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Chessington Community College
How to revise for your GCSE Exams
Year 11 2015/16
This document contains simple tips to help you revise for your
GCSEs. It includes the following:
● Individual subjects and the number of exams to be taken
● Top tips from each subject to help you focus on your revision
● Examples of revision aids
● Specific revision guides/websites for each subject
● The required skills for certain grades.
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Contents
MATHS GCSE ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE ........................................................................................................................ 7
ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE ........................................................................................................................... 8
SCIENCE GCSE .................................................................................................................................................. 9
HISTORY GCSE ................................................................................................................................................ 10
GEOGRAPHY GCSE ........................................................................................................................................ 12
PE GCSE ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
MEDIA STUDIES GCSE ................................................................................................................................... 16
FILM STUDIES GCSE ...................................................................................................................................... 17
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY GCSE ............................................................................................................ 18
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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MATHS GCSE Exam Board: EdExcel
You will sit two exams, a calculator and a non-calculator exam.
TOP TIPS
DO NOT JUST READ YOUR BOOK!!! YOU NEED TO ACTIVELY “DO” MATHS.
Vary your practice as much as possible. That means doing lots of different topics - not just the ones you enjoy.
Test yourself as much as possible. Try an exam question in exam conditions and check it against the videos on Hegartymaths.
Allow yourself some time to forget! Try to come back to topics covered in lesson about a week after they were covered. Re-learning after forgetting a little helps to cement connections in the brain for better recall later.
Massed practice (like cramming) leads to fast learning but also to rapid forgetting compared to spaced practice. Spacing helps embed learning in long-term memory. Get plenty of sleep. Students think all-nighters are a good way to study, but sleep helps memories consolidate and may make retrieval of learned information better (relative to being sleep deprived).
REVISION AIDS
Revision cards - best used to record key facts (e.g. circle theorems) that must be learned and recalled in the exam.
Past papers - available from the Edexcel website. Don’t be afraid to repeat papers and try to mark them yourself using the mark schemes.
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Hegartymaths.com - ensure that you access the worked exam question examples
mymaths.co.uk - the Booster packs are especially useful for targeting specific grades
//keshgcsemaths.wordpress.com/gcse-maths-takeaway/ - exam questions arranged by topic and grade. Fantastic topic based practice.
There are numerous printed revision guides published. Any guide must support the Edexcel syllabus.
The best known and most widely used are those published by Collins and CGP. The key thing to remember is that they are best used in conjunction with workbooks.
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
It is not practical to include a list of indicative grades for maths skills in this document, due to the length of the list of skills. Most revision guides give some indication of grade for a topic, but also remember that a higher grade question can be made up of two or more lower grade skills.
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ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE Exam Board: AQA
TOP TIPS
*Reread ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’ as many times as possible - underline key quotes that reveal characters’ behaviour and actions, and the main ideas in the texts (e.g. themes such as loneliness, friendship and social class).
*Read your poetry anthology and read through the annotations you’ve made in your anthologies. On the page of each poem create a table with the following headings: meaning, imagery, tone, structure, language - under each heading, record how the poetic device makes readers feel (e.g. Line 10 - the metaphor makes a reader feel shocked as the mother treats her son like a stranger).
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
It is not practical to include a list of indicative grades for English skills in this document, due to the length of the list of skills. Most revision guides give some indication of grade for a topic.
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE Exam Board: AQA
TOP TIPS
*Practice writing plans for past examination papers and write these up in timed conditions. * Read newspapers, e.g. The Metro, and do the following: Imagine you have to write the story from the point of view of a person involved, what would you say from that person’s point of view (Question 1). Look at a paragraph - what language devices have been used; what does the quote mean or show? How does the quote make readers feel? (Question Record all of the main points in the article - can you include all of these in a brief summary? (Question 3) Complete the PPE Revision resources that are in the 1StudentWork folder.
REVISION AIDS
Past papers - A number of these will be uploaded for you on placed on the school website / given to teachers to distribute.
