Exam Booklet Grade 8 November 2014 - Reddam House GRADE 8 EXAM... · back and change your answers,...

REDDAM HOUSE COLLEGE Grade 8 Exam Guidelines November 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

Some Important Information: Workshop Series 2014 Academic Prize Giving

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.

Back to Contents

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice/factfile_az/exams_stress

http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/about-anxiety/young-people-and-anxiety/exam-stressanxiety/

http://www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/7994_how_to_cope_with_exam_stress

Study Tips and Exam Guidelines

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 8h15 latest. You will normally be asked to enter the Main Hall

at 8h30. 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.

Back to Contents

Grade 8 Exam Timetable November 2014

Day and Date Subject Start End

Wednesday, 5 Nov Science 09:00 10:30

Biology 09:00 10:30

Thursday, 6 Nov Afrikaans 09:00 11:00

Friday, 7 Nov Dance Studies 09:00 10:30

Art Option 11:00 13:00

Saturday, 8 Nov

Monday, 10 Nov History 09:00 11:00

Geography 09:00 10:30

Tuesday, 11 Nov English 09:00 11:00

Wednesday, 12 Nov Mathematics PI 09:00 10:30

Thursday, 13 Nov Life Orientation 09:00 10:30

Friday, 14 Nov Music 09:00 10:30

Saturday, 15 Nov

Monday, 17 Nov Sports Science 09:00 10:30

Tuesday, 18 Nov EMS 09:00 10:30

Wednesday, 19 Nov Computers 09:00 10:30

Thursday, 20 Nov Mathematics PII 09:00 10:30

Friday, 21 Nov French 09:00 10:30

Saturday, 22 Nov

Monday, 24 Nov Design 09:00 10:30

Tuesday, 25 Nov Drama 09:00 10:30

Wednesday, 26 Nov No Grade 8 Exam

27-28 Nov Workshop Series 1 (compulsory) 07:45 tbc

1-2 Dec Workshop Series 2 (compulsory) 07:45 tbc

3 Dec Prize Giving and Break Up (compulsory) tbc tbc

Back to Contents

Afrikaans Thursday, 6 November 2014, 09:00 – 11:00

Length of paper: 2 hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam

Klanke en woorde wat verwar p.3-9 Voornaamwoorde (pronouns), p.10-11 Woordorde (STOMPI), p.15 Tye (tenses), p.23-28 Ontkenning (negatives), p.33-34 Voegwoorde (conjunctions), p.45-51 Meervoude en verkleinwoorde (plurals and diminutives), p.58-62 Trappe van vergelyking en intensiewe vorme (degrees of comparison and intensive

forms), p.69-73 Direkte en Indirekte rede (direct and indirect speech), p.86-88 The 2 short stories: Is my ma ‘n ruimtewese AND Blind date Vocabulary (p.63, 73 and 89) Vocabulary based on the short stories

Types of questions Comprehension (text, advert/other and visual) Literature (Short stories) Grammar Bracket questions (spelling, meervoude, verkleinwoorde, trappe van vergelyking,

voornaamwoorde en intensiewe vorme ) Communicative language (What would you say / What is the person thinking, etc. –

examples on p.41 & 156-157)

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Comprehension

Ensure you know the list of words commonly found in comprehension tests, p.2 Read the questions carefully and ONLY QUOTE WHEN ASKED TO QUOTE!

Literature

Study the questions and answers we did in class but ALSO study the vocabulary of the short stories. Questions may be asked in different ways, or new questions may be asked.

Grammar You need to know your rules, but staring at a page full of rules is not the answer – DO

PAST EXERCISES or do the old tests and question papers in the back of your text book (from p. 104, memos from p.158)

For the bracket questions: learn the basic rule, but always have a careful look at the exceptions

Communicative language

Always stick to the word limit EXACTLY with these questions. General

Leave lines open between answers to make your work neater and easier to mark. Most importantly: NEVER WRITE ANY ENGLISH!

Back to Contents Back to Timetable

Art Option Friday, 7 November 2014, 11:00 – 13:00



A History of Sculpture

Types of questions

An A2 mind-map will be made in the exam.

Printed headings and photographs will be brought in to be pasted into the mind-map.

There will also be drawing that has to be completed. Students will be thoroughly briefed on how to prepare for this exam.

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam

Learn from notes in your book to understand the content.

