GCSE Guidance for Students - Denefield School Guide for Students 2016.pdf · GCSE Guidance for...

GCSE Guidance for

Students

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Contents

Letter 1

General revision top tips 4

Revision methods 5

Timetable of Yr 11 compulsory support sessions 7

Subject top tips

English language 8-9

English literature 10-11

Maths 12

Science 13-18

Art 19

Business studies 20-21

Design Technology: Food 22

Design Technology: Graphics 23

Design Technology: Product Design 24

Design Technology: Textiles 25-26

Child Development 27

Computing 28

Drama 29

Geography 30

Health and Social Care 31

History 32

Information Technology 33

Media 34

Modern Foreign Languages

French 35-36

German 37-38

Music 39

PE 40

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Dear Year 11 students This booklet has been produced in order to help you with your revision as you prepare for your GCSE examinations. It includes general information on how to revise, followed by more specific tips and hints for each subject area. “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” The first thing you will need to do – if you haven’t already – is plan your revision timetable. A template is included in this booklet. This will help you to organise your time properly in the build-up to the exams and make sure you feel fully prepared in order to give yourself the best possible chance of success. You will need to list all of the subjects that you study and identify all of the topics that you need to revise. You should be revising every evening after school and at the weekend in order to use all of your time productively and maximise your preparation. Make sure that your revision timetable is realistic and includes some time for rest and relaxation as well as revision. Once you’ve drawn up your revision timetable, the key is to stick to it! Make sure you complete all of the revision that you need to do, using active revision techniques. Some suggestions are outlined in the booklet. This is now the time to put in the hard work and to show determination, effort and self-belief. “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort”. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”. Good Luck! We wish you every success. Yours sincerely

Mrs West Deputy Head

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Revision Top Tips Make sure you have a suitable place to revise – this should be warm, well-lit and away from distractions. Make sure you have all the equipment you need for your revision. The following are particularly useful: Pens Pencils Highlighters post it notes Index cards When you are revising, make sure you keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Take regular breaks and get some fresh air. Keep your energy levels up by eating healthily and getting regular exercise. Make time to relax and rest – you can’t revise all of the time!

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Revision methods

There are lots of different ways to revise. The key is to make sure that you use active rather than passive revision techniques. Simply reading over notes will not help you to retain information. You can spend hours thinking that you’re revising by doing this – but actually, very little information stays in your head!

Try using the following methods

Revision cards

A good revision card should contain all the key points on a topic in a clear and concise way. It should be a condensed version of whatever you have in your notes and you should be able to take in the information on the card at a glance. By transferring information from your notes to the revision card you are re-learning what you have covered in class. This is because you have to put information in your own words, and to do that you have to understand it! A revision card should just have the key points on. It shouldn’t have loads and loads of detail. If you come back to a revision card and you don’t understand it, use your more detailed class notes.

Mind maps

Mind mapping is really useful for listing lots of ideas and connecting them together. You can use it to record information as you are revising or you can use it to see how much you know or have remembered about a topic, area or subject. How to Mind Map Use just key words, or wherever possible images. Start from the centre of the page and work out.

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Make the centre a clear and strong visual image that depicts the general theme of the map. Create sub-centres for sub-themes. Put key words on lines. This reinforces the structure of notes. Print rather than write in script. It makes them more readable and memorable. Lower case is more visually distinctive (and better remembered) than upper case. Use colour to depict themes, associations and to make things stand out. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind. Think three-dimensionally. Use arrows, icons or other visual aids to show links between different elements. Don't get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area go to another branch. Put ideas down as they occur, wherever they fit. Don't judge or hold back. Break boundaries. If you run out of space, don't start a new sheet; paste more paper onto the

map. Be creative. Creativity aids memory.

Practice papers

Complete as many past papers/practice exam questions as you can. This will help you to get used to the way questions are written. Try to complete them in timed conditions – this will help you to get used to managing your time as well as thinking and writing quickly.

Quizzes/tests

Try getting a friend, parent or sibling to test you on what you have learned.

Mnemonics

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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Timetable of Year 11 compulsory support sessions

The day before an exam: Make sure you eat a sensible dinner. Don’t spend all evening on your phone or computer. The blue light emitted from the screen will

affect your sleep, leaving you feel tired the following day. Make sure you relax, rest and unwind. Get an early night.

The morning of an exam: Make sure you eat breakfast. Even if you don’t feel like eating your brain will need some energy

to enable you to perform to the best of your ability. Make sure you know which exam you have, what time it starts and where you need to be. Make sure you are properly prepared for the exam with the correct equipment. Don’t forget to bring a drink with you so that you can stay hydrated. You will be allowed to take a

½ litre plastic bottle (no label) in to the exam with you. Make sure you arrive at school in plenty of time for your exam.

Subject Week Day

Art Music Drama PE

A

Tuesday after school

Maths

A

Wednesday after school

English

A

Thursday after school (and Tuesday after school from w/c 14 March 2016)

Design and Technology

A

Friday after school

History Geography Business Studies Religious Studies

B

Tuesday after school

MFL Media Child Development Health and Social Care

B

Wednesday after school

Science

B

Thursday after school

IT

B

Friday after school

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English Language Foundation Tier Top Tips Make sure you have the correct equipment: black pens and highlighters. Read each question carefully, highlight key words and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. Make sure you answer every question. Take care with your timings (Q1: 17 minutes, Q2: 17 minutes, Q3: 20 minutes, Q4: 20 minutes, Q5: 25 minutes, Q6: 35 minutes) TIMINGS INCLUDE READING TIME Use the correct approach to answer each question – Questions 1-4 are reading questions, Questions 5 and 6 are writing questions. Question 1a: Write 4 key points about something you learn from reading the text. 1b: Write 2 PEE paragraphs explaining what you learn from the text. Question 2: Produce 3 PEE paragraphs showing how the writer: helps you to understand, persuades you to etc. Question 3: 3-4 PEE on Language for Effect. Work your way through the text; zoom in on specific words and how the language is used for effect. Question 4: 4 PEECEE using CLIF. Compare how the writer uses presentational features to achieve the purpose of the text. For Questions 5 (INFORM, EXPLAIN, DESCRIBE) and 6 (PERSUADE, ARGUE), make sure you un-derstand TAP: What text type are you being asked to write? Who is your audience? What is the purpose of your writing? Plan your answers to Questions 5 and 6 before you start writing (SINGLE BUBBLE PLAN). Aim to use a range of sentence starters, sentence types, punctuation and vocabulary for effect. Make sure you proofread your answers to Questions 5 and 6 – Do they make sense? Is your work accurate?

