the deanery · pdf fileforthcoming revision period as we approach the mock examinations and...

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The Deanery

Church of England High School and Sixth Form College

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2nd December 2015

Dear Parents/Carers YEAR 11 INFORMATION We hope your child has settled well into Year 11. This booklet is to help your son/ daughter prepare for the forthcoming revision period as we approach the mock examinations and give you the information you need to help them do so. The information includes:

o Key dates in Y11 calendar. o Mock exam timetable. o Weekly revision/intervention sessions. o Other key information, including contact details for key members of Y11 staff. o Subject specific details, including exam boards, revision suggestions, etc. o Tips for parents and pupils in preparing for exams.

In addition, we are planning a session focusing upon revision and study skills for parents and students on Wednesday 16th December from 5-6pm. This will be very beneficial to both you and your son/daughter as we plan to provide strategies and tips to manage stress and support effective learning. Please also be aware that Mrs Greaves, Progress Leader for Y11, will be sending a “tip of the week” to your child’s school email address. Please encourage him/her to look out for this! We are very keen to support your child in every way we can, so I hope you will read this booklet carefully and encourage your child to take advantage of all the support staff are offering. Yours sincerely Mrs L Turner Assistant Headteacher

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Key Y11 Dates

NOVEMBER

30 November 2015 (until 11th Dec) 6th form "at speed week"

DECEMBER

03 December 2015 11 injections

04 December 2015 Occasional day (day off!)

07 December 2015 6th form "at speed week"

10 December 2015 Deanery Christmas market

18 December 2015 Last day of term

JANUARY

05 January 2016 Return to school for pupils

06 January 2016 (until 15th January) Y11 Mock exams (see separate timetable)

FEBRUARY

03 February 2016 Y11 6th form discussions

05 February 2016 Y11 Mock exam results day

12 February 2016 Last day of half term

22 February 2016 Return to school

MARCH

14 March 2016 (until 18th March) School Production - Footloose

24 March 2016 SLS day - last day of term

25 March 2016 Good Friday

27 March 2016 Easter Sunday

28 March 2016 (Until 11th April) Easter Revision school - timetable to follow

APRIL

11 April 2016 Return to school

29 April 2016 Staff training day (pupils off)

MAY

02 May 2016 Bank holiday

16 May 2016 External examinations begin

27 May 2016 Last day of half term

30 May 2016 (until 3rd June) May revision school (CHECK WITH SUBJECT STAFF)

JUNE

29 June 2016 6th form applicant afternoon. External examinations end

JULY

01 July 2016 Y11 Leavers' Ball (for those invited)

AUGUST

25 August 2016 GCSE results day & Deanery 6th form enrolment

26 August 2016 Deanery 6th form enrolment

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Y11 & 10 Mock Examination Timetable

Tuesday 5th January – Friday 15th January 2016

o The times indicated are for the start of your exam. Attend morning registration ON TIME each morning. On the occasions when your exam starts at 8.50am, please go straight to the exam hall where you will be registered by the exam invigilators.

o Ensure that you arrive 5 minutes before the exam. o Line up outside the exam hall/room. ENSURE YOU KNOW YOUR SEAT NUMBER. o If you do not have an exam you must go to your normal timetabled lesson. o BTEC External Exams are included in this timetable. o ALL MOBILE PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF AND LEFT IN BAGS AT THE BACK OF THE ROOM.

* indicates an External Examination (not a mock exam)

Date Time Subject Room Duration

Tuesday 5 January 9.10am Maths Paper 1 Sports Hall 1h 45m 11.20am PE Sports Hall 1h 30m 2.00pm Biology CORE/Unit 1 Double & Triple Sports Hall 1h

Wednesday 6 January

9.10am RS Sports Hall 1h 30m 11.20am (Y10) Maths Sports Hall 1h 30m

2.00pm Chemistry; CORE/Unit 1 Double & Triple Sports Hall 1h

Thursday 7 January 9.05am English Literature Classroom 2h 11.20am Maths Paper 2 Sports Hall 1h 45m

