Post 16 News - Macmillan Academy

AwordON CHARITIESBy BETHANY VIPONDAcademy Charity AmbassadorsThe eight academy Charity Ambassadors atMacmillan are involved in fundraising for localand national charities, they partake in eventsaround the academy and organise differentways in which to raise money to support thecharities.Most recently, the group coordinated the ThinkPink campaign. They managed to raise £60 atthe Post 16 Open Evening on 10 October andfollowed this up with a further £200 on Think PinkDay at the end of the month. Post 16 studentswore pink for a pound, a raffle was held andstudents enjoyed a ‘pink’ theme in the Dining Halland Barista’s.Children in Need on Friday 16 November raiseda staggering £2,300; students enjoyed a nonuniformday and a fantastic ‘Pudsey’ themedlunch. Our thanks go to staff and students of allyears.Haleema Ashraf and Emily Allan, two CharityAmbassadors told us being a part of the groupconsists of “coming up with new and originalways to get people involved with raising money forcharities; we also focus on advertising around theacademy so everyone knows the dates of events,where to be and how they can help contribute.We meet to discuss ideas on fundraising and alsowhich charities to support and why.”In the future, the Ambassadors hope to raiseeven more money for Red Nose Day in 2013and are looking into supporting charities in thelocal area; if you have any recommendations ofany charities you think the academy shouldsupport please let any of the CharityAmbassadors, your tutor or a member ofthe Post 16 team know.TermEventsJanuaryMonday 7 – Academy reopens to all studentsTuesday 15 – UCAS deadline for applicationsWednesday 9 – January exams startTalkingTherapiesFebruaryWednesday 6 – Post 16 Open Evening, 4.30 – 8.00 pmWednesday 6 – Year 12 Discovery Day at Teesside University (Sports Students)Wednesday 13 – Academy closes for half-termMonday 25 – Academy reopens to all studentsMarchThursday 7 – Results from January examsThursday 14 – Year 13 Higher Education Finance EveningSunday 24 – Coast to Coast Training Ride, North York MoorsMonday 25- Wednesday 27 – Biology Trip to Malham Tarn Field CentreChristmas and New Year is a wonderfultime of the year. However, for somepeople, it can also be the worst time of theyear. Arguments, break ups, falling out, andthe added stress of those January exams canall add to the pressures of everyday life. If you feellike you need to someone to talk to, Talking Therapiescould be just what you need. Highly trained staff offera range of NHS-approved therapies including; wellbeingcourses, online self-help, and one to one therapy. You cancontact Talking Therapies direct on 0800 8048155 or 01642424030 or see Mrs Hill for further details.YEAR 13 STUDENTS! DEADLINE FOR UCAS IS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY!AwordON REVISIONWith AS and A2 exams looming for some students in January, the Christmas holidayis a core revision period, but this doesn’t mean missing out on all the fun. Follow ourtop tips to ensure that you get the balance right between revision and revelling thisChristmas and New Year, and make sure you return next term feeling confident and wellrested.It is important to remember that an exam is a test of learning, not memory. Examinerswant to see evidence that you have drawn on your knowledge to develop a reasonedargument, rather than replicate course notes and textbook facts.Where to study?Creating good conditions to study in can help you make the most of the time you spendrevising. Ideas include; finding a quiet place to study; make sure your desk is well lit;keep background noise to a minimum; avoid studying in an area where there will bedistractions (like the TV!)How to study?There is no ‘right way’ to revise, as long as the method you choose suits you. Lookafter yourself – the more tired you are the less efficiently you will work. You need to restas well as study, drink lots of water and make sure you pace yourself. Texting friends ortwittering for three hours (with all good intentions to revise) will not help!You’ve probably heard this a hundred times before but make a revision timetable. Startby prioritising the subjects/course content you feel you need to do the most work on, sothat you are not left panicking at the end of the holidays. Make sure that you leave theacademy on the last day of term with all the books and resources that you will need tohelp you revise – the academy is completely closed over the holidays!Going into the holidays with nothing but ‘revision’ written on your timetable is bothdepressing and unsustainable. Including the fun stuff, such as watching someChristmas TV and going to New Year parties will give you far more motivation to keepup the work. Cross off Christmas Day and New Year’s Day all together, add in importantfamily parties and social events (don’t forget those Christmas movie repeats you want towatch!) then start filling in the gaps with revision.Don’t just take our word for it. The Word spoke to Anna Theresa Jieman, whoexperienced exams last January.Look below for some of her top tips:Revision TopTips1.Identify the topics you are weak on from your modular results.2.Go through your notes for these topics more frequently3.Always compare notes with revision guides4.Go through exam questions linked to those topics with the mark scheme to getthe ‘perfect answer’5.Learn key definitions for easy marks6.After going through all exam question packs on the I drive do full exam papersand time yourself7.Revise all subjects8.Make a timetable for work and play time so you don’t waste time9.Find which revision methods work for you; revision for long periods of time or 20minutes with 5 minute rests? Try both10.Good luckYEAR 13 STUDENTS! DEADLINE FOR UCAS IS TUESDAY 15 JANUARY!