5 Tips for supporting students through GCSE resits
Resitting GCSE exams can be daunting for students, but with the right support, they can turn this challenge into an opportunity for success. As educators, our role is crucial in guiding them through this process. So, we have asked our Head of English, Laura Huggins, to draw on her extensive experience and share her five top tips for effectively supporting students for GCSE resits.
What are GCSE resits?
GCSE resits are retakes of GCSE exams. Students who are unsatisfied with the grades they received the first time can choose to resit their GCSE exams to try and improve them. Some students may also take GCSE resits if they need a specific grade to progress into further education, an apprenticeship, or to meet entry requirements for certain jobs.
The most common resits are in English Language and Maths, as many educational institutions, employers, and training programmes require students to achieve at least a grade 4 in these subjects.
Students can resit their GCSE exams as many times as they wish. However, if they face any barriers, there are other options they can consider, such as functional skills courses or additional support to help them to get the outcome they want. Online alternative providers like Academy21 don’t just support student reintegration – we also offer tailored solutions like specialised one-year GCSE resits courses to prepare students effectively for their exams and ensure the best outcomes.
When do GCSE resits take place?
Students can take their GCSE resits during the typical summer exam season (May and June). However, students can also resit GCSE English and GCSE Maths in November. In 2024, exams occur between Tuesday, 5th November and Monday, 11th November 2024, with results being released on the 9th of January 2025. The next chance to resit GCSE exams will be next year, between the 5th of May and the 20th of June 2025.
Logistics for GCSE resits: Registration, centres, and costs
- Registering students: Schools register students for GCSEs through exam boards like Pearson Edexcel or AQA, ensuring entries are submitted before deadlines. Schools retain this responsibility, even when they partner with an online provider like Academy21 to support students in learning and revising for their GCSE resits.
- Choosing exam centres: Schools can serve as exam centres or use approved external centres. They must ensure the chosen centre meets exam board requirements for secure testing conditions.
- Resits costs: Most schools typically cover initial exam fees for students under 19 in full-time education. Resit fees for compulsory subjects like English or Maths may also be covered, depending on school policy. Private candidates usually register at exam centres, which may be a school, and cover their own fees.
5 Tips to support your students through GCSE resits, from our Head of English, Laura Huggins
1. Identify knowledge gaps
Start by pinpointing specific areas where students struggle. Conduct diagnostic assessments to identify these gaps and tailor your teaching. Some knowledge gaps can be easily remedied by reminding students to add paragraphs to their writing and giving them tasks to practise this. Some will require more intentional revision and work. Encourage students to use varied practise tasks to apply their learning deliberately instead of just hearing it, this will build their confidence and competence.
2. Identify priority skills
Guide students to focus on higher-mark exam questions and the skills required to tackle them. Break down these questions to help students understand what is being asked, the ‘success criteria’ that will help them answer the question effectively and how to structure their responses. Provide exemplars and model answers to illustrate effective techniques and strategies.
3. Use time effectively
Encourage students to adopt a structured approach to their revision. Studies have shown that learning in small, focused, 20-minute chunks can enhance concentration and retention. Help them create a realistic revision timetable that balances study with breaks, ensuring they cover all necessary content without feeling overwhelmed. Regular check-ins can help keep them on track and help them re-evaluate subject areas they need to prioritise.
4. Find ways to make content stick
Employ a variety of interactive revision techniques to captivate students. Integrate quizzes and mind mapping, among others, to create a dynamic learning experience. Encourage using practice questions, visual aids, audio resources, and text annotation to accommodate diverse learning approaches. For instance, some learners might benefit from role-playing, whilst others could benefit from diagrams and charts. Some may even find podcasts or discussions most helpful. These methods can reinforce students’ knowledge and make it more memorable; the key is to enable students to identify the most high-value approaches for them that encourage active recall and revisiting topics.
5. Practice exam questions in timed conditions
Becoming accustomed to exam conditions can greatly alleviate exam anxiety and enhance student performance. Consistently practising past exam questions under timed conditions enables students to manage their time efficiently and cultivate vital exam techniques in a low-threat environment. Additionally, it helps them become familiar with the format and types of questions they may encounter, boosting their self-belief. Providing feedback on their performance is crucial, as it highlights strengths and identifies areas for improvement, making exam practice genuinely beneficial.
To find practice exam questions, students can explore exam board websites, which often provide past papers and sample questions. Teachers may also recommend reputable educational resources and textbooks that include practice questions. Engaging in study groups can be another effective way to share resources and discuss potential answers.
The benefits of tailored teaching for GCSE resits
By employing these strategies, teachers and schools can support students in retaking their GCSE exams. Adapting teaching and learning to suit individual students’ needs is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges the diverse learning approaches and paces at which students absorb information, ensuring that each student can engage with the material effectively.
Secondly, personalised approaches can boost students’ motivation, as they feel understood and supported in their particular challenges. Additionally, tailored teaching can address specific gaps in knowledge, providing targeted interventions that enhance understanding and retention. With patience, encouragement, and the right resources, we can guide them towards the success they seek.
GCSE resits at Academy21
At Academy21, we understand that retaking GCSE exams can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for your students. We are here to support them at every step with one-year GCSE resit courses tailored to their needs.
Whether they want to improve their English Language, Maths, or Science GCSE grades, they can benefit from 40-minute live and adaptive lessons delivered by subject-expert teachers. Our small classes allow more time for student-teacher communication, and we leverage various tech features to keep students engaged and help them consolidate their learnings. There are also optional live consolidation classes every Friday, regular revision sessions and practice assessments.
Most importantly, we provide personalised teaching that considers each student’s unique needs and enables them to feel more comfortable and confident as they progress through the year. Our solution is flexible to your requirements – get in touch with us below, and your dedicated regional partnership manager will work closely with you to create a tailored plan that meets your students’ needs.
