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September 1, 2024Josie Makkink

Ace Exam Day! How to help your child perfect exam-day execution

Ace Exam Day! How to help your child perfect exam-day execution

Ace Exam Day! How to help your child perfect exam-day execution

As exam season approaches, parents and tutors alike feel the anticipation. Every one of us is repeating the same wish for our students: "Please show them what I know you're capable of!"

There are few things more frustrating than a student's many hours of hard work and sacrifice not reflecting in their exam mark. Their performance hinges on one critical skill: exam-day execution.

That's why we put together some of the most powerful exam preparation strategies:

Mock Exams at Home

Mock exams build familiarity with the exam format, increases students' confidence and hones their time management skills.

Here's how to set up a mock exam at home:

  • Use a set of past papers
  • Set up a quiet, distraction-free zone
  • Bring the correct stationery in (no extras)
  • Time the sessions following exam times
  • Place a clock or timer on the wall
  • Play the invigilator

Mark the paper, adhering strictly to the marking guidelines. Identify areas for improvement in content, application and strategy. Our tutors are happy to provide this service!

Have a Time Template

A time template outlines how much time a student should spend on each section. This will help them pace themselves effectively during the exam, but also will maximise their performance for each question. Remember to add some buffer time so students can review their work and correct any silly errors!

The time template should also ideally include what sections to prioritise based on mark weightings and what the student finds the most manageable. This allows students to build momentum, maximise earning marks, and have more time for the tougher questions.

The Fundamentals

Stick to a healthy routine in the home. Encourage your child to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated - these small changes can make a big difference in focus and energy levels. Keep up with your child's revision schedule and experience of each paper.

Knowing you're there to support them can be a huge confidence booster and will help them to successfully bounce back from papers they may feel defeated by. Keep us updated too - at Up Tutors, we're always in our students' corner, every step of the way.

Best of luck!

Josie Makkink

About Josie Makkink

Josie is the founder of Up Tutors with a Masters degree in Psychology.

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