Revision GuideRevision Guide

ARTHUR MELLOWS VILLAGE COLLEGE

2014

Year 11 Year 11

2

Introduction

Planning your Revision

How should I revise?

Exam Advice

Tips for Students

Tips for Parents

Revision / Booster Timetable

Exam Timetable Summer 2014

Departments

English

Mathematics

Science

Art and Design

Dance BTEC

Dance GCSE

Food

Geography

Graphics

History

Modern Foreign Languages

Music

PE

RE Short Course

RE Full Course

Resistant Materials

Textiles

3

4 - 7

8 - 10

10 - 11

12

13 - 14

15

16 - 17

18 - 20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 29

30

31

32

33

34

35

CONTENTS

3

PLANNING YOUR REVISION

HowHow

WhenWhen

WhereWhere

HowHow should I revise?

As ACTIVELY as possible!!!

Revision is NOT just re-reading your notes/textbooks/revision guides.

When When should I revise Your revision needs to be planned in relation to when your exams are, so you will need: A calendar of when your exams are A revision planner which allows for

PLENTY of time to revise before each exam

Where Where should I revise In a quiet room (maybe a bedroom) with: A comfortable temperature Good lighting A table to work at A clock

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HOW SHOULD I REVISE?

Find the technique which works best for Find the technique which works best for youyou

You may find that different techniques work for different You may find that different techniques work for different subjectssubjects

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HOW SHOULD I REVISE?

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HOW SHOULD I REVISE?

Get someone to test you from the notes/revision cards/mindmaps/revision posters that you have created

Record yourself reading through your notes/revision cards/mindmaps and play it back to yourself when relaxing/sleeping

Use mnemonics

MnemonicsMnemonics

Mnemonics are really simple but very useful for revision. You can use them to remember a sequence of events, a list of facts or parts of a process. To create a Mnemonic all you have to do is write down a list of facts or information. Here’s an example designed to help remember the order of the planets that circle our sun. The first thing to do is write them down in order: Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto Then take the first letter from each of the planet names: M V E M J S U N P Then you create a memorable sentence or phrase that uses each of the letters above in turn as the first letter of each word in my new sentence My Very Early Morning Jam Sandwich Usually Nauseates People Doing this helps you to create something memorable that you can decode when you need to.

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HOW SHOULD I REVISE?

Add Add ccoolloouur as this may help you to remember the picturesr as this may help you to remember the pictures

Pin them up in a place where you will see them oftenPin them up in a place where you will see them often

Highlight key points/points to Highlight key points/points to learnlearn

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EXAM ADVICE -Tips for students

SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR REVISION

Purchase, or get your parents to purchase, a set of files especially for your revision – one for each exam you will take.

File handouts and information from lessons in the relevant files at the end of each day.

Start revision EARLY – allowing at least 2 weeks for each exam. The sooner you start, the less you will have to do each day and the less stressed out you will be.

The most important thing is to make a realistic revision timetable that you will stick to. Allow plenty of time for setting up your revision plan and rope your parents into helping you.

Try to get (or share with a friend) one good revision book, CD-ROM, or aid for each subject. These do much of the initial work for you by breaking the subject matter

down into “do-able” chunks and key facts. Be selective about which ones you buy – check with your subject teacher.

Keep all necessary equipment in one place to save you looking for pens etc.

DOING THE REVISION

Go to all your lessons and make them work for YOU. Make the most of your subject teacher’s knowledge about the subject, revision and exam techniques.

Find out about good and bad revision techniques and try them out to find out what works for you. The key thing is to reduce the notes you work from to a single A4 page by the night before the exam – look briefly at the notes you make a day later, a week later and just before the exam. This WORKS!

Match the revision notes you make to the sort of questions you will be asked in the exam. Get hold of past papers from your teachers or from the internet.

Have clear and specific goals for each revision session, for example “at the end of this session I will be able to answer one set of speaking questions in German and include tenses.”

Have a start and finish time and stick to them.

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EXAM ADVICE - Tips for students

Get into the routine of following your revision plan. If you REALLY do not feel like it then tell yourself that you will only do it for 20 minutes and then decide whether to carry on or not. At least you will have done 20 minutes. IGNORE the impulse to help with the dishes or tidy your room for the first time in 3 years.

Clear your head before you begin. Write down anything troubling you and tell yourself you will deal with that later.

Build in short breaks.

Drink water and get fresh air. Keep the temperature cool.

Do not leave the difficult bits to the end.

STOP and take a break if you are becoming frustrated, angry or overwhelmed. Try to identify what is causing the problem and talk to someone about possible solutions.

Do not waste time struggling - note down anything you are finding difficult or just do not understand and take it to your next lesson. ASK FOR HELP.

Do something relaxing between revising and bedtime.

Take a day off and do something completely different.

Focus on what you have done, not all the things you have not – every little helps.

Promise yourself little rewards after each session eg: watching a favourite TV show.

At the end of each session, file away your notes and clutter so that your work area is clear for the next session.

