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Access all your subjects through this link.

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Ushare brings you links to open learning resources that support SQA's qualifications and have been recommended by lecturers, teachers, training providers and learners.

You can submit new resources, rate them and leave comments to help other users. Our user guide will help you get started and answer any queries that you have.

Summary of modifications for National Courses in session 2021-22
At the start of session 2021-22, SQA made significant modifications to this year's exams and assessments to help reduce the volume of assessment and provide more time for learning and teaching. We provided this information for teachers, lecturers and training providers and a summary table containing information for each course is available on the SQA website.

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Ushare brings you links to open learning resources that support SQA's qualifications and have been recommended by lecturers, teachers, training providers and learners. You can submit new resources, rate them and leave comments to help other users. Our user guide will help you get started and answer any queries that you have.

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Information, resources and activities to help regulate your emotion if you are feeling anxious, sad or stressed.

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View the interactive image by ELAINE PATERSON

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Signs of academic stress can sometimes be difficult to identify. Children and young people may not want to talk about stress they are experiencing.

Children and young people who are affected by anxiety and stress about tests and school work may:

·         Complain of physical health problems (e.g. stomach aches, headaches etc.).

·         Not be sleeping or eating properly.

·         Have mood changes, such as being tearful, angry or withdrawn.

·         Be reluctant to attend school or talk about tests and exams.

·         Spend too much time on their work or alternatively avoid schoolwork.

·         Be overly self-critical of themselves and of any mistakes they make.

·         Become obsessive in the way they work – unwilling or unable to break off.

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Exam stress lesson plan pack | PHE School Zone

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Help students identify the signs and symptoms of exam stress, and develop stress management strategies

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Tests and exams can be a challenging part of school life for both children and parents. But there are ways to ease the stress.

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Watch this free 6-minute video in which there are ten top tips for exams from Nicola Morgan. Watch right till the end, as there's a sneaky extra one.

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Stress Busting Strategies from Nicola Morgan

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Stress Busting Strategies from Nicola Morgan

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Every brain works differently and the revision techniques that suit you may not suit your friends. You may learn best visually, orally, verbally, through demonstration or a combination of these. Many online tests let you know which type you are, and it's a valuable starting point towards revising effectively.

Planning is one of the most important parts of revision. You want to be under as little stress as possible come exam day. Plan the revision techniques you'll use, gather the resources you'll need and create a realistic timetable of study before you start revising.

Although you'll have time during school hours, you'll need to study outside of school hours too. Have a daily schedule so you know what topics to cover, what hours to work, when to take breaks and how to cover everything you need to revise. Be mindful when scheduling your study time, to make time for breaks, food, exercise and sleep.

Splitting up your study time with breaks is essential. Don't feel guilty, as short breaks give your brain a chance to consolidate the information you've been learning. This revision technique is easily forgotten, but is important.

5. Watch YouTube tutorials

You'll be surprised at how effective YouTube is for revision. YouTube is flooded with educational content. If you think you learn best through video, and you find this strategy more engaging, give it a go.

Of all the revision techniques out there, you'll hear this one frequently. Flashcards use keywords or questions to test your knowledge. To keep each subject separate and avoid confusion, use different colours for different subjects.

7. Make PowerPoint presentations

Creating a presentation about what you've learnt not only tests your memory but your ability to retrieve from memory and verbalise it. This will solidify the knowledge you need to retain.

Why not test your mates? You'll have the chance to see where you're at with your study while being able to learn from them in the process.

9. Get your friends to test you

It's a two-way street. If you test your friends, they owe you the favour of testing you. You can make this revision technique fun, social and productive.

This revision technique is a great way to make those dull revision topics more engaging. Record yourself and play it back while going about your day, to embed the knowledge in your memory.

If you're prone to having a long shower, why not couple this with some productive revision? You can test yourself from your head, explain subjects out loud or even practice those raps you've made.

12. Create insightful memes

If you enjoy a laugh, try turning your study notes into memes. It's a chance to be creative and often, when we find something funny, it sticks more firmly in our long-term memory.

Post-it notes can be a healthy alternative to staring at a screen. They act as a reminder on topics you might want to dodge while revising.

14. Listen to calming music

Calming music, whether it's jungle sounds, a bird soundtrack or whatever you fancy can lead to effective study. As long as it isn't overly distracting, these background sounds can get you in the right mindset to learn.

15. Have cues that remind you of topics

Try wearing a certain top to revise and then wear that same top to the exam. This also works with any jewellery, perfume or aftershave. You'll be amazed at what cues can trigger the retrieval of important information when you need it most.

A physical cue for a fact can be useful. Hand gestures or full body movements can trigger your brain to remember something important. Learning through association can be used in more ways than one.

17. Try out different voices

Associations and cues can act as good reminders on different topics. For example, using a lower voice for biology, and a higher voice for geography, creates associations in your brain. This can avoid the confusion of topics in your head.

Another creative revision technique is to put together a revision video. Writing is not the only way to revise, so try engaging the creative parts of your brain to consolidate what you're learning into memory.

Revision is draining. Having a reward at the end can provide incentive and motivation to revise. This can be anything you want it to be, such as a quick bite to eat, going for a walk or simply a lie down.

Try moving your study outside, to soak in any vitamin D from the sun and stimulate the flow of fresh air through the body. You'll feel a renewed sense of motivation from the change of scenery.

None of the revision techniques mentioned above are effective without enough sleep. Sleep won't only consolidate into memory what you've been learning, but it'll put you in a better mood, make you feel more motivated and improve your cognitive performance. Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night, as cited by sleep scientist Matthew Walker.
Header image: Photo by Surface on Unsplash

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knowing how to revise can be tough. it’s important to be equipped with different revision techniques. read our top tips on how to revise.

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Every brain works differently and the revision techniques that suit you may not suit your friends. You may learn best visually, orally, verbally, through demonstration or a combination of these. Many online tests let you know which type you are, and it's a valuable starting point towards revising effectively.

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You may be a person who takes weeks to study information before an exam.

Or you could be the all nighter person who does best cramming everything before an exam and still do ok.

If any of this two or other types is you, do it the way you want to. Changing your studying style especially when its so close to exam season (weeks before) may create more stress to you as you try to adjust to it and may actually make you perform worse. However, that doesn't mean you should stop trying new styles. Try whatever floats your boat and it you like it, stick to it.

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Google scholar is one of the main ways to cite papers in university.

A useful tip: Click the (") icon that says 'cite' below the description of the paper, pick the citation style you need to use and voila, you have your reference!

P.S. It works most of the time but do remember to practice your citing and not rely on it all the time.

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If you're feeling stressed about it, talk about it to someone. Even though everyone is taking exams and you might feel it isn't right for you to be ranting about it, let it out. Speaking can help you clear your mind and getting it off your chest can help you breath better knowing it is out there.

Rather then letting it ruminate in your mind and drive you crazy, let it out and let the wind carry it away.

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Use music that you don't normally listen to

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Use music that you don't normally listen to

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Be it classical music or some random raining backdrop off YouTube, listening to something you're normally not used too would help you focus more on your work. It also prevents you from associating it with your daily life, especially if you like listening to music on a daily basis. There is a chance you might begin associating some songs that are played on constant repeat when studying so best to switch it up to something new and who knows, it might help you concentrate better.

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Relax Music for Stress Relief |  Study & Background Music |  Sleep Meditation Music 💜 528Hz

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o-_X0VVzH8zVbCYftnTxtuY7aulrvp1lR16vS6BXDX8/edit?usp=sharing

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Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

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Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

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If you find yourself procrastinating and doing just about anything but the revision you know you need to do, then this is the video for you!

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Tim Urban: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator | TED

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Nobody particularly enjoys school work and it's hard finding motivation to study. It's the one thing that makes everyone procrastinate. If you continuously put it off however, it's only going to kill your dreams. This is especially if your dream is to go and graduate from university.

I'm probably the biggest procrastinator that I know, but luckily, I have some tips that I use to stay motivated. I use these when studying is the last thing I want to do.

