All your hard work has been leading up to today - Exam Day. Make sure you plan ahead, know all the ‘do’s and don’ts’, and are ready to give it your all. Good luck!
Exam Day Tips
The big moment has arrived, it’s exam day, and now is your chance to shine. Don’t let your hard work go to waste by letting your nerves get the better of you.
Try your best to enter the exam room calmly. You may want to do some simple relaxation and breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Think positively, see the exam as a challenge, not a threat.
Take your time, and make sure you read the instructions and questions carefully. Re-read each question so that you understand exactly what you must do, underlining or highlighting key information in the question that you need to answer.
Once you’re clear on the questions you’ll be answering, plan your time. Take note of how many marks are allocated to each question, this will help determine how much time should be given to your answers.
Write down what time you’ll begin each section or question and remember to leave enough time to proofread your paper.
Tackle the exam in whichever order works for you. There is no rule that says you must complete the paper in chronological order. Find your quick wins (topics you know inside out), then you’ll have more time to focus on the trickier questions.
If your mind goes blank - put your pen down, take a deep breath and relax for a moment. If you're in the middle of an answer, read through what you’ve written so far. If nothing comes to you, leave a space and move on.
If there’s a question you can’t answer, skip it and regain confidence by answering a different question first. Remember you can always come back to it.
Check the clock after every couple of questions – this will help ensure that you leave yourself enough time to answer every question.
You’re likely to gain more marks by attempting all your planned questions than writing strong answers for some but leaving others blank.
Don’t panic! Look at the questions you have left to answer and divide your remaining time equally. Be efficient – make a point, support it with evidence and then move on to the next point. If you really can't finish in time, briefly list the points you wanted to make.
TOP TIP - Quality versus quantity: the quality of the argument is more important than the number of words you use.
If you think you’ve finished and there’s still time left, don’t leave early! Proofread your answers, check spelling and grammar, formulas, and find ways to strengthen your arguments. Don’t waste any valuable time.
Don’t keep re-living the exam once it’s over. Comparing answers on social media, or with your friends won’t help in any way. You’ve done your best and can’t change anything now.
Don’t keep re-living the exam once it’s over. Comparing answers on social media, or with your friends won’t help in any way. You’ve done your best and can’t change anything now.
It might be tempting to dive straight back into your revision notes for the next exam, but it’s important to give your brain a break. Reward yourself by doing something non-exam related. Why not grab lunch with a friend? Have a kickabout in the park? Or listen to your favourite playlist?
Think before you post!
There is no doubt that social media can be a great tool to help you revise and get prepared for your exams – but please stay within the rules.
| Be responsible | Take extra care when discussing exams and assessments on social media, if you’re in any doubt about what you can discuss or share - always check with your teacher. |
| Be alert | If you come across assessment related material on social media, you must inform your teacher. The matter will then be reported and investigated. |
| Be aware | Make sure you know what constitutes malpractice and take the time to get to know the rules. Read this guide for ‘Using social media and examinations’. |
For more information, please read JCQ's guide for Using social media and examinations/assessments.