Do not be influenced by your friends who may talk about how little revision/work they are doing. Your results do not matter to them, but they will be really important to you. Tell yourself that it is not for long and think of that long summer holiday.

BEFORE THE EXAM

Know your exam timetable.

Know when and where you need to be each day and plan to get there early.

Allow time for your brain to wake up. Have a shower or bath and make sure you eat breakfast or other energy giving food.

Make sure you have EVERYTHING you will need.

Take a pen you enjoy writing with!

Keep to your normal routine. Go to bed and get up at the normal time.

Go to the toilet before the exam begins.

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EXAM ADVICE - Tips for students

DURING THE EXAM

Remember that nervousness is normal and will give your brain extra adrenalin which will help you make that final effort.

If your mind goes blank at any stage, do not panic! Turn the paper over and take a couple of deep breaths. There will be some of the paper that you can do, so re-read it again – slowly and calmly!

Remind yourself of the exam structure. READ the instructions and skim through the paper before you start to write!

If appropriate, spend 5 minutes at the start of the exam writing down any key formulae, facts or quotes that you are going to need so that you will not forget them or leave them out.

Make and keep to a timescale for each question depending on the number of marks awarded. DO NOT spend too long on one question – you can come back to it if you have time.

Allow a few minutes at the end of the exam to check through your work and make any changes.

Many parents feel at a loss when their children enter their examination years, but your involvement during Year 11 can make an enormous difference, the difference between success and failure.

The College has an important role to play and can provide the teaching and resources to help your child acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to do the best in each subject. Unfortunately for us, from the teenage perspective, interest and effort in education and the long-term benefits these can bring often come quite low on their priority list. This is where you come in. You are the expert on your child and your support, encouragement and interest can make a huge difference to your child’s motivation and ability to cope with the demands of their final GCSE year.

Your role may include some or all of the following:

Making sure your child understands the importance of making the most of lesson times.

Providing the tools for homework and revision; a quiet space to work and a “workbox” of pens, paper and other necessities.

Showing a positive interest in your son / daughter’s school work and helping with homework (but not doing it for them), testing them when they ask you etc.

Advising your child on how they can break tasks down so that they are manageable, keeping a subtle eye on progress and celebrating achievements, and seeing a positive way forward when things go badly!

Agree the rules for homework, coursework and revision.

Helping make a realistic timetable, balancing work against the “fun stuff” and revising the plans as necessary.

Acting as a go-between for your child and the College when necessary. Make sure problems are nipped in the bud and ask the questions that your child can not or will not.

Providing information: finding copies of old exam papers, searching out websites.

EXAM ADVICE - Tips for Parents

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EXAM ADVICE - Tips for Parents

Coursework can prove a real challenge for parents. Your most important role, as always, is to encourage and praise and show an interest by talking to your child about their coursework. Here are some other things you can do to help.

Put key dates and deadlines in your own diary so that you can support before the “panic stage.”

Take the opportunity to discuss how the coursework is going, and if there are any difficulties you can help with.

For some children who are not well-organised, you may need to have more knowledge about specific coursework requirements in order to be able to offer support.

Make copies for yourself of coursework descriptions as many students lose these, only realising when it is too late.

Help your child to use the internet to search for relevant materials and information.

Talk about whether or not music or TV will help or hinder them. However, as always with teenagers, be prepared to compromise – if they get the work done with the TV on, it is probably not an issue. If necessary, agree a trial period on their terms and review how they are getting on.

Keep a balance between their social life, work commitments and studying. Agree a homework / revision schedule and encourage your son / daughter to stick to it.

If they tell you that they do not have any coursework or homework in Year 11 – this is not true. Make contact with the College if in any doubt.

The key to coursework issues is catching the problem early. If, despite your best efforts, there are deadlines looming and work has still not started, you will need to address the issue with both the College and with your child. Encourage your child to talk about the problems honestly, accept how things are and look for a workable solution.

If your child is clearly behind with coursework or you see that they are becoming overwhelmed with a backlog of work, make an appointment to speak to the Head of Year at the College sooner rather than later, while there is still time to put things right.

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REVISION / BOOSTER TIMETABLE

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EXAM TIMETABLE

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EXAM TIMETABLE

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Most students do 2 GCSEs: English Language (4705) and English Literature (4710) - both done through AQA.

Some students do just one GCSE: GCSE English (4700) again through AQA

Revision materials: English Language / GCSE English:

http://store.aqa.org.uk/resourceZone/pdf/english/AQA-4700-4705-W-TRB-STARWNFT.PDF

English Literature:

http://store.aqa.org.uk/2010ready/AQA-ENG-ALL-W-TRBPOETRY.PDF

Specific revision tips for English:

If the exam has a set text (a novel, short stories or poetry) make sure you know these incredibly well. A novel should have been read at least three times before you take an exam on it and poems/short stories should have been read at least ten times!

For the Language exam, look at the world around you! How are pictures and headlines used to effect in newspapers? How does a box of cereal use language to persuade you it is healthy and that you should buy it? How does a website structure itself to make it easy for you to follow and access the information you need?

