S-cool Revision Newsletter
Get inspired for revision this half-term with the latest Star Trek movie
Time to get inspired for exams? This week S-cool brings you expert revision know-how, teamed with the latest Star Trek film and the chance to win an Xbox live Star Trek game.
It's easy enough to forget the point of all this studying, so check out our top tips on getting in gear and find the inspiration to ace those grades.
Make the most of your revision! Plan before you take the plunge into your notes this half-term, with top class S-cool advice on the best ways of revising.
While you've all had your heads down, S-cool have been trotting off to the celebrity-fest that was the Star Trek premiere. If you've ever wondered what grades you need to qualify as Captain of Starship Enterprise, then take a look at our Star Trek press day report.
And don't forget to enter our competition where the winner will receive a free copy of the new Star Trek D-A-C game available on Xbox Live Arcade.
Ever wondered just what is required to captain the Starship Enterprise? What qualifications give James T. Kirk the right to be the swaggering Captain of Starfleet's pride and joy? S-cool went to investigate at the glittering UK premiere in London... and here's what we made of it.
The new Star Trek film, released on 8th May, will thrust you into the early years of Kirk and his reluctant Vulcan best mate Spock as they climb the ranks of the Starfleet Academy, gaining the training and experience they need to fulfil their destinies.
Following these very different young heroes from birth, Star Trek shows how Kirk and Spock learn the hard way how to make it in Starfleet, a sort of intergalactic peacekeeping team, and how to work together to save an Earth under attack from a dangerous Romulan. We see them climb the ranks of the Starfleet Academy as they make difficult choices about their futures and battle courageously with their problems. But is it any good?
JJ Abrams (director of the TV series Lost) takes a humourous and playful approach to the Star Trek world. It's funny, and almost silly in places, but the drama of the situation keeps you constantly wanting to find out what happens next. There's plenty of action and special effects to keep those adrenaline junkies entertained, and Simon Pegg - a.k.a the guy from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz - makes for a hilarious Scotty, the ship's genius Scottish engineer.
Don't worry if you're not a fan of the original Star Trek series or if you've never seen it - you don't need a degree in Vulcan mythology to book your ticket and won't be grilled about Romulan history at any point during the film. Even those of you who would rather eat four bricks than sit through an entire episode of the 70's series may find yourself entertained by the blossoming friendship of Spock and Kirk. The director JJ Abrams wasn't even a fan of the original series when he took the project on!
Of course, S-cool was also there at the star-studded press conference on the day of the UK Premiere in London. All the lead members of the cast were present, and S-cool was served some seriously posh sandwiches with the crusts cut off at Claridges in Mayfair!
When we asked Karl Urban, star of Lord of the Rings, if he had any tips for the aspiring actors amongst you, he jumped at the chance to answer: "Invest in your craft", he enthused. "Take lessons; spend time studying your field, and take inspiration from everywhere. And most importantly..." he dramatically finished with, "don't give up!"
If you are interested in going to premieres with S-cool, experiencing the press life and writing on behalf of S-cool, send us an email at info@s-cool.co.uk with the title "S-press Reporter".
Get Inspired to Revise
We all have those times when we can't remember what the point is. So here are a few signposts to keep you cruising down that dusty road of revision and through the muddy motorway called exams:
You need grades for jobs and university (is that blah, blah, blah we hear?!):
Ok, so this is the obvious bit, but it's something you shouldn't lose sight of as you sit through the grind of revision. Making your grades gives you a foot up onto taking the next step, whether this includes A-levels, apprenticeships or university. Your future is in your very capable hands. And even if further education isn't your scene, remember that most employers will want five GCSE A*-C grades including Maths and English as a minimum.
Grades beat new hair-dos in boosting confidence:
Everyone (including us!) seems to be telling you that you need to make the grade to get into uni, or to get that career you want. But there are still other reasons for earning those GSCEs and A-levels. Qualifications will make you a more confident, happy person - it's official. A study from the learning and skills council has shown that passing exams has a much more positive and long-term impact on confidence than losing weight or getting a spanking new look. The pen is mightier than the lipstick!
That beautiful last resort called re-sits:
The pressure is on indeed, but this isn't the be all and end all, thanks to the existence of re-sits for the units you flop. But don't think this is an easy way out - you'll only have to revise all over again on top of a great load of other stuff you'll have on next year. Be cautious!
Think of the long, hot summer:
The forecast is for a scorching summer and we're already planning our holidays and festivals, as well as fantasising about days on end in sunny parks. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel - bear it in mind as you trudge through the next month. And don't forget to keep looking on the S-cool site to find out our favourite ways of spending the precious summer.
Gear Up for Revision
As if we even need to tell you, summer exams - those brutal, menacing, nauseating activities on which so much depends - are looming ever closer. Instead of spending your time sick with worry and/or devising a future constitution which bans exams by law, you might want to take a look at a few tips we have wacked together to help the old revision run slickly. Remember: proper revision prep is the first step in getting those winner grades.
Getting Started
How do you plan something as mammoth as revision?
- Prioritise your work: There's only so much info you can learn in a short space of time and little will come from trying to learn it all at once. Which topics are most important? What do you need to brush up on the most, or even learn from scratch? Prioritise these in your revision plan.
- Mix it up: Trying to revise an entire Maths unit in one go would be tiresome, dull, and ineffective. Mix up the topics you want to cover each day - the variety will keep you on the ball and maximise your learning.
- Write a revision timetable: These are the holy grail of revision planning. They allow you to pace yourself realistically, making sure you are using your time as best you can, and reward yourself for the ground you cover each day.
- Tailor your revision experience:Whether it's relaxing music, a quiet coffee shop, or simply a packet of Hobnobs - you know what helps you concentrate and get on with the job.
Get On With It
- Mix and match your methods: Simply reading through old notes is unlikely to help you remember much. Make lists of key points, do diagrams and mind-maps, test yourself as you go along, or even recite your learning to a recorder if you have one.
- Look at past papers: Talk to your teacher about how to get hold of these as they will help you get to grips with the format, style, and kinds of questions on an exam paper.
- Revise with a friend: Revision doesn't have to be entirely solo - sharing your knowledge with a friend and testing each other can do wonders for your revision.
- Banish those distractions: Need we say it, the TV, mobiles and internet should be switched off and any games consoles should be buried six feet under (or just kept out of sight). These things are for breaks only!
Don't forget...
Look after yourself: Eating well, drinking plenty of water, and making you sure you stretch your legs for an hour is vital if you want to be at your best for learning.
Take breaks: Most people stop paying attention after 50 minutes, so make sure you have a short break every hour, even if it's just a quick cuppa, and take long breaks every few hours. Try and get out of the house/library and do something different, preferably something active, in your breaks.
Why not take your mind of things with S-cool's Take a Break area for games, music and videos?
Hope we've been of some use, and the best of luck!
Competition - Star Trek D-A-C
STARFLEET WANTS YOU! STAR TREK®: D-A-C FROM PARAMOUNT DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT - COMING SOON TO XBOX LIVE® ARCADE, PLAYSTATION® NETWORK AND WINDOWS PC
Players Battle for Space Supremacy at the Helm of the Starships, Including the New U.S.S. EnterpriseTM from the Highly Anticipated "Star Trek" Motion Picture
We have a two free copies of the new game Star Trek D-A-C, available on Xbox Live Arcade, to give away!
To enter simply email competition@s-cool.co.uk with the subject of "Star Trek" for your chance to win!
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