Key Stage 3
 
English
  

There are three papers in the KS3 tests.
  • Reading paper – 3 texts to be analysed – all different styles and purposes but with a common theme. 75 minutes (15 mins reading time and 60 mins writing time to answer. The paper is worth 32 marks towards final reading score.
  • Writing paper – 2 tasks:
Section A - longer task - 15 mins planning time, 30 mins writing time (30 marks)
Section B – shorter task – 30 mins writing time (20 marks)
[Overall writing score 50 marks].
  • Shakespeare paper:
45 mins of writing on extracts from Shakespeare scenes from play studied. (towards overall reading score 18 marks)
[Overall reading score 50 marks] .

The department is committed to raising standards and levels. Directly after Christmas we began working with the Booster materials provided by the National Literacy Strategy to prepare students more effectively for the new-style tests. In addition, from half-term onwards, booster classes are STILL being held on Tuesdays after school (right up to the exams!).
 
Maths
    

Revision for the SATS exams is currently taking place in all Year 9 classes.

  • Booster work from DFES packs, together with the completion of past papers, will prepare your child for the forthcoming examinations.
  • After-school classes will take place on Thursdays in the weeks prior to the SATS.
  • There are three papers – Mental maths paper and Paper 1 – no calculator allowed; Paper 2 - calculator allowed;
Science
  

There are two papers for Science, each one hour long.

  • There are two papers for science, each one hour long.
  • All year 9 students are currently revising for the SATS exams.
  • All students have been given revision lists.
  • Most pupils already have revision guides.
  • Students will be using practice SATS papers to prepare for the tests.
  • Students have been given a list of revision web sites for use with parents at home.

Top Ten Revision Tips

 

  • DON’T PANIC!
  • Make a plan to revise little bits of each subject up to the date of the exam.

  • START NOW! If you leave it, panic will set in.

  • Use different “tricks” to help you learn, e.g. memory tricks such as ROYGBIV (Richard of York gave battle in vain) to help remember the colours of the spectrum.

  • Don’t revise for more than an hour - build breaks into your plan.
  • Treat yourself when you’ve worked hard. (Watch Coronation Street or have some chocolate!)
  • Find somewhere quiet and calm to revise. Leave the telly and CD off!
  • Be positive! Look at what you’re good at first to give you a boost, then gradually tackle the harder topics.
  • Work hard and play hard. Build in some of the three Rs – Rest, Relaxation, Recreation as well as Reading, Riting and Rithmatic. (Excuse the spelling).
  • On the night before, pack your bag with all that you need and go to bed early to get a good rest.

On The Day


  • Have a good breakfast – this feeds your brain as well as your body.
  • Remember all your equipment. (You packed your bag already, didn’t you?)
  • Be on time.
  • Don’t panic! Don’t listen to all the tales from others who say they haven’t done anything for the exams, or those who say they’ve done loads.
  • Read the paper carefully and answer ALL the questions.

Be the best you can be!