Friday 8 January 9.15am * (Y11) External BTEC Health & Social Care H2 1h

11.20am Computer Science Sports Hall 1h 30m

Monday 11 January

9.15am * (L6) External BTEC Travel & Tourism H2 1h 8.50am English Language Sports Hall 2 h 15m 11.20am (Y10) English Sports Hall 1h 45m 2.00pm Physics; CORE/Unit 1 Double & Triple Sports Hall 1h

Tuesday 12 January

8.50am Geography Paper 1 Sports Hall 45m 10.05am Biology; Unit 2 Triple Only Sports Hall 1h 11.20am Technology Sports Hall 2h 2.00pm Business Studies Paper 1 Sports Hall 45m

Wednesday 13 January

9.15am * (Y11) External BTEC Children’s Play, Learning & Development H2 1h

9.05am English Literature Classroom 2h 11.20am Business Studies Paper 2 Sports Hall 1h 30m

2.00pm Dance Physics; Unit 2 Triple Only Sports Hall 1h

Thursday 14 January 9.10am Chemistry; Unit 2 Triple Only Sports Hall 1h 11.20am History Paper 1 Sports Hall 1h 15m 2.00pm Geography Paper 2 Sports Hall 1h

Friday 15th January

8.50am Latin Sports Hall 1h 15m 10.10am French/German/Spanish Sports Hall 45m 11.20am History Paper 2 Sports Hall 1h 15m 2.00pm ICT Sports Hall 1h

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o Help them stick to their revision plan, and keep to the start and finish times they have agreed. Praise them when they do it and if necessary agree a reward structure.

o Quietly top up their equipment with pens, pencils, rulers etc. Try not to get ‘wound up’ about lost items.

o Provide favourite snacks and water for revision sessions. o Be sensitive to the pressure your child is feeling—let them know that if they are really

not up to it on an odd day, it isn’t the end of the world. Remind them of all the good work they have done.

o Keep regular ‘check-ins’ and avoid nagging in the mean time. Take an interest in how the revision is going, talk through any difficulties with them.

o www.gcse.com helps with revision techniques. o www.hotcourses.com for subject specific support. o www.s-chool.co.uk general tips. o www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize for subject specific revision materials. o www.getrevising.co.uk for creating revision timetables and resources. o www.revisioncentre.co.uk for revision tips and games.

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Weekly Revision and Intervention Sessions

PLEASE NOTE - MANY FACULTIES WILL ADD INTERVENTIONS FROM JANUARY. ADD TO THIS LIST WHEN INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.

Breakfast (8.00am)

Lunchtime (1.20-2.00pm)

After school (3.00-4.00pm)

MONDAY English Art English DT Graphics

Art Computing DT (all) English ICT Science

TUESDAY Art Art DT (all) English

WEDNESDAY English Art DT Graphics

Art Computing DT (all) Geography History Maths RS Science

THURSDAY Art PE DT Graphics

Art Computing Dance DT (all) Drama Maths

FRIDAY Art English RS

Art DT (all)

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Key Y11 information

Progress Leader for Y11: Mrs Greaves ([email protected]) Pastoral Manager: Ms Stockley ([email protected]) Pastoral Office number: 01942 768801, ext. 1278 Heads of subject: English Mrs Allan ([email protected] ) Maths Mrs Smith-Connell ([email protected]) Science Mrs O’Brien ([email protected]) Humanities Mrs McGeown ([email protected]) Languages Mr Bowyer ([email protected]) Vocational, Health & Food Mrs Webster ([email protected]) PE Mr Sweeney ([email protected]) Performing Arts Mrs Johnson ([email protected]) Art, Technology & Engineering Mr Brown ([email protected]) SEND Mrs Fearnley ([email protected])

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Subject Information

Subject: Art

Coursework/Milestones (Dates)

Deadline for project 2 (coursework): 08/01/16 Exam paper released: 01/01/16 Pupils will be given exam paper on 11/01/16 allowing 7 weeks’ preparation period between 11/01/16 - 20/02/2016). Exam begins: w/c 29/02/16. Deadline for all work: Friday 20/05/16. Standardisation marks submitted to AQA: 20 - 27/05/16.

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times)

Intervention/Revision classes are available daily from 3.00 -4.30pm. All pupils have access to art room during lunch time on a daily basis.

