Keep Calm and Study On....

So, I am now officially on Study leave for my prelims (mocks) :(

I have been meaning to post for the last fortnight but, between one thing or another, I have been very busy!

I turned 17 last week which was pretty cool. I got a new violin case and lots of other great presents!

The main purpose of today's post is about exams and study, since I've had to break away from that in order to write this!

We all, at some point in our lives, experience that sudden panicky feeling, when we're sitting in the exam hall and we can't seem to remember a thing we learnt all year, or we look up at the clock and realize that, while our every day classes have a tendency to drag on, the time designated for each exam paper zooms by!

This year I've taken English, Maths, History, Modern Studies and French, 4 out of 5 of which are essay based! So lots of writing for me!

I know this year, being the first year that the Scottish Curriculum For Excellence Exams are being put into practice, is particularly stressful for first-time exam candidates and teachers alike. For me, my Highers are the make-or-break of University. Where I can go, what I can study, what I can study next year...

I think the pressures are different, depending on who you are. Deep down (or not so deep down!), we all want to do well, but motivation, distractions (including blogging!) and ability can make success seem far away. Then there's expectation. A lot of focus is put on predicted grades, on  matching or bettering you're previous years results. While it is arguable that this target setting causes you to work harder, It can also be seen as unnecessary enforcing of exam pressures.

Then - and this is something I do sympathise with- is the fact that  many of our exams involve the memorisation of thousands of facts, statistics, formulas, quotations, passages. Personally, my memory isn't too bad. But are our exams becoming to much like memory games? Are they coming away from the principle of ensuring that we, as students, can understand formulas, facts and texts and put them into practice or analyse them?? Perhaps the new exam system improves this situation, I don't know.

Anyway, the exams must be sat, no matter how much we ponder or complain over them. And STUDYING HARD is, unfortunately,  the key to those vital passes. Therefore, here's my attempt at a short and sweet study guide:

1) Motivation

I can only speak for myself, but finding the motivation to study for hours on end isn't always easy. So create a plan, even if its just in you're head, and do your best to stick to it. Take regular breaks (preferably not Facebook breaks because if you're anything like me you'll never get back to the book!) and try and find a quiet and comfortable place to work,  'cause noise is no good! Remember that preparation is really important.. we're all guilty of leaving homework to the last minute!

2) Note-take

I find mind maps really useful! Re-reading notes, and study guides if possible, and making notes that you yourself will understand and which just include only what you really need to know (somehow we seem to collect a whole heap of useless info over the year!). This step also really helps if you have a lot of statistics to learn.

3) Practice

"Practice makes Perfect".. well maybe not perfect but pretty damn close. Seriously, past papers are essential and one a day isn't that bad!

4) Ask

Asking teachers when you don't understand something isn't weak, and it really helps, trust me! Anyone reading this who knows me knows I have an annoying tendency to ask A LOT of questions... But sometimes its ok to forget about what others think for the sake of your own study. Most teachers are available in school if you're off on study leave. Also, studying with friends can really help, as you can help each other.. but only with friends you know you'll actually get stuff done with!

5)  Stay Calm


The worst thing to do is panic.. if you're finding study tough and overwhelming, refer back to the previous steps! Make sure you have all equipment and some water on the big day and get a good sleep! Keep Smiling! Its my friends birthday today and I bought her this...

So, I know its been a bit of a boring and lecture-y blog today, but writers tend to write about their experiences I guess.. Haha. As always, comments much appreciated and let me know if you have any ideas for the next blog.. I'll try and make it a bit more up-beat! For now, I'll leave you with a wee pic I found which is pretty deep and puts the matter of school exams into perspective a bit! :

Catriona xxx

Best bits of 2013!

When the bells struck 12 on New Years Eve, I was sat around the television with my parents, my younger sister and my Gran. In the days and weeks that have passed since, countless people have mentioned to me (or within my hearing) something to do with New Years resolutions. Making resolutions wasn't something I had consciously considered. Nor something that, ordinarily, I would consider appropriate to share. But over the past few days I've realised that there are 3 sort-of-resolutions that are important to me in 2014:

• Make more effort to get on well with my loved ones
• Keep my lifestyle as healthy as possible (i.e. more exercise and less unhealthy food!)
• Write more

It's the third resolution that reminded me of the fact that I can blog here, it costs me nothing, and whether it is read or not it is writing practice.

I've spent the last few weeks of 2013/ 2014 so far in utter amazement about how quickly 2013 passed. I don't know if was the stress of exams what, but it felt as though the year flew by. For that reason (though its well into 2014 now!) I am going to steal (borrow?!) an idea for this first proper post from my lovely penpal (and good friend!) Holly, who already has a brilliant blog so please have a read of it http://hollymaae.blogspot.co.uk/  

 

2013... the best bits!

Here are some of my 2013 highlights (in no specific order) .. my way of telling you a bit about me!

