SOME TIPS FROM YOUR HEAD OF FACULTY

As Term 4 exam block approaches, our dedicated teaching staff have shared valuable insights to help students excel academically. Their guidance is designed to support effective preparation, boost confidence, and ensure students perform at their best.

Dean of Curriculum | Mrs Perrier

Create a study timetable: Allocate time for each subject, include breaks, and stick to it. Planning ahead reduces stress and improves focus.

• Use active recall and spaced repetition: Test yourself regularly instead of just rereading notes. This strengthens memory and understanding.
• Practice past papers: Familiarise yourself with exam formats and question styles. It builds confidence and highlights weak areas.
• Write notes by hand: This old-school method improves retention better than typing.

English and Literature Faculty | Mrs Fergusson (Head of Faculty)

1. Go Beyond the Quote

Memorising quotes is only the beginning. What earns marks is your ability to analyse — to unpack how the quote reveals ideas, character, or authorial intent. Make sure you learn in-depth and insightful analysis that interrogates the effect of the quote and how it connects to broader themes, context, and the writer’s purpose.

2. Plan, Plan, Plan! 

 Strong essays start with strong planning. Use your time wisely:

• 10 minutes to craft a clear, insightful thesis
• 30 minutes to map out your evidence and analysis — make sure each paragraph proves your thesis

Business Faculty | Mrs Saroukos (Head of Faculty)

Focus on understanding key concepts rather than memorising information and practise applying them to different types of questions. Create a realistic study plan that includes short, focused revision sessions with regular breaks to stay productive and motivated.

Mrs Baker – Dean of Mission

My exam preparation advice is to make sure you use a planner to plan out your time study time and other commitments. It is also important to eat and sleep well during this exam period time.

Humanities and Languages Faculty | Mrs Bahr (Head of Faculty)

Start your assessment tasks and exam revision early by breaking them into small, manageable sections. By chipping away at them regularly, you’ll feel confident and avoid last-minute stress.

Mathematics Faculty | Mr Helsdon (Head of Faculty)

1: Practice regularly – Do the revision questions on the traffic light documents to consolidate the mathematical concepts.
2: Target specific topics – Do extra revision on topics and questions you find challenging.
3: Teach someone else – Explain the concepts and how to do the problem to another student or your parents.
4: Use summary cards – Create your own summary cards with formulas and select some important examples.

The Arts Faculty | Ms O’Brien (Head of Faculty)

Remember, ‘practice makes progress’ — every time you rehearse a scene, refine a musical phrase, or rework a sketch, you’re developing your skills and deepening your understanding which will lead to your best work. In Drama, Music and Visual Art, consistent effort builds confidence and creativity, so keep practising, creating and refining, and trust that each small improvement moves you forward.

Science Faculty | Mrs Kill (Head of Faculty)

When preparing for your science exams, carefully read the cognitive verb in each question (e.g., describe, explain, evaluate) so you know exactly what kind of answer is expected. Always check how many marks each question is worth to guide how much detail or working you provide, and make sure you’ve learned all the key scientific vocabulary to use accurately in your responses.

Design and HPE Faculty | Mr Edwards (Head of Faculty)

Steady wins the race – consistent effort throughout the term leads to success. Don’t rely on last-minute cramming. Instead, build good study habits early, stay organised, and ask for help when needed. And remember: the night before an exam, prioritise a good night’s sleep to help your brain perform at its best.

Library | Mrs Nibbs (Head of Library)

Find a space that is conducive to your preferred study method, be it quiet or with background noise.  Break your study sessions into chunks and set yourself a goal for each session.  Allow for short breaks and reward yourself with a treat once you reach your goal.