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale)

Pupils have all been given a free GCSE handbook which has all the relevant resources and guidelines within it.

Websites for revision

AQA has specification information for all strands of Art and Design. The biggest asset to pupils at this stage and in preparation of the upcoming GCSE exam is the internet. Pupil should be independent in finding artists, techniques and inspiration for the development of their work. This is especially important when considering the limitations of time within the exam preparation period.

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N)

Yes, with written emphasis at GCSE being based on individual response and requirements there is not set revision guide in regards to written responses. There is guidance within the previously mentioned pupil handbook. Easter revision provides opportunity for pupils to further develop, mount and present both exam and portfolio work in anticipation of the MAY deadline.

Dates of assessments or practical’s when students must be in school

11th January exam paper distributed, followed by 6 weeks’ preparation time (including half term). Within this time pupils must produce a body of work that meet the requirements of Assessment Objective 1-2-3 (see pupil handbook or the AQA website for assessment criteria). Final exam (3 hour block start) will take place the week beginning the 29th February. The remaining 7 hours of the exam will take place during lesson time.

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities

Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? No – The GCSE official exam papers are released in January.

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Subject: Btec Level 2 Children’s Play, Learning and Development


External exam: 13/01/16 Unit 3 The Principles of Early Years Practice Task A 08/03/2016 Task B 10/05/2016 Task C 09/03/2016 Task D 11/05/2016


Revision classes have been on-going Sept 15 until exam in January

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) Students already have this

Websites for revision All revision materials are on the O drive

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) n/a

Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school Mock exam 2nd December 15


Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? N/A

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Subject: GCSE Computer Science

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) Ongoing between now and Easter 2016

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (3.00 – 4.00pm)

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) Materials on L: Drive

Websites for revision Links on L: Drive

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Yes

Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school Ongoing until Easter 2016

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities None

Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? Yes

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Subject: Dance


Unit 2 - Set dance complete: 30/09/15 Unit 4b - Solo Choreography complete: 15/12/15 Unit 3 – Performance in a group dance complete: 08/01/16 Unit 4a - Solo Comp: 11/03/16


Option of extra class Thursday 3-4 for any pupils who would like time to rehearse in the dance space.

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) Booklets will be provided in lessons.

Websites for revision http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-4230


Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school

Moderation date yet to be confirmed with exam board.


None


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Subject: Drama


Controlled assessment (Unit 1): 07/12/15 Unit 2 controlled assessment is scheduled to be completed by February half term. Externally assessed practical exam date will be sent by the board and is usually by the end of April.


Thursdays after school. Lunchtimes, when required, any lunchtime pupils and I can meet.





Unit 1: 07/12/15 Unit 2: tbc (February 16) Unit 3 (external exam): tbc by exam board

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities Theatre visit: 14/01/16


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Subject: Electronic Products


Coursework making to be completed by February half term, with time then available to evaluate and finish written work. Coursework must be fully complete by Easter. One lesson a week will then be used to work on the exam theme that will be given to students on 01/03/16.


The department has an open-door policy where students can come back and do extra work every evening as long as a member of staff is present.


Revision guide in the ‘O’ drive (Technology - Mr Bailey). Letts & Lonsdale Electronic Products (David McHugh).

Websites for revision BBC Bitesize and Technology student website



We do on-going controlled assessment so it is essential that students attend every lesson to achieve their very best in the coursework. Work on the exam theme will start from the 1st March, a booklet will be given to each student that will be worked through in class and at home.



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Subject: DT Food


6 prototype evaluations running from 08/12/15 until final hand in on 16/03/16.

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) Wednesdays 3.00 – 4.00pm


Students have been provided with GCSE revision guides and exam practice workbooks (in Y10). Resources on FROG include past papers, examiners’ reports. Powerpoint presentations specifically designed for the 2016 exam will be available from 01/03/16.

Websites for revision www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/foodtechnology www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitseize/design/foodtech

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) To be announced


Final practical exam: 08/03/16


Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)?

Yes - Powerpoint revision guide will be placed on FROG which is linked to exam (design context).

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Subject: Graphic Products


Coursework making to be completed by February half term, with time then available to evaluate and finish written work. One lesson a week will then be used to work on the exam theme that will be given to the students on 01/03/16.


