20 Top Tips for Parents/Carers

  1. Ensure that there is a clear space to work at home – away from distractions and with plenty of space.
  2. Have resources to hand – highlighters, pens, pencils, ruler, paper etc.
  3. Create a revision timetable together – write on a wall planner or use ‘www.getrevising.co.uk’
  4. Create your own copy of the exam timetable
  5. Ask your child how you can help them.
  6. Establish a routine – set time to work each evening, starting now!
  7. Agree ‘check in’ times to discuss where they are up to with the targeted work – might reduce ‘nagging’ feeling and potential arguments!
  8. Work-life balance: general wellbeing, sleep, breakfast, priorities, flexibility and negotiation if something ‘comes up.’
  9. Organisation – everything in the same place, empty bag at the end of the day, equipment checks etc.
  10. Removing distractions – music, TV, phones etc.
  11. Showing an interest – ‘what have you done today?’ Know their timetable, have a list of questions is to ask etc.
  12. Communication with school – email teachers if concerned as early as possible. Use SMHW to check homework. Period 6 lessons will be running after school, increasing in frequency in the run up to the examinations.
  13. Use interim reports to help focus revision/independent work – subjects that are well below target should be a focus to start with.
  14. Language used: growth mind-set, the power of ‘yet’ (‘I don’t understand this, yet’), specific, temporary, solvable.
  15. Practical revision – test with flashcards/questions that your child has made. Mind maps, post-it notes etc.
  16. Know the specification and exam board of subjects (as listed below) – past papers are available online.
  17. Encourage them to teach you.
  18. Ask them questions using exam-style language.
  19. Be positive!
  20. Reward high quality revision and effort.