KS3 Revision Advice

Although the SATs exams have been abolished for Key Stage 3, there is a formal test when your child reaches the end of this stage, when he/she reaches the age of 14. The tests for KS3 will cover:

English (including reading, writing and studying a Shakespeare play)

Mathematics (including mental arithmetic)

Sciences

For students and parents alike, KS3 revision for the last key stage can be a stressful time. Here are a few tips to help you survive!

Planning KS3 Revision

Plan your KS3 revision in advance so that nothing is left until the last minute.
Try making a work schedule; you will find this helps your revision to stay focused.
Avoid doing your KS3 revision where there are likely to be distractions, nobody has that much will power!
Remember to take plenty of breaks from revision so that you don't bog yourself down with too much information.
Do your KS3 revision at a time that suits you.
Don't push yourself too hard to the point where you are getting stressed and upset.
Use prompt cards; they are a helpful revision tools.
Keep your KS3 revision sessions short - if you find it hard to concentrate then look at course overviews for 15 or 20 minutes, make notes on them and then come back to them regularly.
Do as many KS3 practise papers as you can so that you are well prepared for what you will be given on the day.

Helpful hints

KS3 revision can seem like a lot of work but just remember to keep the exams in perspective. If anything, exams are there to help you and your school spot any potential weak spots in your abilities so that you can work on them in the future. Try to see them as a recap of everything that you have learnt so far. In other words, your final KS3 tests are there to help you, not punish you!

How parents can help

Successful KS3 revision can be aided by the support of your parents.