Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening

1. Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening 14th November 2012

2. Which GCSE subjects are being taken by my daughter? • English Language and Literature • Mathematics • Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Double award Science • ICT • Religious Studies • French or German • 3 others (Art, Business Studies, Drama, Food,, Geography, 2nd MFL, History, Music, PE, RM, Textiles) Minimum total 11

3. In addition • 4 PE lessons a fortnight • 1 PSD lesson • 1 PSHEE lesson

4. It’s different this time.. • All examinations will be, Linearie: at the end of Year 11 • Apart from Core Science (unit 1: 9th January 2013 and Unit 2: 13th June 2013) • 50% must be taken terminally • Marks (approx 5% of total) will be awarded forSPaG in English Literature, Geography, History and RS examinations • Retakes

5. Controlled Assessment • A percentage of most courses • Completed in school • Timings vary between subjects • Being in school is important (holidays in term time, dental appointments etc)

6. Year 10 Internal Examinations • Last week of June 2013 • Formal • Preparation for these examinations is important

7. Keep us informed, we can cope with (almost!) anything!

8. September presentation to Year 10

9. Keep your files in order

10. Every lesson counts

11. You matter, it’s not about your mates

12. Start as you mean to go on

13. Teachers are here to help you

14. Always give 100%

15. Get the most out of extra curricular

16. Everyone needs help sometime

17. Find a balance

18. Organise your time

19. Understand it first time

20. Revise as you go along

21. Keep your files in order • Every lesson counts • You matter • Start as you mean to go on • Teachers are there to help you • Always give 100% • Get the most from extra curricular • Everyone needs help sometime • Find a balance • Organise your time • Understand first time • Revise as you go along

22. Year 10 Parents Helping your daughters to succeed at GCSE

23. Being successful at GCSE Is no great mystery.. Its all about having some ability, the right attitude and practising the correct skills…

24. Developing good working relationships A key factor in students achieving their potential at GCSE is how successful their relationships are: • Teachers • Classmates • Parents We tell students to nurture these relationships at some point they will need to rely on them!

25. What can you do as parents to help your daughter succeed? • Support, encouragement and interest in their learning • Help students maintain a balance • Monitor homework / independent study • Attendance • Keep us informed

26. Effective independent learning strategies Key points to remember: • Doing something with information helps us retain that information • Try a variety of learning approaches – find out what works for you. • Revision needs to be on-going – not just at the end of Year 11

27. A good study environment Giving your studies a high priority means giving yourself a good environment in which to study. Can your daughter answer “Yes” to the following questions? • IS your study space free from interruptions? • Is your study space available when you need it? • Do you work at a table, sitting on a chair? • Is your study environment free from distractions (e.g. Facebook, Eastenders etc.) • Does your study space contain all the study materials you need?

28. Effective Skills Research shows that the deeper we process information (i.e. the more we do with it) the more we learn and remember

29. 6 quick ideas to aid on-going revision

30. 1. Annotation: Being an Active Reader • The following is a list of some techniques that you can use to annotate text: • Underline important terms • Circle definitions and meanings • Write key words and definitions in the margin. • Signal where important information can be found with key words or symbols in the margin. • Write short summaries at the end of sub units.Key Points: • Write the question in the margin next to the section where the answer is found. • Draw pictures to represent key ideas.

31. 2. Post-Its & Flash Cards What to do: • For each topic area, write a key term or question on one side of a card and the definition/ answer on the other. • You can test yourself or even better ask a friend or parent to test you. • You can also sort the key terms/answers into categories either subject related or level of difficulty. • Use different colourPost It notes to categorise the information or for different sections of a topic. • Place the Post It notes around your bedroom or even all around the house- you will learn lots just walking around. This will also aid your memory. By thinking of a place in your house – you will remember the information!

32. You can even do ONLINE STICKIES • Linoit.com allows you to create message boards with virtual stickies, add images and video files and best if all - you can share your board with friends who can add their stickies too.

33. 3. Doodles and Storyboards. • Create a Drawing or Storyboard to fix key points and sequences of events or processes. • A pictorial representation of an event is often more memorable than writing, especially if you are a visual learner. • Use your imagination – most information can be presented visually. Be as creative and surreal as you like these are your revision notes. • Storyboards are great for remembering sequences such as historical events, scientific processes or plots in literature or drama.

34. 4. Mnemonics A mnemonic is a simple system for recalling information. • EGBDF – Every Good Boy Deserves Football • BMDAS – Bless My Dear Aunt Sally These are famous mnemonics. • You can make your ownto remember sequences and groups. • You can also make visual mnemonics: e.g. it’s easy to remember the shape of Italy because it is shaped like a boot. Think of what associations you can make about visual information you need to remember – by remembering the trigger you will more easily remember the factual information you need to recall in an exam. Acronyms: are another form of mnemonic. • Write down a list of facts/points you need to remember. Underline the first letter of each one. Mix up the letters to make a word- it can be a real word or a made up one- it doesn’t matter it will help you to remember. • You can use http://www.anagramgenius.com to help!

35. 5. Talking it over… • Some of our students love to talk. It is a great idea to use what you do in your everyday lives to help with revision. Many of us find it easier to remember conversations than things we have read. So… • Discuss a topic with a friend • Tell your parents/siblings what you have learnt. It doesn’t matter if they don’t understand a word of it – • it will help you remember! • Record yourself – put your spoken notes on your iPod. Listen on the bus/taking the dog for a walk etc. etc…..

36. 6. Mind Maps • What makes a good mind map? • One central title • Key headings • Lots of colour • Write along the branches • Add pictures • Choose a few precise words

37. Useful Websites: The following sites have useful links to subject specific revision material and activities as well as general revision and examination preparation advice.

38. More useful sites 2 websites which help you to make brilliant colourful mind maps that you can share and collaborate with other users. 2 sites to help make fun interactive quizzes.

39. Making time for what is important • Draw up a plan of the week • Ensure time is given to all the things that are important: • Eg School work, Social time, relaxation at home, hobbies, activities, family time • You need balance to be successful • A plan is only real if you actually do it – it needs to be realistic!

40. Helping your daughters deal with the stress of GCSEs

41. Stress and how to cope with it..the messages your daughter has received… • Talk to someone about what is causing you stress, it might be that you are worrying unnecessarily ( e.g. a teacher can tell you that you are actually doing fine and not to worry!) • We normally feel stressed when we feel we are not in control and things are getting on top of us - Think about what you can do to feel more in control. List all of the things that would make life easier / less stressful – write them down on a piece of paper . This can help you sort things out in your head. • Remember – it is normal to feel stressed sometimes – don’t panic just try address it.

42. Sometimes stress gets on top of you. Especially when the situation causing the stress goes on and on . You can feel powerless to solve the problems. • In this case it is crucial you talk to someone: • Parent/carer • Form tutor • Director of Learning & Support • School counsellor

43. Believe in yourself • Don’t try to be perfect • Take steps to overcome your problems • Don’t keep things bottled up • Keep things in perspective: (Exams are important but are only a small part of your whole life)

44. What can you do as parents to help your daughter succeed? • Support, encouragement and interest in their learning. • Help students maintain a balance • Monitor homework / independent study • Attendance • Keep us informed August 2014 =