Mastering GCSE Maths and English: Essential Tips for Success

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Mastering GCSE Maths and English: Essential Tips for Success

Introduction

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs) are vital academic and national qualifications that help young people develop essential life skills, set a foundation for further education and employment and contribute to their future success. According to the Department for Education (2015), achieving five Level 9 and 4 (grade A* to C) GCSEs, including essential Maths and English, can add £80,000 to lifetime earnings.

Pupils must undertake compulsory national curriculum subjects, with GCSE Maths and English being two of the core subjects. They are mandatory, as they are important. They boost pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills, and most colleges, universities, and employers will ask for good GCSE Maths and English grades. Therefore, better GCSE grades in these subjects can increase the chances of getting into higher education and a better job.

Maths and English are subjects used in everyday life. People use maths to manage their finances, calculating discounts when shopping and preparing food. English is essential in everyday communication and interactions with people and when reading, writing and typing. Not only do these vital subjects ensure academic and career success – they can also contribute to a person’s well-being.

If you are studying for your GCSEs, about to take your exams, or are a parent/guardian looking to help your children, this blog will provide essential tips and strategies for mastering GCSE Maths and English exams.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Understanding GCSE Maths and English Exams

GCSE Maths and English are compulsory subjects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland have their own equivalent, known as the National 5s. Pupils will start studying for their GCSEs around 15-16, usually around key stage 4 (Year 11). Some may take them in year 10, and others may take them much later, e.g. mature students. The exams usually take place after pupils have finished their studies in May/June, but there may be options to sit them in November.

Understanding the structure and format of GCSE Maths and English exams is vital. These will differ slightly depending on the exam board and specifications. Let us take Pearson Edexcel as an example:

Maths

Pupils will cover topics such as:

  • Number, e.g. whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, etc.
  • Algebra, e.g. solving equations, quadratic equations, sequences, and graphs.
  • Ratio, proportion and rates of change, e.g. ratios, percentages, and rates.
  • Geometry and measures, e.g. shapes, angles, area, volume, and trigonometry.
  • Probability, e.g. probability concepts.
  • Statistics, e.g. representation, averages, and probability distributions.

There are two tiers – foundation (1-5) and higher (4-9), which pupils can be assessed against. If they opt for the foundation tier, the highest grade they can achieve is 5 (equivalent to a low B or high C).

The exams consist of three papers with a mix of question styles. Each paper is 1.5 hours long and worth 80 marks:

  • Paper 1 – non-calculator assessment.
  • Paper 2 & 3 – pupils can use a calculator.

English

Split into two separate GCSEs, English Language and English Literature. The former is mandatory; the latter may not be compulsory at all schools.

GCSE English Language covers topics such as:

  • Reading comprehension, i.e. understanding and interpreting text.
  • Writing skills, i.e. communicating clearly and effectively and accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Speaking and listening.

There are typically two exam papers (this will vary between exam boards).

  • Paper 1 – Fiction and Imaginative Writing.
  • 1 hour and 45 minutes long.
  • Worth 64 marks.
  • Paper 2 – Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing.
  • 2 hours and 5 minutes long.
  • Worth 96 marks.

There is also a spoken language endorsement to develop spoken language skills. No marks are awarded in this assessment, only a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.

Pupils should familiarise themselves with their exam board’s specifications and marking schemes to understand the assessment criteria, which should form a part of their study preparation. Proper preparation and effective study strategies are crucial to increasing the chances of success and getting better grades. It gives pupils more time to seek support and work on topics they need to improve. It is also essential for reducing exam stress and promoting overall physical and mental well-being.

To find relevant exam specifications and marking schemes, see the following links to exam boards:

AQA

English.

Mathematics.

CCEA

GCSE English Language.

GCSE Mathematics.

Eduqas

GCSE English Language.

GCSE Mathematics.

OCR

English Language.

Mathematics.

Pearson Edexcel

English.

Maths and Statistics.

WJEC

GCSE English Language.

GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Mathematics Numeracy.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Setting Clear Goals and Targets

  • Goals – objectives that are broad and long-term, i.e. overall aims.
  • Targets – specific and measurable milestones and objectives to help achieve goals.

When studying for GCSE Maths and English exams, pupils should set clear goals and targets to produce a solid revision plan, effectively revise and increase their chances of succeeding. It will help them stay organised, manage their time better and prepare well in advance. It also provides a sense of direction and purpose and boosts motivation if they can tick off their goals as they achieve them.

