Taking notes serves one simple purpose: to help you remember information. That's really it, but with so many different methods of note-taking out there it's good to find what works for you on different projects. So, if you're a little lost for a place to start take a look at some of the techniques below.
Plagiarism is defined as taking someone else's words and presenting them as your own. This is easily done if you have not tried to use your own words, and instead have just cut and pasted information from the internet without referencing the source and using quotation marks.
Plagiarism is taken very seriously at Kellett.
For more information on plagiarism and how to avoid it please take a look at plagiarism.org and remember to use the Study Skills Handbook for help and guidance.
In your studies it will be tempting to use other's work, whether that be using a piece of music in a video you have made, inserting a picture into your presentation you want to use, or photocopying a book or textbook. However, copying others work without permission is against copyright laws.
You can always read the school policy on copyright, but in brief, at school when you want to use a piece of music for use in video, or insert an image or picture into your presentation it is important to make sure:
1. you are allowed to use the music or image and make sure you acknowledge where it is from,
OR
2. use " copyright free" by searching for copyright free images on google.com advanced search.
1. Short bursts of revision (30‑40 minutes) are most effective. Your concentration lapses after about an hour and you need to take a short break (5‑10 minutes).
2. Find a quiet place to revise ‑ your bedroom, school, the library ‑ and refuse to be interrupted or distracted.
3. Make sure you don't just revise the subjects and topics you like. Work on your weaker ones as well.
4. Make your own revision notes because you will remember what you have written down more easily. Stick key notes to cupboards or doors so you see them everyday.
5. Rewrite the key points of your revision notes; read them out loud to yourself. We remember more than twice as much of what we say aloud than of what we merely read.
6. Use different techniques. Make your own learning maps, use post‑it notes to write key words on, create flash cards. Record your notes and listen to them. Ask friends and family to test you. Use highlighter pens to mark important points. Chant or make up a rap song.
7. Practise on past exam papers or revision tests available on the web Initially do one section at a time and progress to doing an entire paper against the clock.
8. You will need help at some stage, ask parents, older brothers and sisters, teachers or friends. If there is a teacher with whom you get on well at school ask for their e‑mail address so you can clarify points you are unsure of whilst on study leave. Use websites specifically designed for revision.
9. Don't get stressed out! Eat properly and get lots of sleep! 10. Believe in yourself and be positive. If you think you can succeed you will; if you convince yourself that you will fail, that's what will probably happen.
Remember we have books in the library to help you with your revision.