YOU ARE ON LEVEL TWO: EXAM BOOSTER ZONE
If you want to move up to the next level, you need to boost your exam performance. Aim for the best possible exam results - it will make it easier to keep moving upwards to your chosen career, and you will feel a sense of achievement too. Even if you have found a course with the entry requirements ABB, aim for AAA!
Exams results are important because employers, colleges and universities look for proof that you are good at certain subjects and good at academic study. Without strong exam grades, it is harder to prove how good you are.
In S5, you may study Nat 4 or Nat 5 level subjects, or Higher. You need to study hard to get good exam results. If you want to move up to the next level in a subject, you will have to do well in these lower levels first. You need good Nat 5 results so that you can progress to Higher. If you don't progress to Higher, you might not be able to apply for a certain course at college or university. If you do not study effectively in S5 and S6, it can have a knock-on effect on what you can do once you leave school.
HOW DO I BOOST MY EXAM RESULTS?
HOW DO I BOOST MY EXAM RESULTS?
Just finished your prelims? Were your results a bit disappointing? You're not alone! Now is the time to work towards improving your grades in your final exams. You are not "stuck with a C" - you can positively work towards a B or an A by getting advice from your teacher, revising effectively and preparing for each exam.
Between now and your final exams, there is a limited amount of time in which to boost your exam performance. Use this time wisely! In the section called ORGANISE YOUR TIME, find out how to use a Study Timetable to plan your revision.
Good exam results don't just come from lots of studying - you need to revise wisely, prepare well and be organised. In the section called PREPARE TO PASS, we show you how to get ready for exam time.
Good exam results are not just about knowing the facts and figures of your subject either. You can improve your grades by following common-sense rules of exam technique. The difference between a C grade and a B may only be 1 mark - make sure you get maximum marks! You can find out more about exam preparation in the section called GOOD EXAM TECHNIQUE.
ORGANISE YOUR TIME
ORGANISE YOUR TIME: USING A STUDY TIMETABLE
You need to organise your time carefully in the run-up to your exams. Using a Study Timetable can help you plan your revision. Follow these simple steps to use your time wisely.
Divide your free time between each subject, but give more time to difficult subjects.
Attend supported study sessions at school.
If you are struggling with a subject, ask for help!
Mix up hard and easy subjects - don't do all your nightmare subjects at once.
Build in time for breaks, mealtimes and relaxing.
Reward yourself AFTER you have completed a study session - have a treat or play a video game.
Don’t try cramming the night before an exam - you need a structured period of accumulated study in the weeks and months leading up to your exams.
SQA has developed a study planning app for your smartphone. Search for "My Study Plan" at: www.sqa.org.uk
Make your plan realistic. It is better to make a modest study plan and stick to it, rather than make an intense study plan which you can't possibly achieve.
You can make a study timetable on paper. Use a calendar, diary or a template like the one below. Cross off the times when you are busy. You can then divide up the rest of your time between your subjects.
PREPARE TO PASS
PREPARE TO PASS: GET READY FOR YOUR EXAMS
Being a success in your exams means being organised. You need to prepare well in advance for each exam. Consider the questions at the end of this section, using the guidance below.
You can check the date and time of your exams at: www.sqa.org.uk/timetable/
Your revision timetable needs to be realistic. Planning 3 hours of study when you are more likely to do 30 minutes will make you feel like you're falling behind. Make an achievable plan.
Start using Past Papers as soon as possible. Begin working out how long your exams last, how many questions you will face, and how you will plan your time in each exam.
Exam time can be very stressful. Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep and try to eat well. If you are having problems, talk to friends, family or teachers - don’t bottle things up.
Get advice on exam stress at: www.thespark.org.uk/exam-stress-tips-students/
NOW CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:
What exams am I sitting? Which subjects? Which levels?
What dates and times are my exams?
How many questions will there be in each exam?
Is my Study Timetable realistic? How many hours a day will I REALLY study?
What Past Papers should I use?
What is the best way for me to manage my time in the exam?
How do I control my stress levels before and during an exam?
GOOD EXAM TECHNIQUE
GOOD EXAM TECHNIQUE: TAKE CONTROL
An exam is not an accident waiting to happen - you can positively take control of your exams! Follow this Exam Preparation Guide to improve your exam performance and your grades too.
BEFORE THE EXAM
The night before an exam, relax, mentally prepare for the day ahead and don't cram lots of new information into your head. Scan your notes, but by now you should have done LOTS of revision.
Double-check the time, date and room number. Get your gear ready - pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, calculator, water and a watch (not a mobile phone).
Get an early night - proper sleep is essential. Avoid caffeine - energy drinks or tea and coffee will keep you awake.
Arrive early for the exam. It’s normal to be a bit nervous but don’t get too anxious. Think about the duration of the exam and how you will allocate your time. Think positive thoughts - this is not the time for self-doubts or talking yourself down.
DURING THE EXAM
Check the exam paper - make sure you are in the correct room for the subject and level you are sitting. Follow the Invigilator's instructions.
When the exam starts, read ALL the questions first. Choose which questions will be the best ones to answer. Divide up your time depending on how many marks each question offers. Take some time before you begin writing to plan out your approach. Set times when you want to start each answer and try to stick to your plan.
For longer essay questions, draw up a plan, mapping out your structure and key subjects. Make sure your structure leads you to your conclusion.
Answer the questions in the order that suits you.
Don’t miss questions - you will lose marks!
If you run out of time, do a rough or outline answer - you will get some marks and it is better than not answering the question at all.
Make sure you directly answer the question on the exam paper - not a different question that you feel like answering! Keep your answers focused.