All written information on the sculpture notes will be carefully studied.

Ensure that all pre-prepared headings and photographs of your selected sculptures are printed out well in advance of the exam. Students will only be allowed to bring these into the exam venue. Ensure that you have a range of pencils to complete the drawing component. Bring glue to stick down the headings and pictures.


Biology Wednesday, 05 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: 100

Content to be learnt for the exam The whole booklet (Pages 3 to 58) Module 1: Cells, Genetics and variation booklet Module 2: Man’s impact on the environment Module 3: Classification and making keys

Types of questions Short questions: Matching column, filling in the missing words Longer questions: Descriptive answers, writing short paragraphs Drawing graphs and/or interpreting them Drawings or labeling a drawing Making up keys

Tips for learners in preparation for the exam Prepare well and understand the work Go over all class tests Make sure you know how to draw biological drawings, draw graphs and make a branched key When writing your exam complete the questions that are quick to answer first then go back to tackle questions that take up a great deal of time e.g. drawing, graphs etc.


Computers Wednesday, 19 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30


Content to be learnt for the exam General Computers, Hardware & Software All pages of Computer Studies Grade 8 Notes except Networks on pages

7–8 and page 16

PowerPoint MS Word & Word Processing (Perfectly Typed Document) Referencing (Quick Guide to Referencing) Graphics (Presentation) & Photoshop (Black & White Note) The Internet (Presentation) Search the Internet (Google Search Tips) Cool Technology (see http://www.pinterest.com/reedbeverley/cool-technology) All the notes you need are on the Website* /Resources Drive/ and Google Drive**

Types of questions Short Questions

True or False

Multiple Choice

One Word

Matching columns

Choose the correct term

Label Screen Shots

Recognize images Comprehension


Short questions do not necessarily make the questions easier! Take time to think about each question.

The use of computer jargon and the correct terms for technology are important, as is spelling; remember ram is a sheep.

* http://goo.gl/BdD7ft ** http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz Back to Contents Back to Timetable

http://www.pinterest.com/reedbeverley/cool-technology

http://goo.gl/BdD7ft

http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz

http://goo.gl/BdD7ft

http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz

Dance Studies Friday 7 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



Choreography:

Study the notes you were given last term & the cycle test you did, & information on the 2 pieces of choreography you studied.

Dance Injuries:

Study all the notes covered this term.

Types of questions

Essay type questions.

Matching columns

Multiple choice


Please bring coloured pencils with you to the exam


Design Monday, 24 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30


Content to be learnt for the exam Read through all the notes that have been given to you and stuck in your book: Fashion Design Ergonomics Flat Pack

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

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


Drama Tuesday, 25 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



Unit 1: pages 2 – 10 in booklet

Unit 2: pages 12 – 16 of booklet (do NOT learn the exercises on page 16)

Unit 3: pages 23 – end of point 5 on page 25 in booklet

Unit 4: pages 32 – 41 in booklet

Types of questions

Multiple choice

One word answers

Sentences and short paragraphs

Sketches


LEARN from notes in your booklet.

Ensure you UNDERSTAND all your work

You must be able to APPLY your knowledge in order to answer questions


EMS Tuesday, 18 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



Accounting theory

Source Documents

Cash Receipts and Cash Payments Journal of a Service Business

Accounting equation

Types of questions

Theory

Multiple Choice

Match columns

True/False

Source documents

Journals

Accounting equation


Practical examples

Go through tests, exam and worksheets

Redo exercises


English Tuesday, 11 November 2014, 09:00 – 11:00



Poetry: everything in the Seven Ages of Woman Poetry Booklet including all notes on figures of speech and poetical devices.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (self-read novel)

Short Stories: everything in the booklet and all notes from class.

Comprehension and Language: revise from the EHSG and all language notes from the year.

Transactional Writing based on The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Revise the following formats from the EHSG found on pages 77-87: friendly letter, diary, email, review, dialogue.

Refer to the contents and index of the English Handbook and Study Guide for the sections relevant to this work.

Refer to all the notes provided in class.

Types of questions

Contextual questions – these will require knowledge of the content of texts studied.

Writing – as per the transactional formats in the English Handbook and Study Guide.

Shorter and longer questions of explanation and interpretation based on seen and unseen texts.


Plan your study timetable in advance: do not leave it to the night before to revise the work.