The department has an open-door policy where students can come back and do extra work very evening as long as a member of Technology staff is present. Lunchtime intervention is offered by Ms Edmondson on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Revision Materials (provided by school) Revision Materials (Guides for Sale)

Revision material is available on the ‘O’ drive (Technology - Year 11, Revision and Exam Context). GCSE D&T Graphic Products AQA Specification (The Revision Guide) CGP – These two books have been provided to each student by the Graphics Dept. GCSE Graphic Products – Nelson Thorne. Further Reading recommended by AQA;

Websites for revision BBC Bitesize and Technology Student. Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Yes.


On-going controlled assessment. It is therefore essential that every student attends every lesson to achieve their very best in the coursework. Work on the exam theme will start from 01/03/16; a booklet will be given to each student that will be worked through in class and at home. This will be an exam themed (focused) booklet.


None.

Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? Yes.

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Subject: Resistant Materials

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) Official coursework hand in date is before Easter.

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) Thursdays 3-4

Revision Materials (provided by school) Revision Materials (Guides for sale)

Revision guides will be given to pupils before Christmas

Websites for revision GCSE Bitesize, Technology student

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Please enquire after Christmas


Ongoing controlled assessment, pupils must attend every lesson


N/A


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Subject: DT Textiles Details to follow in January – please encourage your son/ daughter to fill this in when this becomes

available



Revision Materials (Guides for sale)






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Subject: English Language and English Literature


Creative writing controlled assessment week beginning 14th December. Mock exam. Extended reading controlled assessment week beginning 25th January.


Monday: before and after school and lunch time. Tuesday after school. Wednesday before school. Friday lunch time.

Revision Materials (Guides for sale) AQA English Language or Literature guides. A ‘how to exam guide’ will be produced for all pupils.

Websites for revision Bitesize

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Yes, plus February half term re-dos for controlled assessment.


Creative writing controlled assessment w/b. 14/12/15. Mock exam Extended reading controlled assessment w/b. 25/01/16.



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Subject: GCSE Geography Awarding Body: AQA A Units covered (examination):

Unit 1: Paper 1 Physical- Plate Tectonics, Coasts and Ecosystems. (37.5%) Unit 2: Paper 2 Human- Population, Globalisation and changing Rural Environments (37.5%)

Controlled Assessment: Unit 3: Local investigation including fieldwork (25%) Website exam board: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-a-9030 Date of exam: Unit 1: 24/05/16

Unit 2: 08/06/16

Useful websites / resources:

SHOW MY HOMEWORK website will have revision resources and past papers uploaded that pupils/ parents can access.

If you have a pen drive, share this with your teacher and they will share all resources with you.

Resources will also be available on the ‘O’ drive (Year 11 Geography: Revision).

Revision books will be available to order – please ensure you have received a letter.

The following websites will also provide lots of revision resources and activities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zkw76sg (Coastal landscapes, Ecosystems and Natural Hazards, globalisation, Rural environments, Population)

http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/gcse/revision_step1.html (AQA A- Paper 1: Restless earth, Coasts and The Living World. Paper 2: Population, Globalisation and The Changing Rural environments)

http://revisionworld.co.uk/gcse-revision/geography (coastal landscapes, Tectonic Activity, Ecosystems, Population, development) http://coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA%20GCSE.htm (coastal zone, urban environments, development gap)

http://youtube.co.uk Many documentaries on restless Earth and Coasts o Your child should be completing 1-2 hours per week independent revision,

on top of homework set and revision sessions attended. Revision sessions: Please confirm with your teacher. Mrs McGeown will be holding one every

Wednesday in D13 from 3.00pm- 4.00pm. Drop in at lunch/ after school for any work missed, complete homework or for general help and support.

Grade boundaries: 90% (A*), 80% (A), 70% (B), 60% (C), 50% (D), 40% (E), 30% (F), 20% (G)

Work completed by now:

Unit 1 - Restless Earth and Coasts has been completed and pupils should have access to all revision resources. Unit 2- Population has been completed and half of the changing rural environments. Globalistaion has started. At home, pupils should be completing revision of Unit 1 and attempting the past papers. Pupils will receive 1 piece of homework every week that needs to be completed and when marked, needs to be redone. THIS SHOULD BE CHECKED! Unit 3 should be partially completed for most students. They can return after school to complete and there will be 4 lessons only dedicated to completing/ printing controlled assessment before Christmas. Deadline for completed controlled assessment up to conclusion and evaluation is 18/12/15.

