Preparing for Mocks
Mocks are a big event in the 6th form calendar. They are the first time you really get to test your knowledge under exam conditions, and they help inform your predicted grades. But unlike with As Levels, they don't count toward your final grades, and they're also the perfect opportunity to nail your revision technique. Here's my guide to preparing for your mocks like a boss:
Start Early
It may sound obvious, but the earlier you start revising, the less stressful it will be! By giving yourself more time to prepare, you'll be able to split your revision up into more manageable chunks. It will also give you more time to get help if you're struggling with a particular topic. It can be so easy to put it off till later, especially when none of your friends have started revising, but future you will thank you for it!
Plan Your Time
Whether you plan every minute of your revision or just create a loose guideline, planning your time is vital when preparing for exams. This way, you can spread out your work over a longer period of time. It will also help you visualise how much time you have until your exams, and make sure you haven't missed anything out!
Be Realistic
We all start work with the best of intentions, but if you're overly optimistic about how much you can do, it can all become a bit overwhelming. Make sure you schedule in regular breaks and don't be overly ambitious about how much you can cover in an hour. You'll feel much better if you plan your time more generously and then finish early than if you're overly optimistic and have to rush or finish later.
Start Slowly
There's a lot of information to take in for your mocks, so there's no use throwing yourself in the deep end! Start with a more familiar topic, or some gentle re-reading of the material, then work up to the harder stuff like practice exams.
Try Something New
Your mocks are the perfect time to try out different revision techniques. There's a lot to learn and what worked for you during your GCSE's might not work this time around. By finding out methods that work for you now, you'll be in a much better position when it comes to the real thing.
Practice on Old Exam Papers
Exams are designed to be challenging, and there are often a few curveballs thrown in for good measure. By having a go at a few past exams in a more relaxed environment, you'll be able to perform better under exam conditions. Ask your teacher where you can find some, and then try and find some time to sit down with them once you've done one or two to go over anything you found particularly tricky.
Manage Your Expectations
It's important that you take your mock exams seriously. They help you prepare for the real thing and will be a good indicator of how much you remember from your revision. But they're not the be-all and end-all! While they do help inform your predicted grades for your uni applications, a bad grade won't stop you from going to university! If anything, it's better to find out what you struggle with now so that you don't make the same mistakes in the real thing! Just do your best and try not to put too much pressure on yourself along the way.