Exam Guidelines - Reddam House 8 Exam...Exam Guidelines CONTENTS De-Stress Your Exams Study Tips...
Transcript of Exam Guidelines - Reddam House 8 Exam...Exam Guidelines CONTENTS De-Stress Your Exams Study Tips...
REDDAM HOUSE COLLEGE Grade 8 Exam Guidelines May/June 2015
Exam
Guidelines
CONTENTS
De-Stress Your Exams Study Tips
Grade 8 Exam Timetable
What to Prepare: Afrikaans Art Option
Biology Computers
Dance Studies Design Drama EMS
English French
Geography History
Life Orientation Mathematics PI Mathematics PII
Music Science
Sports Science
De-Stress Your Exams Everyone becomes stressed during exams but it's important not to let stress grow out of control. Here are some common signs of stress and the best ways to de-stress your exams! A little bit of stress does us good. How could we motivate ourselves through 100 pages of The Russian Revolution if we weren't remotely bothered? So everyone has bad days. Sometimes our stress levels get out of hand. This can stop us performing at our best. And mess with our body as well as our mind. What are the symptoms of stress?
Difficulty getting to sleep or difficulty waking up in the morning
Constant tiredness
Forgetfulness
Unexplained aches and pains
Poor appetite
Loss of interest in activities
Increased anxiety and irritability
Increased heart rate
Migraines/headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
If you've noticed three or more of the above symptoms and you've experienced them for a few weeks you may need to do something about your stress levels.
So how should I deal with exam stress?
Learn to recognise when you're stressed. A break or a chat with someone who knows the pressure you're under will get things into perspective.
Avoid comparing your abilities with your mates. Those "OMG I've only read Macbeth 17 times" conversations are a wind up. Everyone approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you've chosen the method that works best for you. Make a realistic timetable. Stick to it.
Eat correctly. Treat yourself like a well-honed machine. Fresh fruit and veg. Proper breakfasts. No one can think straight on coffee and cornflakes.
Sleep well. Wind down before bed. Don't revise under the duvet - your bed is a sanctuary not a desk. Get your 8 hours.
Exercise. Nothing de-stresses the mind faster than physical activity. Build it into your timetable. Being a sloth makes our mind sloppy too.
Panic is often triggered by hyperventilating (i.e. quick, shallow breaths). So if you feel yourself losing it during the exam, sit back for a moment and control your breathing. Deep breath in and out through the nose. Counting to five each way.
Steer clear of any exam 'post-mortem'. It doesn't matter what your mate wrote for Question 3(b). It's too late to go back and change your answers, so it will just make you worry even more.
Ultimately, don't lose sight of the fact that there is life after exams. Things might seem intense right now, but it won't last forever.
Adapted from an article from BBC Radio 1
Click here for a video and another article that could encourage you to cope with exam stress.
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Study Tips
BEFORE THE EXAM DAY Do not miss ANY days of school. If you are
unwell, come to school to write your exam and then go home. Then you will be able to see how well you know your work and teachers can help you, before the exams, in areas where you are not sure.
Make sure that you have all the notes given in class and that all your assignments are completed. Class work is always added to the exam mark to make your term mark – and it is usually worth as much, if not more, than the exam mark.
At high school you only need to come to school to write the exam. You must make sure that you use your time at home well: study at set times of the day- ask people to test you, make notes, summarise, practice
labelling diagrams and maps – be active in your learning - don’t just read over your work eat healthy snacks exercise every day go to bed at a sensible time
ON THE EXAM DAY You need to arrive for exams at 7h45 latest. You will normally be asked to enter the Main Hall
at 8h00. Examiners have to hand out up to 300 papers and this takes time. There is also 10 minutes of reading time before the exam begins.
If you are not being collected immediately after the exam, then study in the library. For security reasons you are not allowed to walk to the shops.
Dress in FULL school uniform. Bring all the required stationery and a spare pen. CHECK if you need
calculators or glue etc. Wear a watch – you are NOT allowed to have a cell phone on your desk
to check the time. You may NOT read a book or play games while waiting for your exams to
be collected.
