REDDAM HOUSE COLLEGE Grade 8 Exam Guidelines May/June 2014

Exam

Guidelines

CONTENTS

De-Stress Your Exams Study Tips

Grade 8 Exam Timetable

What to Prepare: Afrikaans Art Option

Biology Computers

Dance Studies Design Drama EMS

English French

Geography History

Life Orientation Mathematics PI Mathematics PII

Music Science

Sports Science

De- Stress Your Exams Everyone becomes stressed during exams but it's important not to let stress grow out of control. Here are some common signs of stress and the best ways to de-stress your exams! A little bit of stress does us good. How could we motivate ourselves through 100 pages of The Russian Revolution if we weren't remotely bothered? So everyone has bad days. Sometimes our stress levels get out of hand. This can stop us performing at our best. And mess with our body as well as our mind. What are the symptoms of stress?

Difficulty getting to sleep or difficulty waking up in the morning

Constant tiredness

Forgetfulness

Unexplained aches and pains

Poor appetite

Loss of interest in activities

Increased anxiety and irritability

Increased heart rate

Migraines/headaches

Blurred vision

Dizziness

If you've noticed three or more of the above symptoms and you've experienced them for a few weeks you may need to do something about your stress levels.

So how should I deal with exam stress?

Learn to recognise when you're stressed. A break or a chat with someone who knows the pressure you're under will get things into perspective.

Avoid comparing your abilities with your mates. Those "OMG I've only read Macbeth 17 times" conversations are a wind up. Everyone approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you've chosen the method that works best for you. Make a realistic timetable. Stick to it.

Eat correctly. Treat yourself like a well-honed machine. Fresh fruit and veg. Proper breakfasts. No one can think straight on coffee and cornflakes.

Sleep well. Wind down before bed. Don't revise under the duvet - your bed is a sanctuary not a desk. Get your 8 hours.

Exercise. Nothing de-stresses the mind faster than physical activity. Build it into your timetable. Being a sloth makes our mind sloppy too.

Panic is often triggered by hyperventilating (i.e. quick, shallow breaths). So if you feel yourself losing it during the exam, sit back for a moment and control your breathing. Deep breath in and out through the nose. Counting to five each way.

Steer clear of any exam 'post-mortem'. It doesn't matter what your mate wrote for Question 3(b). It's too late to go back and change your answers, so it will just make you worry even more.

Ultimately, don't lose sight of the fact that there is life after exams. Things might seem intense right now, but it won't last forever.

Adapted from an article from BBC Radio 1

Click here for a video and another article that could encourage you to cope with exam stress.

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Study Tips

BEFORE THE EXAM DAY Do not miss ANY days of school. If you are

unwell, come to school to write your exam and then go home. Then you will be able to see how well you know your work and teachers can help you, before the exams, in areas where you are not sure.

Make sure that you have all the notes given in class and that all your assignments are completed. Class work is always added to the exam mark to make your term mark – and it is usually worth as much, if not more, than the exam mark.

At high school you only need to come to school to write the exam. You must make sure that you use your time at home well: study at set times of the day- ask people to test you, make notes, summarise, practice

labelling diagrams and maps – be active in your learning - don’t just read over your work eat healthy snacks exercise every day go to bed at a sensible time

ON THE EXAM DAY You need to arrive for exams at 7h45 latest. You will normally be asked to enter the Main Hall

at 8h00. Examiners have to hand out up to 300 papers and this takes time. There is also 10 minutes of reading time before the exam begins.

If you are not being collected immediately after the exam, then study in the library. For security reasons you are not allowed to walk to the shops.

Dress in FULL school uniform. Bring all the required stationery and a spare pen. CHECK if you need

calculators or glue etc. Wear a watch – you are NOT allowed to have a cell phone on your desk

to check the time. You may NOT read a book or play games while waiting for your exams to

be collected.