For the literature exam (Year 11), think about how the way a poem is structured adds to the way you interpret it. Which words are given prominence by being placed at the beginning of lines? Which words rhyme and why? Are all lines the same length? Why not? Ask yourself and your teacher all the questions that go through your head as they will help you in an exam!

Revision resources for parents:

http://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/pages/productDetail.asp?book=ERHR43

http://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/pages/productDetail.asp?book=ARHR42

Both of these will be available through the school at reduced prices after February half term.

Ones we won't be selling ourselves but parents might find useful are:

http://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/pages/productDetail.asp?book=EAHP42

http://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/pages/productDetail.asp?book=ETO43

ENGLISH

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COURSE DETAIL Year 11 students will be completing the linear GCSE course in the Summer. In response to the November examinations, some students may complete the Summer GCSE examination at a different tier to maximise their achievement. EDEXCEL LINEAR COURSE Two examinations at the end of Year 11. One examination is a non calculator paper (50%) One examination is a calculator paper (50%) There is no coursework. RESOURCES Mathswatch CD’s. Sold to students previously, these can still be purchased from Mr Cradock. Revision guides and workbooks (sold to students in Year 10 and Year 11. If they were not purchased at the time we recommend you buy the appropriate level CGP workbook and revision guide). Exam papers provided for revision to enhance exam technique and mathematical understanding. Useful websites for revision www.mymaths.co.uk www.emaths.co.uk www.webmaths.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths

EQUIPMENT This equipment is needed for all of the exams and all lessons to ensure students are well prepared. Black Pen Pencil Ruler Protractor Calculator Pair of Compasses Eraser

STUDENTS NEED TO

Ensure you show working out for each question (marks are specifically awarded)

Write down anything entered into a calculator

Answer questions stating units (eg Area-cm2)

Make sure the final answer is clear

Do not cross any working out, it may get marks

Ensure you write all answers and workings out within the frame of the question

Be aware papers are scanned and marked online (be careful when using a pencil)

Actively check answers (do not just look at them): Is your probability answer less than 1? Does the enlarged shape appear to be in the correct proportions? Add up the ratio answers, do they make the correct amount? Substitute your answers to equations and simultaneous equations to check they are correct

MATHEMATICS

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WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Ensure students are completing homework tasks

Make sure students have the correct equipment for lessons including a calculator (see previous page)

Ensure students do not leave revision to the last minute (help them create a revision timetable) for each exam

Test their knowledge/memory of key formulae

Encourage students to use the Mathswatch revision CD on a regular basis

Ensure students use the revision guide and workbook (CGP).

Encourage students to demonstrate a method to you (teach you)

Encourage students to use their maths skills in practical situations at home or when out : Estimating lengths, distances, speed, weight, time, cost etc Applying arithmetic by adding up a bill Calculating sale reductions in shops Calculating VAT on products Arithmetic skills (30 sec./1 minute tests in newspapers) Reinforce times tables Braintraining (on games consoles).

MATHEMATICS

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ADDITIONAL SCIENCE

EXAM DETAILS (OCR 21st Century Science (suite A))

There are two tiers of entry: Higher Level (Grades A* to E) Foundation Level (Grades C to G)

FOR ALL PAST PAPERS: http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/prepare-and-practise/past-papers-finder/ RESOURCES Revision guides (bought through the department) Revision using past questions prior to the unit exams: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2006/tfcss/add_science_a/documents/

Useful websites for help

http://www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.org/?q=teaching-resources/useful-weblinks - further links to additional science resources

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr/ - for Additional Science

www.docbrown.info/page20/OCRsciA21stC.htm - lots of Chemistry revision

http://www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.org/?q=teaching-resources/useful-weblinks - further weblinks for Additional Science

http://getrevising.co.uk/ free registration, revision activities, quizzes, questions, advise on revision planning

SCIENCE

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APPLIED SCIENCE

EXAM DETAILS (OCR 21st Century Science (suite A))

There are two tiers of entry: Higher Level (Grades A* to E) Foundation Level (Grades C to G)

FOR ALL PAST PAPERS: http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/prepare-and-practise/past-papers-finder/ RESOURCES Revision guides (bought through the Science department).

SCIENCE

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TRIPLE SCIENCE

Exam Details (OCR 21st Century Science (suite A))

There are two tiers of entry:

Higher Level (Grades A* to E)

Foundation Level (Grades C to G)

FOR ALL PAST PAPERS:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/prepare-and-practise/past-papers-finder/

Websites for revision/ extension materials

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2006/tfcss/biology_a/documents/ - Biology past papers

and mark schemes

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2006/tfcss/chemistry_a/documents/ - Chemistry past

papers and mark schemes

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2006/tfcss/physics_a/documents/ - Physics past papers

and mark schemes

http://www.docbrown.info/page20/OCRsciA21stC.htm - lots of chemistry revision

http://www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.org/?q=teaching-resources/useful-weblinks - Further Biology (B7),

Chemistry (C7) and Physics (P7) Weblinks

http://getrevising.co.uk/ free registration, revision activities, quizzes, questions, advice on revision

planning

SCIENCE

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ART AND DESIGN Edexcel 2FAOL Personal portfolio FAO1 Externally set assignment FAO2 Students are required to produce a folder of work that covers four major areas: AO1 - Develop ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding AO2 - Experiment and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes AO3 - Record ideas AO4 - Present a personal and meaningful response. The coursework needs to be completed around Christmas, in Year 11, this then allows time to prepare for the examination. Coursework accounts for 60% of the overall marks. The examination paper is given out 6 weeks prior to a 10 hour examination. Students will prepare a folder of work similar to their coursework in lesson time and then produce a final piece during a 2 day examination. This examination takes place in early April.

