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Exams and Revision
Key Revision Strategies
Effective revision is not just about reviewing information but also about how and when you do it. The Forgetting Curve, developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that we forget information rapidly unless we review it over time. To combat this, spaced repetition—reviewing material at increasing intervals—helps reinforce learning and improve long-term retention. The strategies below incorporate this principle to maximise your revision efficiency. Year 11 is a challenging year and therefore it is important to embrace habits that can be maintained.
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Create a Realistic and Specific Exam Timetable
A well-structured revision timetable should be realistic (balancing study and breaks) and specific (focusing on precise topics and techniques rather than broad subjects). Instead of scheduling “Maths revision,” plan “Algebra: solving equations using Sparxs” or “Biology: photosynthesis mind map” This targeted approach ensures efficient use of revision time and allows for spaced repetition of key topics.
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Revise What You Don’t Know
Before starting revision, identify knowledge gaps by using mind maps or Cornell notes. Mind mapping helps visualise connections between topics, while Cornell notes allow you to summarise key points and both allow you to test your recall. Once you’ve created a mind map or Cornell notes from memory, go back through your notes and add in any missing information using a different colour. This highlights weaker areas, allowing you to prioritise them in future revision sessions.
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Make Flashcards Using the Leitner Method
Flashcards are a powerful revision tool, especially for memorising facts, definitions, and key concepts. Make flashcards from the information you couldn’t recall using the mind map or Cornell method. Then use the Leitner Method to test yourself on your flash cards as it improves retention by spacing out reviews based on how well you know the information—cards you struggle with are reviewed more frequently, while easier ones are revised less often. This method aligns with spaced repetition, reinforcing knowledge over time. Watch this video for more information on the Leitner Method
Practise Past Paper Questions
Past exam questions help you understand the format, timing, and types of questions likely to appear in your exam. They also allow you to apply knowledge in an exam-like setting, improving your ability to recall information under pressure. Marking your answers against official mark schemes helps identify areas for improvement, making future revision sessions more targeted and effective.
EXAMINATIONS INFORMATION
SUMMER 2024 EXAMS:
Formal written exams have been scheduled by the JCQ to run between 9th May and 26th June 2024.
Results Days for Summer 2024 Exams:
Results days will take place on:
Thursday 15th August 2024: GCE (AS/A-Level) and BTEC Level 3 results
Thursday 22nd August 2024: GCSE and BTEC Level 2 results
Results will be issued in the main Hall (AG01) which will be accessible from the College's main Reception from 9:00am on both days. If you are driving to the College to collect your results, please ensure you park in the Leisure Centre car park.
Please note that we are unable to issue results over the telephone or by email but students unable to attend will be able to view their results via Edulink from 2pm on the relevant afternoon. If students wish to nominate someone to collect their results on their behalf, they will need to email the Exams Office (exams@uckfield.college) with details by no later than Monday 12th August. The person who is nominated will need to provide photo ID (e.g. driving licence or passport) when collecting the results.
Certificates from the Summer 2023 Exams
These will be issued to students at the annual Presentation Evenings which this year are currently scheduled to be held on Tuesday 5th December for Year 11 students and Thursday 14th December for 6th Form students. If you are unable to attend, you must make arrangements with the Exams Office (exams@uckfield.college) to collect them at an alternative time - CERTIFICATES WILL NOT BE POSTED OUT. Any certificates from these exams that remain uncollected by 31st December 2023 will be destroyed in accordance with exam Board requirements and the student will be responsible for obtaining replacements and for the cost of doing so. Please note that photo ID will need to be presented when certificates are collected. Please be aware that certificates are legal documents and they will not be issued without the correct documentation.
IMPORTANT - COLLECTION OF CERTIFICATES FROM THE SUMMER 2022 EXAMS
If students are still needing to collect exam certificates from the summer 2022 exams (or wish to nominate someone to collect those on your behalf), please contact the Exams Office (via email to exams@uckfield.college). Any certificates from this series not collected by 31st December 2022 will be destroyed and the student will be responsible for obtaining replacements and for the cost of doing so.
Information To Be Read By All Students Taking Exams:
Coursework assessments GCE ELC and project
Video To Be Watched By All Students Taking Exams:
Post Results Services
Information on the various Post Result Services offered by the Exam Boards can be found by following the links in the section below.
Individual exam Board and JCQ Post-results services information
Examinations Timetables
Individual Exam Board Timetables (follow links below):
