1. Desmos Graphing Calculator: A Game-Changer for Graphs

If you’re struggling with graphs, Desmos is the tool for you. It’s an online graphing calculator that lets you visualise mathematical functions. You can quickly graph equations with minimal effort.

For example, you can enter equations of straight lines and then adjust the gradient or y-intercept to see how they change. Desmos also allows you to plot more complex quadratic, reciprocal and trigonometric functions.

The best part? Desmos is interactive and allows you to experiment. You can enter any possible equation you can think of and instantly see what it would look like when turned into a graph.

2. PhET Simulations: Tackle Those Complex Physics and Chemistry Topics 

PhET provides virtual simulations that let you experiment with real-world science concepts online.

If you’re studying circuits, for example, the Circuit Construction Kit allows you to build electrical circuits using virtual components like batteries, resistors, and bulbs. You can then see how changing these components impact the flow of electricity, helping you to understand key concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance.

Similarly, you can check the pH of common acids and bases in your household using the pH Scale or see how modifying the mass of objects alters the forces between them in the Gravity Force Lab.

3. ExploreLearning Gizmos: Learn By Doing 

ExploreLearning Gizmos houses over 400 interactive simulations for both Maths and Science. These simulations cover everything from algebra and geometry in Maths to forces and motion in Physics.

Explore Learning is particularly valuable when it comes to linking science topics to the real world. There are gizmos that allow you to carry out chemical reactions and even explore entire ecosystems.

The most unique feature this website offers is the ‘STEM Cases’. These allow you to take on a scientific role (think forensic scientist, conservation worker or physicist) and solve a problem such as managing a disease outbreak in a particular city or even helping to identify a criminal. STEM Cases are perfect for putting your learning in context.

4. Atomic Labs: Making Core Practicals Look Easy

If you’re someone who dislikes questions about practical experiments, Atomic Labs is a gold mine. This website simplifies experiments and guides you through experiments. What’s more, its cartoon-style interface makes it feel as though you’re taking a much-needed break from studying. You can explore the effect of light intensity on plants, the reactions of metals with acids and experiment with refraction, among other things.

5. Math Open Reference: Solidify your grasp on loci and constructions

If you find spatial reasoning difficult or geometry isn’t your thing, loci can be a daunting topic. You may want to bookmark the constructions section of the Math Open Reference website. It allows you to work through key constructions, such as the perpendicular bisector of an angle or drawing the perpendicular from a point to a line. Unlike videos, which require you to pause after each step so that you can follow along the process with your ruler and compass, this website offers a stepwise animation that allows you to learn at your own pace.

6. NRICH: Tougher Maths Problems to Challenge Your Thinking

If you’re looking to take your Maths skills to the next level, take the leap with NRICH. NRICH is all about solving tricky and thought-provoking problems that go beyond your regular revision questions. It will improve your ability to tackle those think-outside-the-box questions in your GCSE exam.

NRICH helps to prepare you for questions that test you on multiple concepts at once. It’s not just about getting the right answer—it’s about developing the skills to think critically. This will not only help prepare you for your exams – it might get you thinking about maths in a whole new light.

7. Science Museum: Learn Science from Real-World Examples

The Science Museum is a great resource for understanding the history of common scientific objects. The ‘Objects and Stories’ section helps you see where key scientific inventions came from and learn about the people behind them.

When you need a break from your books or need a little motivation to tackle your next physics topic, this website offers a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the important contributions scientists have made to our daily lives. It may also offer you some inspiration and a chance to think more creatively about the concepts you are studying.

Remember!

Science and maths don’t have to be dry and dull. These free tools and sites can  inject some vitality into your revision, bring academic ideas to life and help you look at STEM subjects through a different lens. All you need is some patience, curiosity and a willingness to experiment – these are key traits for any budding scientist, mathematician or engineer!

 

Exams and how to prepare

English Language is compulsory at GCSE level and is fully examined with two papers (except I-GCSE or WJEC as these also include NEA Non Examined Assessments).

Most boards use a 5-question paper for both papers. They are graded using the numerical 1 to 9 grading system where a 9 is the equivalent of a top A* and a grade 4 is a pass (equivalent to a C grade).

University applicants are required to have a grade 6 or above whereas other candidates must achieve a grade 4 or retake this subject (colleges and sixth forms all have provision for this).

Preparing for the Exam

The best way to prepare for this exam is to hone your skills as it is a paper with unseen texts therefore you will need to have developed key skills rather than work through and remember a lot of content revision. The key to this exam is knowing what skill to apply for each question and practice of these.

Read analytically

Firstly, you will need to be able to read analytically and use both structural and language analysis. However, each question is worded to elicit a specific response.

You will be asked to write a language analysis where you will use inference and connotation of given methods. For example, “when books were golden”- a metaphor suggesting that books were precious.

You will also need to compare quotes, evaluate ideas and give structural analysis, such as- “books are now obsolete” juxtaposes the earlier quote. These reading skills are all needed for questions 1 to 4 on both English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Write clearly and accurately

Secondly, you will need to be able to write clearly, using accurate punctuation, grammar and spelling. You will need to develop writing stamina so that you can write at least two pages in two styles of writing for both exams (mostly creative and argument styles for all boards and worth 50% of each paper).

