Top tips for GCSE success

tipsTOP FOR GCSE SUCCESS

Luxe checks in with the region's most esteemed education establishments to rally up top tips and tricks for pupils sitting their GCSE exams in 2022. Here's what we found...

Barnard Castle School

“It might sound trivial, but ensuring you know and are aware of where the examination is taking place – and arriving 15 minutes beforehand – can support preparation. Things like making sure you have the correct equipment can also help and alleviate any worry or stress. Stress is to be expected during exam season, but it is nothing to be scared of. Anxiety is not inevitable and using breathing exercises and staying hydrated can help candidates learn to cope more effectively. This is something that we preach at ‘Barney’.”

Susan Houghton, Exams Officer at Barnard Castle School.

"Be brave: you must organise your target grade, even if it means confronting topics you are uncomfortable with. Start with two priority subjects and list simple tasks to be completed in each one during the week and at the weekend. A fortnight later, add another subject. Speak to a parent, guardian or member of staff about the one subject you feel completely lost in. You will feel better! Take the opportunity of doing little and often: choose your favourite platform - GCSE Pod, Educake, Seneca, Cognito Platform, Mathswatch etc. It is astounding how much your brain will remember in the summer."

Alan Nolan, Private Tutor

Royal Grammar School

“Make sure your revision timetable involves an appropriate balance of activity alongside your plan for studying. Be realistic about the amount of time you are able to focus effectively for and, in parallel, take exercise, sing, make some art or do whatever gives you joy as an incentive for the end of each session. It may also help consolidate your revision if you can explain concisely to your family what you have been studying each day. Meanwhile, dial down social media and technology, switch off devices at least an hour before bed and your mind will be noticeably better able to function. Finally, as with any top performer, nutrition and hydration are fundamental to the best cognitive function required in exams. Eat well balanced meals and make sure you are properly hydrated for optimum performance!”

Geoffrey Stanford, Head at Royal Grammar School.