Revision

Is it that time of year again - exam time? Spring brings revision to the front of our minds just as the sun begins to shine and the garden starts to look inviting - unless you suffer from hay fever (Check out the forecast here) It is a stressful time for children and parents , so what can parents do to help?

It is a fine line between encouraging and nagging and no parent will get it right all the time. It is probably better to encourage by deed rather than word. Ask if they have everything they need in the way of books and stationary. Also ask if their study area is conducive to working. Some kids need to be alone to concentrate; others can work quite happily in the front room with the TV on and the rest of the family chatting away.

Respect their working style and they will study better. Ask them what time they want to have a break and don't then offer drinks and snacks every half an hour!

There are lots of websites offering revision advice. Most offer basic information and explanations. The best seems to be the BBC schools site which includes GCSE Bitesize. This offers both information and questions to get you thinking as well as some ideas on what constitutes a good exam answer. There is also a section with A-Level information.

Some other sites

• S-Cool.co.uk
  Education site for students at school in the UK. Revision and teaching materials for GCSE / A-levels, hints and tips for passing exams and more.
• Need2Know
  Revison help including identifying your study style and nutrition.
• Revision World
  A fun and free revision resource for GCSE and AS & A2 Levels. Subjects include English, Maths, Languages, Sciences, History, Geography, RS and ICT.
  

Appeals Procedures

If your child has got a place at the school of your choice you may consider appealing. Each area of the country will have it's own appeals procedure and you should receive information about this when you are informed of your child's school place. General information can be found at Directgov. You can also download the School Admission Appeals Code of Practice.

Good luck to all of you who are taking exams.

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