With examinations recently completed, students in years 8 to 12 are starting to receive their results. One of the purposes of examinations in years 8 to 10 is to help students perform well when it matters most in years 11 and 12. It is important that parents use this opportunity to assist students to reflect and learn from the process.
An effective way for students to reflect is in each subject give themselves a mark out of 10 for:
- Their application in class.
- Their homework completion.
- Their study in the two weeks before the exam period.
Students and parents can then compare the exam grade achieved to student application in various areas. This reflection provides a base where plans for adjustment can be made. Goals for students need to be realistic and specific if they are to be helpful. For example, a student completing little homework for a subject should set themselves a goal of 15 minutes per night for two weeks and then gradually increase that to the desired time after that.
It is a busy time of year for staff and students, with staff writing reports and assisting students to complete their work, learn, and progress as much as possible over the three remaining weeks of the term.