Creative Writing Task

On each paper there will be an extended question with a creative writing task – question 5 on one paper and a writing to opine/argue on the other paper’s question 5. For the creative writing task, you will be expected to use narrative techniques such as metaphor, simile and dialogue. Whereas for the other paper you will need to utilise rhetorical devices, including rhetorical questions, facts and anecdotes.

Feeding into A Level Language

Both papers feed into A Level Language which requires an advanced understanding of grammar and rhetoric. In addition, the reading skills used to analyse language and structure, to compare and evaluate also form part of the questions on the A Level Language exam. This is also comprised of two exams, but also includes NEA, where students must undergo their own investigations and research into an element of language. This study is part of new learning where students study how and why our language evolved and morphed into the varieties of English spoken globally.

What to do if you feel you are struggling with subject/ keeping up

If help is sought from a teacher or a tutor it is best to firstly identify what you are finding difficult, such as not knowing how to approach a particular question or any other clear reason for being unable to keep up. There are measures that can be taken to address many of the issues students experience, such as support for timing issues (a common problem) or individual questions, such as learning methods of approach which suit your style of learning.

It is important to seek help as soon as it is needed as early intervention is the most effective. If you leave it until weeks before the exam, it might be too late. Ideally, the November mocks in Year 11 should mirror true progress and show if you are having difficulty.

Useful information to study in each of the different years

• Years 9-13 benefit from reading of any kind, fiction or non-fiction, is most beneficial to improving reading proficiency and accuracy on this and any other exam, as it gives you the advantage of speed and understanding as well as mitigation for error.
• Years 10 to 11 might also benefit from keeping up with current affairs and developing their wider general knowledge. This knowledge is useful for understanding context in reading questions and to reference in writing.
• Years 12-13– to develop better subject knowledge, it is useful to look up the latest research on language and save articles on controversial topics or uses of language.

Subject specific

Building your vocabulary as well as key words from the wider world context such as Draconian, Pragmatism, Capitalism, Socialism, Irony, Class, Economy, Misogyny, Parity, Injustice, Penury, Autonomy and many more. These will also support the study of A Level Language.

Tips & techniques for exams / study

Youtube, TikTok and so on feature many reputable teachers addressing specific questions and skills to help study. Most of these are free, but there are additional subscription packages offered as an option too.

Developing your vocabulary via apps such as Bedrock and reading texts with 15+ reading age or buying a SPAG skills book (CPG and other companies produce a range of these) to improve will be of benefit.

Going through a Walking Talking Mock for your exam board is also available online – mostly via PowerPoints and these help with method. However, practising the questions and getting feedback will support improvement the most.

EPQs– You can expand your NEA for English Language to develop it into an EPQ. Your advanced skills will also enable you to produce the EPQ more skilfully and efficiently.

UCAS applications- as students are no longer required to produce a personal statement, universities will only look at your GCSE and A level grades for English. A Grade 6 is needed in English Language GCSE, regardless of the course applied for.

If you constantly put revision off, consider it may be because the methods you are using are not right for you. Fortunately, there are lots of different strategies you can use that you may not have come across yet.

Let’s explore four tools that you can use to transform revision from a chore to something that you might look forward to. To make them easier to remember, the four elements we will look at form the acronym CALM (which, by the time you finish reading about them, is hopefully the way you feel about studying!).

C – Colours

Colours can breathe life into your revision. Using a different coloured sheet for each topic not only aids in organisation but also stimulates your brain to remember information more effectively.

While at university, I bought a pack of coloured sheets at Poundland. I was tired of writing my notes on lined white sheets and thought I would try something different. I wrote the name of the topic I was revising in the centre of the page and layered my revision notes around it. I broke the notes up into sections to make them easier to digest, as shown in the featured image.

Though this sounds simple, the results exceeded my expectations for several reasons:

• Assigning a colour for each topic, e.g. green for photosynthesis, helped me to better visualise the material in my mind’s eye in the exam.
• The notes were more appealing to look at, which helped motivate me to revise more often.
• The arrows I added between related concepts created literal links between ideas in my brain.

A – Active recall

If you’re like most people, simply copying notes from a textbook and re-reading them repeatedly does not help you retain them – instead, it may even leave you frustrated and de-motivated.

You need to engage your brain and provide it with a little bit of challenge to help solidify your learning.  Active recall is perfect for this. It involves using recall exercises as you study to boost your retention of facts. Here are three simple ways to start using this technique right now, as recommended by the productivity expert Ali Abdaal:

Closed book notes: instead of copying notes from a textbook, take a blank sheet of paper and write down any words and facts you remember about the topic you are revising. Do this for at least 2 minutes before you turn to your textbook to fill in the gaps. It doesn’t matter how much you remember, but the simple act of forcing your brain to make an effort to remember what you already know helps strengthen connections between nerve cells in your brain. This will mean that the next time you come back to this topic, you will tend to remember even more.

Question lists: rather than writing down a list of facts about a topic, challenge yourself to come up with a list of questions. Your brain is programmed to work harder when it sees questions as it immediately tries to answer them. You will additionally have created a handy revision tool – you can use this question list to test your knowledge of this topic after, say a week or a month.

Flashcards: These help to break down learning into manageable chunks and make it easier to keep assessing your progress. You can write a question on one side of each flashcard and the answer on the back. An alternative includes using flashcard apps and tools like Anky – this one is very popular with medical students, who have to remember lots of complicated terms!

