Information for candidates for written examinations 2025/26

This webpage is here to help students stay 'On Track' as they prepare for success in their summer exams.

The guidance on this website will provide you with all the information you will need to navigate your way through the exam period. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any further questions or require support. Miss Kench and the Year 11 tutors are  always at hand to offer guidance and support too.

 

Guidance for Exam Papers & Preparation 

 

To support our students, we have prepared a comprehensive overview of each exam and details on key content and what to revise. Please encourage your child to go through this each day to help prepare for exams. For PDF version please click link. 

 

What's on this week?

See the plan below for the in school revision sessions that will take place this week:  

Exam Timetable

May Half Term - Revision Sessions

St Dunstan's is delighted to offer revision sessions during the May Half Term. Students should attend all sessions that are available to them. Parents please complete the google form to sign your children up to these sessions.

On Track for Success 

Please see our detailed guide for families and students about the exams, revision, subject information and support. Please click link for PDF version.

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English Resources

 We have a range of resources below intended to prepare for each exam paper. Students can access these links through their google logins. 

The school recommends that all students complete the 12 Hours to Change Your Grade booklet. This contains everything students need to know for English Language Paper 1 & 2.

How to Revise for English

English Language: 12 Hours to Change Your Grade Paper 1 and

English Language Paper 2: The Last Push

Overview of English Paper 1 video

Overview of English Paper 2 video:

Maths Resources

Our MET (Maths Expertise Tower) Website has everything a student will need for their revision. Students can access this through the links below:

Higher Tier link

Foundation Tier link 

In addition to the 

MET GCSE website students can identify their own areas for development on their own MET portal, see the link below: MET Portal

Also see the useful powerpoint: Revising for GCSE Maths

Science Resources

Science Education: Encourage to be Curious, Influence and Innovate - |  Beyond Exclamation

 We use a combination of resources from Seneca, BBC Bitesize and MNSP resources on Googleclassrooms. Please use the select link to find out more. 

 

Link to resource guidance

Seneca Learning

This week's SENECA assignment for year 10 is from biology paper 1 and the  topic is osmosis and required practical. The deadline for this assignment  is Friday 31st January. #year10 #outcomesfocused

 All students in Year 11 have access to the Seneca Premium package.

In the run up to the exams, Seneca will update the platform with lots of useful content, including predicted exam content, subject booster sessions and other revision activities. This is written by examiners and subject specialists who have tailored the content to specific courses and specifications. We strongly encourage all students to access this as frequently as possible as part of their independent revision.  

Seneca Learning - Web Link

How to Revise and Remember more 

Kate Jones explains how retrieval practice can be used to help students remember more over time. 

 

Revision Strategies and Techniques

We advise students to stick to short chunks of revision lasting 20-30 minutes followed by a short break. Students should complete 3-4 of these consecutively. 

Guidance for Parents

Exam time can be stressful for both students and parents. It’s common for parents to feel anxious about their child’s study habits, well-being, and results. Sometimes, parents may also relive their own stressful school memories, which can make supporting their child harder. Here's how you can help:

 Before the Exams:

  • Plan Ahead: Understand what’s expected of your child, including exam dates and coursework deadlines.

  • Address Difficult Subjects: Encourage your child to face challenging topics head-on, as avoiding them will only increase stress later on.

  • Offer Support: If your child is worried about their progress, reassure them that doing their best is what matters most. Even if they don’t get their expected grades, there will be future opportunities.

  • Know the Revision Resources: Find out about school revision sessions, recommended revision techniques, and helpful online resources. If in doubt, reach out to the school directly.

 Tips for Revision:

 Encourage Breaks: Regular breaks help students stay focused and reduce stress. Even a short time to relax—such as listening to music or watching a favourite show—can help.

  • Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure your child is eating healthy snacks, staying hydrated, and getting exercise. A short walk can work wonders for clearing the mind.

  • Be Supportive: Offer a listening ear, but avoid pushing them to talk if they’re not ready. Sometimes, they may just need a bit of space.

 After the Exams:

 Recognise Mixed Emotions: After the exams, there may be a mix of relief and anxiety. Give your child space to decompress, but also offer support if they want to talk.

  • Celebrate the Effort: Plan something nice to do together after exams to reward their hard work, no matter how they feel the exams went. 

Revision Support Websites

Examination Board Information

If you would like to view more past papers or want more information on the examining boards, please click on the logos to visit the following sites:

AQA logoPearson logo WJEC logo  OCR logo