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English Language Higher Tier Top Tips Make sure you have the correct equipment: black pen and highlighters. Read each question carefully and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. Make sure you answer every question. Take care with your timings (Q1: 17 minutes, Q2: 17 minutes, Q3: 17 minutes, Q4: 24 minutes, Q5: 25 minutes, Q6: 35 minutes) Use the correct approach to answer each question – Questions 1-4 are reading questions, Questions 5 and 6 are writing questions. Question 1: PE Make as many points containing inference as you can, supported by evidence from the text. Question 2: PEEL, write about both the picture and the headline and link each one to the main text Question 3: PEE. Work your way through the text; zoom in on specific words and how they convey how the writer thinks/feels or the mood/atmosphere. Look out for the change in how the writer thinks/feels or the change in mood/atmosphere. Question 4: PEECEE. Compare either source 1 or 2 to source 3. Focus on the use of language and why the writer has used the specific technique. For Questions 5 and 6, make sure you understand TAP: What text type are you being asked to write? Who is your audience? What is the purpose of your writing? Plan your answers to Questions 5 and 6 before you start writing. Aim to use a range of sentence starters, sentence types, punctuation and vocabulary for effect. Make sure you proofread your answers to Questions 5 and 6 – Do they make sense? Is your work accu-rate?

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English Literature

Top tips Paper 1

Know the timings for the exam and for each question.

Paper 1 = 1 hour 30 minutes

Section A = An Inspector Calls; write one essay out of a choice of two; 45 minutes

Section B = Of Mice and Men; one question in two parts, the first based on an extract from the book and the second discussing the topic in the whole book; 45 minutes (about 20 mins answering the ex-tract part and 25 mins answering the second part)

Remember that context is tested in the Of Mice and Men question.

The Inspector Calls questions will focus on the role of a character, the importance of a theme, or struc-ture.

Use your Literature Revision Guide for last minute revision – know it back to front!

If you want more notes on the texts, look on BBC Bitesize.

Read through your exercise book notes and your practice essay responses and feedback.

Use PEE or PETER paragraphs.

Keep focused on the question.

Learn a few short quotes for each character and theme in each text.

Refer to writers by their surname and never by their first name.

Use brief quotations to support points.

Make reference to the writer’s craft e.g. devices used.

Mention the writer’s intentions/message in a relevant way.

Organise your essays in a logical way e.g. chronologically or how each character contributes to the theme

Use the language of analysis/interpretation e.g. this connotes/suggests/conveys/implies

Practise planning questions in timed conditions

Complete practice questions/ essays

Re-read as much as you can of the two books.

Top tips Paper 2

Know the timings for the exam and for each question.

Paper 2 = 1 hour 15 minutes

Section A = Moon on the Tides Anthology - Relationship Cluster; write one essay out of a choice of two; 45 minutes

Section B = Unseen Poetry; one question based on a previously unseen poem; 30 minutes

The Anthology questions will name one poem and ask you to compare it with another one of your choice; there will be a theme, language or structure focus in the question.

Use your Literature Revision Guide for revision – there are notes on each poem! If you want more notes on the poems, look on BBC Bitesize.

Read through your Moon on the Tides annotations and your practice essay responses and feed-back.

Use PEECEE paragraphs for the anthology response in Section A.

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The title of the unseen poem should help you to understand what the poem is about.

Use PEE paragraphs in your unseen poetry response.

Keep focused on the question.

Refer to poets by their surname and never by their first name.

Use brief quotations to support points.

Make reference to the poet’s craft e.g. poetic devices used, form and structure.

Mention the poet’s intentions/message in a relevant way.

Organise your essays in a logical way e.g. write about the unseen poem chronologically.

Use the language of analysis/interpretation e.g. this connotes/suggests/conveys/implies.

Practise planning questions in timed conditions.

Complete practice questions/ essays

Re-read all of the Relationship poems.

Create revision cards for each poem.

GOOD LUCK YEAR 11 – YOU CAN DO IT!

http://anthology.aqa.org.uk/index.asp?CurrMenu=6

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Maths

Paper 1:

EQUIPMENT: Protractor, ruler, pencil, pen, rubber, compass

Read the question thoroughly

If you think it, say it (write it down!)

Does my answer look sensible – go back and check if not

ALWAYS show your working out

Do not cross out any part of your answer

USE the 1 minute per mark (DO NOT RUSH)

Check: have you shown enough working out to justify your mark(s)?

Paper 2:

EQUIPMENT: working scientific calculator, protractor, ruler, pencil, pen, rubber, compass

Always write down the whole calculator display and ALWAYS show your working out

Take care when rounding

Read the question thoroughly and if you think it, say it (write it down!)

Does my answer look sensible – go back and check if not

Do not cross out any part of your answer

USE the 1 minute per mark (DO NOT RUSH)

Check: have you shown enough working out to justify your mark(s)?

Show construction lines

Check the scale on your axes and DRAW in your line of best fit

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Science

Additional Biology

Always look at the number of marks available – two marks means two facts/keywords are required Where possible use data/numbers in your answer – if describing a graph/table add some numbers

into your description. For 6 marks questions you need to put 3 key ideas and explain them. You can bullet point your ide-

as. Don’t waffle – keep you answers concise and to the point. Check you have used the key words and

included GCSE level content in your answer. Evaluation questions need a positive comment, a negative comment and your opinion Comparison questions require you to comment on both points and put similarities and differences. When linking structures to function make sure you list each structure, explain what it does and why it

is good at its job. Re-read your answers (and the questions) at least twice. It is very easy to make silly mistakes if you

rush. Make sure you have used appropriate keywords e.g. photosynthesis, denature and data when de-

scribing graphs/tables If you are unsure of an answer list relevant keywords or facts. Where possible label a diagram with

information. You are likely to pick up at least a third of the marks by doing this. If you feel anxious count slowly to ten with your eyes closed before you start each question.

Biology topics (B2)

Topic Common exam questions and areas to revise

Cells Labelling a cell - plant, animal, bacteria,

fungus and comparing cells

Photosynthesis The equation for photosynthesis

Enzymes and digestion Matching enzyme names to substrates and

products

Respiration The equations for aerobic and anaerobic

respiration

Mitosis and Meiosis Comparing mitosis and meiosis

Inheritance Genetic cross diagrams

Speciation Definition of species

Fossils and extinction Describing how fossils form

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Core Biology

Exam tips

Always look at the number of marks available – two marks means two facts/keywords are re-

quired

Where possible use data/numbers in your answer – if describing a graph/table add some num-

bers into your description.

For 6 marks questions you need to put 3 key ideas and explain them. You can bullet point your

ideas.

Don’t waffle – keep you answers concise and to the point. Check you have used the key words

and included GCSE level content in your answer.

Evaluation questions need a positive comment and negative comment and your opinion

Comparison questions require you to comment on both points and put similarities and differ-

ences.

Reread your answers (and the questions) at least twice. It is very easy to make silly mistakes if

you rush.