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
It is worth buying yourself a copy of the following workbook: First Language English for Cambridge IGCSE Workbook - published by Oxford University Press: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Language-English-Cambridge-Workbook/dp/019838906X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426026108&sr=8-2&keywords=cie+igcse+english
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
It is not practical to include a list of indicative grades for English skills in this document, due to the length of the list of skills. Most revision guides give some indication of grade for a topic.
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SCIENCE GCSE Exam Board: AQA
TOP TIPS
Create mind maps to make links between core science and additional science. Make a science glossary to become familiar with keywords Complete past papers and use the mark schemes to make improvements- Make sure you understand the theory and why the mark scheme states that answer- don’t just copy!
REVISION AIDS
CGP is brilliant app for revision. They cost £1.49 each and can be bought on Android or Apple. If you are double award, you will need to purchase the core and additional app. If you are triple you will need to buy the three separate sciences (Chemistry, Biology and Physics). Details can be found below: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/apps_info Mind maps Flashcards
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
The following website has videos covering all of the core topics (B1, C1, P1). These are free, you just have to register. Unfortunately you need to pay to access the additional videos. http://www.my-gcsescience.com/core-science/ You probably are all aware of the GCSE bitesize, but below is the link which takes you directly to the sections specific to our course http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/ Past papers are a great way of revising. All the papers can be found here, just select whether you would like to do a Biology, Chemistry or Physics paper. Remember double award will only do Units 1 and 2. Triple to units 1, 2 and 3. You will also find the mark schemes using the same link http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/exams-guidance/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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HISTORY GCSE Exam Board: EdExcel
Germany 1919 – 1939 The British Society c 1951-1979 Cold War 1943 - 1991
TOP TIPS
Have a good chronological understanding of the time periods for each exam.
Know the key historical figures for each exam and why they are important.
Know how many marks needed for each question and therefore how many minutes to write your answer.
REVISION AIDS
Mind maps for key events, themes and topics.
Causes of significant events and their consequences.
Character cards for important people
Source skills: NATURE/ ORIGIN/ PURPOSE of a source and why they are important for the reliability of the source.
Inference = what does this suggest
Using connectives to link causes together.
Practice questions to focus on structure and use of evidence
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Germany:http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/germany/
British Society: http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/Secondary/History/14-16_for_Edexcel/EdexcelGCSEMWHistory2013/ISBN/StudentBooks/EdexcelGCSEHistoryATheMakingoftheModernWorldUnit3CThetransformationofBritishsocietyc195179SB2013.aspx
Cold War: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir2/
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SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
A*/A = evaluation/judgement/ specific and accurate historical evidence
B= Explaining why things happen and linking causes together using accurate evidence
C= Explaining causes using relevant detail
D = Describing how things happen using simple evidence to support your points
E= Identification of features/causes using basic evidence
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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GEOGRAPHY GCSE Exam Board: AQA
Remember that you need to revise 3 topics for each exam. The unit breakdowns are included below: You should use your books and the website links shown to complete your revision.
Unit 1 Physical Geography The restless earth Challenge of weather and climate The coastal zone
Unit 2 Human Geography Population change Changing urban environments Tourism
TOP TIPS
Case study questions
Remember 6 or 8 mark answers require use of named case study examples.
E.g. Describe the impacts of a volcanic eruption in an MEDC. (8)
For the answer above you should be referring to the named case study in your introduction sentence e.g. The MEDC volcanic eruption studied was Mount St Helens….
Case study answers carry the most marks so make sure you know all the case studies listed below, you should try to remember key dates, statistics etc. Remember 8 mark answers will be assessed for SPAG.
Read the questions carefully
Every year, lots of candidates lose lots of marks because they misread the question, or answered the question they hoped the examiner would ask rather than the one that has been set. Don't let this be you! Try underlining the exam command words to remind yourself of exactly what the examiner wants you to do.
Use the available resources
It costs the exam board a lot of money to produce maps, photographs and diagrams for the exams. They do it for a reason! Make sure that you use them to help you show what a good geographer you are. Look at the resources carefully and use the information from them in your answers - for example, Photograph A shows that a series of groynes have been built along the seafront at Swanage where the building density is high.
