Coping with exams and coursework

When you take GCSEs, Diplomas or Young Apprenticeships, you complete work that is normally assessed in one of two ways: coursework or exams.

Information Please select what you require information on:

Coursework is set work that forms part of your final grade. It is usually completed over a specified period of time.

Choose areas that interest you. If you have a choice it can help with your motivation.
Plan your time carefully.
Make a note of the deadline or hand-in date.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you are being asked to do.
If you are not sure - ask!
Set aside a period of time each week to study.
Research your information carefully, and keep it well organised for ease of access.
Make sure your work is your own. Don't copy straight from the internet or books - the examiners want to know what you know!
Make sure your work is well presented, carefully thought-out and written neatly or typed on a computer.
Check the grammar and spelling before handing your work in for marking.
Make sure you hand your work in by the hand-in date.

Examinations are tests set at a fixed time in order to assess how much you know about a subject.

Don't panic!
Allow plenty of time for revision.
Have a revision plan, and make sure you study for a set period of time each week.
Develop memory-aids that work for you. Some people use graphics, flow charts, highlighters, summary notes, cartoons, tape recordings and key point cards or test each other.
Attend revision classes.
Balance your revision with activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable.
Before the exam, make sure that you check the date and time of the exam.
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 you could have done better, work out how and use this next time.

It's important to get the right balance of subjects. Find out how.

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