Core Biology Topics (B1)


Diet and Drugs Definitions of metabolic rate, BMI, addiction, painkiller, balanced diet Analysis of graphs and tables showing diet information and food groups Thalidomide – history and todays uses Drug trials – method and definition of placebo, double blind. Legal v’s illegal drugs – evaluation of their use

Disease Definitions of pathogen, antibody, antibiotic, vaccine 3 functions of white blood cells Explaining how vaccines work – MMR example and vaccine graphs Explain how antibiotic work – agar plate practical and problems with over use

(resistance) – MRSA example

Nerves and Hormones

Definition of nervous/hormonal response The reflex SRCER pathway – naming each part of the reaction Labelling a reflex arc – nerves involved Synapse definition and description 3 (4 higher tier) hormones in the menstrual cycle – FSH, LH and Oestrogen

(Progesterone). Where they are made, target organ and function Describing how the pill and IVF work Plant hormones. Naming tropisms, describing why plants bend to light. And 4 uses

of hormones in agriculture

Adaptation and Competition

Listing what plants and animals compete for Describing adaptive feature – to heat, cold, predators, prey. Explaining competition data

Food chains and energy

Drawing a pyramid of biomass Listing ways energy is lost in food chains

Carbon cycle and Decay

Naming processes in the carbon cycle Explain the role of plant/animal/human/microbes in carbon cycling Describing the decay process Listing 3 conditions for decay

Variation and genetics

Identifying inherited and environmental characteristics. Defining and comparing sexual and asexual reproduction Describing/contrasting cloning techniques; cuttings, tissue culture, adult cell, em-

bryo Evaluating the use of cloning

Evolution Comparing Lamarck and Darwin’s ideas Describing Natural selection

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Additional Chemistry

Always look at the number of marks available – two marks means two facts/keywords are required

Where possible use data/numbers in your answer – if describing a graph/table add some numbers

into your description.

For 6 marks questions you need to put 3 key ideas and explain them. You can bullet point your ideas.

Don’t waffle – keep you answers concise and to the point. Check you have used the key words and

included GCSE level content in your answer.

Calculations require your to show your working and give units

Evaluation questions usually have information in the question – read it carefully

Reread your answers (and the questions) at least twice. It is very easy to make silly mistakes if you

rush.


Convalent and ionic bonding

Draw a dot and cross diagram to show ionic and covalent bonding. Explain ionic bonding in sentences (e.g. an electron moves from the outer shell of…. And is transferred onto… this means that … has a charge of…. And is attracted to…. Which has a charge of….)

Diamond and Graphite

What are the structure and properties of diamond and graphite? Why do/ don’t diamond and graphite conduct electricity? Why are they hard/soft? What are the uses of diamond, graphite and nanoparticles? Macromolecules and Nanoparticles.

Atomic structure and Calculations

How many protons/electron/neutrons What is the mass number/ proton number? Percentage mass e.g. what is the percentage mass of C in CO2? Reacting mass cal-culations Percentage yield e.g. If I made 12g of H2O and expected to make 18g, what is my percentage yield? Empirical formulae calculations

Rates of reaction and Catalysts

What are the 5 factors that affect reaction rate and how do these 5 factors affect the rate of reactions? Collision theory. How can you measure reaction rate? What are catalysts? What are the used for? How do they reduce costs in industry

Acids and Bases What are the ions that make solutions acidic or alkaline? What is made when acids react with bases, alkalis, metals and carbonates? Name the salts made when chemicals react with hydrochloric acid/ sulphuric acid/ nitric acid Write a method for the reaction of acids with alkalis to produce soluble or insoluble salts. How will you obtain the salt?

Metals Draw the structure of metals bonding metallically (with positive ions and delocalised electrons) Draw the structure of alloys, what are smart alloys? What can they be used for? What are the differences between metals and alloys? How do their properties differ?

Polymers What is the difference between thermosetting and thermo softening polymers? How are polymers formed from monomers? (polymerisation) What are the properties of common polymers? How can we reduce/ reuse/ recycle polymers.

Identifying chemicals

How can you test for carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen? Triple only: Flame tests, Other metal ion tests, Carbonate tests, Sulphate test

Energy in chemical reactions

Define exothermic and endothermic reactions. How does the energy and temperature change during an exo/endothermic reaction?

Electrolysis When will ionic substances be able to conduct electricity? How is electrolysis carried out? Labelling a diagram for electrolysis Writing half equations for the separation of ionic substances into their component ions. Predicting the products of electrolysis of ionic substances Electrolysis to produce aluminium, electrolysis of brine

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Core Chemistry

Always look at the number of marks available – two marks means two facts/keywords are required




ideas.

Don’t waffle – keep you answers concise and to the point. Check you have used the key words

and included GCSE level content in your answer.

Calculations require you to show your working and give units

Evaluation questions usually have information in the question – read it carefully


you rush.

Chemistry Core topics (C1)


Atoms and Elements

How to draw atoms. Structure of the atom (electrons, protons, neutrons, their masses and charges) How to use the periodic table to draw atoms and to calculate the number of protons, electrons and neutrons present. Isotopes.

Limestone Lime cycle – reactions, common names and scientific names Products of lime cycle – uses – e.g. lime water, slaked lime, quick lime. Uses such as cement, concrete and mortar. How are they made and how are they used. Thermal decomposition, and the reaction of limestone with acid rain.

Crude oil Structure of alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons) and alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons) Cracking, Fractional distillation and the uses of the products of fractional distillation. Test for unsaturation (using bromine water)

Plant oils and emulsions

Making ethanol from ethene (hydration) Making ethanol from sugar (fermentation) Pros and cons and comparison of the two methods. Hydrogenation – producing margarine from oils. Extracting oils (3 methods) Benefits and issues of using oils and fats in our cooking Emulsions and emulsifiers

Metals Properties and uses of metals. Extracting metals by reduction, electrolysis, displacement Purifying copper by electrolysis Extracting copper using phytomining and bioleaching.

Burning and global warming

Complete/incomplete combustion to form carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide Global warming (carbon dioxide) and dimming (carbon particulates) Carbon monoxide poisoning Acid rain (from sulphur impurities in coal reacting to produce sulphur dioxide)

Polymers Polymerisation – producing polymers from monomers. Drawing polymers

Inside Earth Structure of the earth – crust/ mantle/ outer core/ inner core Continental drift (Wegener’s theory) Plate tectonics and movement due to convection currents in the mantle Earth quakes and volcanoes. Composition of the earth’s early and modern atmosphere Uses of gases from the atmosphere Carbon cycle Primordial soup theory (Higher tier)

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Core Physics




ideas but make sure they are written in the correct/logical order



you rush.

Make sure you use the equation sheet, you will be expected to select the correct equation and

possibly rearrange it

Make sure you have a calculator and double check every calculation just in case you have entered it

incorrectly.

Physics Core topics (P1)


Infrared radiation

What is IR? What factors affect IR? Which objects emit or absorb or reflect IR?

Heat and Energy transfer

How is Energy transferred by Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Evaporation and Condensation? Explain using particles. What factors affect the rate of evaporation and Condensation and the amount of energy transfer?

Heating buildings

What is U- Value? Data analysis, determining the best insulating material depending on the U-value. Solar panels and calculations involving Payback time.

Specific heat capacity

Numerical calculations on Specific Heat capacity.

Solids, Liquids and gases

Use the Kinetic Theory to explain the arrangement of particles in Solid, Liquids and Gases. (Usually a 6 mark question). What happens to the arrangement of particles in Solid, Liquid and gases when heated?