HOW YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE HIGH MARKS AO1

Visit galleries and make notes on paintings Use the National Gallery and other art gallery websites Copy the technique used by the artist Write about the art work, what does it mean, do you like it and why?

AO2 Use Photoshop to manipulate photographs Try out different ideas for a final piece Experiment with different materials such as clay or printing

AO3 Draw from observation Take your own photographs Draw using different materials

A04 Plan it well Talk to your teacher to ensure you are meeting all the criteria Think about scale Be brave

Useful websites

National Gallery

Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Artenclyclopedia.com

Julia Stubbs FINALLY

After school art club runs every Tuesday from

3.10 pm to 4.30 pm

Use the art block at dinner time.

Listen to your teacher.

Do all your homework really well.

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DANCE BTEC BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts (Dance)

COURSE OUTLINE Learners will follow the BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts course for 6 lessons per cycle. Over a one year course, learners will be required to complete assignments in the following:

Unit 4 Dance Skills

Unit 2 Preparation, Performance and Production

Unit 1 Individual Showcase ASSESSMENT Each Unit will consist of a number of tasks. As well as written evidence, students will showcase their practical work in a number of performances. Each assignment will be graded as one of:

Level 1

Level 2 Pass

Level 2 Merit

Level 2 Distinction It is absolutely essential that ALL assignments are completed. There is no end of course exam. A pass or better in each assignment will result in a BTEC First Diploma. This equates to one GCSE. GRADING Unit 4 Dance Skills (60 credits) Unit 2 Preparation, Performance and Production (30 credits) Unit 1 Individual Showcase (30 credits) CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK Our aim in Dance is to give learners every opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve the best grade they are capable of. In order to do this, learners will need to complete all the class and homework which is set by their teachers. If they miss a lesson it is a requirement that they catch up with the work before their next lesson so they do not fall behind. Learners should practice to build confidence and give the best performance they can. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!

Use lunchtimes or after school clubs to develop technical abilities and performance skills

Work together as a company

Be organised; marks can be gained by having correct kit and being on time!

Make the most of rehearsal time This is a Performance subject, which means performing alone and with a group to an audience. EXPECTATIONS √ Be on time to every lesson √ Bring suitable dance kit to every lesson √ All written work needs to be well presented as in any other subject and must be placed in the correct

section in folders √ When watching others perform, be respectful by watching, listening, and definitely NOT talking. Anybody

disrespecting anyone else’s performance will automatically get a detention √ Each student is responsible for warming up appropriately √ Written work is equally important to learn as practical work √ All assessments/exams will be performed in bare feet, it is a requirement from the exam board √ You will receive homework, like any other subject and this needs to be completed by the deadline. This can

be both practical/ theoretical homework √ It is a requirement that all students attend the technique class after school. Teachers should be informed in advance if a learner cannot attend a class and the reason for this.

Useful Resource: BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts Dance Study Skills guide or ISBN Number 9781846905698 www.pearsonhotlinks.co.uk

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DANCE GCSE

UNIT 1: CRITICAL APPRECIATION OF DANCE- WRITTEN PAPER 50 MARKS (20%)

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT:

Accurate description, evaluation and analysis of the constituent features of two professional works. (Nutcracker! Choreographed by Matthew Bourne and Dance Tek Warriors choreographed by Doug Elkins)

Accurate description, evaluation and analysis of action, space, dynamic. Spatial content of the chosen works

Ability to use appropriate dance terminology Ability to reflect on own performance and choreographic work

SET WORKS NUTCRACKER! and DANCE TEK WARRIORS You must know the following: Choreographer, title and year of

choreography Action, space, dynamics and relationship Accompaniment Lighting Set Design Props Dancers-number, gender and role Stimulus/theme/idea Costume Dance style Technical and expressive skills Structure Choreographic devices

CHOREOGRAPHY How did you take the following things into consideration when creating your choreography? Movement vocabulary Action/Space/Dynamics/Relationships Creating motifs Developing/varying movement ideas Choreographic devices Form of the dance Structure Communication choreographic intention Investigating ideas Improvising Evaluating Aural Setting – accompaniment. Music

visualisation etc. Physical setting – dance environment Costume

DANCE SKILLS Factors that influence the achievement of a high quality dance performance: Commitment Identification of expressive skills/

awareness of the features of the dance Evaluation of strengths/weaknesses/

improvement Mental rehearsal Repetition of performance Using ICT to monitor and evaluate

performance Use of video and peer evaluation

Physical skills Interpretative skills

Posture/alignment Control Mobility Strength Co-ordination

Focus Projection Sense of style Musicality

BOOKS: AQA GCSE Dance 2nd Edition. Pam Howard and Anne Percival DVD’s: Nutcracker! And Dance Tek Warriors WEBSITES: www.aqa.org.uk/London Dance/ Matthew Bourne/Union Dance

