Today´s research shows that retrieval of memory produces a better long-term retention of material than simple restudy of material (rereading notes or highlighting information). For this reason, I have been using it in my classroom to help my students perform better in examinations (I teach A level and GCSE classes). Retrieval practice helps my students recall information they have learned, but more importantly, it highlights material that they have not learned well or have not understood. Retrieval practice is easy to implement in the classroom, and it can be presented in many forms from a simple question and answer session, a quiz or a brain dump. I have spent the last two years working on different resources so students are not bored with the activity. It also sets a bit more of a challenge. When using these resources, I frequently use them as again a month or two after completing a topic as this spacing ensures material is not being “forgotten”. My students see the benefit of this, especially as we have exams in January and May so it keeps the content fresh. Resources in this pack: Links activity - students must find a connection between the two words in a grid. This isn´t always easy to do and it helps students really think about the topic they are studying. Graffiti wall - similar to the links activity. Students draw a line between 2 words. On the line, they explain the link. Cops vs Robber - one of my favourites. Students write down what they remember about a topic (brain dump) in the cops section. They can then write down facts stolen from a neighbour in the robber section. This activity is great for weaker students who cannot remember a lot of facts but also helps highlight what they need to now focus on. The Big Picture - an activity for the end of a unit (great revision before a test). Students are given an image which links to what they have studied with some keywords. They must explain the image using their knowledge.

A pack of 7 worksheets to work through during tutor time to welcome students back to school. There is a mix of activities to allow integration with other students and a personal reflection of targets. Reach for the stars. A target-setting activity for students at the beginning of the school year. I try and get students to make at least one academic target e.g. increase my grade in maths. This is a great way to get to know a little about students’ interests e.g. score a goal for my football team this year; obtain a yellow belt in karate. Students need to reflect on how they will achieve this goal and set targets. Pat on the back A nice way to get students to feel valued in their tutor group. Students stick a hand on their back and as they walk around the room, students write something positive about the student e.g Lisa is always polite to me. Find someone who … This is an activity where students wander the room to find someone who has completed one of the tasks during their summer holiday e.g. reading a book. It generates conversation amongst the group regarding what they have done over the holiday. Make a meme A series of images where students can think of something funny to write underneath. Make sure you set ground rules about what is acceptable! My students love this activity and sharing their comments.

A PDF worksheet with exam-style questions on dendrochronology and how it can be used to examine past climate. Useful for formative assessment or as an independent learning task. Markscheme included.

A PDF worksheet on the greenhouse effect focusing on key terms weather, climate change and global warming. Suitable for independent learning activity or formative assessment. Markscheme included

A PDF worksheet focusing on the IPCC report and the predicted effects of global warming. Students link the effects of GW to the rising global temperatures. The exam questions focus on the increase in enzyme reactions due to temperature increases. Also, reptile sex and temperature. Suitable for formative assessment or an independent learning activity.

A PDF file focusing on carbon dioxide and temperature increase and whether there is a causation relationship. Exam-style questions based on the analysis of graphical evidence. This supports the A-level specification. Answer sheet included. Great for an independent learning task.

A PDF worksheet focusing on biotic and abiotic factors which affect an ecosystem. These are exam-style questions to check understanding. Useful as a formative assessment or independent learning activity. Answer sheet included.

A PDF worksheet with exam-style questions focusing on productivity, including units and calculations. Answer sheet included. Formative assessment or independent learning task.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the concepts of density-dependent and density-independent factors that can affect an ecosystem. It also focuses on inter and intra-specific competition. Answer sheet included. A useful addition to a lesson, independent learning task or formative assessment.

A level Biology / higher GCSE A PDF worksheet on the carbon cycle, focusing on the different processes that occur within the cycle. There are also exam questions focusing on the idea of carbon sinks and how the carbon is recycled. Suitable for an independent learning activity or to complement a teaching lesson. Answer sheet included.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the photosynthesizing experiment using colored filters and an aquatic plant. This is featured in many different exams. Students answer exam-style questions based on the method and results. Suitable as an independent learning activity after completing the practical.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the separation of pigments using chlorophyll. Students calculate the Rf value for different pigments. There are exam-style questions with answers included. Suitable as an independent learning task.

A PDF worksheet focusing on defining the keywords needed for the ecology unit - niche, community, population, and habitat. Useful as an independent learning task where students can use books/internet to find the answers. Answer sheet included.

A PDF worksheet with the experiment of varying concentrations of sodium chloride and onion cells. Exam-style questions focusing on variables, graph skills and analysis. Answer sheet included. Useful as a formative assessment task.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the light independent reaction of photosynthesis. Students learn to recognise the diagram and explain what is occurring at each stage with focused exam-style questions. Answer sheet included.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the light independent reaction of photosynthesis. Students learn to recognise the diagram as they label key structures. They also describe what is occurring at each stage with focused exam-style questions. Answer sheet included.

A pdf worksheet focusing on the cascade of events which leads to the formation of fibrin. There are a series of exam-style questions to check understanding. Can be used in addition to class notes or as a formative assessment. Answer sheet included.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the A level Biology content for photosynthesis. The worksheet features the chloroplast to label and describe the role of the structures; the pigments found in chlorophyll; the absorption spectrum; Engelmann´s experiment regarding the action spectrum. Useful for class notes or as a formative assessment. Markscheme included.

A PDF worksheet which focuses on the structure and function of bloode vessels. Students can label the diagram and answer exam-style questions related to the topic. Can be used as a independent learning task or for a formative assessment. Suitable for A level or higher GCSE. Answer sheet included.