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Website links:
www.s-cool.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/
http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA%20GCSE.htm
http://www.geographyrocks.co.uk/gcse-revision.html
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SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
Exam command words
Study = look very carefully at the resource - this is not a question that you have to answer but an instruction that needs to be followed before you answer the following questions. It is known as the stem part of the question.
Complete = this might be filling in a table, finishing off a graph using data you have been given, choosing words from a list to fill in the missing gaps in a paragraph or circling the correct answer from a range of options. Make sure that you circle or tick the correct number of items!
Name = just give the name - there is no need to write anything else e.g. Name the Oceans marked on the map at A and B. Just write 'Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean' (or whatever they are!) not 'The ocean named on the map at A is the Pacific Ocean and the ocean named on the map at B is the Atlantic Ocean'.
Label = this kind of question often asks you to add a name, description or explanation to a text-box on a photograph or diagram.
Describe = say what you see (without giving reasons) - are there any patterns or trends? If you are describing a graph, make sure that you include figures in your answer.
Describe the location = say where something is - try to include distance and direction from other places e.g. Describe the location of Southampton. Southampton is a city in Hampshire, on the south-coast of England. It is 25km north-west of Portsmouth and 40 km north-east of Bournemouth.
Describe the distribution = say how something is spread out over space
Suggest the cause = give reasons for why something happened e.g. Suggest the cause of the earthquake in California. The Pacific Plate and North American Plate are moving past each other at a conservative margin. As they move…
Explain / Give reasons / Suggest reasons = give reasons for why something happens and include all the specific detail as to why they lead to it happening; useful words to use in an 'explain' question include: therefore, so, because, as a result of, consequently, this means that.
Give effects / Suggest impacts = this type of question asks you to look into the future and write about the consequences of something happening.
Use examples = you must use real-life examples to gain full marks! You have studied a wide variety of examples in lessons. You can use your own general knowledge too. Make sure you give specific detail and you include the name and location!
Identify evidence / Use map evidence = this means that you must include information taken from the resources that you have been provided with. Don't forget to interpret the evidence that you give! e.g. Use map evidence to suggest why the area is vulnerable to coastal flooding. The land is very flat and wet so if the sea broke through large areas would be flooded. I can tell that the land is flat because the only contour line shown on the map extract is at 10 metres. The land in squares 4126 and 4127 is 'Hempstead Marshes'. Great Moss Fen is in 4225 and 4226. Marshes and Fens are flat.
Compare = describe the similarities and differences between things - words that will force you into a comparison are 'whereas' and 'in comparison to' 'alternatively' and 'on the other hand'; words ending in '- er' are also useful (e.g. taller, richer, stronger); words such as 'less than' and 'more than' are also useful.
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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Annotate = this means add labels to a diagram, photograph or map. Annotate questions will also ask you to do something else e.g. describe or explain. This additional command word tells you what type of statements to write in your annotations. When explaining, you will need to give detailed reasons; e.g. annotate the photograph to explain some of the possible impacts on the natural environment of a large scale tourist development in the area. New buildings may be on vegetation and destroy habitats meaning animal species may leave the area. Lots of sewage from new hotels may leak into the water, killing fish and coral reefs. Large buildings may be an eyesore destroying the beauty of the area permanently.
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PE GCSE and BTech Exam Board: EdExcel
TOP TIPS
Try to relate all key knowledge points to a sporting example and make sure you provide three knowledge points if the question is worth 3 marks!
Use PEEL as a structure for your 6 mark extended questions
Break revision of key content down into each topic so that you remember information in chunks (Topic 1.1.1, 1.1.2)
REVISION AIDS
Mypeexam.com - really useful videos on each topic
Revision workbook -read the key notes and work through the past paper questions
Actively re-do your mock exam, responding to the feedback and improve your answers for each question.
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Edexcel GCSE PE revisions guide
Edexcel GCSE PE revision workbook
Mypeexam.com (Be sure to click on the ‘Edexcel’ icon so that you watch videos for the correct exam board!)
BTECH STUDENTS
BTEC Students will need to complete a series of units and coursework to complete the course to the best of their ability. They must stay up to date with deadlines, and work within class so as to maximise their chances of strong grades.