L – Learning with others

They say the best way to learn is to teach. When revising with a friend you can teach them topics you find easier, while they coach you in areas that are particularly tricky for you. Revising with a friend also helps you stay accountable and revise for longer, not to mention, breaks are a lot more fun!

Be wary of whom you choose to spend your precious revision sessions with. You need friends who help you make progress instead of distracting you. If you are looking fellow students who are motivated to make the most of their study time, Justin Craig offers fantastic revision courses and summer schools where you will get to meet them. At these courses, you will also have access to the attention and expertise of a skilled teacher who will help to resolve your doubts and clarify misconceptions. They will also be able to support you as you tackle higher-level questions that get you the most marks.

M – Music

When used strategically, music can be a really helpful revision aid. If you think music is distracting, I hear you! I’m not going to try to persuade you otherwise – I greatly valued the silent study at my university library.

Consider that music can help you revise at times when studying in silence simply doesn’t appeal. Also, experiment with different types of music. Several YouTube videos with instrumental music can help you get into flow. If you want to take things up a notch, you can even try a paid app like Focus@Will which offers several different music ‘channels’.

Explore CALM – Colours, Active Recall, Learning with Others, and Music – to elevate your revision experience.

By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you can boost retention, focus, and collaboration leading to deeper enjoyment of your learning. You may choose to visualize concepts more effectively with colour-coded notes or challenge your memory with active recall exercises. You might decide to leverage group study sessions to improve shared understanding or use music to set the tone for focused revision.

These tools can empower you to take charge of your learning journey and achieve the results you want. As you integrate these alternative approaches into your revision regimen, remember that flexibility and experimentation are key to finding what works best for you.

The Examiner’s Role

Examiners for the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) are tasked with an immense responsibility: fairly assessing the efforts of students across GCSE and A-Level subjects.

While their primary focus is on awarding marks to reflect learners’ knowledge and skills, there are recurring issues that repeatedly surface and cause undue frustration. Below, I outline some of the most common “pet peeves” of GCSE and A-Level examiners, providing practical tips and guidance to help students avoid these pitfalls.

Common Mistakes and Oversights by Students

One of the most frequently cited annoyances among examiners is the prevalence of careless mistakes and oversights.

These errors often reflect a lapse in focus or a lack of thorough revision. Some students fail to follow basic instructions, such as writing in black ink, filling in details correctly on the front page, or adhering to word limits. These lapses, though seemingly small, can have significant consequences, sometimes resulting in missed marks or even disqualification in extreme cases.

Additionally, careless spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and incorrect labelling of diagrams reveal that students might be under-prepared or rushing.

Examiners understand that nerves are high during exam periods, but consistent, preventable mistakes can suggest a lack of diligence. A major point of frustration is that these types of errors often mask genuine knowledge that students do possess but fail to demonstrate clearly.

Advice to the student
How to avoid these errors:

• Make a habit of carefully reading (and re-reading) all instructions before diving into the paper.
• Check your work for simple mistakes where possible, especially if you have a few spare minutes at the end of an exam.
• Pay close attention to detail can significantly improve not just accuracy but also how examiners perceive the quality of your answers.

Sloppy Exam Technique and How to Avoid It

Exam technique is just as important as subject knowledge.

Examiners routinely sigh over scripts that meander aimlessly, fail to address the question directly, or present haphazard, half-formed ideas. This problem can be magnified when students write answers in long, dense paragraphs without any clear structure or signposting.

Sloppiness might also show up in the way students fail to engage with the ‘command words’ in a question – such as “analyse”, “evaluate”, or “compare”. When instructions aren’t followed, examiners have no choice but to award lower marks.

Advice: Refining your technique:

• Start by breaking down each question into its core components. If the question asks you to “explain and evaluate”, be certain you allocate time to explaining the concept and then evaluating it thoroughly.
• Use paragraphs effectively, with each paragraph contributing a clear point or argument. By consciously structuring your responses, you make it far easier for examiners to follow and award marks in line with the mark scheme.

Lack of Exam Preparation and Revision Strategies

A lack of robust revision strategies is another bugbear for examiners, as it often results in incomplete or shallow answers.

When students rely solely on last-minute cramming or rely heavily on rote memorisation, their answers can appear disjointed, failing to demonstrate deeper understanding or the ability to apply concepts in different contexts.

It’s crucial to remember that every student’s learning style and pace differ. Some learners need repeated review sessions, while others may benefit from practical applications or group discussions. Examiners do not penalise students for having unique study methods; however, they do notice when students evidently haven’t prepared thoroughly.

Advice: Optimising your revision approach:

• Build a revision schedule that allows you to revisit topics multiple times.
• Incorporate active learning techniques, such as flashcards, past paperpractise, and self-quizzing.
• It’s not enough to just read over your notes; you need to test yourself and apply your knowledge in varied contexts.
• Remember to balance revision across all your subjects, ensuring no area is neglected.

Poor Time Management and Organisation

The glare of the clock during exam conditions can be intimidating, and poor time management is an issue that frequently crops up in examiners’ feedback.

Scripts often reveal rushed answers towards the end, where students have obviously run out of time. Alternatively, some students spend too much time on a single question, leaving little opportunity to tackle remaining questions with sufficient detail.

It’s also worth noting that time management extends beyond the exam room. Examiners often lament that many students appear to have spent more time panicking than properly planning their revision schedule.