Pupils should consider setting SMART goals:

  • Specific – state what they want to achieve and how they will go about it, e.g. “revise quadratic equations by using practice papers for one hour before meeting up with friends”.
  • Measurable – detail how they will know when they have achieved their goals and track their progress and the measures they will use, e.g. “solve ten equations correctly”.
  • Achievable – ensure they can meet their goals and decide if they have sufficient resources and abilities to achieve them. They should be attainable.
  • Relevant – their goals should align with their study plan and long-term goals.
  • Time-bound – they should specify a timeframe and deadline for achieving goals to stay on track.

Targets should be achievable, and pupils should look at their strong areas and those requiring improvement. Here are some tips they can adopt:

  • Consider their learning style, preferences and schedule when setting targets. Do they study better in short/frequent or long/infrequent sessions?
  • Break down their tasks into smaller and manageable targets, as it will help reduce stress and keep them motivated.
  • Reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, assess topics and concepts and identify areas for improvement.
  • Allocate more time to the topics where they need to improve.
  • Prioritise more challenging and crucial topics, e.g. look at past papers to see where they allocate most of the marks.
  • Regularly assess their progress and adjust targets and goals where needed, as areas can become stronger or weaker.
  • Anticipate any challenges and think about how they would overcome them.

Setting goals has many benefits and will help enormously in exams. They will enable pupils to focus their study efforts and keep them organised, motivated and on track with their revision. It will also help them to monitor their progress, adjust their study strategies where needed and provide a sense of accomplishment when they meet their goals.

BBC Bitesize has examples of setting SMART goals here. It relates to PE, but it can be useful to give pupils some ideas. There is also plenty of information online and on YouTube about setting goals.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Creating a Study Plan

A study plan is a tool that can help pupils organise their study and revision around their personal life, school or work, allocate their time wisely and help to keep them on track. It allows them to focus on the subject, concepts and topics they will cover daily and promotes targeted revision based on strengths and weaknesses. It also enables them to improve information retention and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed.

Creating a structured study plan for GCSE Maths and English exams is essential, as they are two of the most difficult subjects to revise. It will help pupils to:

  • Remain focused.
  • Prepare properly for their exams.
  • Manage their time effectively.
  • Identify areas for improvement.
  • Prevent last-minute cramming.
  • Stay productive and motivated.

Organising study schedules and effective time management are vital. Here are some tips for achieving this:

Start revising as soon as possible – ideally, start at least six months before exams but even earlier where possible. If pupils start later, do not worry; late is better than never.

Set specific goals – for Maths and English and topics within each subject to stay on track and monitor progress.

Study at optimal times – some people can focus better and have more energy in the mornings and others in the evenings. Allocate study sessions to times when motivation, concentration and focus are optimal.

Balance revision with other commitments – whether it is school, work, appointments, leisure or socialising, it is essential to consider these in a study plan and factor in time for eating, exercising and sleeping.

Break down study sessions – divide study sessions into manageable chunks to promote concentration and learning and avoid mental fatigue. Spread revision over the week rather than trying to do it over a few days.

Allocate time for each subject/topic – look at Maths and English and the topics to cover, and allocate sufficient time to both subjects. It may be necessary to allocate more time to areas where improvements are needed. Pupils can create a colour-coded revision timetable for the week, and there are plenty of examples online to help them get started.

Factor in regular breaks and time off – plans should include breaks and time off to maintain focus, reduce stress, prevent burnout and promote well-being.

Use various time management tools and techniques – there are various tools and techniques, and some examples include:

  • Planners.
  • Calendars.
  • To-do-lists.
  • Apps, e.g. study planners and time trackers.
  • The Pomodoro Technique.
  • Action Priority Matrices.
  • Interruptions logs.
  • Task breakdown.

Pupils should be consistent with their studies and revision, as having a regular routine can promote good study habits and condition their minds for learning. It can foster resilience and discipline and help them to be more productive and effective. It will also reinforce learning and enhance information retention.

A study plan is not rigid; pupils must review it to account for any changes and unexpected and unforeseen events and situations. They should not be afraid to change their plan where needed, especially if they are struggling to stick to it and it is not working. Regularly reviewing a study plan will enable them to identify what is working well and what is not and any areas where they need to improve. They should also consider sharing their plans with their family and friends who can support and encourage them.

