We are now into the Summer term and the start of exam season. The War Memorial Library is a great place to revise and complete coursework. We have a good selection of revision resources available, including some new study guides for the 9-1 GCSE courses, mind-mapping and well being books. Come and have a browse or ask one of the Librarians. There are some useful GCSE revision websites listed on the blog, as well as Post 16 resources, which provide A-level revision websites and advice on referencing.
The following revision tips are taken from the S-Cool Revision website:
Use Mind-maps:
Map out your revision topics using a mind-map diagram. This enables you to present or analyse a large amount of information in a visual way. For help with mind mapping try Tony Buzan’s Use Your Head book, which we have in the War Memorial Library or visit www.goconqr.com to create mind maps online.
Use your Super Brain:
Fill your living space with key revision notes: posters, diagrams, keywords so when your mind wanders you will see key information and this will sink in subconsciously. You will be revising without even knowing it!
Get into a Flow State:
The best way to get into a flow-state before you start revising or begin an exam is to start with an easy task or question and complete it quickly and confidently before moving onto the harder items.
Breaking up your Revision:
Break up your revision time into small chunks of 20-minute work sessions, with ten minutes break. That way your brain has the space to absorb the information, keeping you interested and preventing boredom.
Avoid Distractions:
Ideally, switch off computers and smartphones so that you can focus on your work. Take ten minute breaks if you need time on social media and build up your work session from 10 to 20 minutes or more without distractions.
Please remember that it is important to look after yourself when you are revising. Make sure you take regular breaks, eat well, exercise and sleep. If you feel stressed, try deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Nicola Morgan's Teenage Guide to Stress offers great advice - you will find a copy of this and other books on managing stress in the War Memorial Library.
In a recent article in The Guardian Newspaper, Children’s Laureates, past and present, offered excellent advice on how to inspire and encourage children to read for pleasure in an age of digital distractions. Tips for parents and carers include: being a reading role model; making reading a habit by setting aside time to read and talk about books each day; giving children the freedom and encouragement to choose what and how they read.
As a school, TRS are promoting awareness of positive mental health and wellbeing through our bunting project. Students have been asked to complete a bunting template with a positive mental health affirmation about how we think and feel about our bodies. This has been hung up across the school, including the small hall and Discovery Library. Tea and Talk sessions, together with other fun activities, will also be taking place this week for staff and students.
This year’s Branford Boase Award shortlist has just been announced. Celebrating it's twentieth year, 
This year’s shortlist includes a TRS Carnegie Shadowing Group favourite, The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson. Look out for many of the books on the shortlist in the Discovery and War Memorial Libraries - the rest are on our wish list!