Advice: Improving time management:

• Practise answering past exam questions under timed conditions.
• Develop an awareness of how long you typically spend on a question and then adjust accordingly.
• During the exam, plan your time before starting – make a quick mental note of how many minutes each question should take, relative to its marks.
• If you find one part of the paper more challenging, move on and return to it after addressing other questions you’re more confident about.

Misunderstanding of Mark Schemes and Assessment Criteria

Examiners commonly remark on the disconnect between what students write and what the mark scheme is designed to reward. Many students simply don’t realise how important it is to match their responses to the specific assessment objectives. They might craft answers that are interesting from a general knowledge perspective but fail to demonstrate the skills or knowledge areas that examiners need to see for high marks.

Similarly, examiners expect certain language or terminology to reflect a level of understanding appropriate to GCSE or A-Level standards. If a question relates to a scientific principle, for instance, the correct use of scientific vocabulary can make a real difference.

Advice: Bridging the gap:

• Familiarise yourself with past mark schemes and the relevant assessment objectives.
• This does not mean you should learn them by heart but rather develop an awareness of what examiners value.
• If the question is structured around evaluation, ensure that your answer includes an evaluation, not just a description.
• If the question seeks a critique of methods, remember to discuss advantages, limitations and possible improvements.

Ineffective Responses to Exam Questions

Another source of frustration for examiners is when students provide responses that don’t fully answer the question set. This might involve going off on tangents, reproducing memorised essays, or failing to connect ideas to the question’s core theme. Examiners might read paragraphs of background information only to find that the student has never truly addressed the task at hand.

In some cases, students misread the question entirely and produce answers that, while factually correct on another topic, garner few marks because they are irrelevant. Examiners often note how disheartening it is to see good writing wasted on an answer that simply misses the point.

Advice: Staying focused:

• Take a moment to carefully read the entire question – and read it again!
• Underline key words to ensure you understand exactly what is being asked.
• As you plan your response, keep looping back to the question to check that you’re still on track.
• If you find yourself drifting into unnecessary detail, refocus on the key command word or phrase (such as “contrast” or “discuss”) and align your next paragraph with what the question requires.

Tips and Strategies for Excelling on Exams

To leave examiners with a positive impression and to maximise your potential, consider the following strategies:

1. Plan Your Answers: Even a brief outline helps structure your points logically. It also ensures you don’t forget to include important ideas in the rush of writing.

2. Practise Under Real Conditions: Using past papers and timing yourself simulates exam pressure, allowing you to develop both knowledge recall and the ability to apply exam techniques.

3. Familiarise Yourself with Command Words: Terms like “explain”, “evaluate”, “compare”, and “justify” carry distinct meanings. Tailor your approach accordingly.

4. Review Past Mark Schemes: Look for patterns in how examiners award marks. Pay special attention to the difference between lower and higher mark band responses.

5. Write Clearly and Concisely: Indecipherable handwriting, waffle, and repetition all hinder an examiner’s ability to locate the merits of your answer. Aim for clarity and directness.

6. Seek Targeted Feedback: If possible, ask teachers or tutors to mark your practise answers. Constructive criticism can highlight areas you need to improve and strengths you can build upon.

7. Look After Yourself: Exam stress can be overwhelming. Getting sufficient sleep, staying hydrated, and taking short revision breaks all contribute to better focus and performance on the day.

Final Thoughts
Examiners are not out to catch students out; they genuinely want to reward pupils who demonstrate knowledge, understanding and good exam technique.

By being aware of these common “pet peeves” and proactive about addressing them, students can gain a real edge in their GCSE and A-Level exams. From carefully reading the question to managing your time effectively, it’s often the seemingly simple steps that lead to the biggest improvements.

As someone who has supported countless students, I’ve seen how a combination of purposeful revision strategies, targeted exam practise and a firm grasp of the mark scheme can transform a learner’s performance. Equally, I’ve seen what happens when students lose sight of the basics and allow small mistakes to accumulate.

By focusing on clarity, accuracy and structure, you’ll not only avoid the irritations that frustrate examiners but also unlock the grades that truly reflect your capabilities.
Above all, remember that success in exams isn’t about tricks or shortcuts – it’s about consistent preparation, calm focus, and the determination to showcase what you’ve learnt.

Armed with these insights, students can approach their GCSEs and A-Levels with greater confidence and a clear strategy for impressing the examiners who hold the key to their future academic achievements.

Exams can be a stressful time for both teens and parents. While study schedules and revision techniques often take centre stage, there’s one powerful, science-backed tool that is often overlooked  – Exercise.

Exercise is truly the most transformative thing we can do for our brains.

Research shows that regular physical activity not only strengthens the body but also sharpens the brain, improving focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Even better, exercising together as a family can boost mood, improve relationships, and set the tone for lifelong healthy habits.

How Exercise Boosts Brain Health:

1.Increases Oxygen and Blood Flow to the Brain

Studies from Harvard Medical School show that aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This can lead to improved focus and faster recall—key for exam success.

2. Enhances Neuroplasticity

Physical activity stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth of new brain cells and strengthens neural connections. This helps teens retain information better during study sessions.

3. Reduces Stress and Improves Mood

Exercise releases dopamine and endorphins, while also lowering cortisol levels, which can help teens feel calmer and more focused under pressure. In fact, research from the University of Illinois found that active students experience less exam-related anxiety.

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Regular movement helps regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep—crucial for memory consolidation and focus.

