LIFE IN FORM 4
PREPARATION FOR KCSE 2013
IMPORTANT FACTS KCSE will begin on 22nd
October 2013 (www.knec.ac.ke)
In three weeks candidates tested on 4 years of work
Success will depend on PREPARATION
What to consider when planning Short –term goals (for week-
days and some weekends) To attend classes and LISTEN To do homework well To prepare well for the pre-CATs
and CATs
Long–term goals (weekends) Revisiting topics covered in earlier
years if these are not included in the exams they are doing
Enhancing their weaker subjects Reading of Literature and Fasihi set
books Doing revision questions
Long–term goals (April and August Holidays)
They have to do a thorough revision of the entire syllabus.
They must work very closely with the teachers to determine the best way to revise the various subjects and how to order their topics.
Priority should be given to weak subjects
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO PLAN
Draw a timetable (must be written)
• Weekday timetable• Weekend timetable• Holiday time table
Divide the subjects into papers and papers into topics
Prioritise the subjects in terms of difficulty and apportion time appropriately
Review progressThink of supplementary
material that they may need.
WORK WITH A GOAL Set realistic targets and plan
towards achieving them:What grade am I working
towards?What subjects will boost me?
which subjects may undermine me and why?
What help do I need: books, tuition, alarm, desk?
What am I planning to give up this year?
How do I plan to balance between sports and academics?
What should happen if this balance is not achieved?
Are sports and other extracurricular activities crucial for the university I plan to apply to: foreign, local?
If the study methods I use are not working have I reviewed them with my tutor/ teacher?
Do I have all the resources that I need?
Text books Handouts (notes) Syllabus Log tables etc.
RELAXATION AND SOCIAL LIFE IN FORM 4
Form 4 tends to be very stressful and hence the need for ample rest:
• Enough sleep (not less than 6 hours)
• Physical activities• Vary activities
Things to avoid TV and movies both during the
week and Saturdays Excessive use of the mobile
phone Face book Play stations Frequent outings
Company of older people in colleges or universities
Business in or out school Excess cash Suspicious “neighbourhood
study groups”
Unmanaged Stress: Worrying signs
Form 4 tends to be stressful (something to be expected)
Some students may find the stress insurmountable and begin to show signs of distress
Distress may be caused byoLack of proper planning
leading to one feeling overwhelmed
oSetting unrealistic goals oExcessive anxietyoBurn-outoPressure from outsideoMental illness (depression)
Signs of unmanaged stress: Persistent sad, anxious, or
"empty" mood Withdrawal from friends and
family Lack of enthusiasm and
motivation
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, especially if they coincide with CATs or Pre-CATs
Irrational arguments or thoughts of death or suicide
How parents can help to ease the stress
Show genuine interest in his studies
Be quick to recognise and praise effort and improvement
Give positive criticism and offer hope
talk about exams in an encouraging manner
Avoid comparisons of siblings Correct using facts and not
opinions Occasionally arrange activities
that will help him relax: lunch, visits he enjoys,