These tips helped so much during my A-levels and I got grades higher than I could ever have expected! If I'd have let myself get unmotivated, it would never have happened!

Think about your goal, and think about it a lot.

So, as before, say that your goal is to go to a particular university. You know that you're going to need certain grades to attend. By putting off studying, you're only decreasing your chances of achieving these grades.

The thought of not attending your dream school should really encourage you to at least go and do a small amount of studying. If it doesn't, then you need to consider if it's really what you want at all.

If you're not willing to work for it then it's most likely not what you really want.

Visualise your dream too, really feel what it'd be like to achieve that goal. This will encourage the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction is the theory that "like attracts like". So, if you act like you're already getting good grades, the universe will send more good grades your way.

You can't however, sit back and do nothing. The Law of Attraction also requires work on your side to attract your goals.

Set yourself a time schedule - this helps reduce procrastination!

A couple of days a week, I finish school early to attend my tutor sessions. On these days, once I get back, I study for a few hours.

After, I give myself a half an hour break in which I eat and just quickly catch up with my family. Then I go back to studying for a little longer.

This allows me to get in almost 5 hours of revision and after 7pm, I have the night to myself. This allows me to shower, keep up with my blog, talk to my friends etc.

If you don't have a schedule/routine then you're likely to do around an hour a day if not less because you feel like you don't need to. Having smaller slots in which you study, will encourage you to study as you know you have a break to look forwards to.

Listen to music

I always have more motivation to study when I listen to music. I prefer to choose gentler songs to listen to when revising.

Many tips say to choose songs without lyrics but I find myself skipping songs more than studying. Instead I choose soft pop songs and I prefer to listen to ones which I don't know the lyrics to.

This is beneficial for me because then I can't sing along but I'm blocking out external distractions that I didn't know were there!

Time just seems to go so much quicker when I listen to music and I'm much more productive because I'm in a better mood!

Have a list of things you need to work on - a to-do list is essential for staying motivated!

This one is actually a really helpful one and it surprised me when I realised it!

If you don't know what you need to focus on then you end up being too kind to yourself. You think you know more than you do so you do less work.

If you have a clear view of what you need to work on then you can plan your time around those topics. You end up spending more time studying because you'll want to understand the topics.

I recommend writing these topics down on paper because if you try to do it mentally then it's almost guaranteed that you'll forget at least one thing. I can almost guarantee it'll be one thing that you do not want to forget. A bullet journal is a great place to keep to do list. You can start your own bullet journal today!

A tip linked to this is to not move on before you understand. You may think you have the gist of something but that doesn't translate to understanding! Once you've read and researched a topic, do some exam questions on it to test yourself. This is very beneficial as you're:

1) spending more time on studying.

2) improving your exam technique

and 3) finding out if you really understand. This should keep you motivated because personally, I think it's such a good feeling. When you check the answer of a question, and you got it right, it's great. I always want to get that boost!

Break it up into very small time slots

If the thought of long hours of revision is what puts you off then break it into smaller time slots, such as 15-30 minutes. Knowing that you only have to do 15 minutes before you get a little break has proved to show more motivation to study- you unconsciously end up being more productive to finish the specific task in the time slot.

It's also been scientifically proven that spending smaller periods of studying with regular breaks is more effective than spending 3 hours studying with no breaks.

Also, when you spend long hours studying, smaller tasks take you longer. You know that you have hours to do the task. If you take longer to do the task then you fill the hours quicker.

In all honesty though, productivity is more important than the time you spend studying. One hours worth of exam questions could be more helpful than 4 hours worth of making pretty revision cards. Now before I get attacked, revision cards are very good tools. They will be worth the 4 hours but only if you use them! I can't count the amount of times I've spend ages making flash cards only to never look at them again. Unfortunately, they don't work for me. Find what works for you.

If you're struggling to find study methods, read about the study methods that dramatically boosted my grades!

Don't just read the book!

Don't make it boring for yourself! If you can't focus by just taking notes from a book then find a new way to study.

YouTube has a mass amount of videos that cover all kinds of subjects and topics and many of them are only 15 minutes! When I use YouTube I make sure that I'm actively taking notes while watching to make sure that I don't zone out but if you feel that you will stay engaged then use that as your way to study! Motivation to study can be found in all different forms!

If you prefer learning by listening then record yourself or someone else saying the things you need to learn. Then, listen to it over and over again, even if you aren't actively listening every time, it will subconsciously go into your long-term memory.

Don't get burnt out

Don't understand something no matter how many times you've gone over it? Give yourself a break and take some time for self care. I have a post all about self care ideas as well as the perfect pamper products to aid those self care days!

Everyone has bad days, you just need to think about how you're going to handle it. You can always ask a friend or someone else to explain it to you. Or, you can just try again the next day after you rest your mind.

Make sure you take care of yourself because the better you feel, the better your brain will work. Always leave time so you have something relaxing to do before bed whether it's watching a tv show/movie or using your favourite face mask while you have a hot chocolate.

I wouldn't recommend studying until the minute you go to bed or else it's just going to be where your mind doesn't settle and you're losing sleep. Always save time to care for yourself.
I hope these tips help at least some you in any way! Please share your best tip to stay motivated in the comments below! Where do you find motivation to study?

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How to stay motivated to study and stop procrastination! | lovekyra

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Nobody particularly enjoys school work and it's hard finding motivation to study. It's the one thing that makes everyone procrastinate. If you continuously put it off however, it's only going to kill your dreams. This is especially if your dream is to go and graduate from university.

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Understanding & Conquering the Physical Symptoms of Exam Stress

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Understanding & Conquering the Physical Symptoms of Exam Stress

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Conquering exam stress: lessons from our bodies

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How to Beat Test Anxiety and Take on Exams Without Stress

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Some great tips from the University of St Andrews on coping with feelings of panic whilst you are in the exam hall.

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Coping with exam anxiety

Anxiety

Normal levels of stress can help you work, think faster and more effectively, and generally improve your performance. However, if the anxiety you are experiencing feels overwhelming, your performance can be affected. Being aware of what is causing the anxiety can help reduce its effects. Anxiety can cause:

Patchy sleep and sleepless nights

Irritability or short temper

Butterflies in the stomach

Poor appetite or comfort eating

Tendency to drink more coffee and alcohol and to smoke more

Causes of Anxiety

Take some time to think about what is causing the anxiety because, once you know what is causing the anxiety, you will be in a better position to tackle it. The anxiety could be linked to:

Being generally a bit of worrier, a tendency to be anxious

Being poorly prepared

You had a bad experience in a previous exam

You are a perfectionist - anything less than top marks is a failure

You are not feeling well or you are on medication

Anxiety Reduction

The key to reducing exam anxiety is to make an early start on your revision. Six weeks before the exams is probably soon enough for end of year exams, depending on where you are in your studies and what year you are in. Take enough time to do yourself justice. Remember revision is just that - it is about seeing something again and refreshing your knowledge. It is not about new work. If you have worked at a steady pace throughout the year, revision will be relatively straightforward. If you have less than six weeks until the exams, be realistic about what you can revise. Perhaps ask for some guidance from your Tutors who should be able to identify core material. If you feel that your anxiety levels are only going to increase between this point and the start of the exams, do something about it now. Student Services can help with relaxation techniques and will talk with you about your feelings etc.

Before the Exams

You are naturally anxious before the exams get underway, and the stress only increases as the Big Day gets nearer. These feelings can be managed and planning can help.

Plan Your Revision

Set aside plenty of time for revision

Sort through your notes, essays and reports, and focus on the essential material

Actively use your notes - re-structure and condense them

Plan answer outlines

Think about questions you might expect to find in your exam. The department or School and the Library might have copies of previous exam papers

Seek help and guidance from your Tutor etc. if you find something you don't quite understand

Don't sit reading for long periods of time. It quickly becomes boring and your concentration can easily start to wane

Take Proper Breaks

Studying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will make you exhausted - burnt out even - long before the actual exam

Divide your days in three periods of 150 minutes each and revise for two out of the three

Plan to have one day a week completely free from revision

Keep up with some of your other activities - try to get the balance right between study and leisure

Get the support of your friends, family and/or your partner

Be cool and keep to a healthy lifestyle

Avoid anything that promises you limitless energy - there is nothing that provides this and you don't want to experiment on anything new at this time

Take regular exercise. Find something you enjoy - swimming, jogging, football etc.