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Subject: Btec Level 2 Health and Social Care


External exam: 08/01/16 Unit 6 Impact of nutrition on health & well-being Task A 06/05/16 Task B 09/05/16


On-going revision lessons from September 2015 to exam in January 2016

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) Learners already have these

Websites for revision All materials are on the ‘O’ drive

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) N/A

Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school Mock exam: 09/12/15

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities N/A

Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? N/A

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Subject: History

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) All controlled assessment to be completed by January 2016


History Revision will be taking place on Wednesday evenings after school. Teachers will be running lunchtime revision/intervention at lunchtimes from January 2016.


Guides will be made available for sale including revision / intervention workbooks, success guides, past papers and mark schemes and necessary stationary.


spartacus-educational.com Johndclare.net bbc.co.uk/history BBC Bitesize

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Yes.


History A Unit 1: International Relations: The Era of the Cold War 1943–1991 06/06/16 (am) History A Unit 2B: Russia 1914–1939 14/06/16 (pm) History A Unit 3B: War and the transformation of British society c1931–51 21/06/16 (am) All exams last 1h 15m.



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Subject: GCSE ICT (Computing)

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) Ongoing between now and Easter 2016

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (3pm to 4pm)

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) Materials on L: Drive

Websites for revision Links on L: Drive

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Y

Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school Ongoing until Easter 2016



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Subject: BTEC First in Creative & Information Technology

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) Controlled Assessment is now completed.


Mr Reid: every Wednesday after school & lunchtimes by student request. Mr Swarbrick: evenings and lunchtimes by student request.

Revision Materials (Guides for sale)

Materials to be put on L: Drive including past exams and answers.

Websites for revision Links to be put on L: Drive.

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) We are hoping to.

Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school Ongoing until May 2016.

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities None.


Yes – 2 papers. Paper 1: Multiple Choice 45 minutes. Paper 2: Written Paper 90 minutes.

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Subject: Latin

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) N/A.

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) To be arranged after Christmas.

Revision Materials (Guides for Sale) A revision guide will be compiled and distributed to all pupils.

Websites for revision www.cambridgescp.com www.wjec.co.uk



4 exams: 26/05/16 06/06/16 09/06/16 03/06/16 These dates, plus information about each paper, were distributed to all parents at the recent Parents’ Evening.


N/A


Mock Literature exam before Christmas. Mock Language exam after Christmas.

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Subject: Maths

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) N/A


Thursday 3-4pm for all classes except Mrs Brown/ Mr Everett Wednesday 3-4pm for Mrs Brown/ Mr Everett


Sold last year, but letters going out again this week for those who wish to buy now.


MyMaths JustMaths BBC Bitesize CorbettMaths All have videos and lessons, then practice questions can be printed and/or completed online.


Dates of assessments or practicals when students must be in school During the school’s routine assessment weeks.

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities None.


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Subject: Media

Details to follow in January – please encourage your son/ daughter to fill this in when this becomes available








Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)

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Subject: MFL (French, German & Spanish)

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) At least four controlled assessments must be completed by March 2016.


Extra opportunities to do controlled assessments are provided by individual teachers as and when required. Revision classes start after February half term.


Letters have been issued to all KS4 students in MFL. Revision guides/ workbooks may be purchased at £5 for both from school.

Websites for revision www.linguascope.com www.atantot.com ActiveLearn

Easter Revision proposed? (Y/N) Dependent on dates proposed.


Languages assessments are completed by individual teachers when the students are thought ready. As a defined period of preparation is mandatory, pupils will always have two weeks’ notice of an assessment. MFL staff liaise with other colleagues to avoid overload as much as possible.



Mock exam: Listening (week before Christmas, in lesson time); Reading (week after Christmas – 15 Jan)

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Subject: P.E


All coursework marks (practical and theory) need to be submitted by the 13th May 2016. Internal deadlines will be before this to allow for internal moderation (actual dates TBC) and will be publicised to pupils asap.