Read your questions and instructions properly.

Use the mark allocation to guide the length of your answers.

Do not leave out questions.

Plan your time during the exam properly. Use approximately 1 minute per mark. For example, a section of 25 marks should take you about 25 minutes to complete.


French Friday, 21 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



All vocabulary and grammar since the beginning of the year can be used.

Focus is on the following themes:

Professions

Nationalities

School

All grammar is important.

Types of questions

Comprehension

Multiple choice, tick boxes, true and false, names

Grammar

Questions similar to the exercises done in class throughout the year.


Make sure you revise the basics from the beginning of the year.

Look at your June exam paper to familiarise yourself with the types of questions involved in both sections.

Verb conjugation and the agreement of adjectives are important, especially in understanding the comprehension passages.


Geography Monday, 10 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



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 all the above types of questions will not necessarily be in 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.


History Monday, 10 November 2014, 09:00 – 11:00


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 three sets of questions 3 x 30 (90)

Source-based paragraphs - answer two questions 2 x10 (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.


Life Orientation Thursday, 13 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30


Content to be learnt for the exam The examination will consist of application of knowledge gained throughout the year. Specific focus will be drawn to:

Notes on Social Development (last 3 pages)

Notes on Healthy Living & Lifestyle Diseases

LO Workbook: o Section 3 o Section 4 (read through) o Section 5

Questions will require personal insight, opinion and thought. You will be asked to justify particular answers and provide clear logical reasons.

Types of questions

Multiple choice questions.

Variety of short questions, which may include True/False, Missing word, Matching Columns or even a Crossword.

A long question which may take the form of a comprehension, poster, mind map, collage or a mini essay.


Ensure you bring a pen, pencil, and ruler. Colouring pencils may be a nice to have, but not necessary.

Prepare and STUDY!

Read your questions carefully.

Use the mark allocation as a guide as to how much info is required.

Check your answers carefully.

Use good common sense.

Do not leave studying for LO to the day before the exam. Start making notes or mindmips etc. at least a week before the exam.

Everyone can do well in LO – believe in yourself!


Mathematics Paper I Wednesday, 12 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30

Length of paper: 1½ hours Marks: ±130

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

1. Algebra ( approx 80 marks)

Translating from words into algebra

Using all 4 operations ( +, - , etc)

BODMAS

Vocabulary ( degree, co-efficient etc)

Substitution

Distribution

Polynomials

Algebraic Fractions

Equations

Inequalities

Word problems 2. Integers ( approx 30 marks)

Basic use of integers

All 4 operations with integers

Integers applied to algebra 3. Numbers classifications and number patterns ( approx 20 marks)

Natural, whole, integers and rational numbers

Factors, multiples, composite numbers, etc

Number patterns including finding the nth term

Squares and square roots

Expressing numbers as a product of primes ( ladder method)

HCF and LCM using products of primes

Square roots and cube roots using ladder method

Using your calculator

Fractions

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)


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

Maths is also a learning subject this year. LEARN all your definitions and new vocabulary ( eg degree, co-efficient etc)

You must study your notes and try past papers.

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 the booklet, or from old tests, or from past 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 Thursday, 20 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30


Content to be learnt for the exam 1. Geometry ( approx 70 marks)

Types of angles

Naming angles

Types of triangles and triangle theorems

Pairs of angles

All reasons (including parallel lines) NB: LEARN your reasons!

Equations with geometry

Transformations

Cartesian Plane

Pythagoras/converse of Pythagoras

Area and Perimeter of triangles/circles/rectangles/parallelograms /kites/rhombus/trapezium

Shaded areas

2. Consumer Maths ( approx 30 marks)

Ratio: Simplify/Share in a ratio /Increase/Decrease

Rate eg speed

Scale

Rounding off

Converting from fractions to decimals or percentages

Finance – eg exchange rates / percentage of/ percentage increase/percentage change/markup/discount/tax/profit etc

Problems solving involving speed/distance/time

3. Statistics ( approx 30 marks)

Stem and leaf

Mean ,median, mode

Range and IQR

Graphs – box-and-whisker etc.

