The mocks are on the way and your probably starting to feel some pressure. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the mocks. 

1. Nobody remembers what they got in their mocks. They are NOT the real exam. The mocks are actually helpful because they let you see where you are actually at. They will also hopefully help with the stress and pressure of doing the real exam. There is still a long way to go until the real deal and a huge amount of work can be done in that time. So regardless if you’re happy or not with your results, continue to build and work hard to improve.
2. Do not cheat. There is only a few variations of each subjects mocks papers. It is easy enough to find out what came up on other papers. You are only cheating yourself and it won’t actually help you assess where you are at. Trust yourself and the work you have done. Remember, they are not the real exam.
3. Mock preparation is not just about quantity but quality. Find a study area that works for you. Start with the hardest task and get it out of the way. Make sure to take breaks to keep yourself refreshed. Find what works for you and stick to it.
4. Use the weekends for extra revision. During the week can be pretty hectic with school, grinds etc. Use your weekends to help build on the work covered throughout the week and take that next step.
5. Make sure to relax but also exercise. Go for a walk, run, the gym or whatever it is you like to do. It will be good for both your mental and physical health. 

The mocks will show you two things when they are done.

1. How good / bad your revision is.
2. Your exam timing. 

It’s never too late to get the work done. Some students write themselves off which they never should. Believe in yourself and the work that can be done. The mocks will highlight issues which you can work around. Typically there is 3 main issues that the mocks will highlight.

1. You are not finished the course. Hopefully come the real deal this won’t be an issue. Ask your teacher when they think they will have the course done and when revision will start. If you don’t think revision will be done in school then you will need to start yourself. If it is an option then maybe consider grinds in any subjects you find difficult. Also ask in school for any other ways of getting extra help, you never know.
2. Your revision needs work. The mocks will be more difficult than other exams due to the amount of topics. It will highlight how well you have actually revised and where you can improve. 
3. Time management. You probably aren’t used to sitting down for so long in one go. You need to be aware of the time in the exam, so you can manage it well and make sure you get all questions answered. Make sure you spend appropriate amounts of time on the question. For example, short questions need less time than long ones. Don’t get caught up on one question for half the exam. 

Let’s look at the maths course in particular. 

Leaving cert

2 papers both are 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

There are 2 sections.

• Section A has 6 questions each worth 30 marks you need to do 5 questions.
• Section B is worth 150 marks. There are 4 questions and you must do 3. 

Topics

Paper 1

• Algebra (including indices and logs (higher))
• Functions
• Differentiation Statistics
• Integration (higher only)
• Complex Numbers
• Sequence and Series
• Financial Maths
• Proof by Induction (higher only)
• Area and Volume

Paper 2

• Trigonometry
• Probability
• Line
• Circle
• Geometry and enlargements

The key topics on paper 1 are Algebra, function and Calculus.

Key paper 2 are Trigonometry and Probability and Statistics.

 

Junior Cert

You have 2 hours to do 14 questions. The real problem is that you need to do the whole course. Stick to the time given on the paper.

Summary 

• Don’t get stressed 
• Don’t cheat
• Don’t over do it with study
• Do your best and build on your mocks