Final examinations for Y12 and Y13 – Completed!
Over the past weeks, our Year 12 and Year 13 students participated in a comprehensive mock examination session designed to replicate the experience of the final examinations. The exams provided students with an opportunity to work under almost authentic examination conditions, practice time management, and experience the expectations of assessments across all subjects.
Following the examination period, students completed a reflection survey to evaluate both the organization of the mock exams and their own preparedness for future assessments. The results revealed that students viewed the experience positively overall. The organization of the examination session received an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, while students rated the usefulness of the mock examinations for identifying their strengths and weaknesses at 3.9 out of 5.
One of the most encouraging findings was that students felt the mock exams helped them better understand the demands of assessments. Many reported that the experience highlighted areas requiring further revision, improved their awareness of where they are right now, and provided valuable practice in coping with examination pressure.
Students were also asked about their stress levels before and after the examinations. On average, stress levels decreased from 3.7 out of 5 before the exams to 3.3 out of 5 after completing them, suggesting that the experience helped students gain a bit confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect in future examination sessions but also may mean that students are still stressing out about the exam results.
The feedback identified Mathematics and the Sciences as the subjects students found most challenging, reflecting the rigorous analytical and problem-solving skills required in these disciplines. At the same time, students highlighted strengths in a variety of subjects, including Design Technology, Computer Science, English, and modern languages.
Students also provided constructive suggestions for future examination sessions. Common themes included reducing external distractions around examination rooms, ensuring clear communication of schedules and examination details, and offering additional opportunities for examination practice. Several students expressed interest in participating in another mock examination session earlier in the academic year to further support their preparation. We will take this all into consideration.
We would like to congratulate all Year 12 and Year 13 students on their commitment. Results are mostly out, most students did very well in general, however we do have some failures too. Students will get extensive feedback on each exam and I am sure they will do better in their next exams.
