Exam Tips

Before the Exam

• ✅ You will receive a personalised timetable — highlight which exams apply to you.
• ✅ Check the venue, row, and seat number for each exam — knowing where to go will reduce stress and avoid panic.
• ✅ Double-check the dates and times of each exam. Morning exams start at 9am and afternoon exams start at 13.30pm. Arrive well before these times
• ✅ Ensure you have all the equipment you need (e.g., pens, pencils, ruler, calculator if allowed).
• ✅ Hand in all electronic devices — smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart technology must be handed in.
• ✅ Bring 2–3 black pens — only black ink is allowed.
• ✅ Read each question carefully during the exam.
• ✅ Do not write in the margins of your exam paper.
• ✅ Ask for extra paper if needed — don’t hesitate.
• ✅ Report any wobbly desks or chairs to the examiner before the exam starts.

During the Exam

• ⏰ Arrive on time — being early helps you settle.
• 👔 Wear full school uniform — ensure you are warm or cool enough to be comfortable.
• 📖 Read all instructions carefully.
• 📝 Pay close attention to the command words (e.g., describe, explain, compare, evaluate) — they tell you exactly what the examiner expects.
• 🖊️ Circle or highlight the questions you intend to answer.
• 🚀 Start with the questions you feel most confident about.
• 📝 Read through the whole paper before you begin writing.
• ✅ Attempt all the questions required — don’t leave any blanks!
• 🔢 Check the number of marks per question — this tells you how much detail is needed.
• 🗂️ Plan your answers — planning can earn extra marks.
• 🔎 Underline key words in each question to stay focused.
• 📚 Review your answers — check you have answered every part of each question.
• 🧘 Stay calm — if you panic, try deep breathing or counting to ten.
• 🛏️ Get a good night's sleep the night before — it really helps!
• ⏳ Leave 10 minutes at the end to check your work carefully.
• 🕒 Manage your time — work out how long to spend on each question.
• 🎯 Answer the question directly — avoid repeating yourself.
• 🧩 Think and organise positively — don’t leave things to the last minute.
• 💧🍬 Bring water and/or sweets — stay hydrated and energised.
• 🎒 Pack your bag the night before with all the equipment you’ll need, including spare pens.
• 📝 Running out of time? Write your points in bullet points or a Mind Map — showing your thinking can still get you marks.