Energy re-sources and effi-ciency

Compare the efficiency and cost effectiveness of methods used to reduce Energy consumption. Describe the energy transfers and the main wastages that occur with a range of appliances. Interpret and draw Sankey diagrams. Calculations involving Efficiency and energy transfer. Define the Law of Conservation of Energy

Generating electricity and national grid

Evaluate different methods of generating electricity. Renewable and non-renewable Energy sources including solar, water, geothermal and wind power and their impact on the Environment Name one place that carbon dioxide can be stored after carbon capture. Explain the use of step up and step down transformer in a National Grid? Describe the workings of a Nucle-ar Reactor Compare the advantages and disadvantages of overhead power lines and underground cables.

Using electricity Evaluate ways of matching supply with demand. Calculate the cost of mains electricity given the cost per kilowatt-hour

EM spectrum How are EM waves used in communication?

Waves Labelling the parts of Wave What is the difference between Longitudinal and transverse Wave? Examples of Transverse and longitudi-nal wave including Sound waves Calculations involving Wave Equation. Reflection, refraction and Diffraction

The Big Bang Theory

The origin of Universe. Describe the Big Band theory for the origin of the universe. What is the evidence of Big Band theory? What do Red shift observations tell us about the Universe? What is CMBR? Describe the Doppler effect

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Additional Physics




ideas but make sure they are written in the correct/logical order



you rush.

Make sure you use the equation sheet, you will be expected to select the correct equation and

possibly rearrange it

Make sure you have a calculator and double check every calculation just in case you have entered

it incorrectly.

Physics Additional topics (P2)


Forces and motion Describe the effect of Resultant Forces on stationary and moving objects. Calculating Resultant force. Define acceleration, Interpret data from tables and graphs relating to Speed, Velocity and accel-eration. Draw and interpret distance time and velocity time graphs. Calculations using the formula F= m x a. Calculate speed using d-t graphs. Calculate acceleration using v-t graphs.(HT only) Evaluate the effect of alcohol and drugs on stopping distances and how the shape and power of a vehicle can be altered to increase vehicle’s top speed

Hooke’s Law What is Extension? What is Elastic potential Energy? Calculations involving Spring constant.

Momentum Explain in terms of momentum how crumple zones help protect passengers in crash. Calculations involving momentum and collisions where momentum is conserved.

Current, Charge and PD Identify symbols for circuit components and label where ammeters and voltmeters should be placed. Know Ohms Law and be able to calculate resistance.

LED’s and LDR’s Identify the Circuit symbol of LED and LDRs and describe their characteristics.

Speed and Velocity Explain the difference between Speed and Velocity. Calculate Speed of an object.

Work Done and Power Calculate weight, power, work done and energy transferred Define and identify Kinetic energy and Gravitational Potential energy. Complete calculations

Electrostatics

Describe what causes static electricity, describe the uses/dangers of static. Explain how current flows and what ‘charge’ is Explain why objects are earthed. Why do charged objects produce sparks (higher)

Series and Parallel circuits

Compare series and parallel circuits Recognise/interpret current-potential difference graphs

Electricity at home Compare AC and DC current and know the frequency of mains supply. Describe wiring in a plug and the materials used, selecting appropriate fuses (calculation) and explain what the fuse does. Analyse the relationship between power and energy. Calculate electrical power, charge and flow (higher) Explain how we can use an oscilloscope to measure the frequency of an alternating current (higher)

Atoms Describe the structure of an atom in terms of mass and charge

Radioactivity and Radiation

Explain how alpha and beta radiation are emitted and what causes background radiation. Describe how the nucleus was discovered (higher)

Fission and Fusion Explain how nuclear fission and fusion occurs Describe what happens inside a nuclear reactor

Stars Sequence the life cycle of stars. Explain why our sun will never form black hole?

19

Art

Top tips for your GCSE Art Exam sketchbook

A sketchbook is a creative document that contains both written and visual material. It is a place for re-searching, exploring, planning and developing ideas – for testing, practising, evaluating and discussing your project. It is the place where you learn from other artists and express and brainstorm ideas. The sketchbook is an important part of your project. It shows the journey (or development) towards your final piece and usually contains:

Drawings, diagrams, thumbnails, composition plans, paintings and/or designs (particularly those that are incomplete or experimental) Practise and trials of different techniques and processes A range of mixed mediums and materials Evidence of first-hand responses to subject matter and artworks, demonstrated through observational drawings, and photographs Digital printouts of relevant artist work Annotation (see below)

How to annotate your GCSE Art sketchbook

Reveal your own thinking and personal responses (rather than regurgitating facts or the views of others). Explain the starting points and ideas, emphasising personal relevance and your own connections to sub-jects

Critically analyse and compare artwork of relevant artists (both historical and contemporary artists, from a range of cultures). Discuss aesthetics, use of media, technique, meaning/emotion/ideas and the influence of an artist upon your own work. While it is important to conduct research into your chosen artists (and to convey an understanding of this information), avoid copying or summarising large passages of information from other sources. Instead, select the information that you think is useful for your project and link it with your own viewpoints and observations. Demonstrate good subject knowledge, using correct vocabulary (phrases such as ‘strong contrast’, ‘draws the eye’ and ‘focal point’ etc)

Communicate with clarity. It doesn’t matter whether you jot down notes or use full sentences, but never use ‘txt’ speak and try to avoid incorrect spelling, as this indicates sloppiness. What subjects / themes / moods / issues / messages are explored? Why are these relevant or important to the artist (or to you)?

What appeals to you visually about this artwork?

How does the composition of the artwork (i.e. the relationship between the visual elements: line, shape, colour, tone, texture and space) help to communicate ideas and reinforce a message? What mediums, techniques (mark-making methods), styles and processes have been used? How do these communicate a message? How do they affect the mood of the artwork and the communication of ideas? Are these meth-ods useful for your own project? How does all of the above help you with your own artwork?

20

Business Studies 5BS01 – 45 minutes, objective (multiple choice) test

Each mark is worth a minute, this will then allow you time to read the questions and the mini case

studies.

Remember to read all of the information above the questions when there are mini case studies as you

will need this to pick the right answer.

Be aware of the distractors, these are the answers which look like they could be correct but are

actually wrong so read each answer carefully.

Highlight the key terms in the questions to identify what it is that you are looking for.

Read all of the options carefully.

Rule out those you know are wrong.

Select what you think is the right answer and check this against the other options that you thought

could be right to rule them out.

Remember that the exam is all about small businesses.

Remember to put an X in the box not a tick.

Check that you have answered every question and given the right number of responses to each

question (remember that the number of marks will help you to identify this as well as the number of

responses being highlighted in the question)

What to do to revise for GCSE Business Paper 1

Know your key terms for all of the topics taught in Year 10 as there will be questions about definitions.

Practise the examination papers ensuring that you are giving the right number of responses to each

question.

Relate each of the key topics to a small business to help you with the multiple choice questions where

there is a context.

Create a formula sheet so that you are able to use them when required. For example in exchange

rates and interest rates

Create a cash flow forecast for a business to remember how to complete the calculations.

