How to prepare for important assessments?
This is the first in a series of articles from our Deputy Director focusing on how to succeed in your academic life.
How to prepare for important assessments
How hard are you willing to work for success? If you want to achieve an A grade then you need to put in hard work to achieve the highest grade that you can. Just because you want it does not mean it will happen.
Even a wish needs to be followed by an action, if you want to make it come true.
What actions should I take for that A or A*?
1 Ask questions in class
2 Use your teachers’ office hours
3 Study with your classmates
4 Sign up with the Dulwich Tutoring Program
5 Look at your work when you’ve finished – can you improve it?
Read the syllabus for each course you are taking. Each subject has the syllabus on Moodle. For each topic that you have studied – read the statements. Rate your own knowledge
1 I understand none of this statement
2 I understand a little bit of the statement
3 I understand most of this statement
4 I understand all of this statement.
When you have done this, you will have identified your areas of weakness and know which areas you need to ask your teachers about, in order to improve, as well as which areas you can do more study on.
Form a study group and ask each other questions in English about each statement. Then write those answers down in English sentences.
Your teacher is responsible for teaching you by giving you feedback, demonstrating model answers and giving you revision time and techniques. However, YOU are responsible for your own learning. Actively engage in the process by following the advice above.
What should I do if I am struggling?
If you are feeling nervous or anxious then please speak to your Head of Year or your PL who will advise you where to go for help.
If you are feeling like you do not know the subject then speak to your teacher who will help guide you with the advice as above.
Eat and sleep well. Put your phone down and read a book for pleasure. Do some exercise, whether alone or in a group. Be mindful for a couple of minutes a day. Sit, close your eyes and listen to your breathing for a short period of time – be mindful.