Some further information and examples of study plans are on the following (these are not endorsements, just examples):

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Effective Revision Techniques

Everyone is different regarding studying and revising, as we all have varying learning styles. Some learn better by doing things (kinesthetic) or through visual means; others prefer hearing and listening to information (auditory) or reading and writing. Pupils should adopt revision techniques that suit how they learn to improve information retention and understand the concepts they need to grasp in GCSE Maths and English.

Some examples of effective revision techniques and strategies for GCSE Maths and English exams include (this list is not exhaustive):

Try various techniques – to see which ones are preferred and more effective. Pupils may want to try mixed revision techniques to keep them engaged and motivated.

Use flashcards – these aid in memorisation. Pupils can use hard-copy note cards, online flashcard makers and apps. Use headings, colour coding and bullet points, and keep them organised.

Create mind maps – also known as spider diagrams or concept maps. It provides an overview of key points and links between topics and ideas to help pupils remember. It can be helpful if they find it difficult to revise from notes. They can create mind maps using paper and use specific online mapping applications or apps if they have a Smartphone.

Active recall – pupils can test themselves by asking questions created from notes, actively retrieving the information memorised and then referring to notes or flashcards to see if it is correct. They can also explain concepts to their family and friends to help them memorise information. Combining active recall with space repetition is effective.

Spaced repetition – review the information multiple times at spaced intervals to help reinforce learning and memorise the information. Increase the intervals on memorising the information.

Summarisation – create concise information summaries using mind maps, flashcards, bullet points and diagrams.

Watch videos and webinars  – there are numerous videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube, on GCSE Maths and English, and there may also be webinars.  Just check the quality of the videos and ensure the information is current and accurate.

Listen to recordings and podcasts – auditory learners could see if there are any recordings or podcasts relating to GCSE Maths and English.

Play games and do quizzes and puzzles – can be a more engaging way to learn. There are many examples online. Some cost; others are free, e.g. Tes, BBC Bitesize, Quizlet and Education Quizzes.

Use practice papers – incorporate practice papers found on exam body websites. Pupils could set up mock exam conditions where they time themselves or get someone to help. They can then check their answers against marking schemes and examiner reports to see where their strengths and weaknesses are.

Do not forget self-care – remember to eat a healthy and balanced diet, hydrate properly, get plenty of exercise and adopt good sleep hygiene practices. Also, make time for hobbies and enjoyable activities, and try to incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Revise in short and focused bursts – have breaks after every 20-45 minutes of study and space out sessions to remain engaged and focused.

Ask for help – always ask for assistance if struggling with any aspect of revision, whether from a teacher, tutor, peer, family or friend.

Use educational apps – various apps are available to help with revision. It is important to note that some apps may be Android or iPhone and have in-app purchases. Some examples include:

  • A+Papers – for past papers.
  • AnkiDroid – making flashcards.
  • Evernote – for taking and organising notes.
  • Exam Countdown Lite – sets deadlines and tells pupils how many days they have to go until their exams.
  • Forest – to help stay focused and avoid distractions.
  • iMindMap – for mind mapping.
  • Some textbook publishers may also have apps to access after purchasing a textbook.

Here are some tips for creating revision materials:

Flashcards

  • Keep them pocket-sized, avoid overloading each card with too much information and try to keep to one concept per card.
  • Phrase questions on flashcards rather than just writing information down, e.g. rather than “quadratic equations”, use “what are quadratic equations”?
  • Align the flashcards to the content of the exam body’s specifications.
  • Add visual aids to help, such as diagrams and images.
  • Colour-code cards to keep them organised into topics.
  • Use digital flashcard apps with added features.
  • Regularly review them by using spaced repetition.

Mind maps

  • Organise the pages into topics.
  • Write down the main topic in the centre of the page.
  • Add branches from the main topic for subtopics, and write down a heading for each and any important notes underneath.
  • Connect subtopics and supporting ideas and add further information where necessary.
  • Keep each point concise, i.e. no more than 5-10 words.
  • Use diagrams and colour coding to make it more engaging.
  • Use digital mind mapping if it is better than paper.
  • An example of a mind map is on the Open University here.

