many views, students not only welcome their parents being actively involved in their learning but that it helped them raise their achievement’ Prof Alma Harris, Warwick Univ. EPRA HowYou Can Help

6. It Doesn’t Always Seem That Way!

7. Nearly a third of parents feel excluded by their children Only 16 per cent of children proactively talk about their school day This is a time of extra anxiety as it is a time of transition so you see their irritability not their fears

8. Want your child to do better in school? Take a close look at diet. Certain "brain foods" may help boost a child's brain growth -- plus improve brain function, memory, and concentration The brain is a very hungry organ -- the first of the body's organs to absorb nutrients from the food we eat If we don’t have breakfast, by 10-30 am we have the reaction times of a 70 year old Interesting Brain Facts

9. OMEGA 3 – GET IT INTO THEIR DIET NOW! Omega can improve brain function at the very simplest level, by improving blood flow WATER – “Children who have a drink of water before sitting tests fare up to a third better” POTASSIUM - Bananas are high in potassium, which helps the brain transmit messages Get them to eat a banana 1 hour before the exam Food for Thought

10. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids • Oily fishes such as Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel, Herring, Trout, Halibut, Tuna and Pilchards • Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Flaxseeds • Green Leafy Vegetables • Soy and Tofu • Some eggs are enhanced with omega-3s

11. Figs Bananas Apricots Baked Potato Walnuts Raisins Strawberries Veggie Burgers Foods Rich in Potassium

12. That ‘R’ Word… REVISION

13. Timetable 2012 revision tips and planner.doc and tips (available on JCC website) Revision / Exam tips for students http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/studentlife/revisionandskills/ All resources on the JCC website www.jcc.leics.sch.uk “10 hours of independent study / revision in one subject can make a difference of up to one grade to attainment” Revision Timetable

14. Make your own revision notes. You'll learn as you write and, once you've got them, you're halfway there. Be brief. Check the syllabus or ask a teacher to make sure you've got the key areas sussed. Concentrating on the plus points of revision helps keep you going. Start by thinking how much easier you'll find the exams. Don't overdo it. Your concentration lapses after a couple of hours, so take regular breaks. Experiment with different revision techniques. Variety beats boredom. Focus. Don't make pointless notes. Look at past exam papers and see how questions could be asked. Get confident. If you're positive about exams, you should take in more information and remember it when it counts. Seven Rules Of Revision

15. Condense. Fitting notes onto one side of paper makes them easier to stomach, so rewrite and cut down as you go. Highlight. Target key areas using colours and symbols. Visuals help you remember the facts. Record. Try putting important points, quotes and formulae on tape. If you hear them and read them, they're more likely to sink in. Talk. Read your notes out loud, it's one way of getting them to register. Test. See what you can remember without notes, but avoid testing yourself on subjects you know already. Time. Do past exam papers against the clock, it's an excellent way of getting up to speed. And just keep telling yourself, ‘you can do it!!!!!’ Six Simple Techniques

16. Don’t forget....... Form tutor Subject teacher Year Manager Learning Advisers Will be on hand to offer support to both student and parent/carer

17. Study Leave for Year 11 Students Study Leave will commence from Friday June 1st 2012 – until then all students are expected to attend as per usual. Clearance form must be handed into Year Office by Friday 29th June 2012