How to prepare for Mock Exams

The start of mock exams can be intense. The pressure schools and teachers put on young people can be a lot to deal with, especially after coming back to school and trying to adjust to your routine again. Remember to take your time with the change. It may seem that GCSEs are right around the corner, but you still have plenty of time to prepare.

Here are some tips to help prepare you for mock exams:

• Start a revision timetable around these mocks and break up the content. This will be extremely beneficial as you enter year 11 and you have covered most of the content during year 10.

• Year 10 is the time to experiment with various revision techniques, find what works for you, and remember the same revision technique may not work for every subject, but that’s okay.

• If there are any optional intervention classes available for your subjects, take time to drop into them and ask any questions about any content you may be struggling with. If your school does not offer this but you may find it beneficial, you can raise this with your head of year.

• Walking into the exam hall can be daunting, especially if you’re doing this for the first time. Arriving a couple of minutes early and noting down your seat number can be helpful. Spending a couple of minutes preparing the stationery you need can also be beneficial. Take some time for yourself before entering. Try not to cram any information before the exam; focus on keeping yourself calm and relaxed.

• Open the exam paper when you’re ready and take your time reading the questions. Gather your thoughts after reading the questions. Planning before writing your final answer is extremely helpful.

  
  

• If you find you have time at the end, go through your answers and see if anything needs to be changed. Re-read the questions you didn’t understand.