Had last two year 9 sessions getting familiar with the test. I think they were all pleased to not have to go through that any more! Went through the feedback they recieved with small groups, but they’re largely not interested!! Strangely enough, the bottom (very bottom) set were more interested in it than the top set. They all struggled ridiculously with the searching task on the test. “It doesn’t have the answer” “it’s not here” etc. etc. Zero initiative, despite them spending every opportunity when they’re off-task surfing the internet, playing games etc. etc. Very frustrating!
Hmm, this entry could turn into a rant about frustrations…year 12 up next!
We’re doing past papers with year 12. The idea is, at home they answer a paper, in lessons as a group discussion we go through the paper with the mark scheme, see how they did and give them what they could have put to improve etc. All good in theory. Not the most brilliantly exciting lessons, but that’s the format they’ve decided on, and it should work. But this year 12 group is so unmotivated, decide to skip lessons, come with answers to the wrong paper, don’t participate in the discussion unless it’s dragged out of them etc. And worst of all, they don’t listen to the advice given, their answers are equally as wrong as the previous time, despite having gone through a virtually identical question previously. I’ve discussed it with both of the classes teachers, but we haven’t really come up with any good ideas. They’re just not taking it seriously!
My Y12 have been just as bad….andwhat really gav ethem a shock was the handing back the marks for the Coursework ..thaey have to sign the sheet. It reaaly hit home that some had not done the work – and now (11 May) they ahve gone on study leave. I’m expecting a fair number to turn up for revision sessions. You could try running 1/2 the lesson as an actual exam with the other half reviewing their answers.
Y9 are finding the test hard – give the practice sessions, stopping the class to show how something is done.
As you enter the final few weeks of block practice, it’s a good idea to take stock of what resources you have – bothy thise you’ve created yourself and those from the school – take copies of EVERYTHING. If they have old text books you could use, ask if you could have them too.
And something to remember when back at Univ – Golden Handshake stuff. Download and print out from Blackboard BEFORE you finish…saves a lot of hassle this time next year when you think about trying to claim it. (Also, if you can get Univ to compelte part1 now it would easier too!)
We did that with the year 12′s. Last Friday we made them sit the paper in exam conditions, then I marked them. The results weren’t brilliant, especially as a lot of them are hoping for A’s and B’s, but still not sure it’s enough to jolt them into reality!
This is the last week of main block. (Being observed by Uni tutor and external examiner…fun!) But I am back for FDP..!