Create a list of questions that you need answered in your next lesson.

Use the revision workbook and revision guide to help you.

Mandalas, power notes, flash cards, mind maps and key term match activities are all good methods for

revising effectively for paper 1.

Good luck!

21

Business Studies 5BS03 – 1 Hour 30 minutes

Remember that you will get a combination of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and

extended answer questions with section B and C consisting of questions based on a scenario. It is a

mark a minute.

Remember to read all of the information in the case studies as you will need to use this in your

answers.

Highlight the key terms and the trigger word/s in the questions to identify what it is that you are looking

for.

Remember that a state or identify question does not require a sentence.

Make sure that you know the difference between the public sector and a public limited company as well

as the difference between the marketing mix, the product portfolio and the design mix as these are

common mistakes.

Make sure that you have included examples, either of your choosing or the business stated in the

question, in your answers, where appropriate.

Remember to include the formula in words and numbers and show all of your steps in the calculation of

financial or operations questions. E.g. break even or stock levels

Remember that the exam is not just about business start-ups, large and multi-national businesses can

be used.

Remember to put an X in the box not a tick for multiple choice questions.

Check that you have answered every question and given the right number of responses to the multiple

choice questions.

What to do to revise for GCSE Business Paper 3

Know your key term definitions and practise them by writing them out.

Practise the examination papers ensuring that you are using example answers to develop your

questions.

Write about the key topics for 3 large businesses of your choice as this will help with the context

questions.

Create a formula sheet so that you are able to use them when required.

Make sure that you are able to draw a break-even chart.

Make sure that you know what is required for a 3 mark, 4 mark, 6 mark, 8 mark and 10 mark question.

Use the crib sheet to help you.

Attempt a variety of styles of questions when revising.

Create a list of questions that you need answered in your next lesson.

Use the revision workbook and revision guide to help you.

Mandalas, power notes, flash cards, mind maps, extended writing questions and key term match

activities are all good methods for revising effectively for paper 3.

22

Design & Technology - Food

Always make sure that you read the questions carefully and underline the key words for example

Discuss the environmental issues related to the manufacture of this product.

Remember the key words that are used in exam questions

Discuss, Evaluate, Explain, Name, List

This means you would only talk about issues related to the manufacture.

Plan your time carefully. Remember that the design and making a product question is a quarter of

the grade so you should only spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this question. You can go back

later to finish off if you need to.

In the design question remember what the key words mean:

Sketch – pencil drawing only no colour needed

Remember to look at the design criteria and where you get the marks so you know what to anno-

tate and explain.

Look at the number of marks for each question. 2 marks need an answer with an explanation. 3

need 2 answers with an explanation or one detailed explanation.

Don’t leave any questions unanswered. If you are not sure then still add something

Long mark questions: plan what you are going to write before you start. Make a list or bullet points.

Use a highlighter to decide which points go together so you can make paragraphs for each linked

points. Then it will be easier when you have to write full sentences. They are looking for sentences

and paragraphs that are grammatically correct. Remember you can ask for extra paper if you run

out of space.

Be logical when looking at exam questions especially when there is a picture.

Equipment needed

colouring pencils and a pencil

black Biro

ruler and protractor

sharpener and eraser

calculator

Topics to revise

The design and making question. This will have a theme that is given out on the 1 March 2016.

You can draw a design beforehand that you can revise. You can also practise the way to make the

possible techniques for example how to make different types of bread. You must know how you

would make the product and why you have chosen the techniques as they may ask you more de-

tailed questions about these things later on.

Materials and components used including nutrients and nutritional properties of different foods

Healthy eating, calorie intake and dietary requirements

Different types of diet linked to views, religion and allergies.

Functions of foods in recipes and why they are needed - this includes making, glazing and

garnishing

Use of standard components

Methods of making for cakes, biscuits, pastry and bread.

Preparation and cooking of meat and fish

Factors affecting people’s choices, for example availability and cost

Environmental, ethical, moral, social issues and sustainability

Food labelling and packaging

23

Design & Technology - Graphics




Discuss, Evaluate, Explain, Name, List, Describe


Plan your time carefully. Remember that the design question is a quarter of the grade so you should only

spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this question. You can go back later to finish off if you need to.



Remember to look at the design criteria and where you get the marks so you know what to annotate and

explain.

Look at the number of marks for each question. 2 marks need an answer with an explanation. 3 need 2

answers with an explanation or one detailed explanation.


Long mark questions. Plan what you are going to write before you start. Make a list or bullet points. Use a

highlighter to decide which points go together so you can make paragraphs for each linked points. Then it

will be easier when you have to write full sentences. They are looking for sentences and paragraphs that

are grammatically correct. Remember you can ask for extra paper if you run out of space.

Be logical when looking at exam questions especially when there is a picture. For example: This

product is made out of corrugated card. Explain why this is a suitable material.

You can then think of the properties that you would want a t shirt to be if you cannot remember what the

properties of the material are. This can then be used to help you answer the question.

Equipment needed


black Biro



calculator

Topics to revise

The exam question. This will have a theme that is given out on the 1 March 2016. You can draw a

design beforehand that you can revise. You must know how you would make the product and why you

have chosen the techniques as they may ask you more detailed questions about these things later on.

Design and market influences looks at 5 designers that you need to know. These are Harry Beck,

Alberto Allessi, Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, Wally Ollins and Robert Sabuda.

Printing process

Manufacturing processes and modelling techniques

Packaging materials

Adhesives

Aesthetic qualities of designs

Representing data and interpretation

Technical drawing, plan, 1 point perspective, 2 point perspective, isometric, and orthographic

Scales of manufacture

Smart and modern materials

Environmental, social, moral and ethical issues

Sustainability

24

Design & Technology - Product Design




Discuss, Evaluate, Explain, Name, List


Plan your time carefully. Remember that the design question is a quarter of the grade so you

should only spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this question. You can go back later to finish off if

you need to.



Remember to look at the design criteria and where you get the marks so you know what to anno-

tate and explain.




Long mark questions. Plan what you are going to write before you start. Make a list or bullet

points. Use a highlighter to decide which points go together so you can make paragraphs for each

linked points. Then it will be easier when you have to write full sentences. They are looking for

sentences and paragraphs that are grammatically correct. Remember you can ask for extra paper

if you run out of space.


product is made out of pine wood. Explain why this is a suitable material. You can then think of the

properties that you would want a cupboard to be if you cannot remember what the properties of

the material are. This can then be used to help you answer the question.

Equipment needed


black Biro



calculator

Topics to revise

The exam question. This will have a theme that is given out on the 1 March 2016. You can draw a

design beforehand that you can revise. You must know how you would make the product and why

you have chosen the techniques as they may ask you more detailed questions about these things

later on.

Design Movements – Art and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, De Stiji, Art Deco, Mem-

phis, Post modernism and Blobism.

