Mock GCSEs are a chance to experience exam-like conditions before things get real in the summer, allowing you to practice things like time-management, managing nerves and understanding exam papers.
While mock exams can be helpful for you to identify areas where you can improve, they can also be used to help you build confidence ahead of the real thing. To help you feel prepared, Teacher Tommy T has given us his top tips for approaching your mocks with confidence.
Tommy T: Want to feel more confident going into your GCSE mocks? Try these five revision and exam tips. First, test yourself. Don't just re-read your notes. Try flashcards, mind maps or 'look, cover, write, check.' The aim is to see what you can remember without looking. Next, practice with past papers. Put your phone away, set a timer and try doing the paper under exam conditions. It's a great way to get familiar with the real thing. When you get your paper, have a quick look through it and think about how you're going to tackle it. If it suits your style, you could start with questions you know you can answer confidently or identify the higher mark questions you want to make sure you have plenty of time for. There's lots of ways you can tackle your exam paper, but the important thing is finding a strategy that works for you. Get used to working at the right pace. A useful rule of thumb is around one minute per mark, but check the instructions for your specific exam because timings can vary. And finally, don't just check your score. Actually use the mark scheme. Work out why you got marks or missed them, that tells you exactly what to work on next. And remember, the goal of mocks isn't to be perfect, it's to practice, spot your gaps and know what to work on before the real exams.
1. Test yourself
Tommy says you shouldn't just re-read your notes, he suggests using flash cards, mind maps and using a technique called 'look, cover, write, check', this allows you to see what you can remember without looking at your notes. These active revision techniques can help you take on the information better than more passive methods like reading. Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel told us that: "It's the act of recalling from memory that really helps make things stick."
So, instead of just rereading textbook chapters, notes or material the teacher has handed out, try to recall the material from memory first.
2. Practice with past papers
Past papers are a great way to prepare ahead of your mock exams. You'll be able to find and download past papers on your exam board's website. If you're unsure where to get past papers from, ask a teacher… Tommy suggests setting a timer and doing the paper under exam conditions – so avoid checking your phone! This will help you get used to doing your mocks.
Once you start your past paper, look through it and plan how you are going to tackle it. Doing lots of past papers will help you become familiar with the type and style of question that may be asked on your exam.
3. Find your technique
How you work through your past paper is up to you, Tommy suggests that you could start by answering questions you know you can answer confidently, alternatively you could start with the higher mark questions that you want to make sure you have plenty of time to answer.
While you are working through the past paper, make sure you look at each question and think about what it's asking you to do and which keywords are used and then think about how you should answer it.
4. Manage your time
You should get used to working at the right pace so that you aren't rushing toward the end of your time. Tommy says that a useful rule of thumb whilst doing past papers is one minute per mark, but you should check the instructions as timings can vary. Make sure you also leave time for re-reading your answers at the end of the exam.
5. Use the mark scheme
You'll usually be able to find the mark scheme for past papers on the exam board's website. Tommy says that you should use the mark scheme to work out where you gain the most marks possible on the past paper, or missed them. You can then identify what you need to work on next to improve ahead of your mock exams.
Tommy says that the goal of mock exams isn't to be perfect, it's to practice and spot where you have any gaps before your real exams.
Tommy's tips for the day of your exams
If you've followed Tommy's tips above, you should now be feeling a bit more confident heading into your mocks. But have you thought about how to prepare for the day itself? Watch Tommy's video below to hear his top tips for getting ready on the day of your exams, helping you make sure you arrive feeling calm, focussed and with everything you need to give it your best shot.
Tommy T: GCSE mocks can feel like a big deal. So here's how to get yourself feeling prepared without stressing out. First, check your mock timetable. Know what exams you've got when they are and what topics you need to revise. Knowing what's ahead can make everything feel a lot less overwhelming. Try revising little and often rather than cramming everything in the night before. A short focus session is better than staring at your notes for hours and hoping something sticks. Have a pre exam routine before each exam. Give yourself enough time to get there. Grab what you need and settle in. Pack your equipment the night before so you've got one less thing to worry about. Feeling nervous? Does it mean you're going to do badly? Exams can make anyone feel anxious. Take a few slow breaths. Focus on what you can control and remind yourself. These are mocks. They're a chance to practice. And finally , once an exam is over let it go. You might not have answered everything perfectly. And that's okay. Learn from it and then focus on the next one. So prepare, practice and breathe. And remember, mocks are there to help you figure out what to do next. Good luck.
Key things to remember for exam day:
- Check your timetable: Know which exams you have, when they are and what topics you need to revise.Revise little and often: Short, focused revision sessions can be more effective than cramming everything in the night before.
- Get organised the night before: Pack everything you need for your exams so you have one less thing to worry about.Build a pre-exam routine: Give yourself plenty of time to get to school, gather your equipment and settle in before the exam starts.
- Manage your nerves: It's normal to feel anxious before an exam. Take a few slow breaths and focus on what you can control.
- Move on after each exam: Don't worry if you haven't answered everything perfectly. Learn what you can from the experience and focus on your next exam.
Remember mock exams are a chance to practise, build confidence and identify what you need to work on before your real GCSEs. You don't have to be perfect – just do your best and learn from the experience. Good luck!
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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