Exams are not a natural component of the human physiology or condition. Homosapiens did not evolve in the E African rift with a pen in hand, flash cards at the ready and a timer sitting threateningly in front. But they are important and they are coming for all of you in one form or another. By the time that this assembly goes out Year 10 will be just about to experience the initial salvo, and from this week on the Sports Hall will be doubling up in core purpose, spending just as much time as a glorified factory farm for student scripts as it does for sporting exploits. Year 12 will follow after the Easter break, Years 7-9 shortly after that and then the main external papers at GCSE and A Level begin. Right now we are on the threshold of testing territory.
And that territory will be quite unfamiliar to some of you – because of the pandemic. We managed to fit in more familiarisation, mocks and tests than most other schools. Even so muscle memory in the brain will have probably faded, and for some it will be a question of finding your way. Sitting exams is, I think, a little reminiscent of speaking a second language – use it or lose it is the cliché, and there’s truth in that. Exam technique needs ‘honing’ says a million reports countrywide, and it’s true – but what does it mean and how can you do it? You’ll be given lots of advice in all of your different subjects, so listen to what your teachers say, but here are a few generics – they can apply almost anywhere.
1. Chunking – split up what you need to learn, understand and know into smaller, digestible pieces. Don’t try to climb a mountain all at one go – and don’t be scared of it either!
2. Tackling – focus on the bits that you don’t know and get to grips with them first. The confidence builders will follow on nicely.
3. Timing – make the clock your servant rather than being its slave. In Geology its usually a minute a mark. Check.
4. Reading – read, re-read and read the question again. Answer what is actually asked not what you’d like to be asked.
5. Triggering – look for those command words and attack them. Describe, explain, compare, analyse, detail, calculate – they are all specific and you must hit the target.
6. Doing – you get better through practice, through doing, not just thinking about work.
Chunking – Tackling – Timing – Reading – Triggering – Doing
Exam success is no accident, no fluke, and not an act of providence. Divine intervention won’t happen and the planets won’t align for you at the snap of our fingers. Last minute flapping won’t deliver, it’s all about the longer game, planning and stress management. You need creative tension but not high stakes. Just like a pressure gauge on a steam engine, all of that is under your control.
So – switch off your social media, go to bed early and sleep well, eat well and exercise every day. Its been some time since we’ve had a full exam season at Bishops – but there’s absolutely no reason why 2022 should not be a huge success as we all emerge from the shadow of Covid.
Whichever year group you’re in – plan your time over the Easter break and the weeks beyond and the very best of luck – You’ve got this!
SDS
Assembly Reading for Wednesday 30/3/22