Materials – Paper and board, timber, metals and plastic

Processes for the materials above to be cut, shaped, formed and finished

Industrial processes

Smart, modern and new materials

Ergonomics and anthropometrics

Environmental, Ethical Moral social issues and sustainability

Consumer protection and safety standards including the British Kite Mark

25

Design & Technology - Textiles




Discus, Evaluate, Explain, Name, List


Plan your time carefully. Remember that the design question is a quarter of the grade so you

should only spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this question. You can go back later to finish off if

you need to


Sketch – pencil drawing only no colour needed.

Remember to look at the design criteria and where you get the marks so you know what to

annotate and explain.




Long mark questions; plan what you are going to write before you start. Make a list or bullet points.

Use a highlighter to decide which points go together so you can make paragraphs for each linked

points. Then it will be easier when you have to write full sentences. They are looking for sentences

and paragraphs that are grammatically correct. Remember you can ask for extra paper if you run

out of space.


product is made out of cotton. Explain why this is a suitable material. You can then think of the

properties that you would want a t shirt to be if you cannot remember what the properties of the

material are. This can then be used to help you answer the question.

Equipment needed


black Biro



calculator

Topics to revise

The exam question. This will have a theme that is given out on 1 March 2016. You can draw a de-

sign beforehand that you can revise. You must know how to you would make the product and why

you have chosen the techniques as they may ask you more detailed questions about these things

later on.

Fibres and fabrics, what they are used for, their properties, and how they are made

What makes a product fit for purpose

Labelling and the law

Environmental, Ethical Moral social issues and sustainability

Types of specification- fabric, design and manufacturing

How to manufacture different parts of a garment including seams, pockets, hems and add

components

26

How techniques are produced in industry techniques and Industrial manufacture

Components and pre manufactured components

Use of computers in designing, manufacture and selling of a product

QC and QA

Health and safety

Finishes

Trends and Fashion styles throughout the years

Modern and smart materials

Decorative techniques and where they are used and how they are made

27

Child Development

Unit 1: Written Paper (45801) 1 hour 30 minutes – 100 marks – 40% of your overall grade Six to eight compulsory questions comprised of short answer, structured and free response questions. Some questions may include stimulus material. Historically every exam has always had questions on the stages of labour, so ensure you revise this well.

Questions 1b and 6b (6 and 12 marks) are also assessed on your QWC (quality of written

communication).

When reading the questions, make sure you understand exactly what development they are referring to

(physical, intellectual, emotional and social) and if the question asks for development that you include

examples of all four.

Make sure you have a sound knowledge of the key terms for each of the PIES within a life stage.

Use the revision pack that you have been given.

All answers must be written in continuous prose.

The biggest tip is to start REVISING NOW! (Revise your weakest areas FIRST!)

Use the specifications http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4580-W-SP-14.PDF you have been

given to ensure you are revising the correct content for the correct exam (DO NOT just use a generic revision book as some of the information is irrelevant).

Make revision FUN – play some revision games using:

Cue cards – get someone at home to test you, play games.

Create yourself mind maps on each topic area

Ensure these are colourful and straight to the point – add images and logos that will help you remem-

ber things.

Do past papers from http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/home-economics/gcse/home-economics-child-

development-4580/past-papers-and-mark-schemes (unit 1) and check over using the mark schemes and examiners reports.

And remember – “You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you WORK for!”

28

Computing Using my revision notes – see page numbers Fundamentals of computer systems Revision Guide Page Computer systems 1-4 Computing hardware The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 10-11 Binary logic 13-15 Memory 12 Input and output devices 15-18

Secondary storage 19

Software

Software 22-32

Representation of data in computer systems Units 34 Number 36 Character 39 Images 40 Sound 41 Instructions 42

Databases The database concept 46 The DBMS 44-50

Relational databases 44-50

Computer communications and networking Networks 56-65 The Internet 66-68

Programming Algorithms Programming languages See chapter 7

Control flow in imperative languages

Handling data in algorithms 71-78

Testing

Top Tip

The best way to revise for the computing exam is to practise past papers and use the answers to check

your understanding. These are available at

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computing-j275-from-2012/

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_1/1_1_computer_systems.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_2/1_2_binary_logic.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_2/1_2_memory.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_2/1_2_input_output.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_2/1_2_secondary_storage.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_3/1_3_software.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_units.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_number.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_character.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_images.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_sound.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_4/1_4_instructions.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_5/1_5_database_concept.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_5/1_5_dbms.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_5/1_5_relational_databases.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_6/1_6_networks.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_6/1_6_internet.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_7/1_7_algorithms.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_7/1_7_programming_languages.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_7/1_7_control_flow.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_7/1_7_handling_data.html

http://www.gcsecomputing.org.uk/p_secure/1_7/1_7_testing.html

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computing-j275-from-2012/

29

Drama

Top tips for success

Work outside of lesson time – You can’t get it all done in ‘contact time’.

Little but often’ is better than ‘save it all until the last minute then do loads at once’.

Ask for help – don’t just sit around and suffer in silence.

Consider the ‘catch-up’ sessions as a bonus, not a chore.

Make sure you can contact all those in your working group – swap numbers/emails.

Play to your strengths.

Be specific in your internet searches – too vague = loads of information you don’t know what to do

with.

Save what you find when you research on the WWW – it can come in useful later.

Make rehearsal notes EVERY rehearsal – you’ll never remember what you did weeks after the

event.

30

Geography

Paper 1 – Physical Geography - 1 hour 30 minutes

Check you have the right TIERED paper (higher or foundation)

Check you have an insert booklet (this is the part of the examination with the images you need to help

answer the questions).

Only answer questions 1 (Restless Earth), 2 (Rocks Resources and Scenery) and 7 (Coastal Zone)

Complete all sections for the 3 questions.

Spend only 30 minutes on each question.

Use specific information from Case Studies for 6-8 mark questions.

For all levelled questions (4 marks+) ensure you give reasons and quote evidence for every point that

you make.

Use specific key words fluently in every answer.

Paper 2 – Human Geography - 1 hour 30 minutes

Check you have the right TIERED paper (higher or foundation)

Check you have an insert booklet (this is the part of the examination with the images you need to help

answer the questions).

Only answer questions 1 (Population Change), 2 (Changing Urban Environments) and 6 (Tourism)

Complete all sections for the 3 questions.

Spend only 30 minutes on each question.

Use specific information from Case Studies for 6-8 mark questions.

For all levelled questions (4 marks+) ensure you give reasons and quote evidence for every point that you

make.

Use specific key words fluently in every answer.

Remember SPaG! Capital letters, full stops, spelling and punctuation ALL count – total of 9 marks for

SPaG on this paper.

31

Health and Social

The exam is out of 70 marks. You should spend on average one minute per mark on each answer.

Historically every exam has started with the ‘life cycle’ so ensure you revise this well.

When reading the questions, make sure you understand exactly what development they are referring to

(physical, intellectual, emotional and social) and if the question asks for development, include examples

of all four.

Make sure you have a sound knowledge of the key terms for each of the PIES within a life stage.

Use the revision pack that you have been given.

Remember in the long answer questions marks can be taken away for poor QWC (quality of writ-

ten communication).