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)


Music

Practical Exams

Monday, 20 October 2014 – Tuesday, 28 October 2014 Check individual time slots

Length of exam: ½ hour Marks: 100 Venue: Miss Jansen’s Class/Drum room for drummers

Requirements

Scales/Technical Work

3 Pieces

Sight Reading

Theory of Music and History of Music Exam Friday, 14 November 2014, 09:00-10.30


Theory of Music


Simple Time Signatures

Beaming and grouping of notes

Writing an answering rhythm

Key Signatures of major and minor scales

Beginners: Writing of Major and Harmonic Minor Scales

Advanced: Writing of Major and Harmonic/Melodic Scales

Tonic, Subdominant and Dominant Triads

Tones and Semitones

Intervals: Distance and Quality

Identifying Ties and Slurs

Degrees of the scale

Italian Terms

Types of questions

Writing of scales with or without key signature

Identifying the distance and quality of intervals

Writing of intervals

Identifying Key Signatures

Composing an answering rhythm

Beaming and grouping notes correctly in simple time

Analyse piece of music and answering questions on it


Revise all your notes and go over all the exercises

Make sure that you know the circle of fifths – you are allowed to write this on your rough page when you start the exam.

Study the order of the sharps and flats of the keys

Study the Italian terms

Remember to bring a pencil, ruler and erasure

History of Music


Rock and Roll

The Beatles

Hard Rock

Art Rock

Punk

Reggae

Hip Hop

Kwaito

Disco

Types of questions

Recognition of elements of Rock Music on a score e.g. Backbeat

Writing chord I, IV and V, treble clef only in a Major Key

Being able to describe the characteristics of the type of Rock music studied


Learn class notes thoroughly

Where there are links to YouTube clips, watch these as revision


Science Wednesday, 5 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30


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


Work through old tests and questions in your notebook again

Learn all theory

Go over dependent, independent and control variables

Go over drawing of graphs


Sport Science Monday, 17 November 2014, 09:00 – 10:30



Basic understanding of Nutrition

Carbohydrates

Endurance Nutrition

Protein

Fats

Vitamins

Minerals

Fiber & Water

Calories

Types of questions

Complete the following sentences

Fill in the blanks

True or false

Discussions

Matching

Analysing

Listing

Drawing

Tips for students in preparation for the exam In order to maximize results it is essential that you focus on a general understanding of all the work that has been covered. No specific area dominates on the paper and in order to do well you need to work through each section and ensure you fully understand the concepts and breakdown of relevant components. It also may be worth your while to revisit Super-Size Me research and make sure you have a thorough understanding of a number of diverse diets.


Workshop Series 2014 Series 1: Thursday, 27 November 2014 – Friday, 28 November 2014 Series 2: Monday, 1 December 2014 – Tuesday, 2 December 2014

The end-of-year workshop series is another reason that Reddam is unique! Over the course of the last four days of school, students take part in a variety of exciting activities to broaden their education and learning. In the past, these workshops have included scuba diving, aerial silk acrobatics, SUP and surfing lessons, jewellery design, sugar crafting for cakes and confectionaries, first aid courses and hiking. The content varies from year to year and students will be informed during the course of the exams which workshops will be open for 2014. Some of these enjoyable workshops are presented at no extra cost. Many of the workshops are presented by external service providers and therefore carry a cost which, for some workshops, includes transport costs. These costs will vary from workshop to workshop. Detailed workshop information will be communicated to students during the exams. In the meantime, please bear in mind that these days are an integral part of the school curriculum and bear the same expectation of attendance as regular school days where roll call will taken. Workshops offer students and teachers one last chance to enjoy each other’s company in a structured, but relaxed and enjoyable environment before we go on our summer holiday! Back to Contents Back to Timetable

Academic Prize Giving

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

We love to honour and celebrate the academic excellence of our students on the last day of the academic year. Parents are invited to join us to celebrate their children’s achievements at this prestigious ceremony.

This last day of school usually begins slightly later than a usual school day: the specifics of

which will be communicated to students closer to the time.

Please bear in mind that since this is a formal school event, formal school uniform (Number 1s) is expected of all students.

In addition, students who have submitted full loyalty cards stand the chance of winning a

special prize in a draw which takes place after the prize giving ceremony. Once this is complete, students will be dismissed to enjoy their summer holiday.


Exam Booklet Grade 8 November 2014 - Reddam House GRADE 8 EXAM... · back and change your answers,...

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Transcript of Exam Booklet Grade 8 November 2014 - Reddam House GRADE 8 EXAM... · back and change your answers,...