GOOD STUDIO PRACTICE Personal Care Safe practice in the performance of dance

skills Safe practice when working or taking

rehearsals with others Avoidance and care of injury Health and safety in the performance space

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FOOD

Design Question In March 2014 you will be given a preparation sheet for the exam. This will tell you the topic of the design question. Approximately 30 marks are awarded for the design question, this will involve two designs and subsequent questions based on your designs.

Don’t forget to read the criteria carefully and make sure your design ideas

meet the criteria you have been given! If it says design a savoury biscuit, don’t put jam in it!

Other Questions The rest of the questions will be based on the syllabus we covered in Year 10.

Nutrients and their functions Functions of Ingredients

Equipment

Hygiene and safety

Packaging

Labelling Storage

Special diets

Standard Components

Environmental, moral and

social issues effecting food

choices

Good luck!

Mrs Bowman, Mrs Clark, Mrs Turtle

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GEOGRAPHY

Exam Board and Specification- Edexcel linear exam Specification B Exams they will take in summer

Unit 1: Dynamic Planet (this is a traditional type of exam about Physical Geography)

Unit 2: People and the Planet (this is a traditional type of exam about Human Geography)

Unit 3: Geographical Decisions (this is an exam based around a small booklet about a Geographical issue).

Revision Techniques Parents should use the revision booklets and materials given out during Parents’ Evening and follow the revision programme to test their son/daughter on key vocabulary and examples. Students should attend revision sessions during Monday lunchtime or Tuesday and Wednesday after school. Use past papers to practise questions. Make a list of all of the examples on revision cards with at least two specific facts and figures. Make sure they hand in practise exam questions to teachers for marking and feedback. Use the resources from the intranet on the Humanities section, there are also a bank of past exam papers on the intranet. For those aiming for top grades, as most of the Geography is about current issues, reading a newspaper and watching the news regularly is very helpful. Useful Websites The Edexcel website is very user friendly and has lots of resources. The BBC bitesize website also has a good overview of the Geography that they are studying (but not the specific examples). For those aiming for top grades, doing their own research about the examples we use, for example the Mount St Helens volcanic eruption in 1980, would also be helpful. Resources for parents to purchase A quality newspaper (such as the Independent/Times/Guardian/Telegraph) for their son/daughter to read. Other than this, if they use the revision booklets, materials from Parents’ Evening and websites, they do not need to buy anything.

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GRAPHICS

KEY POINTS

Controlled assessment is 60% of the final grade, the written examination is 40%

Following deadlines work will be assessed and students will then be given time to add any missing work to help improve their grade

Lessons will be revision based once controlled assessment is complete

The focus of the initial lessons will be based on the preparation sheet written by the exam board for section A. Revision will then be based on anything we have covered on the course. Their previous projects, mock exams and controlled assessment notes are equally invaluable. Practice exam questions and papers will be given

There is one 2 hour exam paper

The exam paper will ask students to design a given item, to develop it and to produce a final design. Theory questions will cover all of the specification and quality of written communication. Each question recommends a time limit for that question. Details of what the exam board will accept and how to structure answers will be given in lessons

A* grades can only be achieved by receiving very high marks on the exam and controlled assessment

Students will be given an AMVC revision guide using appropriate handouts, mind maps and materials to write notes in lessons and to complete at home

Exams tend to follow the same pattern and mock exam papers should be reread Students must equip themselves with pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener and coloured

pencils. ACTION Controlled assessment must be completed by the deadline. The Graphics rooms are always open

for students at lunchtimes and after school until 4.30 pm on Tuesdays

Students will be given the preparation sheet with a break down of lessons remaining and an outline of topics we plan to cover

The outline can be used for students to prepare and read topics prior to the lessons

Key notes will be covered in lessons. If students are absent it is their responsibility to catch up on work missed

Extended reading is essential and book titles and websites have been suggested RECOMMENDED TITLES

Graphics Revision Guide - This great new Revision Guide covers the AQA Graphic Products course just perfectly. There are concise study notes on every topic and lots of exam hints to make sure students do themselves justice when it comes to the exams and their projects. As if that was not enough, there are lots of helpful diagrams and practice questions on everything in the book.

CGP Books ISBN: 978 1 84762 3560

Any other revision guide suitable for AQA.

www.technologystudent.com – once the prep sheet is released this website usually provides students with revision for their specific exam.

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There are 2 examinations

Paper 1 covers International Relations with Germany and is worth 45% of the GCSE

Paper 2 covers Britain 1939—75 and is worth 30% of the GCSE

In addition, students are required to complete a Controlled Assessment regarding Russia which is worth 25% of the GCSE.