Use the specifications http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4820-W-SP-14.PDF you have been

given to ensure you are revising the correct content for the correct exam (DO NOT just use a gener-

ic revision book as some of the information is irrelevant).


Cue cards – get someone at home to test you, play games.


Ensure these are colourful and straight to the point – add images and logos that will help you re-

member things.

Do past papers from http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/health-and-social-care/gcse/health-and-social-

care-4820/past-papers-and-mark-schemes (unit 1) and check over using the mark schemes and

examiners reports.


http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/health-and-social-care/gcse/health-and-social-care-4820/past-papers-and-mark-schemes

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/health-and-social-care/gcse/health-and-social-care-4820/past-papers-and-mark-schemes

32

History

OCR SHP History A - from 2013 - Show what you know!

General/content

Ensure that you have read the question properly.

If the question asks you for a judgement ensure you have made a judgement and supported this

with 2 PEELs for your judgement, 1 PEEL against your judgement, say why this is weaker and then

conclude.

Look at the time period mentioned in the question - think about the context - what else happened at

this time? Did it influence what you are being asked about? If so mention this

Ensure that all own knowledge used is detailed, yet relevant to what you are being asked.

Think about specific dates and acts - Show what you know

Revise 4 time periods from Crime and Punishment Through Time and 4 themes from The American

West.

Paper 1

Turn straight to the Crime and Punishment Through Time section

Spend 1 hour on section 1 (Crime and Punishment Through Time) and spend 1 hour on section 2

(The American West)

Source sections - Support the point you have made with something from the source and then sup-

port with detailed own knowledge

Part A - 5 points or 2 explained

Part B - 2 points explained and a 3rd identified

Part C (also 3 SPAG marks)- Make a judgement, support this judgement with 2 PEEL paragraphs,

give a counter argument PEEL paragraph, say why this is weaker and then conclude your argument.

Paper 2

Spend an hour on questions 1 - 4.

Spend 30 minutes on questions 5 - This is worth over a third of the marks for your paper!

Ensure you know when all 5 riots happened, what happened, how the authorities dealt with this riot,

the outcome and then whether it was successful.

Question 5 - Create a T diagram to ensure you have a clear picture in your mind about which riots

can support the judgement you have made.

Question 5 - Double check your SPAG - 3 Marks awarded here

The Romans Middle Ages - 500 - 1450 Early Modern - 1450 - 1750 Industrial Britain 1750 - 1900 20th Century 21st Century

The Indians First settlers The Mormons Cattlemen and Cowboys The Homesteaders Conflict

33

Information Technology

Make sure you revise each topic – Here is a list of questions you may get asked.

You will be provided with more extensive tips sheets nearer to the exam.

Section 1 – Let’s Communicate

List two features of a mobile phone that could make it easier to use (2)

What does the term ‘Bluetooth’ mean? (1)

What does the term ‘WiFi’ mean? (1)

Section 2 – Shopping Experience

What are two reasons why a company might prefer to be online instead of on the high street? (2)

From a customer’s point of view, what are two advantages and two disadvantages to shopping online rather than a shop? (4)

Give one security concern that a customer might have when purchasing items online. (1)

Section 3 – Entertain Me What is the difference between hardware and software? (4) State two advantages of using consoles, rather than PCs, for gaming. (2) Apart from gaming, give two other uses for games consoles. (2)

Section 4 – On the Move

State two advantages and two disadvantages of ‘Cloud Computing’ (4)

What does GPS stand for? (1)

John has just bought a new digital camera which has GPS tagging as an extra feature. State what GPS tagging does. (2)

Section 5 – Smart Working Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment that reduces the user’s fatigue (tiredness),

discomfort and injury. True of False? (1)

What is a ‘Dongal’ (1)

State ONE benefit and ONE limitation of mobile broadband. (2)

Top Tip The best way to revise for the ICT exam is to practise past papers and use the answers to check your understanding. These are available at

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/exams/past-papers.html

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/exams/past-papers.html

34

Media Studies Make sure you have the correct equipment: black pen, pencil, colouring pencils, rubber and a

ruler Read each question carefully and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do Make sure you answer every question Take care with your timings: 22 minutes per question Use the correct approach to answer each question – if you are being asked to talk about existing

science fiction films then make sure you support your answer with examples of science fiction films you have researched and analysed. If you are discussing your own ideas, then you must write in role as if you are actually planning this news programme for a real company

If you are given bullet points in the question then respond to one bullet point at a time You must refer to the exam brief in your answer – state how your ideas meet the requirements

that they have set out in their ‘letter’ to you (the brief) If you are asked to design a storyboard then make sure it is for the appropriate section of the

news that they have asked for and ensure that you annotate it with notes (including key terminolo-gy)

If you have to ‘pitch’ your idea then you must explain WHY your idea will be successful Use terminology and theory wherever you can! REVISE THESE

35

Modern Foreign Languages

French

Revision

You will be given vocabulary sheets to be stuck in your French exercise books Review these twice a

week and colour code in red the words which you constantly forget. Test yourself or, ideally, get

someone else to test you on the red words

Put “red” words on post-its and stick them around your bedroom mirror

Do vocabulary practice on any of the following websites:

www.languagesonline.org.uk

www.kerboodle.com

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

http://www.funwithlanguages.vacau.com/

http://www.yjc.org.uk/

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/french/french.htm

http://zutjunior.languageskills.co.uk (free to use outside 9.00am-4.00pm)

Buy an AQA GCSE revision guide with CD, priced £10.48 on Amazon

Attempt reading and listening questions from past papers (www.aqa.org.uk), using the techniques

below. Mark them yourself using the mark-schemes and note new vocabulary

Listening

During the five minutes reading time at the start of the paper, read the questions, especially the trick-

ier ones at the end

Annotate the questions IN PENCIL (rub out afterwards) with key words in French which you might

expect to hear. Listen to each answer and make pencil notes in the margin during the pause

DON’T WRITE while the sound file is playing. Listen again for detail and write your answer in the

space provided

With a) b) c) answers you will hear a) twice, then b) twice, etc. With i) ii) iii) answers you will hear

them all together and then the whole thing again

Use your general knowledge and common sense in the context of the answer.

On the positive/negative answers, listen for tone of voice

On the “positive/negative/both” answers, listen for mais, cependant, de l’autre côté, en revanche,

néanmoins which may indicate both.

Listen for cognates

Listen for the correct tense – Which tense is it in? The question may give you a clue What do you

need to listen out for with the present, imperfect, perfect, future, conditional tense?

Don’t fall for “red herrings” (they are there to catch you out); listen exactly to what is said.

Leave no gaps. If all else fails, guess

http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/

http://www.kerboodle.com




http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/french/french.htm

http://zutjunior.languageskills.co.uk

36

Reading

Actually read the question. Then read it again to make sure you understand what information is

needed. Don't assume anything

Skim read the text first to get a feel for what it is about generally. It makes guessing from context

easier

Which tense is it in? What tells you whether it is present, imperfect, perfect, future, conditional?

