Year 11 GCSE Exam Support Thread 2

ErrolTheDragon
The invigilator has a script to read out which covers all of that, (including what to do if there is a fire )and the DC have time to hand over anything they think may be an issue.
Make sure they have two (at least) BLACK pens, in a see through pencil case (£1 in Asda), no notes anywhere, and if they are in doubt about anything , raise hand and ask invigilator.
Golden rule 1 is do not speak for any reason unless to invigilator - if they do that they are covered as invigilator will patiently come and answer any questions for them.
Golden rule 2 - go to the toilet before the exam, even if you think you do not need to.

I invigilated last year (and will this year) in GCSE, AS, A2 exams, and the exam bards rules are clear - no bags in the room. The No phones in the room.
Really, don't risk it. Exam centres can be checked at any time, and they lose their centre status if they break the rules, so schools are normally rigorous about this. The best schools I have been in insist on these conditions in exams from year 7, so pupils are used to them.
Re the presents - all the research (and parental wisdom ) is reward the effort, not the outcome. So reward immediately after the exams, before the results.
So definitely not reward by grade - utterly pointless and unfair.

I wonder if they have an announcement before the start of each exam, like in cinemas and theatres? DD's uniform has a jumper rather than a blazer, and her skirt pocket just fits her bus pass, dinner card and maybe a tissue, not much room for accidental baggage. I'd not thought about where they leave their bags - they do have lockers but not sure if big enough for the bag as well as whatever else is in there.

I think at DD's school they might leave bags at the back of the hall. That is what they did for mocks.

Silent and vibrate is all very well, but if found on you or if it rings anywhere in the room you fail the whole GCSE.

But you're not allowed to take bags into the exams - where would it be ringing? DD keeps hers permanently on silent+vibrate

Am I crazy?

I'm seriously considering sewing up DD's blazer pockets for exams so she can't accidentally take last minute revision cards etc in with her.

We've already agreed that phone will be staying at home. The risk of her turning it on and leaving it in her bag and it ringing is tiny, but the consequence would be enormous.

OMG dingit, that's terrible Your poor DD. And all the others. My DD would be beside herself too - what a waste of all those lessons and effort

dingit How on earth can this have happened?

Whaat? Sounds like they totally cocked up and somehow only just noticed. I guess it's good that they've decided it's optional but your poor DD having to go through that stress.

Absolutely steaming here.
Dd was sobbing last night over her ICT exam, and not having covered the course work or done a mock paper.
Just received email from school with 6 days to go until exam, that it will now be optional!

They don't do it at DD's either. TBH I think they expect most of the pupils to have at least 2 years of sixth form followed by university before they need to worry themselves about 'working life'. Most of it sounds like it's a good idea - I wish I'd had a bit of a clue about interview technique!

Crikey, just looked at the paper - it covers a wide variety of areas, doesn't it? I'm not sure I could answer all the questions correctly!

They don't do it at my DC's school, AFAIK

Anyone else's dc doing this exam tomorrow? Compulsory at dd's school but no time or lessons to prepare for it so no idea what to expect. Just tutor time.

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/work-and-life-skills/aqa-certificate/preparation-for-working-life-short-course-4800

Playing some funny tricks could go badly wrong with DD

But she likes bacon butties!

I think those little gifts sound lovely.

DD and I have ordered lots if clothes ( things she needs; pumps, shorts, tees etc) and hoping lots of random packages keep her cheered.

DS considers a bacon sandwich a treat. So I shall stand by the grill.

Both mine at home today. I think they were hoping for a lie in but our cleaning lady was clattering around at 8am. She has a year 11 of her own and thinks I'm far too soft.

Oops! I found a jewelry box of dd's today, ad in a box that had a necklace her uncle bought her, all presented in a nice gift bag. I left it on her bed as it was randomly in a drawer un the spare room
Not only did she think I'd bought her jewelry as a random gift but the necklace wasn't even in it. He he

A trip to poundland might be in order! I did get DD supplies of her favourite conditioner, shower gel and an Impulse spray the other day, and I've got a tub of jelly beans (you know, the ones with loads of flavours) stashed away to give her, probably friday evening. I've got to get up early Saturday morning to drive ~4 hours to get to my brother's wedding, return home on sunday. Fortunately DH has (re)learned how to shop and cook of late though he still tries to pretend domestic incompetence at times, but he wouldn't think to get sweets.

T&T that is so lovely of you. I fear I have neither the time nor the energy to source that much, but I might take a trip to the pound shops!

HSM - hope so. Luckily DD only has 15 exams not the 20+ some others have. Hope your DD's drama goes well, DD's was straight after the Easter break.

oh yes
bubble bath from Boots.

Tilly I have bought:

pink bath bomb from Lush
lavender bath bomb from Lush
sparkly nailpolish from Claire's
sparkly eyeshadow from Claire's
lip balm in shape of owl from The Works
multisized post it pads set with cats on from The Works
heart shaped lip balm from random shop
credit card sized thing with poem on To Daughter from ditto
gel pen with nice picture from ditto
smelly highlighter from ASDA
heart shaped desk tidy from ASDA
packet Cadbury's mix ups sweets from poundworld/land
minion socks from poundworld/land
make your own balloon gloop and tube from Hawkins bazaar
something else I've forgotten

Only 2 items were more than £3.

(Plus a new leather small shoulder bag for birthday reduced from £85 to £16)