As a college we want to support you to achieve the very best you can!
That’s why we’re committed to ensuring that you are as prepared as possible for your exams and that you are supported in the best way possible during your exams
Check out the page below which provides lots of useful information, including study tips, exam timetable, information from WJEC and Qualification Wales and lots more!
Important information regarding AS learners returning to college after exams
Following the conclusion of the AS exam series, AS learners are expected to return to college from Monday 13th June. With further covid-related disruption experienced by learners and tutors this year, it is important that we utilise the final two weeks of the academic year to ensure the most effective transition from AS to A2 in August.
Week 1 will focus on completion of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification and learners are expected to have fully completed the Enterprise and Employability challenge and the Global Citizenship challenge before progressing onto their A2 studies.
Learners will be supported by their WBQ personal tutors to ensure all work has been completed and submitted. The timetable will be collapsed with WBQ sessions running from 9am-4pm, with breaks in between. We do not envisage this taking the full week and further information including schedules and rooms will be provided by tutors via Microsoft Teams.
For MAT learners not studying WBQ, there will be a full schedule of activities on Monday 13th June followed by some self-directed learning and a group wellbeing day on Thursday 16th June.
Week 2 will return to timetabled sessions where all learners will be provided with key information about the A2 programmes including topics for coursework assessment, reading lists and resources they will be using on the second year of their programme. This will also provide an ideal opportunity for subject tutors to check on learner wellbeing and how individuals are feeling following the AS exams.
All AS learners will break for the summer no later than Friday 24th June.
Preparing for exams
The following resources will also help you prepare for your exams:
During your exam period:
We’re here to support you throughout the exam period.
- Don’t forget to pick up your voucher for a free breakfast – available for all learners sitting exams – you can pick these up on the morning of your exam from the first floor landing or from your vocational course tutor
- Pick up a free bottle of water prior to going into your exam - available from the first floor landing
- Visit our dedicated exam breakout space on the 1st floor for you to relax, unwind and chat to a member of our wellbeing team
- Check out our daily positive quotes scattered around the college, all based around the ‘On the Board’ concept.
- After each exam you will be provided with a free Starbucks voucher to purchase a drink from the atrium café
Study tips to help you ace your exams
Here are a few of our best tips to help you prepare for your exams.
Work together / study groups
A benefit of having a study group is that it offers the opportunity to revise by helping others; by explaining different concepts to others help to reinforce the information in your mind.
Another benefit is they might see something that you have missed.
Revision Cards
Another useful tip is to create revision cards.
Remember, part of the magic of revision is that they can be used to break down revision notes into smaller bits of information. Use them for dates, definitions, formulas, and anything that you need to memorise.
Prepare, don't cram!
The best exam strategies involve preparing well in advance, keeping a regular revision schedule, and giving yourself enough time to revise properly before the actual exams.
The night before
There are a number of things you can do to help such as - sleep well the night before, eat a light healthy breakfast, and arrive at the exam in good time.
Don’t panic on the day
When faced with a difficult question, take a deep breath and try not to panic. Also where possible, show every step of your working out!
Click here for our on the day exam guidance
Exam Advice & Guidance
Attending college to sit your exams
Please do not attend college if:
- You feel unwell, have any of the identified Covid-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of taste or smell) – if this is the case, you must self-isolate immediately and book a COVID-19 test;
- Have tested positive for COVID-19
- Have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service
If you are unable to attend, please notify your tutor immediately.
For up to date information, advice and guidance on your exams, please use the following links:
WJEC: https://www.wjec.co.uk/en/home/supporting-teachers-and-learners-during-coronavirus/
CBAC: https://www.cbac.co.uk/cy/home/athrawon-a-dysgwyr-ledled-cymru-rydym-yn-falch-o-ch-cefnogi-chi/
Eduqas: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/ed/home/supporting-teachers-and-learners-during-coronavirus/
Missed an exam?
If any learners miss an exam through illness please ensure that this form is completed by the learner and parent, guardian/carer and returned to srhelpdesk@merthyr.ac.uk
This self-certification form must only be used in the following circumstances:
- the candidate has missed a terminal examination or a unit which cannot be re-entered;
- the centre has no reason to suspect that this may be a fraudulent claim;
- the candidate has been attending other examinations so far without problems.
Important information regarding for AS learners returning to college after exams
Following the conclusion of the AS exam series, AS learners are expected to return to college from Monday 13th June. With further covid-related disruption experienced by learners and tutors this year, it is important that we utilise the final two weeks of the academic year to ensure the most effective transition from AS to A2 in August.
Week 1 will focus on completion of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification and learners are expected to have fully completed the Enterprise and Employability challenge and the Global Citizenship challenge before progressing onto their A2 studies.
Learners will be supported by their WBQ personal tutors to ensure all work has been completed and submitted. The timetable will be collapsed with WBQ sessions running from 9am-4pm, with breaks in between. We do not envisage this taking the full week and further information including schedules and rooms will be provided by tutors via Microsoft Teams.
For MAT learners not studying WBQ, there will be a full schedule of activities on Monday 13th June followed by some self-directed learning and a group wellbeing day on Thursday 16th June.
Week 2 will return to timetabled sessions where all learners will be provided with key information about the A2 programmes including topics for coursework assessment, reading lists and resources they will be using on the second year of their programme. This will also provide an ideal opportunity for subject tutors to check on learner wellbeing and how individuals are feeling following the AS exams.
All AS learners will break for the summer no later than Friday 24th June.
Meet the staff supporting you during your exams