Summary notes

  • Find a suitable note-taking method, e.g. paper, card or electronic.
  • Divide revision notes into topics and themes and break them into manageable chunks.
  • Colour-code notes and keep all related notes the same colour.
  • Do not try to write everything down and note the important concepts. On the other hand, do not write too little, as it can make it hard to understand what the notes mean.
  • Add dates and topics to each note and keep an index of notes to keep them up to date.
  • Ensure notes are clear and legible and in your own words.
  • Understand abbreviations, drawings, sketches, and diagrams if using them.
  • Consolidate notes to identify any gaps in knowledge that need attention.
  • Store notes so they are easily accessible.
Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Improving Maths Skills

GCSE Maths will need a slightly different approach, as it requires understanding mathematical principles, solving complex problems and thinking logically. Here are some tips and strategies for improving maths skills in preparation for GCSEs exams:

General

  • Practice regularly and try to solve various questions from textbooks and past papers.
  • Regularly change between various maths topics, as the exam papers follow a similar format.
  • Grasp the basics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as they form the basis for more advanced topics.
  • Focus on key formulas, terms and definitions when creating flashcards, mind maps and summaries.
  • Try BBC Bitesize GCSE Maths quizzes based on past papers.
  • Practice using a calculator efficiently and questions from relevant past papers.
  • Use maths in everyday scenarios to help reinforce concepts, such as using conversions when baking or calculating discounts in shops using fractions and percentages.
  • Practice showing your work when answering questions from practice papers.
  • Try to teach someone else to help reinforce concepts and principles.
  • Always state the units when solving problems and round up to an appropriate degree of accuracy (e.g., rounding to a specific decimal place).
  • Attend mathematics summer schools or boot camps, but there is usually a cost.
  • Use specific online GCSE maths resources to supplement learning, for example:
  • AMSP – GCSE Mathematics resources.
  • BBC Bitesize – GCSE Maths.
  • Corbettmaths.
  • Maths Genie.
  • Our GCSE Maths Help on our knowledge hub.

Algebra

  • Understand algebraic vocabulary and the differences between formulas, equations,  expressions and identities.
  • Practice algebra by rearranging formulas, solving equations, expanding brackets, factorising, etc. Pupils must be able to apply their skills in exams and not just memorise them.
  • Know how to evaluate functions and find their domains and ranges.
  • Understand negative numbers and practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing them.
  • Try drawing various types of graphs. BBC Bitesize has interactive quizzes on graphs here.

Statistics

  • Understand statistical measures and concepts, e.g. mean, median, mode, range, and interquartile.
  • Learn about various data types and effectively represent them.
  • Understand different sampling techniques (simple random, stratified, etc.) and when to use them. Know the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Practice drawing shapes, such as circles, quadrilaterals and triangles.
  • Learn key trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent) and their applications. Use mnemonics to help remember, e.g. SohCahToa.
  • Understand angle properties, congruence, and similarity.

Exam bodies may also have GCSE Maths resources. There are also textbooks pupils can buy, which may have further tips and strategies.

Practising problem-solving and applying mathematical concepts in real-world contexts is essential, as it will enable pupils to see how they relate to real life, promoting a deeper understanding, making it more engaging and enhancing skill development. It will help them remember and recall concepts better and apply what they have learned, providing context to how these mathematical principles work.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Enhancing English Language Skills

There is a misconception that you do not need to revise for GCSE English Language. However, to get a good grade in the exams, pupils must master reading and writing skills and not just memorise information. They must also be able to analyse texts, write essays, and respond to exam questions effectively. Here are some tips and strategies:

  • Read many types of writing and texts to promote comprehension and develop critical thinking skills. Explore short stories, articles, blogs, novels, magazines, newspapers and speeches, and critically analyse the plot and text. Read a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Analyse and compare texts for literary devices, key concepts, themes and characters.
  • Read a favourite book and analyse the author’s writing, structural and language features, e.g. similes, metaphors, alliteration and imagery, and effects. Consider why they have used individual words, phrases and literary techniques and how they have organised the paragraphs and sentences. Look for meanings in texts.
  • Annotate, i.e. make notes/comments, colour-code, and highlight key points when reading, as it will help to better engage with the text and enhance understanding.
  • Expand vocabulary by regularly reading new phrases and words, which can improve writing. Try solving puzzles, such as crosswords, and use a dictionary and thesaurus to learn new words.
  • Practice creative writing, which will help effectively express ideas. Write short stories and ask others to analyse the text to see if they have any further ideas.
  • When writing essays, including in exams, look at the question, read the text carefully and annotate. Plan answers by creating mind maps or listing bullet points of ideas. Use the language analysis framework SQuID to help.
  • Look at some criticism of other people’s writing on websites, blogs and even social media to help in critical analysis.
  • Improve spelling, grammar and punctuation. Perhaps use applications, such as Grammarly, to identify improvements and suggestions.
  • Practice using a range of punctuation, such as semi-colons, colons, brackets and dashes, when writing. Do not just focus on full stops and commas.
  • Use specific online GCSE English Language resources to supplement learning, for example:
  • BBC Bitesize.
  • Our GCSE English Help on our knowledge hub.
  • Pearson free online GCSE English Lessons.
  • Teachit.
  • Mr Bruff is an English teacher who has a YouTube channel.