Yoga, tai chi, meditation or other alternatives for relaxing the mind and body are worth considering

Eating and Sleeping

Your brain needs energy and it also needs rest. Eat little and often

Eat quality food, e.g. wholemeal bread, pasta, nuts, fruit, lots of vegetables etc.

Go for quality drinks, e.g. plenty of water, milk, real fruit juice etc.

Revise when you are Feeling Alert

Make sure you take time after doing revision to wind down.

Try not to go straight to bed without winding down

Panic the Night Before

You have been feeling quite calm during the revision period. But then panic sets in the night before.

Learn in advance how to relax. In that way, you will feel confident that, if you start to panic or your mind goes blank, you will be able to regain control

Try to use humour to help you beat negative thoughts. Read a book or comic, watch an amusing DVD or think of your favourite jokes

Do your best to be well prepared - it will give you some confidence that you have done the work needed

However anxious you may feel, try to avoid working too close to the exam like the night before or the morning of the exam. Try to do something relaxing instead. Go for a walk or have a warm bath.

Eat something even if you feel sick. Bread, crackers and cereals are good for settling your stomach

Make sure you know exactly when and where the exam is. Try not to arrive late at the exam as that would only increase your anxiety

Have everything ready to take with you - pens, pencils, calculator, matriculation card etc.

Take some light reading in case you have to wait to get in to the exam room

Panic Attacks during the Exam

You have been feeling nervous and have just sat down in the exam room. You feel the panic start to rise.

Make yourself comfortable. Do you need to go to the toilet before the exam starts? Are you neither too hot nor too cold? Adjust your clothing. Take a few deep breaths to try to ease the tension you are feeling. Sit with your eyes closed for a little while. Only then, turn over the exam paper

Remember that most people feel tense at this point - it is only natural. However much you have prepared, your task now is to just do your best

Take time to read through all the instructions and questions carefully. Do that at least twice to make sure you get a firm grasp of the questions.

Pick out the questions that best relate to the revision you have done. Do not rush anything. Taking time at this point can really reap dividends later. If you can't decide all the questions you want to answer, start with those you have picked and come back to the others later

Plan your answers. This is a really important point. Five minutes spent on a plan and a rough guide will help your thoughts to flow

Do your best to ignore everyone else while you are at the planning stage - not easy, but it helps.

Decide whether you want to do the "easy" or "difficult" questions first. Doing an "easy" one first might help to relax you. Or maybe doing a "difficult" one first while you are very alert might be best for you

Manage your time. Keep an eye on your watch so that you allow enough time for your final answer. If you don't have enough time for that final answer, make a skeleton answer in note form - at least you will have put something down

Look after yourself. Do you need a sweet? Have you got enough fresh air? Are you feeling cramped?

Avoid perfectionism. It is good to check spelling and punctuation but no one is expecting perfection.

If you feel the panic is getting worse - stop, put down your pen and relax. Breathe slowly; close your eyes for a few minutes. If it helps, put your head on the desk. Shake your arms. Move your head slowly from side to side to ease the tension. Say something positive and encouraging to yourself. Imagine yourself somewhere else where you feel happy and relaxed

If you feel unwell, ask the invigilator if you may leave the room for a short while - taking a few breaths of fresh air and some sips of water may be all you need to calm you down.

For more help and information about this or about anything else, why not speak to Student Services? Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk
The University of St Andrews would like to acknowledge the contribution of the University of Dundee for the content of much of this document. 2003

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Normal levels of stress can help you work, think faster and more effectively, and generally improve your performance. However, if the anxiety you are experiencing feels overwhelming, your performance can be affected. Being aware of what is causing the anxiety can help reduce its effects.

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Exam Stress Podcast by University of Bath

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Exam Stress Podcast by University of Bath

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Exam Stress Podcast by University of Bath

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Understanding exam stress, how to manage it and tips to prepare for the exam period.

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I'm so scared of the upcoming exam. I've never been this nervous before! What if I fail? If you feel like this way, Actually you are not alone! Many students experience exam fear, which can range from general unease to full-blown panic attacks. While some amount of nervousness or anxiousness before an exam is normal, extreme fear and panic can seriously interfere with your ability to perform well on the exam.

1) Understand your Exam Anxiety

When you're feeling anxious during an exam, it can be hard to focus on what you're studying. The first step in overcoming exam fear is to identify your triggers-what exactly makes you feel nervous? Are there particular topics or questions that raise your anxiety level? What is it about these things annoying you? Be as specific as possible when making a list of your triggers. This information will help you prepare for future exams by giving you concrete strategies to confront each potential trigger head-on.
You've Studied and You Still Can't Focus: Just because you put hours into studying doesn't mean you won't get stressed out before an exam. Realize that stress is perfectly normal and don't let it affect your concentration too much!

2) Rehearse for the Test

The best way to combat exam fear is through preparation. When you have a test coming up, make sure you're familiar with all of your course material-don't learn anything new on exam day. Practicing a mock exam can be a good idea as well, especially if it's similar in format to what you'll experience on test day. Rehearse for each portion of your exam, whether that means writing answers on scrap paper or typing them into a computer.
Realize You Won't Die: Exams are important, but they shouldn't define who you are as a person or stifle your growth. If you don't do well on an exam, remember that it doesn't mean you failed; rather, focus on using any mistakes made during testing to improve for the next time around.

3) Study Less But Better

Most students prepare for exams by studying harder, which sounds like a good idea, but really isn't. Studying less but better is a more effective strategy because it's based on long-term retention. The purpose of most college courses is for you to learn material that can be recalled and used in multiple contexts throughout your career. If you study hard but don't remember much when exam time comes around, then you need to review and revise your study habits before next semester. Being an efficient student means being focused, knowing what tests are coming up soon (so you know how much time you need), and being honest with yourself about how long it takes for you to learn new information.

4) Avoid Distractions

Do you have a tendency to avoid studying? Even if you're not particularly concerned about your grades, many students have a tough time resisting distractions when it comes time to hit the books. If you get distracted by all of those phone notifications, email pop-ups, or (gasp!) Facebook messages, try setting aside specific times during which you'll turn off all electronics and devote yourself fully to your studies. You might even want to give your friends or family access to some study materials for an upcoming exam so they can send you reminders about your deadlines and due dates! That way, any questions can be directed toward them instead of pulling your attention away from what really matters: solidifying that knowledge before exam day. Also, remember that preparing well beforehand can help alleviate exam fear - plan ahead!
preparation is half of everything. The only thing is a distraction like social media use may increase exam fear problem more than helping in exam fear. To overcome the exam fear, we need to change our mindset towards facing the world on our own; we should prepare ourselves mentally prior to exams; trying to know as much as possible of subjects so we are ready to face challenging situations.

5) Ask For Help

One of my own personal strategies for overcoming exam fear is asking for help. At first, I thought it was just silly-asking someone for help doesn't exactly seem like a recipe for success. But as I looked back at all of my most successful semesters in school, that's what those classes had in common: there was always someone who knew more than me and I asked them questions. While you might think asking for help is shameful or weak, it can actually be one of your biggest assets in life. Don't be afraid to reach out; ask whoever seems willing and able to lend you a hand! And if they're not available? Ask another professor or graduate student or tutor! You might be surprised by how many people are willing to assist with your efforts when you let them know you need their help!

Author,

Vishwa Mayantha,

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5 Tips to Overcome Exam Fear - Learnybay

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I'm so scared of the upcoming exam. I've never been this nervous before! What if I fail? If you feel like this way, Actually you are not alone! Many students experience exam fear, which can range from general unease to full-blown panic attacks.

