Science with Sophie

Happy September 🍂

Just a quick post to let you know that I am heading back to Uni to complete a Masters! The combination of this and my teaching job means I am not able to take on any new clients.

Please do keep an eye out though as I may open my books for holiday sessions in the future

Thank you 😊

🎓 HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS PROPERLY 🎓

A big part of exams is the questions themselves. Not the content - but the way the question is worded. Familiarise yourself with your exam board and learn how they ask questions in order to make it easier to answer them!

1. Identify command words 🗯️
Each exam board has a list of command words. Learn what they are and what they mean. “describe” and “explain” will completely change how you should approach an answer.

2. Highlight key terms 🖍️
There will be key content words in each question. Being able to identify them will help you to know exactly which piece of information they are looking for.

3. Don’t waffle 🧇
Keep your answers concise. In Science, you don’t need to write every single answer in full sentences. Just give the information you need and this will save time for your long-answer questions.

4. Keep practising 🔁
Look at lots of past paper questions on the same topic. Learn how questions are worded and identify from the mark scheme what words or phrases are consistently needed to gain marks.

5. Know your stuff 🧠
You can’t answer questions very well if you don’t know the content! For each new topic you revise, make sure you go over the content and make sure you are familiar with it before attempting the questions. Learning the content is half the battle!

🎓 HOW TO KEEP CALM UNDER PRESSURE 🎓

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when life moves so quickly. Use these techniques to help keep calm when it all gets a little too much.

1. Breathe 🫁
Focus on your breathing. If you have a Smart Watch, there are apps that can visualise this for you. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 and breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds.

2. Get a move on 👟
Pop on a podcast or your favourite playlist and head out for a walk. The combination of fresh air and exercise will do amazing things!

3. Check your surroundings 👀
Take the focus away from your stressor and use your senses. Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste.

4. Avoid multitasking 🧶
Working on more than one thing at once can scatter your attention and often give poorer results. Focusing on one task at a time will reduce errors, minimise overwhelm and improve performance.

5. Ask for help❓
Find a friend or trusted adult (parent, relative, teacher, youth worker etc) who has the time to listen and help you. Don’t expect them to solve all of your problems for you - but do seek support when you need it.

🎓 HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR REVISION IS EFFECTIVE 🎓

Everybody is different.Everybody revises differently. Find the way that works for you!

REVISION METHODS:
• Flash cards
• Mind maps
• Past paper questions
• Recording yourself and playing it back
• Teach someone else

REVISION WEBSITES:
• BBC Bitesize
• Seneca learning
• SaveMyExams
• Physics and Maths tutor
• GCSE Pod

🎓 HOW TO CREATE A REVISION TIMETABLE 🎓

Planning out your revision is super important. Without planning out what you are going to do, you will naturally gravitate to the subjects or topics that you like the most. These are usually the ones you are best at! Here are 5 tips to help you create a successful revision timetable

1. Identify your weaknesses 🏋🏻‍♀️
Let’s face it - nobody is perfect! There will be certain subjects and topics that you find more difficult than others. Our natural instinct is to avoid these, but they are actually the topics that we need to go over the most. Identify what these topics are and make sure you plan them into your revision.

2. Use your strengths 🏋🏻‍♀️
Not everybody works the same. Decide where, when and HOW you want to revise. Make your timetable fit you - don’t find a generic one on the internet as it might not be the best method for you.

3. Boost your memory 🧠
Revision is based around retrieval practise. Don’t revise something once and then assume it’s ticked off your list. Schedule time to go back over what you have already covered to commit it to your long-term memory

4. Give it a rest 💤
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Make sure you schedule in rest breaks, food breaks and time for you to attend clubs, do hobbies or just relax!

5. Be kind to yourself 💜
We are all human. If you’re struggling, ask for help. If you’re tired, take a break. If you need to tweak your timetable, do it! Remember you can only do your best!

🎓 HOW TO ACE YOUR MOCK EXAMS 🎓

Mock exams can be a tricky time of year! Some students can really worry about these, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself.

1. Eat breakfast 🍳
Starting the day off with a healthy breakfast has been shown to improve your energy levels and ability to concentrate - which is super important if you have an exam to concentrate on!

2. Stay hydrated 💧
Not only does water improve your skin, it also boosts brain activity, helps your body remove waste and can really help with headaches

3. Get some rest 🛏️
Sleep helps you convert information from short-term to long-term memory. It also helps growth and development and can boost your immune system.

4. Don’t panic ‼️
It’s easier said than done, but try to keep calm! Focus on your breathing and the things you can see, hear and control. Take the exam page by page, and don’t get too hung up on what you don’t know. Focus on what you DO know - claim your marks that way.

5. Believe in yourself 🧠
Telling yourself that you CAN do it can actually make you perform better! Putting on that brave face and convincing yourself that you will do well can cause an improvement in performance.

🎓 REVISION TOP TIPS 🎓

When you set up your revision station, make sure you have everything you need with you. This includes snacks, drinks, revision materials and notes.
Some people work better in silence; others work best with some background noise. I personally like brown noise to help me focus! You just need to find what works for you.
Pop your phone on Airplane Mode and don’t let social media or messages distract you from what’s important!

🎓 REVISION TOP TIPS 🎓

Make sure your environment is revision-friendly. This means no distractions! Try and make sure you have everything you need before you start revising, including stationery, drinks and snacks. Fuel and hydration is key 🔑
You can go to the local library if it suits, or alternatively you can find a quiet corner in your home to set up a revision station. Let your friends and family know when and where you are revising to minimise distractions - this includes social media and TV!

🎓 REVISION TOP TIPS 🎓

If you’re wanting to put yourself in the best position for success, it’s never too early to start revising!
Create a revision timetable like the one below for you to stick to. Don’t forget to include time for hobbies, relaxing, or if you’re anything like me, a lie in on the weekend!
Print out your timetable and stick it somewhere the whole family can see it - this can help you stick to your plan and helps with planning family activities.

Hi all ☺️
I offer Science tutoring sessions for students who would like more support with their studies. I am available over the summer for students who may need sessions before the start of the next school year.
Please message me if you think I can be of any help. I do KS3 Science, GCSE Biology, Chemistry & Physics as well as A-Level Chemistry.
Thank you!