Making the grade (From Warrington Guardian)

Making the grade

STUDY leave is being offered to students across St Helens as they prepare for their GCSE exams.

A mail shot is going out to Year 11 students encouraging them to take advantage of study leave and urging them not to leave their revision to the last minute.

They are reminded that they can use the SAM Learning package which is available free in schools, libraries and the Rainhill and Haydock City Learning Centres. SAM (Self Assessment Method) is a simple to use, web-based revision and exam practice system for GCSEs.

Research has shown that pupils who use SAM Learning for six or more hours do improve their GCSE results by one grade.

St Helens is one of only 35 areas in the country which have subscribed to SAM Learning software to help students in the run up to their exams.

It is just one part of the Thirst for Success campaign, devised by St Helens Council's Education Department to provide a comprehensive package of revision and study activities for students to prepare for their exams and to boost the Borough's GCSE pass rate.

Brain power

Activities have included many study and learning sessions, Saturday revision classes, an Easter school and the handing out of free goodie bags packed with accessories to help students get through their revision.

Access to computers in the libraries and City Learning Centres is free and study support workers are on hand in libraries.

Margaret Buckley, from the Thirst for Success team, said: "The letters that have gone out to students remind them of the help that is still available to them as they revise.

"They also give them some helpful tips about revision such as which kind of background music to listen to and sitting up straight and taking deep breaths to boost brain power.

"We urge all students to make the most of their study leave and wish them good luck in their exams - they deserve to do well".