TURNING 16

2013 was the year of turning 16 in my friendship group and it was my turn on January 15th! I didn't have a big party, but I did  have some friends over and we had a great pizza&movie night (picture on the right). I also got some wonderful presents. The picture below of me and my friends at my friend Niamh's 16th birthday BBQ in July, another really special night with my friends.

 PARIS

For my 16th birthday, my parents bought me a trip to Paris with my mum. This is NOT my usual kind of birthday present!! But my mum saw it as a kind of tradition, as she went abroad with her sister when she was 16. We had the most amazing weekend. Paris is just the most beautiful city ever and I really really hope to return one day....

 CONCERTS

I was lucky enough to see both The Script and Jessie J live in concert this year!!!! The Script are favourite band and so it was an unbelievable night, probably one of the best nights of my life so far! And Jessie J was phenomenal and put on an amazing show! I also went to 'Tartan Gig' in Glasgow with Rangers and saw Amy Macdonald (Love her!), Gabrielle Aplin, Little Mix, Connor Maynard and many more. Here is a photo of one of my best friends, Rachael, and I before Tartan Gig 2013.

GOING 'HOME'

In the Easter holidays, I was lucky enough to get pay a visit to Wigan in Greater Manchester, where I lived for 6 years. I've moved around a wee bit and, though I consider myself Scottish through-and-through, Wigan was my childhood home and I often miss it. It was really cool as I got to meet up with two of my best Primary school friends too, Caitlin and Ella.

WORK EXPRIENCE

When my exams were all over in June, I spent 4 days on a work experience placement and 'The Press & Journal' Newspaper in Aberdeen. It was a dream come true (sorry to be so cliché!). I literally had a wonderful time: I got to write lots, have my features published, sit in on and carry out interviews and attend press calls! It made me realise that my goal of becoming a Journalist really is the career path I want to follow, and I hope I can find myself similar experiences this year!

 

MUSIC

I spent a good part of 2013 advancing with violin piano. I'm continuing to enjoy extra-curricular music groups, though I no longer take music as a school subject. I was over the moon to find out that I was successful in my audition for Aberdeenshire Youth orchestra, and look forward to rehearsing with them next month. I have been particularly enjoying traditional music throughout 2013, having participated in Aberdeen International Youth Festival's Ceol Mor trad band in August, and joining the North East Folk Collective, with whom I've had the opportunity to play numerous gigs including at the BBC Alba Trad Awards in December.... We ended up on TV on Boxing day and I even got a couple of close-ups! Haha!

NEFC @ the BBC Alba Trad Awards


 

EXAMS

This might seem a queer thing to put in my 2013 highlights! But 2013 was the year of my first official exams and, though the revision and sitting the actual exams were far from fun, receiving my results in August out a smile on my face. With 8 grade 1s (top grade) in Maths, English, Physics, Music, French, German, History and Modern Studies, its an understatement to say I was chuffed. Pressure on for my Highers this year....

FAMILY TIMES



My parents and sister on a walk in Ireland
 

My mum's family is Irish, and so is extremely large! I love going to Ireland and also spending time with relatives.. in summer 2013, my family and I spent a lovely holiday in Donegal, Ireland. In October, we celebrated my the 80th birthdays of both my Grandma and Grandad by going away with them, my dad's brothers and their families, for a weekend which was really nice. Then, in November, my mum's cousin got married in Glasgow, which was a lovely day and a great opportunity to see family.

My family and I before my cousin's wedding!


 

DAD'S 50TH

In December, my dad turned 50! We went out for a meal at Jamie's Italian Restaurant to celebrate. We also went to London in the October holidays, in the hope that my dad would see his football team (Arsenal!) at their home stadium. unfortunately, it didn't work out, but we did get to go on tours of the Harry Potter Studios and Wimbledon!!

My sister, Aoife, and I at our dad's birthday meal.

The family at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, London


 

All in all, it's been an amazing year, even if it went by way too fast!! I feel so lucky to have had so many great opportunities during 2013 and I hope 2014 brings many more.


I also hope anyone reading this now knows a bit more about me! xx





3rd time lucky...

So, this is my third attempt at blog writing. But I intend to keep trying until I get into the habit of posting regularly. I don't keep a diary and  I hardly have the time these days to write fiction. Most of my writing time is spent writing essays or notes for school. It's still writing, but it doesn't always allow me to write about what I want. I claim to want to pursue a career in writing, and I intend on starting by practicing.


I haven't thought of a particular theme for my blog. I will try to, as this would probably help me to have the inspiration I need for regular posts. But for now I will pick different things to post about each time!

I have no idea if anyone will read this, but if not no harm's been done! Thank you if you are reading. As I continue with my blogging, please feel free to comment on the things I write, or suggest blog ideas.

Here's to a happy, successful & creative 2014.

Catriona xxx