University of Oxford
'Getting through your GCSEs' is developed and delivered by the University of Oxford for Study Higher.
Getting through your GCSEs
Practical support and guidance to manage and succeed in year 11, from the University of Oxford
Activity type: In-school workshops (online alternative available); student conference
Year group: year 11
Gatsby Benchmarks: 7
Aim
To offer practical support and guidance to enable year 11 students to manage their final GCSE year to the best of their abilities.
Objectives
- To develop study skills (NERUPI P3)
- To develop the capacity for and confidence in academic attainment (P3, B3)
- To develop resilience in the face of educational pressures (B3)
Learning Outcomes
Through this programme, learners will:
- Better understand how to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing during times of educational pressure through the provision of informed advice and guidance
- Better understand how to prepare for GCSE assessment through the provision of informed advice and guidance
- Have had positive interactions with HE staff and students and understood how HE relates to their current stage of learning
- Have had opportunity to put into practice academic skills.
Summary
Providing practical support and guidance to enable Year 11 students to manage and succeed in their final GCSE year.
- Revision timetabling
- Revision tips and methods
- Exam tips
- Wellbeing and mental health
- Study skills
No matter what form assessment takes this year, pupils still need to get through their final year of GCSEs, and the skills of self-directed learning and revision, and the capacity to take care of their wellbeing are arguably more important this year than ever before!
How it works
Workshops
Our in-school workshops are ideal for small groups or classes due to the interactive nature of the activities. They are usually one hour to fit a school period and cover aspects of revision techniques, learning styles, subject confidence and prioritisation. They support your pupils’ awareness of methods and techniques to get through revision, and builds confidence in their ability to achieve their goals.
In exceptional circumstances, larger groups can be accomodated or an alternative online presentation presented. Where possible our programmes include undergraduate student ambassadors to facilitate live encounters with higher education.
Student conference
Wednesday 2nd February 2022, online conference
As an online conference, it will be available for classroom or assembly formats at your school as required, and will not feature the same caps on numbers as our in-person conferences.
The AM and PM sessions will feature speakers, undergraduate student Q&As and more, offering student delegates the opportunity to access additional support and training. In addition to further advice and guidance on exam and revision techniques, it includes sessions on mental and physical wellbeing during times of exam pressure.
Deadline for applications: 8th December 2021.
Eligibility
Programmes for Study Higher from the University of Oxford are open to certain eligibile schools within the region. You can see if your school can access Study Higher support. As our programmes are funded by the Office for Students to reach specific target learners who reside in areas with low progression to Higher Education (using the POLAR3 measure), we require all or a substantial number of participants to meet targeting criteria. For more info, please get in touch with your Study Higher Higher Education Liaison Officer or with the University of Oxford Study Higher team.
Booking
To book now or make enquiries, please send us an email. We can discuss your needs with you by phone, videocall or email.
Eligibility criteria apply to access our programmes.
What people say
Felt better prepared to effectively manage their time
Understood that preparing for GCSEs is a useful transferable skill, for example for A-Levels/college, university, or work
Could better recognise their own well being needs
Could better recognise triggers and symptoms connected with academic pressure
of teachers would recommend to others
Felt better prepared to manage the pressures of revision and exams
I learned... That I need to motivate myself to take control of my time and revision so that I can succeed in exams
Year 11 pupil
I learned... That I can talk to people about my mental health and that there are people who can help with my revision
Year 11 pupil
Oxford Imps, goal setting and the mental health sessions were very productive and well organised. The staff were engaging and got their message across. Thanks for a great event!
Teacher
The most useful presentation was on the topic of mental health and wellbeing, which will allow me to get the best out of myself and maintain my health
Year 11 pupil
Found the day very interesting with lots of helpful handy tips that I will use throughout the school
Teacher
Goal setting and motivation [session] was very down to earth and truthful
Year 11 pupil
The examiner tips were really helpful as I found out how to answer my GCSEs perfectly
Year 11 pupil