DURING THE EXAM Use the 10 mins reading time at the start to read through all the
questions. Be sure to follow the instructions given for each question. Note how many marks a question is worth so that you know what depth of
answer (how many points) to give. PLAN your TIME so that you have enough time to work through each question. Number your questions EXACTLY as they are numbered on the exam paper. Do NOT use Tippex. Simply cross out neatly and rewrite. Don’t sit gloomily on one question which you can’t do - leave a space and move on – come back
to it at the end. Make time to CHECK ALL your answers.
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Grade 8 Exam Timetable May/June 2015
Day and Date Subject Start End
Friday, 15 May English 08:30 10:30
Saturday, 16 May No exams for Grade 8
Monday, 18 May Science 08:30 10:00
Biology 08:30 10:00
Tuesday, 19 May Afrikaans 08:30 10:00
Wednesday, 20 May Design 08:30 09:30
Thursday, 21 May Mathematics PI 08:30 10:00
Friday, 22 May Drama 08:30 09:30
Saturday, 23 May No exams for Grade 8
Monday, 25 May Holiday
Tuesday, 26 May History 08:30 10:30
Geography 08:30 10:00
Wednesday, 27 May Mathematics PII 08:30 09:30
Thursday, 28 May Dance Studies 08:30 09:30
French 10:30 11:30
Friday, 29 May Computers 08:30 09:30
Saturday, 30 May No exams for Grade 8
Monday, 1 June Music 08:30 09:30
Tuesday, 2 June Art Option 08:30 09:30
Wednesday, 3 June Life Orientation 08:30 09:30
Thursday, 4 June EMS 08:30 09:30
Friday, 5 June Sports Science 08:30 09:30
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Afrikaans Tuesday, 19 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:00
Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Begripwoordeskat, bl.5
Klanke
Woorde wat verwar
Voornaamwoorde
Voorsetsels
Woordorde (STOMPI)
Tye
Ontkenning
Woordeskat (bl.22, 27, 36, 43)
Poetry: Ubuntu, Pixie-hond and Komkomper
Types of questions
Comprehension (text, advert/other, visual)
Poetry (similar to questions covered in class)
Grammar (As practised)
Communication (see p.26 nr.4.4, p.49 7.6 and p.108 13.7 for examples)
Vocabulary: Match the words in column A with the description in column B Give one word for … Vocab relating to pictures Multiple choice
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Comprehension: It is essential that you consciously build your vocabulary throughout the year – this is not something you can quickly fix before an exam. That said, study the vocabulary on p5. Also have a look through the vocabulary from comprehension tests previously done in class, specifically the vocab used in the questions.
Grammar: If you leave studying for your exam until the day or two before, you will not be able to remember how to apply the grammar rules covered in class. Do 2 or 3 sentences a day to keep it fresh in your memory! The best way to study grammar is to re-do exercises you did in class and then check your answers and your notes afterwards – staring at the notes will not help you.
Poetry: Understanding the poem is not enough. You have to be able to express in Afrikaans what you know. Therefore, have the vocabulary to understand and answer questions on the book as well as to answer such questions in your own words.
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Art Option Tuesday, 2 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 60
Content to be learnt for the exam Elements and Principles Art terminology, jargon and techniques; Portraits. Analysis of an Artwork (all notes available in the e book)
Types of questions Mix and match Visual Analysis of an artwork Short questions Practical applications; tonal drawings – HB – 4B – 6B pencils required and a ruler & erasers.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Learn from notes in your art book to understand the content. All questions require applied knowledge, no rote learning. If you do not understand certain terms – then investigate further! Time allocation will demand careful planning. Check mark allocations to prioritise importance and determine length and time needed. Drawings need the most time. Please make sure you leave enough time to complete the drawings.
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Biology Monday, 18 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:00
Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam Learn the entire Biology booklet . Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3. Module 1: Cells and Genetics Module 2: Man’s impact on the environment Module 3: Classification and making keys
Types of questions
Short questions: matching columns, multiple choice, filling in missing words
Longer questions: paragraphs, short essays.