The first deadline for the first unit will be before October half term.
Most students sat the exam for the BTEC course last year. Those who didn’t will need to do this.
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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MEDIA STUDIES GCSE Exam Board: AQA
TOP TIPS
Always complete your homework tasks as they form the basis for your exam in June.
Watch as much UK TV News as possible - make notes about style, delivery, types of stories and possible target audience it is aimed at
REVISION AIDS
Use handouts provided from your folders
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Revision book provided after the exam brief is released May 15th
Controlled Assessments (60% of overall GCSE)
Assignment 1 (LANGUAGE AND AUDIENCE) Radio (15 marks)
Analyse opening 3 mins of a talk radio show (codes & conventions) 600-700
words (10 marks).
Prepare a script for a radio show aimed at a specific audience. 600-700 words, plus an explanation of the audience it is
aimed at. (5 marks).
Completed by end of Easter 2015
Submitted April 2016
Assignment 2 (REPRESENTATION AND
INSTITUTIONS) Promotion of Video Games
(30 marks)
a: Compare 2 promotional methods used by one video game and produce a written analysis of 1000-1200 words (20
marks).
b: Research, plan and design a poster AND storyboard a trailer for your own
video game. (10 marks)
Completed by end of year 10 July 2015
Submitted April 2016
Assignment 3 (LANGUAGE, AUDIENCE,
REPRESENTATION AND INSTITUTIONS)
Print – Music magazine (45 marks)
a: A maximum of 12 pages showing your research & planning
(15 marks).
b: Produce 4 pages (including front cover, contents page and double page
spread (20 marks).
c: 700-800 word evaluation (10 marks).
Completed by October 2015
Submitted April 2016
EXAM (40% of overall GCSE) Science Fiction Films June 2016
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FILM STUDIES GCSE Exam Board: WJEC
TOP TIPS
Read and plan your answers BEFORE you start writing.
Use filmic terminology and the specific emotion it created in order to earn a mark.
Make sure you include as many points as there are marks offered.
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
Revision guides for Exam paper 1 Superhero genre and Exam paper 2 Tsotsi.
Controlled Assessment (50% of GCSE)
Film Exploration Choose one film and produce: Micro Analysis of 2 micro elements. approx. 750 words Industry Research essay 500 words (10 marks) (20 marks)
To be completed by Dec 2015 To be completed by Dec 2015
Pitch & Pre-Production Create your own film idea and write a Pitch (10 marks) for it. A 20 frame Storyboard (20 frames) OR 500 word Screenplay. (20 marks)
To be completed by Dec 2015 To be completed by Dec 2015
Production
2 min film (short or extract) each student to be responsible for either directing/sound OR editing/post production
To be completed by Dec 2015
Evaluative Analysis 800-1000 words written analysis of pre-production and production tasks. To include stills. (10 marks)
To be completed by Dec 2015
EXAMS – June 2016
Exam 1 – June 2016. Exploring Film 1 hour (30% of overall GCSE) Exam 2 – June 2016. Exploring Film outside Hollywood 1 hours (20% of overall GCSE)
Super Hero genre Tsotsi
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY GCSE
Exam Board: AQA
TOP TIPS
Get the best mark possible in your coursework before the exam - your grade is taken from 60% coursework so secure a good grade while you can!
The exam paper is split into two sections - the design section and then the tools, materials, processes and safety. So remember everything from your coursework will be relevant for the design section of the exam.
Always give your dimensions in MM and follow the time guidance on the exam paper
REVISION AIDS
CGP GCSE D&T Resistant Materials AQA Specification
Revision Guide - 2013 or 2014 edition
REVISION GUIDES AND WEBSITES
CGP GCSE D&T Resistant Materials AQA Specification
Revision Guide - 2013 or 2014 edition
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials/
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR GRADES
In the exam remember to bring a pencil and ruler as well as pens - you will need to do drawing and design work as well as written questions.
To get the extra marks in the exam you need to describe what materials or processes are suitable AND you need to also justify why
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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NOTES
How to revise for your GCSE Exams 2015/16
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