Message from the Head

of Teaching & Learning

Learning behaviour and attitude – it’s all about the brain!

In the run-up to examinations, it is important that we remind students about how to prepare and revise and help them to collect together their notes and resources but it is also important to explore the ‘Science’ behind why we seem to struggle more in some subjects than others.

Over this term, I will be presenting to the students about how to mentally ‘prepare’ for the examinations by looking at some ‘Brain Science’ – how our brain works. What is it that actually happens in our brain when we make mistakes or fail at a task? I have written a lot over the years about Grit and Growth Mindset but having the understanding of the ‘Science’ behind that is certainly eye opening! The most important thing to remember is the significance of the ‘story’ that we tell ourselves about our own abilities. If we tell ourselves that we are ‘no good’ at something, we will effectively realise that definition. If we avoid experiences that we fear may lead to mistakes or failures, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn and ‘rewire’ our brains. So mentally preparing for examinations is important but there are lots of practical things that we can all do to help support students as they prepare for examinations.

Parents/Carers often ask what it is that they can do to help support their children in the run-up to examinations[1]. Here is a list of how you can help your child with their study:

• Allow them to decorate their bedroom walls with Cheat Sheets. The back of the Toilet Door is also a place that we look at frequently and is therefore another ideal place to plaster with Mathematical and Scientific formulae; Dates of Historical Events and Poetry Quotes.
   
• Ask them to teach you!!!! There is no better way for them to figure out what is missing from their mindtank than trying to teach someone else a topic. Ask them to sit you down and try to explain how something scientific works; what caused the fall of the Roman Empire and why the tragic hero of the play they are studying is so miserable!
   
• Quiz them – get them to make up flashcards and then volunteer to be a Gameshow host! Encourage some speed rounds to see how many questions they can answer in a minute. If they are trying to memorise poems or plays, become the equivalent of a Director who can prompt them with the next word!
   
• Reinforce the idea with your child that cramming is not helpful! The most important thing to encourage memory retention is regular revision. Every time we review information, it backs up the knowledge in our brains – so encourage your child to avoid just waiting until the exams and keep revisiting the information. The best way to retain and help memory is to use vidual aids. So encourage your child to create Cheat Sheet Visual Aids and Study Guides.

Mrs Serena Lewis 

Head of Teaching and Learning

[1] https://astar.tv/how-to-get-your-family-to-help-you-with-your-study/