There will hopefully be some intervention sessions during February half-term for practical activities, and the Easter holiday for theory work. There will be a Thursday lunch-time ‘drop-in session’ starting after Christmas for anyone who needs any extra help, or wants to go over any classwork/homework.


Revision USB sticks are on sale for £6 from Mrs Walsh in the PE department. The pen drives have been loaded with over £120 worth of resources. They are relevant to the mock exam scheduled for January, and then will be updated for students with information relevant to their final exam when the pre-release material is released in January.


BBC bitesize brianmac PE for Learning S-cool Revision world Pupils should be mindful that a lot of these websites contain information for all specifications – they need to refer back to the AQA specification and ensure that the information is relevant to them. We would recommend that the Deanery PE USB pens (above) are used for revision above all else as it is specific to AQA and the topics that are applicable to the final exam.



TBC – usually in the 2 weeks after the Easter Holiday. The external moderation date will be given to the pupils as soon as it is arranged.



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Subject: Religious Studies

Coursework/Milestones (Dates) First exams: 16/05/16 (am) 18/05/16 (am)

Revision/Intervention classes (Days and Times) Humanities intervention slots on Wednesdays 3-4pm


We will have work books and revision guides for sale for all Units needed for both exams


School website – see RS pages. YouTube has many revision videos; type in Edexcel RS Unit 2 Religion & Life/ Edexcel RS Unit 8 Religion & Society



16/05/16 (am) 18/05/16 (am)


Mock exam to be given after Christmas (Y/N)? Yes – revision list given to pupils

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Subject: Science (double/triple)


All Double Science pupils have completed their Science A (Core ISA) and are currently working on their Additional Science ISA. Triple Science pupils will be informed in advance by their individual subject teachers as to when coursework is being completed. This is to ensure appropriate specification coverage has been completed before the delivery of the coursework component.


Intervention support Monday 3-4pm and Wednesday 3-4pm in T5. Full revision programme including early morning sessions, lunchtime and after school sessions will commence after February half term.


Letters were sent out in Year 10. Further option to order was given in November this year with a deadline of 23/11/15.


First 2 contain specification details, exemplar material and past papers. http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-a-4405 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/additional-science-4408 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/ https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience http://www.docbrown.info/page20/AQAscience2.htm



Science A (Core) ISA intervention day for Double Science pupils who underachieved will be 1 full day in January (19/01/16 – date to be confirmed). Additional ISA’s for Double Science pupils are currently being delivered. There will be additional ISA intervention day for Double Science pupils who underachieved and will run during February half term. Summer Examination Dates: Science A (Core) BL1 Tue 17th May pm, CH1 Thu 19th May am and PH1 Wed 25th May pm

Additional BL2 Fri 10th June am, CH2 Wed 15th June pm and PH2 Fri 17th June am Triple will sit all the above examinations and also: BL3 Fri 10th am, CH3 Wed 15th pm and PH3 Fri 17th am all June too

Proposed dates when pupils are out of school for external activities.

None.


Double Science: B1, C1 and P1 examinations. Triple Science: B1, B2, C1, C2, P1, P2 examinations.

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Setting up:

o Buy a set of files– one for each exam you will take. o File information from lessons into each folder. o Start early and allow at least two weeks for each exam – this will help ease the

stress! Make a realistic timetable. o Get a good revision book/CD ROM or aid for each subject. o Keep everything you need in one place to avoid wasting time at the beginning of

each session.

o Go to all lessons & make them work for YOU (especially the ones you don’t like, or find hard). Remember, you are now working for you, not the teacher.

o Use a revision technique that works for you (you will learn more about these on our Study Skills Day).

o Get hold of past papers from your teachers and the internet. o Have clear and specific goals for each revision session. o Have a start and finish time and stick to them. o Get into a routine of following your plan. If you really don’t feel like it, do it for 15

minutes and then decide whether to carry on (15 minutes is better than nothing). o Ignore the urge to tidy your room for the first time in years. o Clear your head before you begin. Give yourself 2 minutes to write down what is on

your mind and tell yourself to deal with it later. o Stop and take a break if you become angry or overwhelmed. Try to talk to

someone about what is bothering you. o Don’t waste time struggling – note down what you find hard or don’t understand,

and speak to the teacher about it next lesson. o If there are two things you don’t ‘get’ leave them out (unless you are aiming for an