How Parents Can Incorporate Exercise With Their Teens

We encourage parents to lead by example and make exercise a shared activity. This is not only good for your kids and their brain, but also good for you and your own health and well-being.

1. Start Small! – You don’t need to work out for an hour for it to count. Even 10-minutes a day of intentional physical activity can do wonders for your brain and energy.
   • Morning walks or jogs: A brisk 10-20 minute walk before school can wake up the brain and set a positive tone for the day.
   • Dance breaks: Turn up a favourite song and let loose for 5-10minutes during study breaks.

• 2. Make It Fun and Social
  • Play a family game of football or frisbee in the park.
  • Go for a weekend hike or bike ride to recharge away from screens and books.
  • Try something new, like rock climbing or a martial arts class, to keep it exciting.

• 3. Be flexible

Practical Tips for Exam Season

1. Schedule Active Study Breaks – Encourage teens to break up long revision sessions with short bursts of movement:

• A quick walk around the block.
• 10 minutes of stretching.
• 20 reps of bodyweight exercises like squats or jumping jacks.

2. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection

Even 10-20 minutes of activity can make a huge difference. It doesn’t have to be crazy intense, any sort of intentional movement counts and should be celebrated. (Remember that positive reinforcement is a key factor to long term behaviour change.)

3. Use Exercise as a Stress-Relief Tool

Movement can be a great way to cue that the day is done and it is time to unwind. An evening walk after dinner or gentle yoga before bed can be a great calming activity, especially the night before an exam.

Notes for students

For most students during the exam period, out goes regular exercise and in comes revision sessions and high-stress levels. Although you may feel you should be spending every waking moment studying, you may want re-think.  As well as the numerous physical health benefits of regular exercise, it really could influence your mental performance.

As well as being a well-needed break from your studies, getting moving triggers the release of various hormones and chemical compounds in the body. This increases your ability to focus, meaning higher quality revision sessions.

Exercise also significantly reduces resting levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, allowing you to spend less time worrying, and more time getting work done.

It’s all well and good knowing about the potential benefits of exercising during exam time, but that still doesn’t solve the problem of fitting it into your busy schedule. To start with, it’s important to be flexible. Fit your exercise around your revision timetable, and find what works for you. For some, an early morning session increases their focus for the rest of the day. For others, a lunchtime workout helps to break up the monotony, or an evening exercise class helps them to de-stress before bed.

Move Together, Succeed Together

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for boosting brain health, reducing stress, and improving academic performance—especially during exam season. By incorporating movement into your family’s routine, you’re not just helping your teen succeed in school; you’re also strengthening your bond and fostering habits that will serve them well for life.

So, lace up your trainers, head outside, and take the first step toward a healthier, happier exam season—together.

Article and advice provided by Jamie Davies at B3 Coaching

Instagram: @b3_coaching

Student Checklist

For students approaching GCSEs or A Levels, the Easter holidays are always a crucial time for revision, and the prospect of preparing for these key exams can be daunting. Now is the time to start preparing to make sure your child is ready to start revising and can use the time effectively.

Here’s our checklist for students of things to do for the Easter Holidays

1. Print off your exam timetable

2.Do a self- assessment vs the exam board specification for each subject.
Print off a copy from the exam board website and then use a simple traffic light (green/amber/red) system to assess how confident you feel about each topic. This doesn’t need to take long , but will really help you prioritise and plan your revision time.

Do look at all the Advance Information that has been provided this year. You will seen which topics you need to concentrate on.

3. Get teacher input.
For students who are still a bit unsure about where to focus or how to revise, it’s a good idea to approach teachers now as there is still time to get their input and help prior to the Easter holidays. If your Easter holidays have started, then look at what your teachers have recommended for you over the last few months, including tests and coursework.

For example, they may be able to provide guidance on topics  to prioritise, provide additional practice questions or  ideas about the best online resources or ways to revise different topics.  Lots of students are a bit reluctant or embarrassed to do this – if this is the case, then maybe ask your parent to make the initial contact with the school or teacher.

4. Build up a question/resource bank for each subject.
Past papers are available on the exam board website, along side mark schemes and the examiners report.  Printing  these off takes time, so do it now and add them to your file of practice questions to do later in your revision. Your teacher should also be able to give you past papers and/or practice questions. Other good revision resources are:

• Gojimo.  This revision app is easy to use and enables users to test themselves using quizzes which are subject/exam board specific. In addition to instant feedback, you get detailed explanations, so if you go wrong, you can work out why.  The app also tracks progress over time so you can identify your best and worst topics for revision.
• iMindMap and bubbl.us  These tools make creating and sharing mind maps easy. It works the same as it does on paper, but it is more mobile and, arguably, more collaborative.
• Quizlet  Quizlet enables students to create their own revision flashcards, as well as to use sets created by others. When you access a set, there are four different modes in which you can use them: cards, learn, match and test.
• Study guides – if school can’t recommend one, then have a look at CGP as they cover a wide range of subjects and are, generally, highly regarded.
• Websites and Youtube channels.  There are lots of good resources available online to help you with revision for specific subjects.  BBC Bitesize covers all the main subjects and is particularly popular with GCSE students. If you need suggestions, ask your teacher, friends or post a question on the Student Room’s online chat.

5. Check & complete school notes.
If you have been revising throughout the year, this should hopefully not take too long. However, it’s worth scanning through your notes and checking against the subject specification to see if you have any gaps.  If you have, then ask a friend or your teacher for the notes on that topic – it’s easier to do whilst at school as you are in daily contact with your friends and teachers.

