Summary

You can also download this talk as a Word or PDF document.

Three P’s for Exams

• Pray-

  For help, discipline, determination and peace

• Prepare-

  Draw up a suitable revision timetable and stick to it

• Perform-

  Break up revision periods. Learn the appropriate formulae

The Exam- some helpful hints

• Get a good night’s sleep before the exam
• Awake earlier than normal
• Do your normal things: eg have breakfast
• Check you have all your stationery (pens, pencils, calculator, batteries)
• Arrive earlier than normal (at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam)
• Know exactly where the exam is (Hall, Gym, Sports Hall, Library)
• Go to the toilet before the exam!!
• Have a watch that works
• Listen carefully to any instructions given, and obey them!
• Read top sheets instructions carefully and complete them correctly.
• Know your candidate number - if in doubt, check it out!
• Say a prayer before starting
• Go for it. Don’t be put off by your immediate reaction as you will naturally be nervous
• Read the questions carefully, slowly and more than once
• Decide on how you will tackle the exam: "Can I answer the questions in any order?, "Do I have to answer all the questions?"
• Know the format of each exam
• Answer the easier questions first - it will give you confidence
• Know how much time to spend on each question. Be aware of time
• Do not be influenced by the activity of the students around you.
• If something is not clear on the paper - ask!
• Check ALL sides of the exam paper so that you do not miss anything out
• Label all answers clearly. Use diagrams, quotes and facts. Be as neat as you can.
• Leave 5 minutes at the end to read through and tidy up
• Show all working out and attach any notes made on questions you fail to complete
• Use ’non-exam time’ to collect your work together and hand it in.

What about the exam results?

• If they are not what you expected − don’t panic − get advice!
• If they are what you hoped for − CONGRATULATIONS!
• Exams are not about how valuable you are
• They are there to help you reach your potential.
• My very best wishes to you for the exams and your future.