It is important that young people are supported at home and school to prepare them well for prelim exams and other internal assessments as well as external SQA exams. The type of support required may depend upon the way the course is assessed, for example, assignments; case study; practical activity; performance; portfolio; project; question paper/test.
Regular attendance throughout the year will help to ensure that young people keep up with course work and any home learning which has been set to consolidate classwork. If they do fall behind, through illness perhaps, do speak to the school about any support which can help them catch up.
Talking to your child to reassure and encourage them and taking an interest in what they are doing will help them get through what can be a stressful time and will help them to do their best.
Supported Study
An extensive programme of supported study classes across a range of subjects has been running since August. Staff have been running classes at the end of the school day and this information has been shared with young people in class and at assemblies. If pupils are in need of extra support they should speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
Targeted Study Sessions during Core time
Faculty Heads have identified young people who are off track in their subject areas and will be looking to use their core time (PSE/PE/RE/PD) to offer additional support sessions focusing on exam technique and areas which have been identified as causing difficulty.
Study Cafes
In consultation with pupils, we are going to continue to run our Study Cafes slightly differently this session. Study Cafes will
be open to all year groups
will be supported by our Braes Brains peer mentors who will support students as required
run on a Monday evening from 3-4pm in the library
refreshments and snacks will be provided
Braes Brains – Peer Tutoring
Our Braes Brains Peer Tutors offers one-to-one support with coursework and homework tasks as well as tips, tricks and advice to help with studying. All our Braes Brains have been recommended by subject teachers having achieved success in SQA qualifications and demonstrated a positive work ethic in their subjects. Pupils can request one to one support sessions from a Braes Brains by speaking to their class teacher, Pastoral Head or Ms Taylor in the Drama Department.
Mentoring
As we approach more formal assessment times, we are planning to offer a mentoring programme to give pupils one-to-one support from subject specialist staff. Mentoring time would be planned and would provide targeted support for individuals.
Maths/English Study Weekend – Friday 3rd & Sat 4th March 2023
The Maths and English departments are jointly running a more intensive, bespoke study programme to help young people prepare to pass their Maths and English Highers.
The session will run as follows:
Friday 3rd March – 3-6pm
Saturday 4th March – 9-12.30pm
In addition to support from class teachers, pupils will be provided with food on the Friday evening and breakfast items on the Saturday morning.
Easter School
We hope to offer or usual, intensive subject specific exam preparation in the lead up to the SQA exam diet and will provide more information nearer the time. At present, the proposed dates for Easter School are Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th April, 2023
There will be three sessions running each day:
Session 1 : 0855 – 1035
Session 2 : 1050 – 1230
Session 3 : 1315 – 1455
Pupils will be asked to sign up to sessions in advance so that staff can plan for the groups attending.
Stress Workshops
Our Pastoral team work closely with pupils and are aware some find it very stressful in the lead up to exams. We will be running workshops to help pupils develop strategies to minimise their stress/anxiety levels in the lead up to the exam diet.
Senior Phase Family Learning Resources
Staff have collated a wide range of resources across all of the subject areas which will support our young people prepare for their final assessments and will signpost parents and carers to the kinds of things they can do to support.
Online Supports
https://e-sgoil.co/study-support
Pupils can register for real time Study Support webinars beginning on 6th Sept 2021. These sessions are available to all students across Scotland and cover a wide range of subjects.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMBvWRM-e6PPghmLxQ4F2Ww
Forth Valley and West Lothian have joined forces and to support young people across Falkirk, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and West Lothian. Staff have created videos to help with exam preparation with a range of subjects at different levels. Keep checking as more videos are being added daily. Use the QR code to take you to the You Tube channel (FVWL RIC)