Graphs, drawing, keys
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Brush up on skills: Drawing a biological drawing and graphing skills
Learn with understanding
Make sure you have all the required stationery for the exam: Pen, PENCIL, eraser, ruler and coloured pencil crayons.
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Computers Friday, 29 May 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam Your notes
Research, Hardware, Computer Systems, A Perfectly Typed Document
/Resources Drive/ and Google Drive**
* http://goo.gl/BdD7ft ** http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz
Types of questions Short questions: Multiple Choice, Mix and Match, One word answers, True and False,
Choose the correct term, Label Screen Shots and a Word Puzzle.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Think!
The use of computer jargon and the correct terms for technology is important
Spelling is also important; remember ram is a sheep but RAM is a type of computer
memory.
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Dance Studies
Thursday 28 May 2015, 08:30 – 09:30 Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
The glossary
The skeleton
The individual bones and the categories
The spine
Types of questions
Multiple choice
Essays
Diagram labelling
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam N.B. Please bring colouring pencils!
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Design Thursday, 20 May 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 60
Content to be learnt for the exam Read through all the notes that have been given to you and stuck in your book These notes are available in the myHomework App in Resources Illustration Techniques Logo Design
Types of questions Mix and match Short questions Practical application – pencils or black pen required Visual Analysis
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Read through to notes to understand. All questions are applied knowledge, no rote learning.
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Drama Friday, 22 May 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 50
Content to be learnt for the exam
Unit 1 : Understanding performance spaces (page 3 – page 10)
An understanding of how you used the performance space to perform your plays
Types of questions
Short questions of 1 - 10 marks each
Content questions, comprehension questions, application questions, creative questions
Tips for students in preparation for the exam
Learn the content thoroughly.
Make sure you UNDERSTAND everything you learn
Read the questions carefully so that you understand completely what you are being
asked
Pay attention to the mark allocation and answer accordingly
WORK NEATLY
Make a concerted effort to use punctuation such as capital letters where applicable
Remember to bring coloured pencils
READ your answers to see if they make sense before you hand in your answer sheet
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EMS Thursday, 4 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 85
Content to be learnt for the exam
Factors of Production
National Budget: Income and Expenditure
Accounting Theory
Accounting equation
Types of questions Match the columns True or false Definitions Case studies
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Read questions very carefully Go over all worksheets and cycle tests Use textbook in conjunction with notebook Have a good understanding of all diagrams drawn in notebook.
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English Friday, 15 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:30
Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam Of Mice & Men Work through the Of Mice & Men booklet. Romeo and Juliet Work through notes and class activities as well as your own notes in your text. Comprehension & Language Revise Language booklet; work through English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book). Short Writing Learn transactional writing formats in the English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book). This will be based on Private Peaceful.
Types of questions Short questions Detailed explanations Own interpretations Writing a short piece (e.g. 100-150 words) Longer writing (e.g. 200-300 words)
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Consult the English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book) for
Language revision (pp.6-60)
Literature revision (pp.69-74)
Transactional Writing (pp.77-87)
Comprehension Skills (pp.61-66)
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French Thursday, 28 May 2015, 10:30 – 11:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100
Content to be learnt for the exam Vocabulary: classroom, family Grammar: articles Verbs Adjectives Colours Numbers 1 - 31
Types of questions
Comprehension: multiple choice, true/false, names
Grammar: verb conjugation, agreement of adjectives, same format as exercises done in class
Tips for students in preparation for the exam
Revise everything very thoroughly.
Verbs and vocabulary are extremely important to understand the comprehension passages.
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Geography Tuesday, 26 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:00
Length of paper: 1 ½ hours Marks: 90
Content to be learnt for the exam
1. All of Mapwork 2. All of Geomorphology 3. All of Natural Resources 4. All of Settlement
5. All of Social Inequalities
Types of questions
Multiple-choice questions / Match column A with column B / One word answers.
Content-based and application type questions.
Graphs – Draw and/ or interpret, as well as tables.
Source-based questions to understand and interpret.
