Preparing for Exams
At The Cottesloe Sixth Form, we have an expansive exam preparation programme, to prepare our students for taking their exams.
Exam Hour
.
As part of their programme, students will have a weekly assessment in one of their subjects. This takes place in the Main Hall where they will sit their final exams and is strictly invigilated in the same manner.
The aim is not only to closely monitor the progress of the students in a formal manner, but also to get students used to the examination environment, right down to the exam desks and chairs.
We have used this system for many years, and it has been core to achieving consistently high exam results.
Quiet Study Room
Effective use of independent study time is crucial to the success of students when studying A-Levels. As such, a large proportion of private study is timetabled in the Quiet Study Room (QSR) which is supervised by teaching staff throughout the day to ensure that silent study is maintained and students remain focused on their tasks.
Specific QSR tasks are set by individual subjects on a biweekly basis. The activities are designed to provide interleaved tasks from previous areas of study, forward topic research and wider reading.
The number of periods that students spend in the QSR can be tailored according to a student's level of progress or the support that they need.
Mock Exams
Mock exams play a vital role in our students' preparation for their final A-Level examinations. These formal assessments are designed to replicate the true exam experience, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the expectations and pressures of the exam hall.
Taking place at key points throughout Year 12 and Year 13, mock exams provide essential benchmarks for both students and teachers. They help to identify areas of strength and highlight topics that require further focus or revision. Furthermore, the results from these assessments are instrumental in guiding targeted support, informing predicted grades for university or apprenticeship applications, and helping students develop effective time-management and revision strategies.
We strongly encourage students to approach their mock exams with the same dedication and rigour as their final assessments, ensuring they are fully prepared to maximise their potential when it comes to the real thing.