DURING THE EXAM Use the 10 mins reading time at the start to read through all the

questions. Be sure to follow the instructions given for each question. Note how many marks a question is worth so that you know what depth of

answer (how many points) to give. PLAN your TIME so that you have enough time to work through each question. Number your questions EXACTLY as they are numbered on the exam paper. Do NOT use Tippex. Simply cross out neatly and rewrite. Don’t sit gloomily on one question which you can’t do - leave a space and move on – come back

to it at the end. Make time to CHECK ALL your answers.

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Grade 8 Exam Timetable May/ June 2014

Day and Date Subject Start End

Monday, 19 May Regular Monday 07:45 14:20

Tuesday, 20 May English 08:30 10:30

Wednesday, 21 May Mathematics PI 08:30 10:00

Thursday, 22 May Design 08:30 09:30

Friday, 23 May Music 08:30 09:30

Saturday, 25 May No exams for Grade 8

Monday, 26 May Science 08:30 10:00

Biology 08:30 10:00

Tuesday, 27 May Drama 08:30 09:30

Wednesday, 28 May Afrikaans 08:30 10:30

Thursday, 29 May Ascension Day

Friday, 30 May Mathematics PII 08:30 09:30

Saturday, 31 May No exams for Grade 8

Monday, 2 June History 08:30 10:30

Geography 08:30 10:00

Tuesday, 3 June EMS 08:30 10:00

Wednesday, 4 June Shavout

Thursday, 5 June Shavout

Friday, 6 June French 08:30 09:30

Saturday, 7 June No exams for Grade 8

Monday, 9 June Dance Studies 08:30 09:30

Tuesday, 10 June Life Orientation 08:30 09:30

Wednesday, 11 June Computers 08:30 09:30

Thursday, 12 June Sports Science 08:30 09:30

Friday, 13 June Art Option 08:30 09:30

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Afrikaans Wednesday, 28 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:30

Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

Begripwoordeskat, bl.2

Klanke

Woorde wat verwar

Voornaamwoorde

Woordorde (STOMPI)

Tye

Ontkenning

Woordeskat (bl.16, 29, 30*, 35 en 36*) * = underlined words

Perfek (hele boek)

Types of questions

Comprehension (text, advert/other, visual)

Perfek (similar to questions covered in class)

Grammar (As practised)

Communication (see p.20 nr.4.4, p.41 7.6 and p.97 13.7 for examples)

Vocabulary: Match the words in column A with the description in column B Give one word for … Vocab relating to pictures Multiple choice

Tips for students in preparation for the exam Comprehension: It is essential that you consciously build your vocabulary throughout the year – this is not something you can quickly fix before an exam. That said, study the vocabulary on p2. Also have a look through the vocabulary from comprehension tests previously done in class, specifically the vocab used in the questions.

Grammar: Your Afrikaans exam takes place towards the middle of the exams. If you leave studying for your exam until the day or two before, you will not be able to remember how to apply the grammar rules covered in class. Do 2 or 3 sentences a day to keep it fresh in your memory! The best way to study grammar is to re-do exercises you did in class and then check your answers and your notes afterwards – staring at the notes will not help you.

Perfek: Understanding the story is not enough. You have to be able to express in Afrikaans what you know. Therefore, have the vocabulary to understand questions on the book as well as to answer such questions in your own words.

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Art Option Friday, 13 June 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 60

Content to be learnt for the exam Elements and Principles Art terminology, jargon and techniques Analysis of an Artwork (notes in your work book) 2 Point Perspective (revise)

Types of questions Mix and match Short questions Practical applications, perspective and tonal drawings – HB – 2B – 4B pencils required and a ruler & erasers. Visual Analysis of an artwork

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Learn from notes in your book to understand the content. All questions require applied knowledge, no rote learning. If you do not understand certain terms – then investigate further! Time allocation will demand careful planning. Check mark allocations to prioritise importance and determine length and time needed. Drawings need the most time. Please make sure you leave enough time to complete the drawings.