6. Talk to your parents.
Parents can often add to student stress in the run up to exams, frequently because they want their child to do their best and don’t know how to help them. It might sound simple but just telling your parents about your revision plans, any worries you have and how you would like them to support you can make a difference.

7. Sort out your revision space & materials.
Again this sounds obvious, but work out where you are going to study and stock up on materials like post it notes, A3 paper for posters, coloured pens or flashcards. If your study space is in a family room, then make sure you agree this with your parents so that they can ensure that you are not disturbed when revising.

8. Create a revision timetable.
Draw up a timetable you can realistically stick to, breaking down what you need to study into chunks to make revision more manageable and factoring in extra time for past papers as well as topics which need more attention. Watch the Exam Coach Video on how to create a realistic timetable that works .

Last but not least, have a think about whether you need some extra support during your revision. Revising alone can be difficult, even if you are highly motivated ! So have a think about other options such as revision courses or studying with a friend.

At Justin Craig, we offer revision courses in a wide range of subjects over the Easter holidays.  These courses enable students to consolidate knowledge, improve exam technique and boost confidence. Our courses are highly rated – read our latest reviews here

Find out whether an Easter course is right for you here

Getting into a good study routine early on in the academic year creates a firm foundation for GCSE and A Level exam success.

So what does a “good study routine” entail?

Here are our top tips for Year 10-13 students and their parents:

Start early and study through the year

• Try to allocate some time during weekends and school holidays. Revisit information and complete notes to build and embed understanding throughout the year rather than just in the run-up to exams.
• School holiday revision courses early on in the year can be really effective for students struggling with independent study or just needing a little extra help. Whilst year 10 and 12 students may not have covered that much material in the first term, October half term,  Christmas or February courses can be extremely valuable to keep students on track, as it can be difficult to turn round performance once students start falling behind or losing confidence.
• Maximise memory recall by learning in short bursts, spaced out over a period of time, with regular self testing, e.g. by using online quizzes or past paper questions.

Get organised

• Use a planner to get into a good study routine and keep track of deadlines.
• Complete and organise notes as you go to make revision and homework easier.
• Draw up a realistic timetable for school holiday study. Historically, the Easter holidays have been the main time for revision. Now, teachers recommend that students allocate time every holiday to catch up and consolidate learning. This helps ensure they are well placed to move onto new topics in the next term.
• Review progress and milestones regularly to ensure you know what topics will need extra time to revise prior to mocks or the actual exams.  For Year 12s, there may be no external exams but its still important to achieve good exam results as they can impact A Level predictions and University choices.

Be proactive

• Don’t wait until just before the exams to get help, approach teachers to get feedback on essays, topic tests as well as mock exams.
• Allocate some time to consider feedback and learn from class tests/ mocks eg if you ran out of time, what could you do differently next time? How can you reduce the risk of mis-reading questions?
• Start trying out different learning/memory aids early on so you can discover what works best for you. Popular ones include spider diagrams, note cards and working with a study buddy. 

How can Justin Craig help?

At Justin Craig, we have courses throughout the year so that students can focus on different subjects at different points in the year rather than trying to cram everything into the Easter holidays.

Our October half term, Christmas and February and Easter holiday courses are a great opportunity to give all students a revision boost. Whatever their ability or needs, they can also be a really effective way of kick-starting a good study routine. In addition to addressing knowledge gaps and/or weaknesses in key subject skills, students really value the opportunity to share information and revision strategies with their peers. Access to expert tutors also provides students with invaluable insights and tips, as well as helping them sharpen up their approach to revising and tackling exam papers prior to any mocks.

As all our courses are structured around individual needs, students complete our courses feeling satisfied and feedback on their experience is excellent.

Our courses are proving more popular than ever this year so please do enquire early if you are interested, either by phone 01727 744340 or email our expert team.

Imagine it is the day of your first Physics GCSE exam. You sit in an exam hall and nervously look up at the clock, watching the seconds tick by. There is a nervous energy in the room, and it is a little bit too quiet considering how many people are crammed into such a small space.
Somebody at the front of the hall announces that it is time to begin, and you, along with thousands of students across the country, open your booklet and read the first question. Imagine feeling full of confidence that you know how to answer not only the first question, but all of the others too. With proper preparation, this thought can become a reality for you.

General Tips

As a Physics teacher and examiner for a national exam board, I have marked tens of thousands (possibly even hundreds of thousands – I’ve lost count!) of student papers across my career so far. There are some general tips that I give to all of my students before they sit their exams:

• Make sure your handwriting is legible.
• Make sure you answer every question.
• Bring lots of ballpoint pens into the exam in case one stops working.

You’ve probably heard all of those before. But what about the subject specific tips that often get missed?

Five Top Tips

Reflecting upon the 2023 Physics GCSE exam series, here are my five top tips to help you maximise your marks when sitting the exam next year.

Tip 1: Look at the number of marks allocated for the question and budget your time appropriately

For your GCSE Physics, the exam is made up of lots of different questions which are worth small numbers of marks, usually ranging from one mark to six marks.

This is common across all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and is in contrast to subjects such as English or History which typically have fewer questions which are worth a larger number of marks.

You’ll therefore need to be careful with your time to make sure you’re not spending too long on one question, which isn’t worth many marks.