OCR Examination Board: Unit code is J417.

Resources:

BBC bitesize

schoolhistory.co.uk

spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk

Students will receive revision booklets. A recommended purchase is GCSE Modern World History by Ben Walsh.

History is all about learning the knowledge. You can help your child develop their historical knowledge by regularly testing them at home.

Students should make short, precise notes to learn from, post its around the house, mind maps/spider diagrams and best of all practice past questions which we can always supply.

GCSE MODERN

WORLD HISTORY

HISTORY

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

GCSE French (OCR J730) GCSE German (OCR J731)

PREPARING FOR THE LISTENING EXAM

Learn vocabulary (little and often)

Use websites to practice

Go back over past paper questions

Become familiar with different tasks

Listening to any French / German will help

(radio, internet, films, French / German TV )

GETTING READY FOR THE FINAL SPEAKING ASSESSMENT

Revise the topic in sizeable chunks

Start revising as early as you can - Don’t leave it until the end to revise

the whole topic.

Ensure all work has been corrected

Be accurate

Include a range of tenses

Use and adapt complex structures

Include opinions and justifications

Attend booster sessions

Make the most of the bullet points.

GETTING READY FOR THE FINAL WRITING ASSESSMENT

Be prepared, learn passages that have been marked.

Practice writing

Focus on accuracy (grammar and spelling)

Include complex structures

Think about structure

Variety of vocabulary

Make the most of the bullet points

PREPARING FOR THE READING EXAM

Learn vocabulary (little and often)

Use websites to practice

Go back over past paper questions

Become familiar with different tasks

Reading any French/German will help

(internet, films – subtitles in French /German, magazines)

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Internet Resources for GCSE German and French Revision

RESOURCE: www.klar.co.uk

User = amvc

Pass = modlangs

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

The ‘revision for GCSE’ section is the most helpful. There are loads of fun games, which give you

instant feedback, on topic vocabulary and role play phrases. There is also a section of ‘model

answers’ which is good for the conversation element of the speaking exam.

RESOURCE: www.linguascope.com (Please see MFL staff for Username and Password)

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

Enter the intermediate section, where you will find games and exercises

to help you remember topic vocabulary. There are also printable

worksheets for each topic.

RESOURCE: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

A good one for listening and reading practice. This is helpfully divided into foundation and higher

tasks. You are given instant feedback and useful exam tips.

RESOURCE: www.s-cool.co.uk

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

The ‘exam practice’ sections under each topic give model answers.

RESOURCE: www.gcse.com/german or french

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

Not as good as many, however there is an excellent article on reading exam tips, which is well

worth looking at.

RESOURCE: www.languagesonline.org.uk

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

There are hundreds of self marking exercises on all aspects of German grammar. Under the

‘Topics’ heading is where the two most useful things are located; ‘GCSE reading practice’ and

‘GCSE vocabulary revision.’

RESOURCE: www.wildfrench.co.uk

WHY IS IT USEFUL?

There are topic based revision sections. However most useful is the downloadable practice OCR

reading paper and a ‘practise your use of words that are often mixed up’ game.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

30

MUSIC Music GCSE

Exam Board: Edexcel

Exam Content:

Over the two years students will study twelve pieces of music from a wide range of musical styles and traditions. Students will be asked short answer questions on 8 of the 12 set pieces of music, and they will also choose one essay question out of a choice of two essay style questions. There are many key words and concepts for each piece that students need to know for each of the twelve pieces.

Set works:

Revision Tips:

The book pictured to the right is a great summary revision book for Edexcel GCSE music.

Youtube has clips of the set works, which give an analysis of each piece as it is playing.

The essay questions all have the same format. Students can practice these questions easily, working to keep their work organised under the 5 given headings. (See example question below)

Example Question:

“Comment on how Miles Davis uses the following musical elements in ‘All Blues’ ● Melody ● Harmony and Tonality ● Rhythm ● Texture ● Structure”

Websites:

There are many websites that will give you key facts and practice questions for each set work. Here are a couple, but there are many more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/

http://www.gcsemusic.info - good for key information

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gcse-music/id448664753?mt=8 - This is a great little revision app for iphone/ipad/mac

AOS 1 AOS 3

Handel – And the Glory of the Lord Grace – Jeff Buckley

Mozart – 1st Mov Symphony No.40 in Gm All Blues – Miles Davis

Chopin – Raindrop prelude Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad – Moby

AOS 2 AOS 4

Peripetie – Schoenberg Yiri – Koko

Electric Counterpoint – 3rd Mov (fast) Steve Reich Skye Waulking Song – Capercaillie

Somethings Coming - Bernstein Rag Desh – Anoushka Shankar, Gorn/Wertheimer, Tanwar

31

PE

Students will be sitting the AQA GCSE Physical Education (4890) paper on Friday 16 May 2014. Unit 3: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Full course) 1 hour 30 minutes written paper - this is worth 80 marks (40%) THE EXAM