The more a pupil practices English, the better their skills will become, and the chances of getting a good grade in their GCSE English exam increases.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Utilising Past Papers and Practice Tests

Teachers and tutors will encourage pupils to use past papers and practice tests as part of their GCSE Maths and English exam preparation, and it is vital for the following reasons:

  • It helps them familiarise themselves with the structure and layout of exam papers, the language they use (i.e. command words), and the type of questions that may come up on exam day. It will help them to know what to expect and prevent unpleasant surprises.
  • It will enhance their time management skills, as they must manage their time effectively during exams to answer all questions and provide enough accurate information in the answers to gain marks.
  • It will provide a better understanding of the marking scheme and how examiners allocate marks. It helps them to refine their answers and save time in their exams.
  • Know where their knowledge gaps are and what to focus on in their revision if they are struggling to answer a question or get one wrong.
  • It provides an opportunity to put learning into practice and help them write correct, clear and concise answers that examiners can understand.

For practice papers to be useful in helping pupils revise and improve their exam performance,  they should use them effectively. Some of the following strategies may help:

  • Look at many past papers – pupils should do many past papers, as the questions differ from year to year, but some may come up again but worded differently. It also enables them to practice answering various types of questions so they feel more confident in their exams.
  • Keep past papers organised – pupils should gather GCSE English and Maths past papers from their exam body and organise them by topic and date to keep track of their progress.
  • Use past papers in mock exam conditions – whether at home or school, pupils can set up a mock exam somewhere quiet and ask someone to act like an invigilator and time them while practising a full past paper in the allotted time. If they do not practice in the time available for actual exams, they may run out of time on the day.
  • Obtain the marking schemes for past papers – on exam board websites. Pupils can use marking schemes to mark their answers after practising exam questions from past papers to see where they did well or went wrong.
  • Use examiner’s reports – these provide feedback on the performance of previous exams and question walk-throughs. They highlight how pupils answered questions, where they did well, what they missed, and reasons for mark deductions. Pupils can use these reports to mark and review their answers from practice papers and avoid the same pitfalls.
  • Understand command words – pupils can have excellent knowledge of their subjects. However, if they do not understand command words in exam questions, they can answer incorrectly or only half of a question, which can mean fewer marks. When using past papers, they should have a solid grasp of the meanings of command words.
  • Learn from incorrect answers – if pupils answer questions incorrectly when using past papers, it is a good idea to jot these down along with the answers to learn where they went wrong and try again.
  • Test multiple times – pupils should try to answer the same questions numerous times, as it will help them retain information and reinforce learning.

Pupils not doing as well as expected when practising past papers should not feel disheartened. Making mistakes and getting things wrong can be a fantastic way to retain information and learn, as long as they try again and understand what they must improve on when exam day arrives.

Familiarisation with the exam format, time constraints, and question types can help pupils prioritise and effectively plan their revision, manage their time effectively, prepare for their exams and boost their confidence.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Seeking Additional Support

Pupils should remember they are not alone in their GCSE journey and should seek additional support and resources for exam preparation where needed. Their GCSEs are essential, as they are the cornerstone for further academic study and a successful career. Therefore, they should never hesitate to ask for help.

There are many options for additional support, and here are some examples:

Tutoring

  • Tutors can supplement pupils’ education, help them succeed academically and provide additional support.
  • There are many types of tutors, such as academic subjects (Maths and English), exam prep, assignment help, special education, etc.
  • The method of tuition delivery can also vary, e.g. one-to-one, group, in-person, online or at a learning centre.
  • Tutor qualifications, experience and fees vary widely, so choose wisely and check out reviews from others.