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Biology Monday, 26 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:00

Length of paper: 11/2 hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam Learn the entire Biology booklet with the extra notes at the back of the booklet. Module 1: Cells and Genetics Module 2: Man’s impact on the environment Module 3: Classification and making keys

Types of questions

Short questions: matching columns, multiple choice, filling in missing words

Longer questions: paragraphs, short essays

Graphs, drawing, keys

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam

Brush up on skills: Drawing a biological drawing and graphing skills

Learn with understanding

Make sure you have all the required stationery for the exam: Pen, PENCIL, eraser, ruler and coloured pencil crayons.

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Computers Wednesday, 11 June 2014, 10:30 – 11:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

Your notes

Pages 2 – 17 (not 8) and 25 – 26.

Your main notes as well as A perfectly typed document. Both are on the Website* /Resources

Drive/ and Google Drive**

You should have filled in the gaps on pages 2, 3, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17. You should learn those as well. * http://goo.gl/BdD7ft ** http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz

Types of questions Short questions: Multiple Choice, Mix and Match, One word answers, True and False,

Choose the correct term, Label Screen Shots and a Word Search.

Tips for students in preparation for the exam

Think!

The use of computer jargon and the correct terms for technology is important, as is

spelling; remember ram is a sheep.

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Dance Studies

Monday 9 June 2014, 08:30 – 09:30 Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

The glossary

The skeleton

The individual bones and the categories

The spine

Types of questions

Multiple choice

Essays

Diagram labelling

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam N.B. Please bring colouring pencils!

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Design Thursday, 22 May 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 60

Content to be learnt for the exam Read through all the notes that have been given to you and stuck in your book: Illustration Techniques Logo Design

Types of questions Mix and match Short questions Practical application – pencils or black pen required Visual Analysis

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Read through to notes to understand. All questions are applied knowledge, no rote learning.

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Drama Tuesday, 27 May 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 50

Content to be learnt for the exam

Unit 1 : Understanding performance spaces (page 3 – page 10)

Unit 2 : Preparing voice for performance (page 12 – page 19)

Types of questions

Short questions of 1 - 10 marks each

Content questions, comprehension questions, application questions

Tips for students in preparation for the exam

Learn the content thoroughly.

Make sure you UNDERSTAND everything you learn

Read the questions carefully so that you understand completely what you are being

asked

Pay attention to the mark allocation and answer accordingly

WORK NEATLY

Make a concerted effort to use punctuation such as capital letters where applicable

READ your answers to see if they make sense before you hand in your answer sheet

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EMS Tuesday, 3 June 2014, 08:30 – 10:00

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

Factors of Production

Economic Systems

National Budget

Economic growth

Environmental impact of economic growth

Standard of living

Types of questions Match the columns True or false Definitions Case studies

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Read questions very carefully Go over all worksheets and cycle tests Use textbook in conjunction with notebook Have a good understanding of all diagrams drawn in notebook.

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English Tuesday, 20 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:30

Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam Of Mice & Men Work through the Of Mice & Men booklet. Romeo and Juliet Work through the booklet and class activities as well as your own notes in your text. Comprehension & Language Revise Language booklet; work through English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book). Short Writing Learn transactional writing formats in the English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book).

Types of questions Short questions Detailed explanations Own interpretations Writing a short piece (e.g. 100-150 words) Longer writing (e.g. 200-300 words)

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Consult the English Handbook and Study Guide (the red and yellow book) for

Language revision (pp.6-60)

Literature revision (pp.69-74)

Transactional Writing (pp.77-87)

Comprehension Skills (pp.61-66)

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French Friday, 6 June 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam Vocabulary: classroom, family Grammar: articles Verbs Adjectives Colours Numbers 1 - 31

Types of questions

Comprehension: multiple choice, true/false, names

Grammar: verb conjugation, agreement of adjectives, same format as exercises done in class

Tips for students in preparation for the exam

Revise everything very thoroughly.

Verbs and vocabulary are extremely important to understand the comprehension passages.