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https://www.childline.org.uk/

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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We have Wellbeing Scotland counsellors and workers in school Mon-Fri. If you would like to meet with someone to discuss concerns or issues, your Guidance Teacher can set you up with an appointment.

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https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/help-for-teenagers-young-adults-and-students/tips-on-preparing-for-exams/

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Revision tips

Make a realistic revision schedule. Work out how much you have to do and the time you have to do it in, then break it down into manageable chunks. Aim to do a few hours of revision each day, and mix up your subjects so you do not get bored.

Find a revision style that suits you. Studying alone in a quiet room suits some people, but not everyone likes working in silence. Try playing music quietly in the background, or revising with a friend (but do not let them distract you!).

Customise your notes to make them more personal. Experiment with colour coding, notes on postcards, diagrams or whatever helps you learn your topic.

Make sure you understand everything. If you come across something you do not understand, try to find a new source of information that will help you understand it. Just memorising it will not help you in your exam. Do not be afraid to ask your teacher or a friend for help if you need it.

Look at past exam papers. It means you can familiarise yourself with the layout and type of questions you'll be asked. Practise completing exam papers in the set time limit to improve your exam technique.

Take regular short breaks. Studying for hours and hours will only make you tired and ruin your concentration, which may make you even more anxious. A break every 45 to 60 minutes is about right.

Reward yourself. For example, you could take a long bath or watch a good movie once you have finished your revision session.

Do something physical. When you're not revising, use your spare time to get away from your books and do something active. Exercise is good for taking your mind off stress and keeping you positive, and it will help you sleep better.

Ask for help. If you're feeling stressed, it's important to talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, teacher or a friend. Lots of people find exams difficult to deal with, so do not be embarrassed to ask for support.

How to handle exam days

Be prepared. Start the day with a good breakfast, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam hall. Remember to take everything you need, including pencils, pens and a calculator. A bottle of water and some tissues are also useful.

Take a few minutes to read the instructions and questions. Then you'll know exactly what's expected of you. Ask an exam supervisor if anything is unclear - they're there to help you.

Plan how much time you'll need for each question. Do not panic if you get stuck on a question, but try to leave yourself enough time at the end to come back to it.

Once the exam is finished, forget about it. Do not spend too much time going over it in your head or comparing answers with your friends. Just focus on the next exam instead.

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Make a realistic revision schedule. Work out how much you have to do and the time you have to do it in, then break it down into manageable chunks. Aim to do a few hours of revision each day, and mix up your subjects so you do not get bored.

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https://togetherall.com/en-gb/

Mental Wellbeing Support outwith school hours.

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Whatever's on your mind, we're here - Togetherall

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Need urgent help? Contact one of these crisis support services

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https://www.kooth.com/

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Create a tree of knowledge in any subject, list your main branches then add to them. This can be done right before exams or as a progressive revision technique to give you a checklist of things to remember / consolidate

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Beat your exam stress by running for success

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Beat your exam stress by running for success

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Take a break from revision with a run! Great for your body and you mind.

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Students are being urged to swap their revision notes for trainers this exam season to help with stress.

As exams are approaching, England Athletics is launching its first #RunAndRevise scheme, which aims to encourage pupils to take a break from revision and support their mental health through running.

It is aimed at people aged 16-25, who can take part by running a mile or more by themselves, or by joining an England Athletics club or a RunTogether group.

Schools, colleges and universities have also organised runs for their students to get involved in during the campaign.

Liz Purbrick, England Athletic's Inclusion Manager, said: "There's a huge social element that running can bring.

"The #RunAndRevise campaign can be an opportunity for pupils to start talking about their mental health.

"Although we're a membership body and we want to get more people running, we also genuinely want to contribute to the mental health of our nation."

England Athletics will also provide information to runners about mental health services that they can reach out to.

Adriana is a Year 10 student preparing for her mock exams, and joined her running club about six months ago.

She runs up to twice a week, and praises the benefits of it in the build-up to exams.

"I'm always stressed about exams. I try and find a way to calm down about mocks", she said.

"I've found running is a stress relief. It takes my mind off things and I enjoy it."

Getting moving

Experts also agree that moving around can have benefits.

Dr Brendon Stubbs, of King's College London, said: "Our research has shown that being more active can protect you from developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression in the future.

"Moving and doing exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve concentration."

He said running is not the only way to improve mental health.

"The evidence suggests that any type of physical activity can be good for you, such as taking out the dog for a walk, going to the gym, doing a sport with a friend or even yoga.

"The most important thing is to get away from the desk, and get moving during the exam period."

The #RunandRevise campaign is due to take place from 13th-19th May during Mental Health Awareness Week.

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Students are being urged to swap their revision notes for trainers this exam season to help with stress. As exams are approaching, England Athletics is launching its first #RunAndRevise scheme, which aims to encourage pupils to take a break from revision and support their mental health through running.

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Need a break from your revision notes? Did you know Bright Red have a YouTube channel which has playlists of all the videos featured on their Digital Zone arranged into subjects? If you find videos helpful when revising, be sure to check the channel out here:

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Welcome to the Bright Red Publishing channel. We're a multi award-winning publishing company - home to the brightest, freshest study guides around! Here you'...

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Jamie Oliver Blog

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Revising for exams, or got a big project ahead? Keep your brain well fuelled with our guide to the different foods that help us concentrate and stay alert.

Our brains use about 20% of all our energy, so knowing the foods that can keep you concentrating is very important.

The best way to fuel your brain is to stay hydrated and eat a balance of ingredients across the day, from all the food groups.

Don't skip meals - eating a balanced breakfast sets you up for a productive day ahead.

Lots of different nutrients play specific roles in your brain's development and supporting cognitive function. When it comes to revising, try to keep your diet varied and balanced, by choosing a wide range of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and dairy foods across several days.

What role do different foods play?
STARCHY CARBS
Opt for wholegrain varieties of starchy carbohydrates - the body's preferred source of energy - for more fibre and nutrients. For example, go for wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and oats, as these also contain iron and zinc, which are important nutrients for cognitive function.
PROTEIN
Eating foods high in protein may help keep hunger at bay. Plus, meat- and plant-based sources of protein both provide iron, which helps oxygen to reach brain cells. If we're not getting enough iron, our bodies become fatigued, which impacts everything, including brain function and concentration.

Iron from plant-based sources (such as beans, pulses, oats, nuts, seeds and most dark green leafy veg) is not as easily absorbed as from meat-based sources. However, vitamin C can enhance absorption, so try to eat them with foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
VEG & FRUIT
Include a variety of veg and fruit as part of each meal and as snacks, as they contain lots of key vitamins and minerals. Healthy snacking can help keep energy levels up, maintain our focus, and provide a short break from studying - which is also healthy!

Swap snacks high in added sugar for nutritious foods such as fruit with nut butter, a bowl of yoghurt, a handful of unsalted nuts, or some popcorn.
WATER
Don't forget to hydrate! Our bodies need water for all cognitive and physical functions. Hydration is essential for our brains to function properly. On top of this, dehydration can make it difficult to concentrate and cause headaches and tiredness. High caffeine intake may impact sleep, which may in turn impact concentration so be aware of your consumption of coffee, tea and energy drinks.

The amount needed to stay hydrated varies between roughly 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every day - water is the best choice for a regular drink.
For more information on the role of these nutrients, plus the importance of sleep and exercise during exam time, see our full guide attached.

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The best brain food for exams | Features | Jamie Oliver | Jamie Oliver

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Revising for exams, or got a big project ahead? Keep your brain well fuelled with our guide to the different foods that help us concentrate and stay alert. Our brains use about 20% of all our energy, so knowing the foods that can keep you concentrating is very important.

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The best brain food for exams: Jamie Oliver Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Revising for exams, or got a big project ahead? Keep your brain well fuelled with our guide to the different foods that help us concentrate and stay alert.

Our brains use about 20% of all our energy, so knowing the foods that can keep you concentrating is very important.