A* ) o Break down each topic into ‘do-able’ chunks o Tick off each area when you have done it. o Revisit your notes after one day, week and month. THIS REALLY WORKS! o Don’t be influenced by friends who say they aren’t doing much work. Your results

don’t matter to them, but they are vital for you. o Don’t forget it’s not forever – think of the Summer Holiday.

o It is worth it! By the day before your exam, your revision notes should be short enough to read through in one session. This will help key concepts stick in your mind.

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o Make yourself start however much you don’t want to—the hardest bit is over then. o Build in short breaks. o Do frequent short exercises — stretches, walking around etc. o Drink water and get fresh air. Keep the temperature cool. o Eat ‘brain food’, avoid sugar and have lots of healthy snacks. o Take a day off and do something completely different. o Do something relaxing before revision and bedtime. Promise yourself little rewards

after each session. o At the end of each session, file away your notes and clutter so that your work area is

clear, and ready for the next session.

Key tasks for students:

o Before the exam - know your exam timetable. o Know when and where you need to be each day — leave early. o Allow time for your brain to wake up — have a shower and breakfast (or take a

banana or cereal bar with you). o Make sure you have everything you need, including pens you enjoy writing with. o Visit the toilet before the exam begins. o Take water into the exam and sip it throughout — your retention and concentration

will be 70% better if you are hydrated. o Don’t worry if you can’t remember anything at all before the exam — if you have

revised, the information WILL be there.

o Remember that nervousness is normal and gives the brain extra adrenalin which will help you make that final effort.

o Take a couple of deep breaths. o If your mind goes blank — don’t panic. There will be some of the paper you can do.

Read it slowly and calmly. o Remind yourself of the exam structure. Read the instructions and don’t pick up your

pen until you have done this. o Keep to a timescale for each question based on the number of marks given. o Where there are several questions to answer, tackle those you are most confident

about first. o Always check through your work at the end. Examiners have said it is possible to

increase your score by one grade by doing this.

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o Try out the ‘exam challenge’ then encourage your child to try it! o The exam period can be very stressful for students. Encourage your child to keep a

positive perspective. o Try not to add to the stress levels in the house by ‘rising to the bait’ when your child

pushes the limits. Pick your battles carefully, shelving any issues which are not of immediate importance.

o Ensure your child is thoroughly prepared for the exam. o Try to keep routines the same and avoid instability. On exam days try to ensure they

have a good breakfast. o Before the exam, remind them that you love them and value them, whatever

happens. o After an exam, ask how it was, but avoid a long post- mortem. If it has gone badly,

remind them that ‘tomorrow is another day’. Let’s see what you can learn from this exercise:

EXAM CHALLENGE—BEAT THE PARENT

Do our brains work more slowly as we get older? Take this General Knowledge timed test, after your parents have completed it, to find out. Get a blank piece of paper to do this. Results Adult time: Student time: Please read the questions before starting this timed test. 1. Write your name in the top left hand corner of the page. 2. Write and underline the date on the second line down. 3. Write the numbers 1-8 in a column on the left hand side of the page. 4. Next to number 1, write down the capital of France. 5. Next to number 2, write the answer to the sum 321-67. 6. Next to number 3, write the past tense of the verb ‘to walk’. 7. Next to number 4, write down 4 states of the USA. 8. Next to number 5, write down the colours of the rainbow in order. 9. Next to number 6, write down the names of the planets, in order of closeness to the sun. 10. Make sure you only answer questions.

http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/docs/students/stressgu.pdf (for stress busting tips) www.bbc.co.uk (choose ‘teens’) advice on stressful issues www.childline.co.uk (choose ‘ examstress’)

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD ACHIEVES THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THIS YEAR. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.

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Revision Timetable

Name ____________________

Time slot

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

the deanery · pdf fileforthcoming revision period as we approach the mock examinations and...

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