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Geography Monday, 2 June 2014, 08:30 – 10:00

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 90

Content to be learnt for the exam

1. All of Mapwork 2. All of Geomorphology 3. All of Natural Resources 4. All of Settlement

5. All of Social Inequalities

Types of questions

Multiple-choice questions / Match column A with column B / One word answers.

Content-based and application type questions.

Graphs – Draw and/ or interpret, as well as tables.

Source-based questions to understand and interpret.

Paragraph-type questions.

Diagrams to label and interpret.

Drawings and diagrams.

(Please note that not all the above types of questions will necessarily be in the exam).

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Work through past tests and worksheets. DO NOT rote learn. It is far more important that you

understand the concepts than learning facts. Use the class notes in conjunction with ALL the

other extra work we have done.

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History Monday, 2 June 2014, 08:30 – 10:30

Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 110

Content to be learnt for the exam: CHANGING WORLDS: TOPIC 1 : INDUSTRIALISATION IN BRITAIN TOPIC 2 : MINERAL REVOLUTION IN SOUTH AFRICA TOPIC 3 : WORLD WAR ONE

Types of questions Source based questions – answer all 3 sets of questions 3x30 (90) Source-based paragraphs- answer two questions 2x10 (20)

Tips for students in preparation for the exam

Remember that you are preparing for a skills- based assessment.

Revise all the concepts and content in your class notes, typed notes and resource books.

Pay close attention to skill applications which include: knowledge, comprehension. analysis, synthesis, evaluation, argument, interpretation

Work through activities in the handouts and the resource books

Closely revise the skills required for the construction of a source-based paragraph

Focus on preparing an exam strategy, especially with reference to time management

In the exam, pay close attention to the focus question as this gives you your direction when engaging with the sources.

Ensure that you are always working with the appropriate resources.

Pay close attention to the demands of the questions as well as the mark allocation for each question.

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Life Orientation Tuesday, 10 June 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 80

Content to be learnt for the exam Students are required to revise the following work from their Life Orientation textbook: Section 1: Discovering my potential p. 4 – 15 Section 2: Social Media p. 18 – 30 Section 3: Relationships p. 34 – 41 Section 4: Learning Styles p. 44 – 53 (only read through) Social Development notes – students will receive these after the holidays.

Types of questions The exam may include the following:

Multiple choice

True or false

Short questions

Long questions – e.g. poster, post card, magazine cover… Note: Certain questions will require personal insight, opinion and thought. You will also be asked to justify particular answers and give good clear reasons.

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam

Read each question carefully! Use a highlighter to underline key points in the question to help you answer the question.

Use mark allocations as a guide to the length of answer required and then manage your time carefully.

Check your answers!

Don’t be fooled! You will definitely need to study for LO! Brushing up on the facts, understanding concepts, knowing definitions will be key.

Feel free to chat to Mr Garthoff or Mrs Duraan if you are unsure of anything.

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Mathematics Paper I Wednesday, 21 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:00

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: ±150

Content to be learnt for the exam All year’s work so far:

1. Algebra

Translating from words into algebra

Using all 4 operations (add , subtract , multiply, divide)

BODMAS

Vocabulary ( degree, co-efficient etc)

Substitution

Distribution

Polynomials

2. Integers

Basic use of integers

All 4 operations with integers

Integers applied to algebra 3. Probability

Basic questions

Probability with and without replacement

Tree diagrams

Applications of probability 4. Equations

Solving basic equations

Solving equations with fractions

Solving equations using distribution

Solving inequalities and drawing number lines

Using equations to solve word problems

Continued on the next page.

Mathematics Paper I (Continued from previous page)

Content to be learnt for the exam

5. Pythagoras

Using Pythagoras’ theorem to find missing sides of triangles

Converse of Pythagoras’ theorem used to determine whether triangles are right angled or not

Applications of Pythagoras to real life situations 6. Geometry

Measuring angles

Naming angles

Types of angles

Classification of triangles

Pairs of angles ( eg adjacent, supplementary etc)

LEARN ALL REASONS correctly

Calculating missing angles, using:

Vert opp angles

Angles on a str line

Adjacent comp angles

Sum of angles in a revolution

Angles in a triangle

Isosceles triangles

Exterior angle of a triangle

Corresponding angles on parallel lines

Alternate angles on parallel lines

Co-interior angles on parallel lines

Proving lines are parallel

Continued on the next page.