The best way to fuel your brain is to stay hydrated and eat a balance of ingredients across the day, from all the food groups.

Don't skip meals - eating a balanced breakfast sets you up for a productive day ahead.

Lots of different nutrients play specific roles in your brain's development and supporting cognitive function. When it comes to revising, try to keep your diet varied and balanced, by choosing a wide range of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and dairy foods across several days.

What role do different foods play?
STARCHY CARBS
Opt for wholegrain varieties of starchy carbohydrates - the body's preferred source of energy - for more fibre and nutrients. For example, go for wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and oats, as these also contain iron and zinc, which are important nutrients for cognitive function.
PROTEIN
Eating foods high in protein may help keep hunger at bay. Plus, meat- and plant-based sources of protein both provide iron, which helps oxygen to reach brain cells. If we're not getting enough iron, our bodies become fatigued, which impacts everything, including brain function and concentration.

Iron from plant-based sources (such as beans, pulses, oats, nuts, seeds and most dark green leafy veg) is not as easily absorbed as from meat-based sources. However, vitamin C can enhance absorption, so try to eat them with foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
VEG & FRUIT
Include a variety of veg and fruit as part of each meal and as snacks, as they contain lots of key vitamins and minerals. Healthy snacking can help keep energy levels up, maintain our focus, and provide a short break from studying - which is also healthy!

Swap snacks high in added sugar for nutritious foods such as fruit with nut butter, a bowl of yoghurt, a handful of unsalted nuts, or some popcorn.
WATER
Don't forget to hydrate! Our bodies need water for all cognitive and physical functions. Hydration is essential for our brains to function properly. On top of this, dehydration can make it difficult to concentrate and cause headaches and tiredness. High caffeine intake may impact sleep, which may in turn impact concentration so be aware of your consumption of coffee, tea and energy drinks.

The amount needed to stay hydrated varies between roughly 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every day - water is the best choice for a regular drink.
For more information on the role of these nutrients, plus the importance of sleep and exercise during exam time, see our full guide attached.

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The best brain food for exams | Features | Jamie Oliver | Jamie Oliver

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Revising for exams, or got a big project ahead? Keep your brain well fuelled with our guide to the different foods that help us concentrate and stay alert. Our brains use about 20% of all our energy, so knowing the foods that can keep you concentrating is very important.

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To help Scotland’s young people cope with anxiety during exam time, SAMH has produced some top tips on how to de-stress:

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SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) has launched a new campaign 'Testing Times' to raise awareness about anxieties around school exam time and ways to de-stress.

The campaign from SAMH has been supported by a number of leading figures from across Scotland, including X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald; Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health; and representatives from Girlguiding Scotland, Scouts Scotland and Scottish Youth Parliament.

Each of the campaign's supporters will be sharing videos on social media highlighting their own personal experiences of anxiety, with the aim of encouraging young people to discuss their emotional wellbeing openly, both with their peers and adults in their lives.

To help Scotland's young people cope with anxiety during exam time, SAMH has produced some top tips on how to de-stress:

1. Keep yourself and your revision fresh by alternating where you work between places that make you feel calm.

2. Stop revising at least an hour before bed, everyone needs time to switch off.

3. Focus on you, comparing yourself with your friends can make you more anxious.

4. Your brain needs proper nutrition, fast food and energy drinks are not going to help.

5. Reward yourself with regular breaks, they are a motivation and a chance for your brain to recharge.

6. Make time to exercise, it releases feel-good endorphins in your brain and helps you de-stress.

7. Tackle stress early. If your stress and anxiety start rising take a break, take a breath and talk to someone.

8. Exams are important but when they're over you'll realise you can't change them and they don't need to define the rest of your life.

As well as launching this campaign, SAMH is piloting a programme of activity in schools, colleges and with specialist mental health teams - all aiming to help young people and the adults in their lives. This programme has been made possible through charitable donations and is led by a new, dedicated children and young people's team.

SAMH has also been working in conjunction with Wallace High School in Stirling - which is leading the way in supporting students and staff to talk positively about mental health - to develop best practice.

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: "We want 2019 to be a year of action so young people get help as soon as they need it. We're delighted to be piloting our new programmes, thanks to the generous donations of our fundraisers and supporters.

"While we have been encouraged by recent commitments from the Scottish Government on mental health, there is still plenty of work to do to ensure that young people feel able to discuss and manage their mental health and wellbeing. Testing Times is aimed at raising that awareness and hopefully equipping more young people facing the stresses of exam time with the tools to manage those anxieties."

Pam Steel, Education Development Officer at SAMH, is on secondment from Wallace High School in Stirling, where she works as a PE and Dance Teacher, and led the development of a whole-school approach to mental health.

She said: "It's that time of year again when students across Scotland are busy preparing for school exams. Typically, there is a huge amount of pressure on young people to succeed, pressure they either put on themselves or from family and friends.

"We want to help make sure that every young person can learn about mental health and wellbeing so they can look after themselves and ask for help when they need it. We also want everyone with a role in a young person's life - parents, teachers, sports coaches and youth workers - to feel confident that they can help just by being open and supportive."

Parents who want to help their children cope with anxiety at exam time can download the top tips from the SAMH website https://bit.ly/2Pq8oIr

For further information please contact Julie Williams on 07920025436 julie.williams@webershandwick.com or Iain Hall on 07773237959 / iain.hall@webershandwick.com

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SAMH launches campaign to help young people cope with exam time | SAMH

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SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) has launched a new campaign 'Testing Times' to raise awareness about anxieties around school exam time and ways to de-stress. The campaign from SAMH has been supported by a number of leading figures from across Scotland, including X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald; Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health; and representatives from Girlguiding Scotland, Scouts Scotland and Scottish Youth Parliament.

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Create Harvard, APA & MLA citations for your bibliography.  Cite This For Me is one of the most popular citation tools today.

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Cite This For Me™ was launched in October 2010, we began with the mission of helping students quickly create citations. Since then, the Cite This For Me™ citation generator has assisted millions of students across the world including in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, and beyond.

Our tools are designed to help you quickly prepare an entire bibliography or reference list. Even if you know very little about references, our forms and automatic citation features can help guide you through the process and tell you what information is needed. This means less guessing for you and an easier citation process!

Nearly any style you can think of is supported by the Cite This For Me™ citation generator, including Harvard referencing, APA (American Psychological Association) style, MLA (Modern Language Association) style, Chicago style, Vancouver, and thousands of others.

Citing isn't something you usually think about, but it's important nonetheless. You already do it in your everyday life without realising it. Have you ever said, "I heard on XYZ News that . . . ", or "I read in XYZ that those two celebrities are dating", or even "Mom said that you can't do that". By saying where you got your information, you are casually citing a source.

We do this because it gives credibility to what we say, but also because it credits the originator of the information. It also allows others to follow up if they need more information. Formal citing done for papers and projects takes this a step further. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, citing sources in academia provides evidence of your research process and helps you avoid plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a word you never want to hear describing your work. You've probably seen headlines in the news and heard stories in school about the negative consequences of plagiarism. It's not good but it is preventable. By creating references and citations with Cite This For Me™ tools you're taking steps to help avoid this.

Click the button "Create citations" to begin. You'll be prompted to choose a source type and guided through the rest of the citing process. For source types like websites, journal articles, and books, the Cite This For Me™ citation generator automatically tries to find your source's information based on details you provide. That could be anything from the author's name to the source's URL to the article's DOI number. This makes citing more efficient and helps you easily create references and citations for your paper in a timely manner.

Beyond simply creating references or citations, most citation styles have additional guidelines about paper formatting, in-text citations, and other details. Cite This For Me™ citation guides cover a lot of this additional information, so your paper is more properly prepped and less likely to get points taken off for these details. The guides cover several citation styles, but the most popular are Harvard referencing, APA format, MLA format, and Chicago style.

A good paper references several sources. Multiply that with the several papers most schools assign in a year, and you get dozens of sources that will need to be cited within your academic career. That's a lot of references to create, sort through, and keep track of.