The exam is split into three parts

The first question will be a multiple choice type question

The second part of the paper will be short answered questions

The third part of the paper will be a scenario based question (preliminary material) PRELIMINARY MATERIAL Scenario based information (preliminary material) has been released; students will study this in lessons and apply as much information as possible before the exam in preparation. This years pre-release is based on ‘Miss Tears’. It focuses on the sport of Netball and students will spend many lessons developing their understanding and revising the pre-released material. Specific PE tips:

Answer all questions Underline key words in the question Identify how many marks have been awarded and make that amount of separate points ie 3 marks

means write 3 answers

Give specific physical activity examples do not just name a sport ie dodging your opponent in Basketball

Try to answer all questions For additional information regarding the GCSE PE please go to AQA Homepage http://www.aqa.org.uk/ Search through subjects – GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/science/new/phy_edu_overview.php Click on Key Materials http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/science/new/phy_edu_materials.php Click on Question Papers and Mark Schemes Select the relevant exam paper Use the Mark scheme to correct answers REVISION GUIDES GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Complete Revision and Practice – CGP AQA PHYSICAL EDUCATION – GCSE – Nelson Thornes – Kirk Bizley Using past papers to test students is a great way for you as parents to help but any revision is good revision! Next term, students will be issued with a full list of revision topics to revise. These can be found by following the link above and then on GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION Homepage select Option ‘Key Materials’, select Specification then select Full Course June 2014 onwards. Teachers will continue to make themselves available Wednesday lunchtimes and Wednesday after school. Students are to speak to their class teacher if they need to arrange another after school session.

32

Top Tip: For each topic / issue, students must revise the following:

Definition (eg suicide is the act of ending your own life)

Christian views (both Catholic and Church of England)

Bible Quotes to support views (eg Do not Kill / Sanctity of life)

How Christian’s put their beliefs into action (The Samaritans was founded by a Christian)

To achieve higher marks and aim for the higher grades, students must ensure they thoroughly revise

the views of Christians on those issues as well as memorising a variety of Bible quotes.

Question E in the exam is the most crucial and will determine whether a student can achieve a higher

grade. Students will be presented with a statement eg “abortion is murder” and will have to thoroughly

discuss reasons for and against this statement.

They must present a balanced argument, emphasise Christian views and give a detailed personal

response to the issue.

RE GCSE SHORT COURSE (OCR J121) COURSE OUTLINE YEAR 10 Unit B603

Medical ethics (abortion, euthanasia, fertility treatment, vivisection and suicide)

Wealth and poverty (LEDC’s/MEDC’s, poverty in Britain, the right use of money, moral occupations) YEAR 11 Unit B604

Equality (racism, sexism, forgiveness)

Peace and Justice (war, pacifism, capital punishment) ASSESSMENT THERE IS NO COURSEWORK ELEMENT

Unit B603 and Unit B604 are examined at the end of Year 11. REVISION

Each student will be provided with a revision CD and guide to use for personal revision.

RE SHORT COURSE

33

Top Tip: For each topic / issue, students must revise the following:

Definition (eg capital punishment is the punishment of death for a

crime)

Hindu / Christian (both Catholic and Church of England) views

Bible Quotes to support views (eg Do not Kill / Sanctity of life / Love your enemies)

How Hindus / Christian’s put their beliefs into action Christians would support the work of Amnesty

International)

To achieve higher marks and aim for the higher grades, students must ensure they thoroughly revise

the views of Christians on those issues as well memorising a variety of Bible quotes.

Question E in the exam is the most crucial and will determine whether a student can achieve a higher

grade. Students will be presented with a statement eg “women should not become priests” and will

have to thoroughly discuss reasons for and against this statement.

RE GCSE Full Course (OCR J621)

COURSE OUTLINE

YEAR 11

Unit B602

Religion and Science (Hindu views on origins of humanity, Environment

and the use of animals)

Good and Evil (Hindu views on evil and suffering, nature of God, karma and the Caste system)

Unit B604

Equality (Christian views on racism, sexism, forgiveness)

Peace and Justice (Christian views on war, pacifism, capital punishment)

ASSESSMENT

There is no coursework element

Unit B602 and B604 are examined at the end of Year 11.

Revision:

Each student will be provided with a revision guide to use for personal revision.

RE FULL COURSE

34

RESISTANT MATERIALS

KEY POINTS Controlled Assessment is 60% of the final grade, the written examination is 40%. Work will be assessed and students will then be given time to add any missing work to help improve their grade.

Lessons will be revision based once Controlled Assessment is complete.

The focus of the initial lessons will be based on the preparation sheet written by the exam board for section A. Revision will then be based on anything we have covered on the course. Their previous projects, mock exams and controlled assessment notes are equally invaluable. Practice exam questions and papers will be given.

There is one 2 hour exam paper The exam paper will ask students to design a given item, to develop it and to produce a final design. Theory questions will cover all of the specification and quality of written communication. Each question recommends a time limit for that question. Details of what the exam board will accept and how to structure answers will be given in lessons.

