January can be tinged with many disappointments: no more mulled wine; the stark realities of fulfilling unrealistic new year’s resolutions; finding out they’ve named a storm Henk. And then, of course, there are mocks.
A lot of our students have prepared very well with their tutors, and will feel calm and primed heading into mocks. However, I’m sure you will know a student whose attention has been elsewhere during the holidays. This student might be on course for their own January disappointment, but we are here to give you a few tips to on how to turn this disappointment into success.
1. Set targets
In our experience, a student can realistically drag their grades up by two or three grades with the right work ethic and support. A 4 in mocks, can be a 7 in the Summer. That C can become an A. Mocks give students the chance to set realistic goals that they can work towards, which is such an important life skill.
2. Figure out weaknesses
The mocks can show a student where they need to put the most work in, not just in terms of subjects, but which topics and questions types give students most problems. Teachers can be really helpful here, but if your student’s teachers are too busy, get hold of the mock papers and ask Clarendon; we will gladly help.
3. Daily work on gaps in knowledge
If your student doesn’t know the material, they must use every day between now and the Summer exams to cement the knowledge. They should create flash cards; stick up post it notes in their bathroom; do Duolingo for 10 mins on their way to school. Little and often is the mantra to follow.
4. Work on exam technique
If your student knows the material well, but struggles to apply this knowledge then a Clarendon tutor will be the most effective support. Get in touch now, so that your tutor has time to build a bond with the student and polish that exam technique.