Calculating Marks to Questions

To help you with this, I would suggest using bullet points to help in answering concisely.
For example, a one-mark question will very rarely need more than a one sentence answer. As a rough rule, you’re likely to need around one sentence per mark.
So, for a six-mark question you’re unlikely to need more than around six sentences.

For calculation questions, the number of marks available gives you a hint on how tricky the calculation will be. If a simple calculation is worth 4 marks in the exam, perhaps there is a unit conversion involved where you’ll need to convert, for example, between grams and kilograms to give yourself another mark.

Tip 2: Use as much scientific vocabulary as you can

When I am examining, I am continually referring to a mark scheme that I use to tell me how to allocate each mark in the exam.

Occasionally there will be a word underlined in the mark scheme and this means that the word must be included in the answer in order to gain the mark. Without the word, the mark cannot be awarded, even if the answer is credible.

It is therefore essential to use as much scientific vocabulary as possible to help your answer be as specific and descriptive as it can be.

Example:

When you’re talking about electricity – rather than saying ‘the electricity flowed through the wire’, which wouldn’t gain any marks, you may need to say ‘the current flowed’, as ‘current’ may be a word which the mark scheme requires for the mark to be awarded.

I recommend using glossaries when revising to ensure you have the correct vocabulary. These can generally be found at the back of the Physics textbook, online or you could even create your own as a revision exercise before the exam.

Tip 3: Brush up on your maths skills and show your working for mathematical questions

Mathematics skills are very important for your Physics GCSE.

Depending on the specific exam taken, the mathematics content in a Physics exam could be 20-30% or even higher. There are a huge number of marks to be gained through demonstrating mathematical ability.

Some examples of these skills include being asked to write your answer in:

• Standard form
• Converting units
• Performing calculations
• Drawing graphs
• Interpreting tables or graphs
• Drawing tangents

This list is not exhaustive and there are lots of other mathematical tasks you may need to perform so it is important you are confident with these skills.

Show the method

There are also marks available when you show your method so you must ensure that each step is clear for the examiner.

For example, if you are finding a gradient on a graph, you must draw a large triangle which takes up at least half of the graph paper.
It is also important that you pay attention to prefixes – these are the words that go in front of the unit such as ‘mega’, ‘milli’ or ‘micro’ and tell you the scale of the number. You’ll need to be able to write out these numbers correctly.

Tip 4: Don’t waste time by repeating the question in your answer

Imagine you’re given a question which says ‘Explain why the lamp lights up as the circuit is closed.’
Many students will tend to write ‘The lamp lights up as the circuit is closed because…’ but that’s repeating the question – it takes up space, time and doesn’t give you any marks in the exam. It is a pet peeve of mine as an examiner!

You need to demonstrate your knowledge and jump straight into the answer. A much better sentence starter would be ‘This is because…’ Pause before you start writing, plan an answer in your mind and then write it down. The best answers are often well thought out and contain fewer words.

Tip 5: Pay attention to the command word at the beginning of each question – these will give you a hint for what type of response is needed.

In your Physics GCSE (and in the other two sciences too), you will come across ‘command words’ which tell you what the examiner is looking for.

Some examples of command words include:

• State
• Describe
• Explain
• Compare

Make sure you pay attention to these. If you are asked to ‘State’, that generally means a short phrase or sentence is needed. If you’re asked to ‘Explain’, it is likely you’ll need the word ‘because’ in your answer. Decoding each question will give you a better chance of writing what the examiner is looking for.

Hopefully these five tips have been useful for you. As long as you are organised, and make sure you revise the content ahead of the exam, you’ll stand the best chance of meeting your goals and targets. Good luck!

 

Exams can be challenging, especially when you struggle with a particular subject. The pressure to perform well can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome these challenges and succeed.

Understanding the Challenge

The first step in overcoming struggles with a subject is acknowledging the challenge. It’s normal to find certain subjects difficult, and recognizing this is crucial. Acceptance allows you to approach the problem proactively rather than being paralyzed by stress or anxiety. Remember, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and facing your challenges head-on is the first step toward success.

Step 1: Identify Specific Issues

Pinpointing exactly what you find difficult about a subject can help you address it more effectively. Are you struggling with particular concepts, theories, or types of problems? Make a list of the topics or areas where you feel less confident. Breaking down the subject into smaller, manageable parts makes it easier to tackle one issue at a time.

Step 2: Seek Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Teachers, tutors, and classmates can be valuable resources. Here are some ways to seek assistance:

1. Teacher Support: Schedule time with your teacher to discuss the topics you find difficult. Teachers can provide additional explanations, resources, and exercises to help you understand better.
2. Tutoring: Consider hiring a tutor who specializes in the subject. One-on-one tutoring can provide personalized attention and tailored explanations to meet your needs.
3. Study Groups: Join or form a study group with classmates. Collaborating with peers allows you to learn from each other and gain different perspectives. Sometimes, a classmate can explain a concept in a way that resonates more with you.

Step 3: Use Various Learning Resources

Different resources can offer new ways of understanding a subject.

Textbooks and Notes: Revisit your textbooks and class notes. Sometimes, reviewing the material multiple times helps reinforce your understanding.

1. Online Resources: Websites, videos, and online courses can provide alternative explanations and additional practice. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube offer comprehensive tutorials on a wide range of subjects.
2. Practice Papers: Completing practice papers helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas where you need more practice.