That's where Cite This For Me™ Premium comes in. With a premium account you can cite as many sources as you want, organize the sources into bibliographies, and save ALL of those bibliographies so you can easily refer back to your references. It's a great way to manage your bibliographies and cite with confidence.

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Cite This For Me: Harvard, APA, MLA Reference Generator

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Automatic works cited and bibliography formatting for MLA, APA and Chicago/Turabian citation styles. Now supports 7th edition of MLA.

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Online advice and support to help you study. Created by University of the West of England.

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Study skills advice and support - UWE Bristol: Study skills advice and support

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Study skills advice for students including research, referencing, group work and presentation advice plus much more. Find out how study skills can help you

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Why, when and how: Citing & referencing.

Created by Cardiff University Library Service

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This guide provides information and support that will help you develop skills for searching for information. Created by University of Suffolk.

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Learning Services: Information Skills: Searching for Information

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Learning Services is at the heart of the academic journey for all University of Suffolk staff, students and researchers. We work in conjunction with course teams and other professional services colleagues across the institution to ensure your time at Suffolk is as successful as possible.

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Guidance on referencing and bibliographies, internet search tips and research advice from Alloa Academy Library.

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If you prefer visual rather than writing , mind maps are great . Start with a central topic then expand out from it with different strands of information.

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BBC News - Sniffing lemons key to exam success?

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BBC News - Sniffing lemons key to exam success?

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A study suggests "positive triggers" like smelling lemons and squeezing your ears could help revision.

Neuroscientists looked at how teenage brains work to help optimise learning.

After working with Queen Anne’s School, near Reading, for around five years they came up with what they call "the ultimate revision guide".

It advises pupils not to study too late at night and try to revise at the same time of day at which exams are sat.

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A study suggests "positive triggers" like smelling lemons and squeezing your ears could help revision.

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https://drchatterjee.com/5-breathing-techniques-help-reduce-stress/

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The best music to revise to, for any subject, is music without lyrics. Lyrics confuse the brain while you try to concentrate. Classical, jazz, latin.. the list goes on and on.

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The best preparation on the morning of a Music or Music Technology exam is to listen to music. Any kind of music will do, but warm-up your listening skills by listening for information. 

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The best preparation on the morning of a Music or Music Technology exam is to listen to music. Any kind of music will do, but warm-up your listening skills by listening for information. 

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Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here  http://ow.ly/6CSU30ntP9Z

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Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with our Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here 👉 https://t.co/qb3J28DYK4

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with our Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here 👉 https://t.co/qb3J28DYK4 https://t.co/4DplNlk89k

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with our Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here 👉 https://t.co/qb3J28DYK4 https://t.co/4DplNlk89k

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with our Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here 👉 https://t.co/qb3J28DYK4 https://t.co/4DplNlk89k

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Tired of revision? Get back into the groove with our Bright Red Digital Zone, which is:
- FREE
- Packed with extra reading, activities, tests, video links
- The perfect companion to your studies!
Register here 👉 https://t.co/qb3J28DYK4

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Exams: how to plan ahead with a perfect revision plan

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Exams: how to plan ahead with a perfect revision plan

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Planning ahead is the key to achieving your potential. By Nicola Morgan

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An article by Filed Under: Nicola Morgan on Blog archive

Last week I blogged about how I'd been to Larbert High School and talked to some S5 pupils about preparing for and dealing with exams. In that post, I offered my general tips for reducing the harmful stress that can come with exams. I also talked about how training for exams is just like training for a big sporting competiton or match - your body and brain are your temple!

Today, I want to talk about planning ahead. It's the key to achieving your potential. The preparation starts the day you get your exam time-table, which should be at least a month (probably longer) before the first exam. The moment you get the time-table, you can begin to plan.

Here's how, step-by-step!

1. Get a big piece of paper - or several sheets of A4 - and create either a list of days, or a grid like a time-table. You need a space for each day from NOW until the LAST DAY OF EXAMS. Add the date to each space.

2. Call the FIRST exam day E-DAY. Starting from 30 days before E-DAY, count down so that the day before E-DAY has a 1 on it. This tells you how many days you have to go before exams start.

3. Draw a line halfway through each space to show morning and afternoon.

4. Next, fill in the following information:

Each exam date.

Any days or halfdays when you know you won't be able to revise - eg you have a family trip, doctor's appointment etc etc.

Make a note a week or more before E-DAY to check all your stationery and other equipment.

Make a note three weeks or more before E-DAY to start sleep training. (I'll be blogging later about this.)

Make a note two weeks or more before E-DAY to decide on and buy the exam food you will need. (I'll blog about this.)

Make a note once a week to practise a relaxation or anti-panic strategy. (I'll be blogging about this and giving you some techniques.)

Build in some half days off.

5. Now, carefully decide and fill in which subjects you will revise on each day. Think about the following:

Some subjects require more revision than others.

Don't leave your least favourite subjects till last.

Our brains remember best if we keep coming back to something. So, it's good to revise something, then leave it to do another subject, then come back to the first one a few days later.

It's best if every subject gets three stages of revision: Stage 1 where you make all your notes and go over them; stage 2 where you go over the notes again, rewriting them in more condensed form; stage 3 where you go over those notes again close to the exam.

Build in some time for when things go wrong. For example, you might be ill or something might take longer than you planned, so don't pack everything in too tightly.

If you'd like a free sheet that has lots of tips and shows you more about how to make your time-table, download the one I made here.

Call me a sad woman but I used to love making my exam plan time-table. It beats doing the actual revision :(. Seriously, it really helps you gain control over a difficult situation.

I'll be back soon with more tips and strategies to make your exams go as well as possible. I was at a lovely school last week - Eyemouth High School - and some impressive S5 boys were very interested in all this stuff, so I hope they see it!

Any questions? You know where to find me! Or just comment below.

Blog archive

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Exams: how to plan ahead with a perfect revision plan | Nicola Morgan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An article by Filed Under: Nicola Morgan on Blog archive Last week I blogged about how I'd been to Larbert High School and talked to some S5 pupils about preparing for and dealing with exams. In that post, I offered my general tips for reducing the harmful stress that can come with exams. I also talked about how training for exams is just like training for a big sporting competiton or match - your body and brain are your temple!

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This is a free audio to teach you how to relax your breathing and reduce stress levels.

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This is a free audio to teach you how to relax your breathing and reduce stress levels. Really useful at times when you're feeling anxious or stressed and to reduce feelings of panic. Everyone should know how to do this! Practise BEFORE you need it - then you'll be able to do it without the audio.

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From Nicola Morgan author of Blame My Brain Know Your Brain and The Teenage Guide to Stress

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Which foods are best for revision fuel and exam boosts? By Nicola Morgan author of Blame My Brain Know Your Brain and The Teenage Guide to Stress.

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HOW TO CREATE A BRILLIANT EXAM TIMETABLE

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HOW TO CREATE A BRILLIANT EXAM TIMETABLE

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Tips for surviving and thriving during exam time from Nicola Morgan author of Blame My Brain Know Your Brain and The Teenage Guide to Stress

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from Nicola Morgan author of Blame My Brain Know Your Brain and The Teenage Guide to Stress

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Top tips to build self-care into the non-working parts of your day.

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We all know that exams are extremely challenging, not only because of what we have to learn, but also because they can affect our mental health. We're told to take regular breaks, but I find it hard to know how best to use them.

There's plenty of advice out there on study techniques, but I find that what I do when I'm not revising is just as important as what I do when I am.

These are my top tips to build self-care into the non-working parts of my day.

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Exam Self-Care | Mental Health Advice For Students

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It's important to look after your mental health while revising for exams, but how can you do this? Our Activist, Rose, shares her favourite ways.

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Use your lunch break to step away from your work and de-stress. We have 10 quick tips for less stress in 60 seconds

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SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

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If you're working towards an SQA qualification, I'm here to help. Just ask!

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Online resources and tutorials over a range of subjects 

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Online resources and tutorials over a range of subjects 

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http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/

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One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practise on past papers.