Paragraph-type questions.
Diagrams to label and interpret.
Drawings and diagrams. (Please note that not all the above types of questions will necessarily be in the exam).
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Work through past tests and worksheets. DO NOT rote learn. It is far more important that you understand the concepts than learning facts. Use the class notes in conjunction with ALL the other extra work we have done.
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History Tuesday, 26 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:30
Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 110
Content to be learnt for the exam CHANGING WORLDS: TOPIC 1 : INDUSTRIALISATION IN BRITAIN TOPIC 2 : MINERAL REVOLUTION IN SOUTH AFRICA TOPIC 3 : WORLD WAR ONE
Types of questions Source based questions – answer all 3 sets of questions 3x30 (90) Source-based paragraphs- answer two questions 2x10 (20)
Tips for students in preparation for the exam
Remember that you are preparing for a skills- based assessment.
Revise all the concepts and content in your class notes, typed notes and resource books.
Pay close attention to skill applications which include: knowledge, comprehension. analysis, synthesis, evaluation, argument, interpretation
Work through activities in the handouts and the resource books
Closely revise the skills required for the construction of a source-based paragraph
Focus on preparing an exam strategy, especially with reference to time management
In the exam, pay close attention to the focus question as this gives you your direction when engaging with the sources.
Ensure that you are always working with the appropriate resources.
Pay close attention to the demands of the questions as well as the mark allocation for each question.
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Life Orientation Wednesday, 3 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 80
Content to be learnt for the exam Students are required to revise the following work from their LO Manual in addition to the additional notes provided: Section 1: Self-Esteem p. 5 – 18 Section 2: Social Media p. 19 – 34 Section 3: Relationships p. 35 – 44 Section 4: Learning Styles p. 45 – 56 (only read through) Social Development Notes. (Additional notes provided)
Types of questions The exam may include the following:
Multiple choice
True or false
Short questions
Long questions – e.g. poster, post card, magazine cover… Note: Certain questions will require personal insight, opinion and thought. You will also be asked to justify particular answers and give good clear reasons.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Read each question carefully! Use a highlighter to underline key points in the question to help you answer the question.
Use mark allocations as a guide to the length of answer required and then manage your time carefully.
Check your answers!
Don’t be fooled! You will definitely need to study for LO! Brushing up on the facts, understanding concepts, knowing definitions will be key.
Feel free to chat to Mr Garthoff if you are unsure of anything.
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Mathematics Paper I Thursday, 21 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:00
Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: ±150
Content to be learnt for the exam All year’s work so far:
1. Algebra
Vocabulary and terminology ( degree, co-efficient, binomials, polynomials etc)
Using all 4 operations (add , subtract , multiply, divide), BODMAS, distribution, fractions and substitution
Translating from words into algebra and solving “word sums”
2. Integers
Basic use of integers
All 4 operations with integers
Integers applied to algebra 3. Equations
Solving basic equations
Solving equations with fractions
Solving equations using distribution
Solving inequalities and drawing number lines
Using equations to solve word problems
Use equations to solve simple problems in Geometry.
4. Pythagoras
Using Pythagoras’ theorem to find missing sides of triangles
Applications of Pythagoras to real life situations, i.e. solving problems using Pythagoras.
5. Fractions
Fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
Simplification, including basic Algebraic fractions
Continued on the next page.
(Continued from previous page)
Content to be learnt for the exam
6. Geometry
Measuring angles
Naming angles
Types of angles
Classification of triangles
Pairs of angles (eg adjacent, supplementary etc)
LEARN ALL REASONS correctly calculating missing angles, using:
Vert opp angles
Angles on a str line
Adjacent comp angles
Sum of angles in a revolution
Angles in a triangle
Isosceles triangles
Exterior angle of a triangle
Corresponding angles on parallel lines
Alternate angles on parallel lines
Co-interior angles on parallel lines
Proving lines are parallel
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Types of questions
Knowing basic skills and definitions (about 40% of the paper)
Routine calculations (about 20 to 30% of the paper)
Complex calculations (about 20% of the paper)
Problem solving (10 to 20 % of the paper)
Tips for students in preparation for the exam
PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE with a PEN in your hand.
