Year 11 Final Push
Thank you to colleagues for your continued support with Year 11.
Hopefully you saw Mia’s VLE announcement last week, where MP Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson wrote to Mia to congratulate Greenford High School on our ‘excellent outcomes for disadvantaged students.’ We work meticulously to ensure that social-economic status does not affect our pupils’ chances of success, so thank you once again. Whilst the vast majority of our pupils are on track to achieve, some of our Year 11 boys need an extra arm of support in the next 10 school weeks before exams start. Here are some top tips:
1. Gamify the Revision:
Boys often respond well to the concept of Mastery. Instead of saying Study Biology, tell them to treat their Specification like a Skill Tree in a video game.
Have them colour-code the spec: Red level they can't beat), Amber (Middle level), Green (Cleared). The goal isn't studying, the goal is clearing the map to Green, like what boys may do on a computer game.
2. Competitive Micro-Challenges:
Many boys are motivated by short-term competition rather than long-term goals.
Use Timed Sprints. "I bet you can't get 5 marks on this past paper question in under 6 minutes." This triggers a flow state and bypasses the boredom of long-form revision. It also replicates the high-pressure environment of the exam hall, which boys often find more engaging than a quiet classroom.
3. Low-Stakes Audio Learning
Boys are often more willing to listen than to write.
Encourage Passive-to-Active transitions using podcasts or YouTube while they are doing something else, like walking to school or in the gym.
Point students in the direction of a 10-minute revision podcast, but the price is that they have to tell you three "cheat codes" (facts) they learnt from it when they finish. It feels less like a lesson and more like a briefing.
4. The Flashcard War:
Rote memorisation is often where boys disengage because it feels pointless.
Turn flashcards into a physical game, like snap. If he gets the card right, he wins it. If he gets it wrong, it goes into a replay pile. He hasn't finished his session until he has won all the cards in the deck. It adds a tangible sense of winning.
5. Focus on Exam Mechanic or Cheat Codes:
Boys often love finding a shortcut or a hack. Stop talking about learning the subject and start talking about cracking the code of the mark scheme. Show them exactly where the marks are. When they realise the exam is a system to be gamed rather than a test of their intelligence, their engagement usually spikes.
Key language:
- "Give me 20 minutes of high-intensity focus."
- "Let's beat your score from the last mock."
- ‘’What 3 words would the examiner want to see in your answer?’
- "Find the 3 most likely questions for this topic."
Key dates:
- Mock 2 begins: Monday 9th February.
- Interim 3 due: Thursday 12th March. Mock 2 results are not to be shared with students before Mock Results Day.
- Mock Results Day: Friday 20th March.
Phoebe
Mia's notes
If there are any concerns about Equality and Diversity (staff) at GHS please contact A Johal (DHT)