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Good luck to all our senior pupils starting their prelims this week!  Don't forget you can visit your school library for past papers, course notes, study and success guides.  Available to borrow now! @AlloaAcademy @AlloaAcadPC #beprepared #breath #SQAprelims2019 #librariesmatter

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Good luck to all our senior pupils starting their prelims this week!  Don't forget you can visit your school library for past papers, course notes, study and success guides.  Available to borrow now! @AlloaAcademy @AlloaAcadPC #beprepared #breath #SQAprelims2019 #librariesmatter https://t.co/VY7eg4Lvsp

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Good luck to all our senior pupils starting their prelims this week!  Don't forget you can visit your school library for past papers, course notes, study and success guides.  Available to borrow now! @AlloaAcademy @AlloaAcadPC #beprepared #breath #SQAprelims2019 #librariesmatter https://t.co/VY7eg4Lvsp

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Good luck to all our senior pupils starting their prelims this week!  Don't forget you can visit your school library for past papers, course notes, study and success guides.  Available to borrow now! @AlloaAcademy @AlloaAcadPC #beprepared #breath #SQAprelims2019 #librariesmatter https://t.co/VY7eg4Lvsp

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Good luck to all our senior pupils starting their prelims this week!  Don't forget you can visit your school library for past papers, course notes, study and success guides.  Available to borrow now! @AlloaAcademy @AlloaAcadPC #beprepared #breath #SQAprelims2019 #librariesmatter

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I’m sure ML already do this.. it would work well for higher history essays - identifying factors.

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Previous exam questions for the Scottish texts and critical essays have been collated and shared with pupils. Copies of the presentations are shared by email or pen drives on request.

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Group critical essays are available from Public Share.

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Design and Technology http://www.technologystudent.com/ https://www.howstuffworks.com/ www.ergonomics4schools.co.uk www.alessi.com www.dyson.co.uk

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https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45707.html https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zts3kqt https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zhfb87h https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications/resources/art-anddesign/Art%20and%20Design%20-%20Design%20Activity%20- %20Advice%20and%20Guidance%20for%20Practitioners https://education.gov.scot/nationalqualifications/resources/art-anddesign/Art%20and%20Design%20-%20Expressive%20with%20Critical%20- %20Objects%20Project%20-%20Contemporary%20Sculpture https://books.scholar.hw.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hg_cart_unit3.pdf https://www.npfs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nutshell_artdesign_N4_E.pdf https://www.npfs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nutshell_artdesign_N5_E.pdf https://www.nationalgalleries.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2pOqZOv2QIVbrftCh0_OAVdEAAYASAAEgKLPPD_BwE https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-art-and-design-movements-of-the-20th-century2004700 http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/0-9/20th-century-design-styles/ http://www.theartstory.org/section_movements.html

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https://www.musicfirst.co.uk You will need your log on details for this website. See your teacher if you have forgotten them. Go to 'Lessons' and then 'My School' to find information your teacher has put on. https://www.Quizlet.com You will need to register with this website. Search for Music / Music Technology and look for ones which have lots of terms. Searching for Alloa Academy should also bring up any sets your teacher has put on (from April onwards). Listening to any style of music and asking yourself questions such as: What style am I listening to? How many beats are in a bar? Is it major/minor? What instruments/types of voices can I hear? What is the structure of the piece? (Tech pupils should also ask: What is the style/decade of the piece? What are the technological/musical attributes of that style? What effects have been used? Is there any panning?) In addition, Music (Performing) pupils should try to listen to Classical FM and ask similar questions including the period of music, and how they know this. Try to listen to music for information on the morning of the exam as a 'warm-up

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http://www.brightredbooks.net/subjects/n5computing Aimed at National 4 & 5 Computing Science – some extra media and tutorials to supplement the Bright Red text book. NOTE: To access this website, pupils need to register giving a username and password. Registration is free. http://www.teach-ict.com/index.html Suited to junior pupils, this website provides a wealth of resources for basic levels of ICT and Computing Science including Scratch programming tutorials. http://forrestercomputing.wikispaces.com/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zfs3kqt These websites have links to all of the Computing/Computing Science courses that we run in Schools. They provide pupil materials and useful media to consolidate work done in class. National 5 https://diagnosticquestions.com/ Higher Computing https://courses.scholar.hw.ac.uk/vle/scholar/

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Bank of England: www.bankofengland.co.uk Latest financial news as well as sections on banknotes, the Euro, monetary policy and statistics. Ideal for GCSE students who need to keep up with national financial developments. Other useful websites: https://businesseducationforlearners.wordpress.com/videos/ BBC – bitesize – Higher/National 5 Business Management Tutor2u – Business Management– Higher Scholar – Business Management – Higher Quizlet – Higher/National 5 Business Management

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Food Technology www.foodtech.org.uk www.nutrition.org.uk www.foodforum.org.uk www.sainsburys.co.uk www.tesco.co.uk www.foodafactoflife.co.uk www.asda.co.uk

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https://www.bbc.com/education/examspecs/zp49cwx www.teachpe.com BBC Bitesize - www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects - Select Scotland, Level (H, N4, N5) and select Physical Education.

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National 5 https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Philosophy&level=N5 Higher https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Philosophy&level=NH

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National 5 https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Modern+Studies&level=N5 https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zxsnb9q http://www.bbc.co.uk/news Higher https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Modern+Studies&level=NH https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/ztsvr82 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news Advanced Higher https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Modern+Studies&level=NAH http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

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National 5 http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=History&level=N5 https://mrmarrhistory.wordpress.com/national-45/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z2phvcw Higher https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=History&level=NH https://mrmarrhistory.wordpress.com/higher/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zxpfb9q Advanced Higher https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=History&level=NAH https://mrmarrhistory.wordpress.com/advanced-higher-history/ www.historychannel.com www.schoolshistory.org.uk

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National 4/5 http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/znbw2hv http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Geography&level=N5 https://prezi.com/user/mrtsimpson/prezis/ (be aware that some of the case studies are different to the ones we have studied in class) Higher https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zmhs34j http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/secondary/geography/ http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?subject=Geography&level=NH https://prezi.com/user/mrtsimpson/prezis/ (be aware that some of the case studies are different to the ones we have studied in class)

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National 4 Physics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/znb39j6 National 5 Physics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6fsgk7 The above websites are part of the BBC beta and are all mobile device friendly. This may appeal to a large group of our pupils.

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Chemistry National 4 Chemistry - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zhvycdm National 5 Chemistry - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zmnp34j The above websites are part of the BBC beta and are all mobile device friendly.

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www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/biology/ Part of the BBC Bitesize series. Higher summary notes and unit tests which correct your answers. http://scholar.hw.ac.uk An excellent resource providing detailed pupil notes, questions, homework and revision exercises. Pupils need to be registered by school and have a scholar password in order to access resource. Available for Higher and Advanced Higher. For more info see Mr Barnes. www.speysidehigh.net/content/biology A useful site showing how another school approaches the courses. Includes various power points, summary notes etc. Various other schools have resources try also Kelso and Hamilton Grammar to name a couple. www.sciberbrain.org Good general resource for issues such as stem cells.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TiMmdVWjR1x4fjMyd4g5A www.mathsrevision.com www.sptamaths.co.uk www.hsn.uk.net www.khanacademy.org Advanced Higher Mathematics – Search for ‘DLB Maths’ on www.youtube.com Higher Mathematics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/maths/ National 5 Mathematics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/ztrjmp3 National 4 Mathematics - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zyc76sg SCHOLAR http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/ Excellent online resources for National 5, Higher and AH. Requires a username and password, which are available from Mr Barnes National 5 Maths National 5: http://national5maths.co.uk/free-national-5-maths-2/ Higher: http://www.national5maths.co.uk/free-higher-maths/ AHigher: http://www.national5maths.co.uk/free-ah-maths/ Past paper questions listed by year and topic. On Twitter: Rigour Maths @cdmasterworks.co.uk Daily ‘Rigour

