Revision Tips

The summer term is one I have been looking forward to the most… sunshine and long evenings always make my mood feel better and only 11 weeks till the end of term! Hurrah!! I am always more motivated at this time of year and I can usually get a lot more done, not just at work but at home in the evenings, like a bit of decorating or a long walk with the dog. Last night I decided to train my dog to sit in my bicycle basket so that I could go on longer cycle rides without feeling guilty about leaving him at home. This way he could run beside me, but rest at times in the basket (he only has short legs!). It was a triumph and he stayed in the basket for over three minutes before jumping out to play with another pooch! I'll be out again tonight trying to beat that record!

The summer term though, fills my students with dread - exam time! Within my consortium we decided to put the students in for their exams this year (the first year of their diploma) so that they can see how they are progressing and hopefully feel a sense of achievement for getting a good grade to help them feel motivated and ready for year 2. Also should they not do so well, they can re-sit the exam come next January.

As a new teacher, I must admit that I am also feeling a bit nervous about their exam so I plan to dedicate a lot of time over the next few weeks to revision. To support the teaching and leaning, I have invited guest speakers into class, and arranged a couple of visits to different services related to the diploma. I can remember at school completing countless past exam papers in preparation for my GCSE's and it was such a boring experience for me sat in a classroom under exam conditions pen and paper at the ready. My strategy is to support what has already been taught over the year by bringing in professionals who can talk about their job roles, experiences of the sectors we've studied and allow the students to pose questions and participate in role plays/case studies created by the employers. The visits' will also strengthen their understanding of the services within SHD and the students will be able to see first hand how they work, their ethos, the client group, and they can also prepare questions ready for the employers around what has been taught. Mock exams will be completed though so that they are familiar with the types of questions and are ready for the real ones.

I also plan to combine two consortiums for the revision sessions - my level 3 SHD group in Welwyn, Hatfield and East Hertsmere will join the level 3 SHD from St Albans & Harpenden to complete a number of revision activities. These sessions will be taught by myself and my colleague, and we have shared the work which alleviates the pressure off us a bit.

In preparation I have been looking at revision tips and here are two useful website I have found.

http://www.cambridgestudents.org.uk/examtime/revisiontips/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7387621.stm

What tips do you have, and what are you doing to prepare your students for their exams?

Finally, the week of the exam I have booked my students into the beauty department for some beauty treats such as a back massage, Indian head massage or a manicure. This will go down really well with my girls and is an opportunity for them to relax before the mass revision leading up to their exam at the end of the week.

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