Study groups

  • There are in-person and online study and revision groups where pupils can meet others to discuss GCSEs and get support and tips. One example is The Student Room, which has an online forum.
  • Pupils can join a one-to-one study group and work with another student or a large study group.
  • They can also form their own group if they cannot find a suitable one to join and use apps such as WhatsApp or social media groups.

Online resources

Social media groups and forums

  • Many GCSE help and support groups are on social media platforms and forums, such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the Student Room.

Revision guides

  • Exam bodies, e.g. Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR, produce revision guides and exam practice books.
  • There are guides from educational publishers and textbook publishing companies, such as Coordination Group Publications (CGP).
  • Textbooks range in price, depending on the subject. If there have been no changes to the specification, it may be worth checking charity shops or eBay for second-hand copies.

There are numerous benefits of collaboration and seeking help when needed. It improves learning and introduces pupils to different approaches, ideas and perspectives where they can discuss concepts, solve problems and share insights. It can also reduce stress and promote well-being if pupils know they are not alone and have a valuable support network.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Managing Exam Day Stress

Exam day has arrived. Remember, it is natural to be nervous. However, proper preparation and knowing what to do can help alleviate nerves and make the day go smoothly. Here are some tips to help manage exam day stress and anxiety:

Before the exam

  • Get an early and good night’s sleep before the day, and avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.
  • Have a good breakfast, be positive and do some relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and positive visualisation, to help with nerves.
  • Wear something comfortable and take additional layers, just in case the room is cold.
  • Know where to go and at what time and set off early. It is better to be a bit early rather than rushing to get to the exam or even being late. Sort out any travel arrangements beforehand.
  • Try not to cram in the morning or just before the exam, as it is unlikely to help and may increase stress.
  • Take the essential equipment and supplies for the exam, e.g. calculator and writing materials. Find out before what can and cannot be taken into the exam.
  • Stay hydrated, but do not drink too much; it will mean more toilet visits during the exam. Sip a little and often before and during.
  • Avoid panic-stricken pupils, as it can be catching and could derail success.

During the exam

  • Sit comfortably while waiting and breathe calmly.
  • Ensure the name is on the paper or remember to add it, as examiners cannot mark a paper if they do not know whose it is.
  • Do not panic when turning over the exam paper, but read the questions carefully to understand what the examiners are asking for. Avoid diving straight in, as it can result in missing something important.
  • Look at the marks for each question to see how much detail is required in the answer and the points to cover. Questions that need explaining, describing or analysing typically require more information than those that ask them to give or identify.
  • Spend time planning answers, including breaking questions down, looking at the command words, highlighting key points, making notes and drawing diagrams.
  • Look out for questions with more than one command word, e.g. describe and explain, and ensure the answer covers both.
  • Try easy questions first if struggling, but do not spend too much time on them, as the marks tend to be lower, and time may run out when answering questions with higher marks.
  • Write down anything and make some notes if drawing a blank; it may help to remember something, and some marks are better than none.
  • Use the time allocated in the exam to read through the answers on the exam paper and ensure the questions have been properly answered.

After the exam

  • Do not worry or overthink how the exam went; try not to think the worst. Remember that it is not the end of the world if things do not go as anticipated, as there are always options, e.g. re-sits.
  • Try not to discuss with other pupils how the exam went straight after, as it can lead to anxiousness and second-guessing if they did something differently.

Here are some further links to help with exam stress:

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success

Conclusion

GCSE Maths and English are critical subjects, as they help young people develop essential life skills, and they can use them in real-world applications. They also set the foundation for further academic study and future career success, as good grades in these subjects are sought after by colleges, universities and employers.

While studying these subjects can appear daunting, as they are trickier than others, pupils can make it easier by properly preparing and adopting various study and revision techniques and strategies that suit their learning styles. They should also set SMART goals to foster focus and motivation, keep them on track with the revision targets, and practice self-care to manage stress and anxiety while revising and during exam time.

Pupils should prepare and revise for their exams as early as possible and familiarise themselves with their exam body’s specifications and marking schemes. They should develop their Maths and English skills by understanding the terminology and practising answering exam questions using past papers. They can also access various online resources and seek support from family, friends, teachers, tutors and peers where needed.

Preparation, practice, and perseverance are crucial in mastering GCSE Maths and English exams. Pupils can implement the tips and strategies in this blog post to help them succeed in their exams. Parents, guardians and educators can use the information to support pupils in their GCSE journeys.

Mastering GCSE Maths and English Essential Tips for Success
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