A* grades can only be achieved by receiving very high marks on the exam and controlled assessment. Students will be given an AMVC revision guide using appropriate handouts, mind maps and materials to write notes in lessons and to complete at home. It will be their responsibility to look after any notes or handouts.

Exams tend to follow the same pattern and mock exam papers should be reread.

Students must equip themselves with pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener and coloured pencils before the exam ACTION Controlled Assessment must be completed by the deadline. The workshops are always open for students at lunchtimes and after school until 5.00 pm on Tuesdays.

The plan can be used for students to prepare and read topics prior before lessons. Key notes will be covered in lessons. If students are absent it is their responsibility to catch up on work missed.

Extended reading is essential and book titles and websites have been suggested.

RECOMMENDED TITLES GCSE Design and Technology Resistant Materials: Revision Guide (Design and Technology Revision). Covers the key GCSE topics from the design process to tools, processes and materials, and industrial application to legislation and moral issues. This work features project advice as well. ISBN: 978-1841467924 GCSE Design and Technology Resistant Materials AQA Revision Guide. This book is full of clear revision notes and detailed diagrams for GCSE Resistant Materials students. It covers all of the topics in the current Design and Technology course for the AQA exam board, and there's loads of coursework advice and useful tips for getting good grades - all the way up to A*. To help your revision, each topic is laid out on a clear double-page spread, with practice questions at the end to check what you've learned. ISBN: 978-1847623539 Any other revision guide suitable for AQA. www.technologystudent.com – once the prep sheet is released this website will provide students with revision for their specific exam.

35

TEXTILES

KEY POINTS

Coursework is 60% of the final grade. Written examination is 40%.

The focus of the lessons will be based on the preparation sheet written by the exam board.

The exam paper is not tiered and students sit one final paper.

A* grade can only be achieved by receiving maximum marks on the exam.

Students have an AMVC revision guide which includes appropriate handouts, mind maps and materials, and written notes from lessons.

Although the preparation sheet will be the main focus for the revision, all work covered since Year 10 could be in the exam. Their exercise books, mock exams and coursework notes are equally invaluable.

Exams tend to follow the same pattern and mock exam papers should be reread.

ACTION

Coursework must be completed by the deadline. The Textiles room is always open for students at lunchtimes

After the deadline students will be given the preparation sheet and a breakdown of lessons remaining and a plan of topics to be covered

The exam paper always has a drawing question based on the preparation topic worth 33 marks (1/3 of the paper) which students work on before the exam. Students are encouraged to practice drawing prior to the exam and make use of this preparation time.

The breakdown plan of lessons can be used for students to prepare and read topics prior before lessons.

Key notes will be covered in lessons. If students are absent it is their responsibility to catch up on work missed.

Where possible there will be a practical elements to revision and students are strongly advised to complete these as they can act as visual reminders during the exam. Extended reading is essential and book titles have been suggested. RECOMMENDED TITLES

GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles The Revision Guide CGP Books ISBN: 1841467936

GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology Essentials Revision Guide Lonsdale ISBN: 9781906415525 AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology Denise Davies, Amanda Dick, Liz Hardy Nelson Thomas ISBN: 9781408502754

36

ARTHUR MELLOWS VILLAGE COLLEGE

Study hard and you'll reap the rewards (and then

have an amazing Summer!)

Best wishes, Mrs Benton

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Year 11 all the best with their coursework, revision, examinations and future plans. PS a reminder to all BTEC Business students to get their assignments completed and handed in before the deadline! Mr Marsden

Read your notes

Ensure you complete past papers

Vary the subject you are revising for

Implement teachers’ suggestions

Spider diagrams of key topics

Instructions on exam papers must be read carefully

Order your revision with a timetable

No matter who you are, success comes from hard work, determination and effort.

Good Luck—Miss Marshall

Good Luck for the forthcoming

examinations. Your hard work will be rewarded in the

summer. Best wishes Mr Sandeman

Good luck in your exams Year 11. You don’t have long to go now so give it your all then you can enjoy yourselves once it’s all over From Mrs Flowers

Good Luck and all the best for

the future. Mr Jones

Good Luck and best wishes.

Mrs Ashley

Just want to take this

opportunity to wish every

single one of you the best of

luck with your exams. I look

forward to seeing you all at

the prom to celebrate your

time at Arthur Mellows. All

the best. Mr Steele

Good Luck, revise hard and use the

source. History.

Make sure you do not waste your ability…revise hard and get the grades that you need. Good Luck in all that you choose to do in the future Mrs Warrington

Stop playing on your PlayStation, texting your

mates and messing around on Facebook. Do some

revision. It will be worth it, honest!

Mrs Bowman

Very Good luck and best wishes. Have a fab holiday! Mrs Trawford

Avoid the what if “I revised harder”, do your best now so you can be proud that you tried your hardest.

You have a lovely long summer to recover and relax. Best Wishes

Mrs Richards

Wishing you all the very best with your exams, I

have really enjoyed working with you. Keep up the hard work and I

look forward to celebrations at the prom.

Ms Yates