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Modern Languages www.linguascope.co.uk www.euroclubschools.co.uk www.atantot-extra.co.uk BBC – GCSE Bitesize – French/German/Spanish
Please find us on twitter
@AlloaML #RevisionTechniqueoftheWeek

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English GCSE answers Novel Guide www.novelguide.com/ Has chapter summaries, character profiles, metaphor and theme analyses, and author biographies. GCSE Answer www.gcse.com/ Award winning site offering useful advice to students in the form of tutorials, exam techniques and handy tips. Spark Notes www.sparknotes.com/lit/.dir/ A compilation of study guides to many common Literature texts. www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise Bright Red Publishing Digital Zone: http://www.brightredbooks.net/subjects/n5english http://www.brightredbooks.net/subjects/higherenglish National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher English: SCHOLAR

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www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
http://www.revision-notes.co.uk/GCSE/
http://www.projectgcse.co.uk/
www.samlearning.com (school ID is GU2GC and your password and user name are both your date of birth (6 figures e.g. 100691) plus your initials. (eg 100691HN) www.topmarks.co.uk has links to other revision websites

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Get a good night's sleep
 Arrive in plenty of time
 Have your equipment ready
 Think positively
 Maintain your focus
 Beware of post-exam analysis

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Anything that makes sense to you! We all learn in different ways, find what fits best for you.

Common techniques include flashcards and spider diagrams, use the following tips to help you organise revision.

CONDENSE. Fitting notes onto one side of paper makes them easier to stomach, so rewrite and cut down as you go. HIGHLIGHT. Target key areas using colours and symbols. RECORD. Try putting important points, quotations and formulae on audio devices. If you hear them and read them, they're more likely to sink in.
TALK. Read your notes out loud; it's one way of getting them to register. TEST. See what you can remember without notes, but avoid testing yourself on subjects you know already. Why not ask someone else to test you?
TIME. Do past exam papers against the clock; it's an excellent way of getting up to speed and of checking where there are gaps in your knowledge.

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1. Make a list of all the topics you need to revise Each subject that you are studying can be broken down into smaller sections. List all the topics on the course and use this as a 'revision checklist' for the subject. Tick topics off as you have learnt them.
2. Create a revision plan Split each day (including weekends) into half hour/hour slots and make sure you study all of your subjects across the week. Put the plan on display in your house so that your family/guardians are aware of it.
3. Use a variety of revision techniques Have you tried mindmaps, diagrams, colour, mnemonics, recording yourself and listening back to it, walking round? 4. Take regular breaks Drink plenty of water, plan for lunch and treats. Switch between subjects and topics.

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Where?
Find a fixed place to study that becomes firmly associated in your mind with productive work such as the school library, your bedroom, your dining room or study.
What?
Know at the start of a session what you want to have completed by the end of the period. Make the tasks specific and realistic.
How?
It usually helps to begin with a subject you like, move on to other less favoured areas, and then finish up with a favoured topic.
Why?
Test your progress at the end of a study session. Ask yourself "what have I just learnt?"

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Alloa Academy's Top 10 ten tips for success

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Alloa Academy's Top 10 ten tips for success

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1. Short but regular bursts of revision (30-40 minutes) are most effective.
2. Find a quiet place to revise. (Time limit social media use and gaming)
3. Focus on the subjects and topics you need to work on most.
4. Make your own revision notes.
5. Rewrite the key points of your revision notes; read them out loud to yourself.
6. Use different techniques. Make your own learning maps, use post-it notes to write key words on, create flash cards. Use highlighter pens to mark important points.
7. Practise exam style questions.
8. Seek support from teachers, parents/carers or friends.
9. Eat properly and get lots of sleep!
10. Believe in yourself and be positive

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Download a free flashcard app for a more environmentally friendly way to revise.

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BBC brain smart - games to boost your brain function!

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BBC brain smart - games to boost your brain function!

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/brainsmart/

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Put your phone away, focus on the task.
Music is fine, as long as playlists don't need to be changed or it is too loud that you are distracted.

Find somewhere quiet to study where people, TV etc won't interrupt your concentration.

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Have a go at some past paper questions. Time yourself and complete a whole section, or pick a couple to complete in a shorter time frame. Start by using your notes to help then challenge yourself to do it under exam conditions. Use the marking schemes to measure your success or ask a study buddy to peer mark for you.
https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm

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Revise in short bursts to keep your focus. 20 min sessions with a 5 min break in between are healthy and can keep you on track. Use your 5 minutes to move around, make a cuppa, have a snack or a few minutes of mindful breathing exercises. Time your 5 minutes so you don't take 2 hour breaks in between!

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The nutritionist
Eat wholegrains to stay alert
Sebastian Achterfeldt, Researcher in Nutrition and Nutrition Society Member, recommends choosing these foods when you revise: "Just like the body, the brain needs energy to work properly. Our ability to focus and concentrate relies on us getting a constant supply of energy in the form of glucose. One of the best ways to achieve this is to include wholegrains in your diet, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream and keep you mentally alert throughout the day. The best choices are brown pasta, ‘brown’ cereals, wheatbran and granary bread.

Find zinc-rich foods to improve your thinking

Zinc is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills. Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day will provide you with the recommended daily amount of zinc to give your brain a boost.

Eat blueberries to beat memory loss

A study in the United States suggested that eating blueberries might be effective in improving short-term memory loss too.

Eat oily fish to boost your brain

Omega-3 fats are also great for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. The best places to find them are in oily fish like trout, salmon, mackerel, sardines, pilchards or kippers".

Drink lots of water to reduce stress and improve concentration

@revisiontoptips adds: "Make sure you drink lots of water before and during your revision sessions. Drinking water regularly is the best way to stay hydrated. It helps improve your concentration, reduces stress and gives you an excuse to jump up and take short, active breaks too!"

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Avoid removing students fromafter-school clubs for study sessions. Often they’ll feel under pressure to stop doing these activities during exam time, but this might take away their only opportunity during the week to get some exercise or do something they enjoy. Physical activity can be hugely beneficial in reducing stress and could help them to be more productive when they do actually sit down to work.

They don't have to join a team or run for miles to get some exercise. Try to encourage students to do shorter activities by swapping short drives, for example, to school, to the shops, to a friend’s house, for a walk, or downloading a yoga or workout app that they can do in their room during study breaks. Apps such as Sworkit are free, easy to use and can be adapted for different levels. These active breaks will help combat tiredness and boost brain function, as well as alleviate stress.

In lessons or revision sessions, break up periods of study with games or activities that involve movement, or incorporate a practical element in the revision, such as revision table tennis. In this game, I place revision flashcards on either side of the table. If a student hits the ping pong ball onto a card, their opponent must ask them a question related to the topic on the card. If they answer correctly, the card is taken away. The aim is to be the first to have removed all of the cards on the opposite side of the table. This activity not only tests their knowledge but also develops their ability to accurately place a ball in table tennis. And they get to play.

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Sit down to a tasty 3 course revision meal or if you only have time for a snack that's ok too!

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Find a paragraph of text and highlight the main keywords (avoid highlighting every other word in the paragraph)

Find or draw images that represent the words that you have highlighted

Replace the highlighted words in the text with the images. Display multiple versions of this around your house or revision area – on the stairs or even in the bathroom. You will be reading and remembering the paragraph and the importance of the images

After a few days of having the information displayed around your house, remove all of the words and just place the images next to each other in their respective place in a line

Display the images around your house again, but this time 'read' the images out loud

Close your eyes and visualise the order of the images. 'Read' the paragraph out loud multiple times each day

When you are in the exam just close your eyes and remember the images in order. The words will come to you easily and you can breathe a sigh of relief as you ace the question in the exam paper

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Library revision

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Give pupils blank paper to create your own revision guide on a topic. This can be a poster, powerpoint, booklet, pinboard. It can be colour coded, have diagrams, symbols, graphs, pictures etc.
As your teacher to have a quick look at it in case you have missed anything.