Assessment

Types of assessment

There are three main types of assessment in Years 10 and 11.

• Internal assessment - often called coursework, this includes research and other projects.
• Portfolios of evidence - you collect evidence to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you've gained. Portfolios are an important part of practical and work-related courses.
• Exams - tests that take place at a set time and assess how much you know about a subject. Exams are part of all courses.

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Tips for managing internal assessments

• Choose a task or topic that interests you so you stay motivated.
• Read all instructions very carefully and check that you understand what you have to do. If you don't understand, ask for help!
• Make a note of important times and dates, including any deadlines for handing in work.
• Organise your work and keep it organised so that it's easy for you to use.
• Don't copy straight from the internet or books - the examiners want to know what you know. (It's also illegal to copy stuff and you could be barred from getting a grade for the course!)
• Make sure your work is well presented, carefully thought out and neatly written or word processed.
• Check the spelling and grammar in your written work before handing it in.
• Check that you've included important details - like your name!

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Tips for coping with exams

• Don't panic!
• Allow plenty of time for revision.
• Have a revision plan, and make sure that you study for a set time each week.
• Find and use memory-aids that work for you. Some people use graphics, flowcharts, highlighted text, summary notes, cartoons, audio recordings, key points cards or test each other.
• Attend revision classes and clubs.
• Balance your revision with activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
• Before an exam, make sure that you check the date and time of it. Sleep and eat well, and prepare all the equipment that you will need.
• Try to stay calm during the exam. If you feel worried, take some deep breaths.
• After the exam, try to put it out of your mind and look ahead to the next one. If there were things that you felt that you could have done better, work out how and do it next time.

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