REVISION - how can I best support my child?
Revision is, put simply, the process of reviewing learning. It is something we do every day in all different contexts at school but right now many of you with children in the final few years of the Upper School will be thinking about this in relation to the upcoming November exams.
We like to see revision as a dynamic and engaging process. It can even be fun, as it gives children the opportunity to celebrate their successes. Where things do not go so well, we hope that we are able to support them to grow and learn from their experiences so that the next set of exams are more positive for them.
Here are some GOLDEN RULES for successful revision:
1. It is a process; it is not linear. Like everything else sometimes exams go well and sometimes they don’t. We spend a lot of time in the Upper School teaching children how to be more resilient and it helps if we can all encourage them to see that exam success is not the be all and end all, nor is “failure” the end of the world. Wewill work together to improve, as we do with everything else.
2. The staff already have a very good idea of who is working well and what children need to do to improve. They will be working with them in class and will be talking to you if they feel there are specific areas that you could support at home.
3. Find out what your child will be tested on. Ask your child and if you need further clarification, then have a look at the website. There is specific guidance for each class and each subject there.
Click here to access our Revision pages.
4. Understand that every child approaches revision in a different way. You will probably be aware of the different learning styles and probably have your views on what type of learner your child is. For example, kinaesthetic learners usually learn by doing. In that case,making PowerPoints might be something they enjoy. Visual leaners might opt for mind maps. Often a combination of several techniques is most effective.
5. We can help. There is information on the website and all the teachers are happy to talk to you about what works. Our learning support teachers coordinate the revision process in the school and spend time helping the children with it. They have lots of experience in different revision techniques and will be able to guide you if you get in touch.
6. Allow your child (with your support) to take ownership of the process. Agree on a revision timetable. Little and often is more effective, as is chunking- breaking down large topics into smaller more manageable areas which can be tackled in about 20 minutes.
7. Relax- pressure from home doesn’t always help. Take cues from the teachers if you are unsure.
8. Remember that hopefully things have moved on since we all took exams. Your experience (either good or bad) is not your child’s. They can do this and they will (even if it takes a few attempts) succeed.
Anjali Dholakia
Director of Studies and Deputy Head
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