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The Cambridge AICE Program at St. Augustine High School Cambridge International Fellowship Centre A FEW Study Tips 1.      Get organized!  It’s hard to study when you can’t find your study guide.  Put everything in your notebook in order and punch holes in handouts so you won’t lose them. 2.      Do your homework:  the only reason homework is assigned is to help you understand the material and prepare you for the test.  Ignoring your homework or not doing it thoroughly will hurt you when the test comes. 3.      Use your notes! Your teachers give you notes for a reason.  They often have answers to your study guides.  Look at your notes and assignments FIRST, then turn to your book for answers. 4.      Review every night: Take 5-10 minutes to read over your notes EVERY NIGHT.  Highlight anything you don’t understand and ask about it in the morning.  Write 1-2 sentences summarizing the main idea of the notes. 5.      Ask for help:  ask Ms. Babineau questions during class, ask to come in before or after school, or ask about the AICE tutors: students who have already had this class and are happy to help you get through.  Also - contact Ms. Bechtle (bechtld@stjohns.k12.fl.us) for a list of AICE student volunteer tutors in any subject! 6.      Come to study sessions:  if Ms. B doesn’t propose a study session then ask her if one can be organized. 7.      Memorize it!  Studies show that you need to see something 6 times in order to remember it. 8.      Reward yourself:  give yourself study breaks and treats to help you stay focused and unstressed. 9.      Understand it:  THIS IS A BIGGIE!!  Many students got As in middle school by simply memorizing.  In high school we use more critical thinking; that means you need to make sure you actually understand the material as opposed to being able to just spit back the notes.  Try the following to check your understanding of concepts, vocabulary, etc.: a.      Draw it. b.      Come up with examples and non-examples (What is it like; what’s the opposite of it?) c.      What does it make you think of? d.      What is it composed of (this could be root words that show the meaning or ideas that contributed to a theory, etc) e.      Argue for or against it. f.      Create your own way to analyze the information. FACTS.org Now is a great time to establish your login and password on the FACTS.org website.  When you fill out the demographic information, you will be asked for your "florida identifier", which is your social security number with an "X" after it.   Once you're in, you'll be AMAZED at the information you have access to!  You can view your grades for every high school course you've ever taken, and even compare your transcript with the Bright Futures Scholarship Eligiblity.  This will show you what requirements you've completed & what ones are missing.  You'll also be able to view your Bright Futures GPA (which is different from the GPA on your report card!) to see how close you are to qualifying for money for college!  You'll also be able to view your GPA for the State University System requirements and make sure you're on track for college entrance eligibility. The folowing websites were developed in England as a resource for Pre-AICE and AICE students and teachers.  They offer a great tool for clarifying concepts and as an additional study guide. www.s-cool.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru www.cambridgestudents.org.uk College Entrance Exams Even though this is the "sophomore" letter, I encourage all students & parents to look at the information available via collegeboard.com.  Have your student try the "question of the day", search for the right major, etc.  My standard advice is for students to study 15-20 minutes per night for 30 days prior to taking the SAT or ACT.   ACT has study help as well - at ACT.org, or ACTstudent.org...  All juniors should have at least one score - but preferably one SAT and one ACT before the end of this year.  There's one more of each still available - so if your junior student hasn't taken them yet - GO ONLINE AND REGISTER NOW!!!     In the fall, as a senior, test scores are required to be able to submit a complete college application package.  Some deadlines are as early as Oct. 15th, so there is not enough time to wait & take the SAT or ACT next fall, and have a score available by the deadline.  And students should consider taking a subject area test if they are currently taking an AICE or AP course that corresponds to a subject area test.  That way the information is fresh!     LearningExpress Library! Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library's resources will help you succeed. Each of our Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you. http://www.learnatest.com/lel/ Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits By BENEDICT CAREY If you can take the time to read this - it's got a LOT of great information about study skills, and what we have always THOUGHT was the best way to study and learn.  It could be very helpful if students take a look at the suggestions the research proves are the most effective. NYTimesStudy.pdf                                  Cambridge AICE Counselor Dena Bechtle   (904) 547-8533 bechtld@stjohns.k12.fl.us