Mathematics Paper I (Continued from previous page)

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Types of questions

Knowing basic skills and definitions ( about 40% of the paper)

Routine calculations ( about 20 to 30% of the paper)

Complex calculations ( about 20% of the paper)

Problem solving ( 10 to 20 % of the paper)

Tips for students in preparation for the exam

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE with a PEN in your hand.

You must study your notes in the booklets you have been given on each section

You cannot rely on having understood the work during the year. There is too much new work you have studied. You MUST do a few examples of each type of question – either from a booklet, or from old tests, or from past exam papers.

You must mark the questions you try – it is no good doing them if you get them all wrong – all your work and tests should have the correct answers on if you marked efficiently in class.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR STUDYING UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE!!!!!! There is too much to do.

GOOD LUCK. If you work hard, you will reap the rewards.

Mathematics Paper II Friday, 30 May 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: ±100

Content to be learnt for the exam GREAT NEWS! YOU CANNOT LEARN FOR THIS EXAM! This exam tests your comprehension skills, your ability to follow written instructions, and your lateral thinking skills. Work slowly and carefully, with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. DON’T GIVE UP just because it is something you have never seen before. READ CAREFULLY!

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Music Friday, 23 May 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour

PRACTICAL EXAMS

Practical exams are in the week before the written exams. (From 12 May 2014) Scales 2 pieces Sight reading Quick study

THEORY OF MUSIC

Content to be learnt for the exam Names of notes Basic rhythm Major scales Key signatures Basic intervals Musical terminology Basic Analysis

Types of questions Recognition of notes and note-values Writing different notes Fill in bar lines and/or time-signatures Music sums Write scales with or without key signature Name intervals by distance only Define various musical terms Study a given musical excerpt and answer the question that follows.

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Practice, practice and practice some more Learn the circle of fifths Go through all the notes. Bring a pencil, ruler and an eraser

Continued on the next page.

Music

(Continued from previous page)

HISTORY OF MUSIC

Content to be learnt for the exam 1) Elements of Music – understand and define the following: Tempo, meter, melody, harmony, tonality, dynamics and rhythm 2) Period of Classical Music Know the information on the table, including dates 3) Instruments of the Orchestra Know the sections of the orchestra and the clefs used 4) Hall of the Mountain King 5) Film Scores by John Williams – Jaws, Hedwig’s Theme, Indian Jones and Starwars

Types of questions 1) Definitions e.g. What is meter?

2) Short questions e.g. Which woodwind instrument plays in the bass clef? 3) Longer paragraph questions e.g. What musical elements give Hedwig’s theme a magical quality?

Tips for students in preparation for the exam You need to know the details on the worksheets and be able to discuss what it is that makes the music effective in the case of film music.

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Science Monday, 26 May 2014, 08:30 – 10:00

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam The following pages from the Science Notebook: 1 – 90.

Types of questions Multiple choice Matching columns Long questions

Tips for students in preparation for the exam Do old tests and worksheets again Learn all theory Go over dependent, independent and control variables Go over drawing of graphs

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Sport Science Thursday, 12 June 2014, 08:30 – 09:30

Length of paper: 1 hour Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

Focus on Module 2 and some of Module 3

Understand Anatomical Terminology

Joint Movements, diagrams and explanations

Ligaments and tendons

Muscles, function and characteristics

Structure of skeletal muscle

Muscle actions and muscle identification

Types of questions Short Questions

Multiple choice

Labeling of diagrams

Identifying movements

Tips for students in preparation for the exam Sports Science is a Learning subject. Once the basic concepts are understood a simple application should follow. As long as the basic work is learnt, diagrams mastered and structures understood – you WILL be rewarded with a high standard of examination results.

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