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Examinations
Sitting examinations, believe it or not, should be an enjoyable experience with students having the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. We recognise that in an ideal world, most young people would not want to go through the ordeal of examinations but that is the system we have – and that is the system that The Warren has been very successful at supporting students through for many years.
Please visit this page regularly for important examination updates. Should you have any queries please see Ms Ashe – Exams Officer or your ATL.
Examination updates
OFQUAL exam Results Guidence 2023
FUTURE EXAMINATIONS
All future examinations will be notified to students and available on the school website.
TIMETABLES
The examinations officer will circulate the exam timetables for both external and internal examinations once these are confirmed.
EXAMINATION ABSENCES
Any candidate who fails to turn up for an examination due to illness must contact the Examinations Office on the morning of the examination and produce a valid medical certificate.
What sorts of things might help you prepare for exams?
Exams can cause a mixture of feelings – hope, excitement, pressure – but the experience we tend to associate most with exams is worry or stress. Feeling some level of apprehension around exams is normal. When something feels important to us, especially when it is also new and unfamiliar, this worry is a natural response that is designed to help us deal with the situation. Research shows that small and manageable amounts of apprehension can actually be helpful, giving some students the focus they need to prepare and do their best.
Our research during lockdown showed that some students were pleased when exams were cancelled, but just as many felt that they had missed out on an opportunity to prove what they could do.
If you are feeling worried, there are strategies you can try to help reduce your worry. Students with manageable amounts of worry can see exams as a challenge they can cope with.
Find ways to take control
With any assessment, like a job interview, or a driving test or an exam, it can feel like someone else is taking control of your future. Disruption and uncertainty over the last few years might make this feel even more true.
It's important to remember you are being assessed on your work and that you do have control over this. Focus on what you can do now to show the best of your learning. Your class work, homework assignments, class tests, and exam revision will all directly support your preparation for final exams, and knowing you are doing this will help keep anxiety at bay.
Actively managing your well-being.
Looking after your physical, mental and social well-being will help you manage during your examination preparation. Try to establish routines in things like:
- socialising – spending time with particular friends or family who make us feel happy;
- relaxing – whether actively, like playing a game, or passively, like watching a film;
- exercising – which can ‘work off’ stress and can get you outdoors too;
- eating – keeping mealtimes regular and balancing healthy options with treats;
- sleep – safeguarding time to 'wind down’ and get good quality sleep can be a big help when managing a demanding period of work or study.
We know all these things can help keep you healthy, but you will know which are the most important for you, the main thing is to be aware of what is important for your well-being and to actively protect that during your exam preparations.
Remember you aren’t on your own
You are one of many thousands of students preparing for examinations. People often feel reassured when they can talk to each other about their experiences and hear how others are finding ways to cope. Talking to other people in your year group and hearing about how they are preparing for and thinking about their exams can feel supportive and sometimes you find out about personal or practical strategies that might work for you.
For some students, worries about exams do become too difficult to cope with on their own and persistent anxiety can negatively affect your well-being and exam preparation. If your worries feel overwhelming you can get help to cope. Speak to a trusted adult, or to one of the professional services/ organisations below:
- Childline – call 0800 1111
- Mind – call 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Or call NHS 111 or your GP – they can assist in providing the mental health support you may need.
Year 10 Exam Information
To view year 10 exam information, please click here
Tips and Advice and Websites for GCSE Students
Revising
There is no one way to revise as every pupil has their own learning style, however the following tips may help:
- Ensure you fully understand what to revise. What topics do you need to understand? What does the exam specification say?
- Manage your time. Planning to spend 4-5 hours on one topic is unrealistic. Create a suitable timetable which makes time for rest and other activities.
- Check your understanding by practising exam style questions. Feedback from teachers is vital at this point, to see if you are on the right track.
- Start revision early. Trying to cram a 2 year course into 6 weeks has never worked!
- Find an appropriate environment. Some people work better alone and some work better in a group. Some people work better with music and other don’t. Find what’s best for you!
- Set yourself revision goals. Aim to complete certain tasks every time you revise that way you will be able to monitor and track how much you have done/need to do.
Before the Examination
Again everyone has their own personal routines but these tips could make the difference:
- Ensure you know the correct time, date and venue of the exam
- Prepare resources the night before (i.e. calculator, pen, pencil etc.)
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Have a good breakfast and stay hydrated
- Don’t be put off by what others say.
- Think positively, don’t underestimate yourself.
- Visualise your revision material and remain calm.
During the Examination
It’s important to remain focused during an examination. If you have put in the hours preparing then the exam is just a chance for you to showcase your talent!
- Read the question carefully. Read it more than once and take time to think about your answer
- Save time by not repeating the question.
- Use the amount of marks to gauge how many points to make.
- Understand the command words (describe, list, evaluate, explain etc.)
- Re-read your answers and double check you have included everything.
After the examination:
Time to reflect on the exam and ask yourself the following questions:
- What did you do well?
- What have you learnt for the next examination?
- What do you need to improve next time?
Coping with GCSE’s
The work you do now in Year 11 is extremely important.
- Work hard now and you will be better prepared. Never settle for a first draft of work. You can always improve.
- Complete all classwork and homework! Missing work could potentially cost you marks and that grade you want to achieve.
- At the end of the day you study for yourself and your bright and wonderful future!
Year 11 Exam Information
Tips and Advice and Websites for GCSE Students
Revising
There is no one way to revise as every pupil has their own learning style, however the following tips may help:
- Ensure you fully understand what to revise. What topics do you need to understand? What does the exam specification say?
- Manage your time. Planning to spend 4-5 hours on one topic is unrealistic. Create a suitable timetable which makes time for rest and other activities.
- Check your understanding by practising exam style questions. Feedback from teachers is vital at this point, to see if you are on the right track.
- Start revision early. Trying to cram a 2 year course into 6 weeks has never worked!
- Find an appropriate environment. Some people work better alone and some work better in a group. Some people work better with music and other don’t. Find what’s best for you!
- Set yourself revision goals. Aim to complete certain tasks every time you revise that way you will be able to monitor and track how much you have done/need to do.
Before the Examination
Again everyone has their own personal routines but these tips could make the difference:
- Ensure you know the correct time, date and venue of the exam
- Prepare resources the night before (i.e. calculator, pen, pencil etc.)
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Have a good breakfast and stay hydrated
- Don’t be put off by what others say.
- Think positively, don’t underestimate yourself.
- Visualise your revision material and remain calm.
During the Examination
It’s important to remain focused during an examination. If you have put in the hours preparing then the exam is just a chance for you to showcase your talent!
- Read the question carefully. Read it more than once and take time to think about your answer
- Save time by not repeating the question.
- Use the amount of marks to gauge how many points to make.
- Understand the command words (describe, list, evaluate, explain etc.)
- Re-read your answers and double check you have included everything.
After the examination:
Time to reflect on the exam and ask yourself the following questions:
- What did you do well?
- What have you learnt for the next examination?
- What do you need to improve next time?
Coping with GCSE’s
The work you do now in Year 11 is extremely important.
- Work hard now and you will be better prepared. Never settle for a first draft of work. You can always improve.
- Complete all classwork and homework! Missing work could potentially cost you marks and that grade you want to achieve.
- At the end of the day you study for yourself and your bright and wonderful future!
