Next week students in grades 8 and 9 will be sitting end of year examinations. These exams will be in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, French, Art, Humanities, and PE (grade 9 only).
The purpose of these exams is twofold. Firstly, the exams provide teachers with a clear end-of-year summative assessment that will inform the final reports. The exams are an opportunity for students to showcase the knowledge, skills, and conceptual understandings they have developed during the past nine months.
Secondly, for grade 8 students the exams signal the transition to the rigorous IGCSE curriculum. This curiculum spans grades 9-10 and culminates with external examinations in May and June of their grade 10 year. Therefore, end of year exams in grade 8 are an excellent way to help student begin the mental transition to grade 9.
For the grade 9 students the exams function as a primer to the mock exams they will sit next February and, ultimately, the official IGCSE examinations the students will sit next May and June. Those exams are now less than a year away!
Examination periods are naturally times of increased stress and worry for students. As a parent, you can best support your child by ensuring adequate sleep and a healthy diet and by assisting them in their studies as appropriate.
Good luck to all grade 8 and 9 students!