heart of heartlands lessons

From the January before my own GCSE exams I was on a strict revision programme. I have to admit, I hated seeing my friends out having fun, and my parents had to work hard to keep me focussed on completing piles of old exam papers. The result of this support was very obvious by the time exams came round that summer. I felt calm and well prepared, while many of my friends were visibly stressed before every exam.

Stress on the rise

While exam stress was an issue back then, there is strong evidence to suggest it’s becoming a bigger problem. Childline has seen an 11% increase in young people seeking help to cope with exam stress and The Key reports that 78% of School leaders have noticed increased stress, anxiety and panic attacks among their pupils in the last 2 years.

On top of this, the proportion of GCSE assessment that comes from exams has increased from 60% In 2015/16 to 85% last year. So the pressure to do well in exams is only increasing.

Getting prepared at Heartlands

Research has suggested that completing past exam papers on a regular basis decreases stress and can improve exam scores by 33%. So to help ease students’ stress, at Heartlands we have introduced exam practice sessions during tutor time on Tuesday and Wednesday from 14:30 -15:30. Students sit a one hour exam paper in tutor rooms on a subject rota (English , Maths , Science & Option block). Their subject teacher marks their paper and plans a lesson addressing students’ misconceptions and mistakes. Students get in depth feedback and guidance on how to improve.

How practice papers help students

Build Stamina - Just as bodybuilders slowly work up to heavier weights over time, students should take practice tests to build their own exam-taking endurance.

Learn the Quirks of the Test - By repeatedly testing themselves, students grow accustomed to quirks in the design of the exam. Knowing the format inside out not only helps them become more comfortable with the process, it also helps them better prepare their own personal study strategies.

Identify Knowledge Gaps- It's difficult to know what you don't know. That's where practice tests come into play.

Alleviate Anxiety- The more often students sit for a practice test, the more natural it will feel the day of the actual one.

Perfect Your Timing- Practice helps students to learn to pace themselves through long exams

Tracking Progress- Tracking your progress can show students which study strategies are working

Cement Knowledge - A practice test can help identify problem areas, but also help reassure students

that they are on the right track

Retain Information- Studies consistently show that those studying in short, regular bursts retain more information than those who undergo marathon study sessions