Step 4: Develop Effective Study Habits

Effective study habits are crucial for mastering difficult subjects.

Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for studying the difficult subject. Consistency is key, so try to study a bit each day rather than cramming all at once.

1. Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing information, teaching the material to someone else, and creating mind maps. Active learning helps you retain information better than passive reading.
2. Breaks and Rest: Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break, can be very effective.

Step 5: Stay Positive and Motivated

Maintaining a positive attitude is essential when dealing with difficult subjects. Here’s how to stay motivated:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Break your study goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Celebrate small victories to keep yourself motivated.
2. Stay Encouraged: Surround yourself with positive influences. Talk to friends, family, or mentors who encourage and support you.
3. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding in the subject. Visualization can boost your confidence and keep you focused on your goals.

Step 6: Manage Stress and Anxiety

Exams can be stressful, but managing your stress is crucial for success.

Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. These can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration.

1. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
2. Mindfulness: Stay mindful and present. Mindfulness practices can help you stay focused and reduce the tendency to worry about future exams or past mistakes.

Step 7: Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is just as important as studying. Ensure you:

1. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and overall well-being.
2. Eat Nutritious Food: A balanced diet fuels your brain and body. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can impair cognitive function and concentration.

Step 8: Simulate Exam Conditions

Practicing under exam conditions can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance. Here’s how to simulate exam conditions effectively:

1. Timed Practice Papers: Complete practice papers within the allotted time to get used to the pressure of the exam environment.
2. Quiet Environment: Find a quiet place to practice where you won’t be disturbed. This helps you focus and simulates the actual exam setting.
3. Review and Reflect: After completing a practice paper, review your answers and identify areas for improvement. Reflect on your mistakes and understand where you went wrong.

Step 9: Believe in Yourself

Confidence plays a significant role in exam success. Here’s how to build and maintain your self-belief:

1. Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
2. Stay Persistent: Remember that persistence is key. If you encounter setbacks, don’t get discouraged. Keep pushing forward and continue to put in the effort.
3. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that struggling with a subject is normal and does not define your abilities or worth.

Conclusion: Turning Struggles into Success

Dealing with exams when you’re struggling with a subject can be challenging, but it’s not insurmountable. By identifying specific issues, seeking help, using various resources, and developing effective study habits, you can overcome these challenges. Stay positive, manage your stress, and believe in yourself.

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Keep pushing forward, stay encouraged, and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles. You’ve got this!

 

Advice for Students Attending Justin Craig Day Courses

Understanding the Purpose: Justin Craig courses are designed to complement what you’re learning at school. These sessions are not a substitute for your regular classes but an enhancement. The tutors aim to cover popular topics and clarify any misconceptions, focusing on exam skills like decoding questions and structuring responses.

Setting Realistic Expectations: It’s important to understand that covering an entire course syllabus in just a few days is challenging. The goal is to equip you with the skills needed to excel in exams. Experienced tutors, many of whom are examiners, provide insights into what examiners look for in answers.

Maximising your Sessions:

1. Prepare in Advance: Identify your strengths and weaknesses before the course begins. Think about what you want to achieve during the sessions.
2. Engage Actively: Stay alert and ask questions. Small class sizes make it easier to get personalised help. If you’re shy, approach the tutor during breaks.
3. Be Prepared: Bring your notes, handouts, highlighters, and any past assessments. Sharing your previous work helps tutors tailor the sessions to your needs.
4. Practise, Practise, Practise: The real work starts once your Justin Craig course ends. Ask yourself how you are applying the new knowledge and skills you’ve gained, and actively seek out as many opportunities as possible to put them into practice.

Advice for Students in 1-2-1 Online Tuition

Setting Up:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Ensure you’re in a distraction-free environment.
2. Check Your Technology: A stable WiFi connection and a laptop (where both your camera and mic are working, please test this before your lesson) are essential. Have pen and paper ready for additional notes.

Optimising Your Tutoring Sessions

Prepare Ahead: Inform your tutor in advance about the topics you want to cover (this can done in the Justin Craig student portal). This allows them to prepare thoroughly and ensures efficient use of session time.

Stay Organised: Keep track of your weak areas, key terms, and any assigned homework or reading. Review these before each session to enhance your learning experience.

Communicate Openly: Maintain regular communication with your tutor about your progress and any schedule changes. Provide feedback to help customize the sessions to your needs. Practice the skills and content covered during your sessions; consistent practice is crucial to mastering the writing style examiners expect. Developing your ability to think on your feet is essential, as exam questions can often be unpredictable.

Advice for Parents

Why Consider Additional Tutoring? Additional tutoring can be highly beneficial for your child, offering flexible scheduling and a less stressful learning environment. It provides a safe space for your child to succeed and learn from mistakes.

Staying Involved:

1. Engage Regularly: Discuss your child’s sessions with them to maintain their engagement. Show interest in their progress to make learning a collaborative effort. You could test your child’s knowledge and have them explain the theory to you, as teaching the material to someone else is one of the most effective ways to learn.
2. Communicate with Tutors: Regular updates from tutors can help you understand your child’s progress and any areas of concern. Tutors can recommend useful revision materials and resources.
3. Create a Communication Channel: Consider setting up suitable with the tutor and your child to keep communication transparent and regular.

By following these tips, students can make the most of their Justin Craig courses, and parents can effectively support their child’s learning journey.