Scan through for words that you already know. Look out for keywords and textual markers: as well

as tense, person (I, you, he/she, we, they etc); numbers, dates, times

Work out what 'unknown' words are by: looking for clues, looking at context, breaking it into shorter

parts, making an educated guess, looking for cognates

When doing gap fills, remember key rules, e.g. word order, the different parts of past/future tenses.

Look for the words around the gap. What kind of word must go in the space? Verb, noun, connec-

tive? Something else?

Double check that you have not missed anything that would contradict your answer, e.g. negatives,

details of opinions, the person 'talking'

Watch out for red herrings. They are there to catch you out

Leave yourself enough time. On the higher reading paper the last question will take you longest and

is worth most marks


37

German

Revision

There should be nine pages of vocabulary in your German exercise books. Review these twice a

week and colour code in red the words which you constantly forget. Test yourself or, ideally, get

someone else to test you on the red words

Put “red” words on post-its and stick them around your bedroom mirror

Do vocabulary practice on any of the following websites:

www.languagesonline.org.uk

www.klar.co.uk

www.kerboodle.com

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



http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/german/german.htm

http://gut.languageskills.co.uk/intermediate/year10.html (free to use outside 9.00am-4.00pm)

Buy an AQA GCSE revision guide, priced £5.99 on Amazon

Attempt reading and listening questions from past papers (www.aqa.org.uk), using the techniques

below. Mark them yourself using the mark-schemes and note new vocabulary

Listening

During the five minutes reading time at the start of the paper, read the questions, especially the trickier

ones at the end

Annotate the questions IN PENCIL (rub out afterwards) with key words in German which you might

expect to hear

Listen to each answer and make pencil notes in the margin during the pause.

DON’T WRITE while the sound file is playing. Listen again for detail and write your answer in the

space provided

With a) b) c) answers you will hear a) twice, then b) twice, etc. With i) ii) iii) answers you will hear

them all together and then the whole thing again

Use your general knowledge and common sense in the context of the answer

On the positive/negative answers, listen for tone of voice

On the “positive/negative/both” answers, listen for aber, obwohl, jedoch, dennoch, auf der anderen

Seite, which may indicate both

Listen for cognates

Listen for the correct tense –Which tense is it in? The question may give you a clue. What do you

need to listen out for with the present, imperfect, perfect, future, conditional tense?

http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/

http://www.klar.co.uk/

http://www.kerboodle.com




http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/german/german.htm

http://gut.languageskills.co.uk/intermediate/year10.html

38

Reading

Actually read the question. Then read it again to make sure you understand what information is

needed. Don't assume anything

Skim read the text first to get a feel for what it is about generally. It makes guessing from context

easier

Which tense is it in? What tells you whether it is present, imperfect, perfect, future, conditional?

Scan through for words that you already know. Look out for keywords and textual markers: as well

as tense, person (I, you, he/she, we, they etc); numbers, dates, times

Work out what 'unknown' words are by looking for clues, looking at context, breaking it into shorter

parts, making an educated guess, looking for cognates

When doing gap fills, remember key rules, e.g. word order, the different parts of past/future tenses.

Look for the words around the gap. What kind of word must go in the space? Verb, noun, connec-

tive? Something else?

Double check that you have not missed anything that would contradict your answer, e.g. negatives,

details of opinions, the person 'talking'

Watch out for red herrings. They are there to catch you out

Leave yourself enough time. On the higher reading paper the last question will take you longest and

is worth most marks


39

Music

Composition (Controlled assessment)

Think about your composition when you get home on the day of your lesson while it is still fresh in

your mind.

Write down the main things you composed that day. Think about new ideas or how to improve

what you’ve done – try them out if you have a keyboard/instrument - and write them down. Before

your next lesson prepare by going back to those ideas and make three or four main targets for

developing your piece which you will aim to achieve during the lesson.

Listen to other pieces at home in the same genre which you are composing in (eg solo pi-

ano piece, string quartet, film music, band number etc.). Make a list of different musical elements,

including rhythm, harmony, how the instruments are used, melody patterns, accompaniment styles

etc. and identify how these are used in the pieces you are listening to. Use these as a model for

developing your own pieces, (adapting, rather than copying ideas directly).

Aim to keep the composition process continuous by linking preparation (at home) to implementa-

tion (at school), otherwise you will waste valuable time every lesson by having to review/remind

yourself what you did last time.

Listening exam

Listening properly is a skill which you can develop. Listen to different pieces of music on a regular

basis, not just your favourite songs, bands etc. Set aside a small amount of time regularly for fo-

cused listening ie. Make a point of listening out for specific features such as metre, rhythm,

structure, chord patterns, texture etc. (similar to composition task above). Jot down bullet points

about what you can hear using specific music vocabulary.

Take a piece of music you like and listening carefully, devise your own questions about the piece

using the format you find in a listening exam paper. Provide the answers. Next do the same exer-

cise with an unfamiliar piece or a style you do not usually listen to. When you are devising (and

answering) the questions try to use as much of the key vocabulary/terminology as you can.

Take a different area of music from the syllabus each week. When you are revising the information

and learning the key terms about the styles listen to pieces of music in that style so that you recog-

nise the ‘sound’ and relate it to the key terms. Do this especially with music you are not so familiar

with e.g. Western classical (Baroque, Classical, Romantic) or World Music (Indian, African, Carib-

bean).

Keep your vocabulary organised into clear sections. Start revising early and learn a few words at a

time, revisiting them often until you are really confident that you know them.

Remember: Little and Often is much more effective than doing bigger chunks spaced out. By start-

ing early and continuously revisiting the vocabulary/key points you will absorb the information and

become much more confident about using it.

40

PE

Both exams (B451 and B453) are split into 3 sections.

Each exam is out of 60 marks and combined worth 40% of your overall grade. So, every mark counts!

1 mark = 1 minute

Section 1: Multiple choice (questions 1-15) – Read the question properly and read through each

possible response – do not just go for the one that jumps out at you. There is always a red herring in

there, cross this out first.

Section 2: Short answer questions (questions 16–24) – Again, read the question thoroughly.

Ensure you put the same amount of points as there are marks available.

What is the key word? Is it describe, explain, identify etc?

Ensure you give examples.

You can simply answer these using bullet points.

Section 3: Long answer question (question 25) – What is the question asking?

It is generally worth six marks

You must give practical examples for every response you give

It must be written in continuous prose

Remember: marks can be taken away for poor QWC (quality of written communication) on this

question.


Use http://mypeexam.org/ to help with revision

Use the specifications you have been given to ensure you are revising the correct content for the cor-

rect exam (DO NOT just use a generic revision book as some of the information is irrelevant).


Cue cards – get someone at home to test you, play games using the playing cards (up and down the

river) or dice (snake eyes)

Play the interactive games that are on the shared area for you to play.


Ensure these are colourful and straight to the point – add images and logos that will help you remem-

ber things.

Do past papers from http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j586-j086-from-

2012/ and check over using the mark schemes and examiners reports.


http://mypeexam.org/

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j586-j086-from-2012/

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j586-j086-from-2012/

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