We wanted to share key subject information to support Year 11 in the lead up to the “trial” (mock) exams in November. Working towards GCSE exams is like running a marathon, not a sprint. The race started in year 7 and you have now entered the closing stages, it can seem that this is the most difficult phase, but you have completed much of the hard work already.
The key to overcoming the final stages and making your exams a success is revising little and often because it is more sustainable than last-minute cramming and you will feel more confident and optimistic about being successful. Therefore, please read this document carefully, together with a family member, it is full of top tips, equipment lists and key revision resources for each subject.
Please visit our new Y11 Information page for all the latest updates on important dates, exam timetables, revision sessions, the Year 11 prom and results day.
Important Dates-
Year 11 Parents Evening- 19th October
Year 11 Trials (Mocks)- 7th-30th November
Year 11 Mock College Interviews- 1st December
Year 11 Mock results day- 8th December
Year 11 Summer Exams- 9th May- 19th June
Year 11 Prom- 28th June
Get Organised!
- You need to get yourself some revision resources e.g., highlighters, coloured pens, paper, cue cards.
- Create a folder for each subject for all your revision materials.
- Put a topic list at the front of your folder for each subject.
- RAG (Red /Amber / Green) the topic lists to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Make sure you plan in time for you with things you enjoy doing.
Equipment List- Non-Negotiable
This equipment list is for all lessons and needs to be present every school day not just for exams.
- Clear pencil case.
- Minimum 3 working black pens.
- Purple and green pens.
- Minimum 3 pencils + pencil sharpener.
- Eraser.
- Complete maths set plus scientific calculator.
- 3 different coloured highlighters.
Top tips from 2023 Leavers
- Be organised early, don’t leave revision until Easter; the sooner you start, the easier it will become.
- Try to take mocks as an opportunity rather than a threat. It may seem scary having all these exams, but it is a great way to learn how to prepare for the real thing and get used to the environment.
- When revising, don’t just read textbooks, make sure to do practice papers as well, teachers are usually more than happy to mark them for you and give you feedback.
- Keep a Balance– Still make time to do the things you enjoy.
- Remember that the rest of the school look up to you, set a good example for them!
- Vary how you revise, don’t do the same method for all your subjects as firstly some ways may not work for all subjects and secondly, it will get repetitive, and you will lose interest in what you’re doing.
- If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. Even ask a different teacher as they may be able to explain something in a different way than which may make more sense.
- If you worry about exams, then it’s best to talk to someone before it gets worse and negatively affects your performance.
- Finally, year 11 is your last year of proper school and college is very different so enjoy it!
When should I revise?
To revise effectively, you must think hard. Thinking hard is tiring. Therefore, when you revise, you should choose a time when find it easiest to focus. This should be a time when you are well-rested and when you are used to working. This time can be different for different people. Find what works for you.
- Revising when you are tired = Reduced output as time increases.
- Revising when you are well-rested= Work harder and better for longer.
You should also take regular breaks when you revise.
- Revising without a break: = As time increase focus decreases.
- Revising with small regular breaks = With regular breaks focus is maintained throughout.
What’s your ‘why’?
Intrinsic motivation is a key driver when it comes to staying disciplined and focused with your revision. Having an underlying reason why you want to succeed will help you develop and sustain good revision habits.
Such reasons shared by past students include:
- To get better grades.
- To make parents/ family proud of me.
- Personal pride in my achievements / satisfaction in knowing I did my best.
- To have opportunities and success when I am older / achieve great things.
- To get into college (and university) on the course I want.
- To prove I can do it/prove doubters wrong/exceed expectations of others.
- To have a specific job / career.
- To inspire other people / be a role model to siblings.
The Importance of balance
- Plan in time for hobbies and activities you enjoy.
- Taking part in regular physical activity.
- See friends and family.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Being organised; planning and pacing work.
- Taking regular breaks from revision and studying.
- Practice mindfulness.
Prom Qualification Criteria
During Year 11 students will have to meet a Prom qualification criterion: to attend Prom you will be asked to do the following things:
Targets from 1st December – 19th June:
- 0 Suspensions
- No more than 5% late to lessons
- No more than 10 W4’s
- 100 Reward points (net score)
Failing these targets will automatically lose the invitation to prom.
You will gain reward points for positive “Perins Values” actions during year 11.
You will lose points for negative actions during year 11.
You will get a monthly update, if you are below the threshold then you will not be able to attend.
You and your parents will receive the monthly update. There will be no “nasty surprises”.
Actions to gain points:
- Perins Value reward points
- Attendance of over 95%
- Attendance at revision sessions
- Postcard home/ Equivalent
Actions to lose points:
- Poor uniform
- Lateness
- Behaviour Points
- W4/Parking
- Suspensions
All final decisions on Prom attendance are decided by the head of school and senior team.
