Preparation Is Key: Mock Exams At Bosworth Independent School

All around the UK students are preparing to sit their mock exams. Mocks are a major milestone in their educational journey as it paves the way to university. Whilst daunting, mock exams are a rite of passage for every teenager studying in Britain. They are a key part of preparing students for the final exam and help set students up for a successful exam season by teaching them what to expect and how to manage their time in the lead up to exams efficiently.

“Our students dedicate a great deal of time and energy into preparing for their mock examinations. They help our students understand the procedures and pressure that comes alongside sitting their exams, meaning they are fully prepared. We know every student is different under the pressures of test conditions, but this is often a revelation to students themselves. Mock exams are a great way for students to understand themselves and then go on to perform better for the real thing.”

Rachael May, Assistant Principal Academic

Here is Bosworth Independent School’s guide to understanding mock exams…

What are mock exams?
Mock exams copy the procedure of a real exam and help make sure our students have had an A Level exam experience before they sit their final exams. Students answer questions used in previous final exams during the mock.

Why are mock exams important? 
Mock exams mimic real external exams so students get a feel for what the exam procedure will be like. This way they are prepared to sit the final exam and are not surprised by the busy schedule, strict structure and pressure they may feel around exam season. These practice exams allow students to confirm what they already know and informs teacher regarding their planning, especially with revision lessons. 

Do results from mock exams help with university applications in the UK?

At Bosworth Independent School the mock exams taken by year 11 and year 13 are not used to form their predicted grades. Instead, we use the results achieved in the end of year exam for year 12 to determine predicted grades for our students. These predicted grades are what students submit to universities during the application process, in order to showcase their academic capabilities.

What is it like to take a mock exam?

Because mock exams mimic a real exam they are conducted in the Grand Hall under exam board regulations. The mock could be an actual past paper but more frequently it is made up of questions from a combination of papers, as it is unlikely that the syllabus has been completed at the point of mocks. The questions given to students typically cover the content of three papers but across two. Also, the mock exams maybe slightly shorter than the real external exam due to the limited amount of time during mocks week. The final, external exams run from the beginning of May to the end of June.

What happens after mock exams are finished?

Our teachers review the students’ mock papers in the week following the exams. We share the mock exam results with parents in the students’ academic report initially and then discuss them further during parent consultations

What do students find difficult about mock exams?

Most often the pressure of taking exams is the thing that our students find the most difficult. The fact they have so many exams condensed down into a one-week time period is also something they can find exhausting about the process.

What do students find difficult about mock exams?

Most often the pressure of taking exams is the thing that our students find the most difficult. The fact they have so many exams condensed down into a one-week time period is also something they can find exhausting about the process.

What are your top tips for sitting a mock exam?

1. Prepare yourself well in advance and make sure you structure your revision.
2. Stay calm during the exam and make sure you read the questions carefully.
3. Just try your best. After the mocks make sure you act on the feedback given so you’re prepared for the final exam.