You must study your notes in the booklets you have been given on each section
You cannot rely on having understood the work during the year. There is too much new work you have studied. You MUST do a few examples of each type of question – either from a booklet, or from old tests, or from past exam papers.
You must mark the questions you try – it is no good doing them if you get them all wrong – all your work and tests should have the correct answers on if you marked efficiently in class.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR STUDYING UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE!!!!!! There is too much to do.
GOOD LUCK. If you work hard, you will reap the rewards.
Mathematics Paper II Wednesday, 27 May 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour
Content to be learnt for the exam GREAT NEWS!!!!! YOU CANNOT LEARN FOR THIS EXAM!!!!!!!!!!
This exam tests your comprehension skills, your ability to follow written instructions, and your lateral
thinking skills.
Work slowly and carefully, with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. DON’T GIVE UP just because it is something
you have never seen before.
READ CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Music
PRACTICAL EXAMS 4 May – 13 May 2015
Length of exam: 20 minutes
Scales 2 pieces Sight reading
THEORY OF MUSIC (Written in conjunction with History of Music)
Monday, 1 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour
Content to be learnt for the exam Advanced: Group 1
Names of notes Time Signatures – regular and irregular Key signatures Major scales Intervals – quality and distance Musical terminology Transposition – 1 octave higher and lower Basic Analysis
Beginners: Group 2
Names of notes Names of note values Simple Time Signatures Key signatures Intervals – distance only Musical terminology Basic Analysis
Continued on the next page.
Music
(Continued from previous page)
Types of questions Advanced: Group 1
Recognition of notes and note-values Fill in bar lines and/or time-signatures Write key signatures of major and minor keys Identify key signatures Name intervals by distance and quality Rewrite a melody in the treble or bass clef Rewrite a melody an octave higher or lower Define various musical terms Study a given musical excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Beginners: Group 2
Recognition of notes and note-values Writing different notes Fill in bar lines and/or time-signatures Music sums Write key signatures of major and minor keys Identify key signatures Name intervals by distance only Define various musical terms Study a given musical excerpt and answer the questions that follow.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Learn the circle of fifths Do the exam preparation exercises on the myHomework app. Go through all the notes. Bring a pencil, ruler and an eraser
Continued on the next page.
HISTORY OF MUSIC (Written in conjunction with Theory of Music)
Monday, 1 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Content to be learnt for the exam 1) Elements of Music – understand and define the following: Tempo, meter, melody, harmony, tonality, dynamics and rhythm 2) Period of Classical Music Know the information on the table, including dates 3) Hall of the Mountain King 4) Film Scores by John Williams – Jaws, Hedwig’s Theme, Indian Jones and Star Wars
Types of questions 1) Definitions e.g. What is meter? 2) Longer paragraph questions e.g. What musical elements give Hedwig’s theme a magical quality?
Tips for students in preparation for the exam You need to know the details on the worksheets and be able to discuss what it is that makes the music effective in the case of film music.
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Science Monday, 18 May 2015, 08:30 – 10:00
Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 120
Content to be learnt for the exam The following pages from the Science Notebook: 1 – 90.
Types of questions Multiple choice Matching columns Long questions
Tips for students in preparation for the exam Do old tests and worksheets again Learn all theory Revise dependent, independent and control variables Revise drawing of graphs
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Sport Science Friday, 5 June 2015, 08:30 – 09:30
Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100 marks
Content to be learnt for the exam Focus on all the work covered in Module 2. Module 3 select sections Re visit the practical work done for ORALS in Term 1 – Module 1
Types of questions Short Questions. Multiple choice Labeling of diagrams Identifying movements Applied Questions
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Sports Science is a Learning subject. Once the basic concepts are understood a simple application should follow. Focus on mastering diagrams, revising practicals and understanding the overall mechanics involved in movement. You will be rewarded with high standard of examination results if you learn your work thoroughly and come prepared to APPLY your knowledge rather than regurgitate it!
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