Students who have already achieved a grade 3 GCSE in maths or English in year 11 are currently required, as a condition of funding, to re-sit GCSE in post-16 education. That is roughly 190,000 students. These students have already achieved a grade 3 and the 5Rs is intended as a revision programme. It comprises three, ten week terms to reflect the average academic year. The focus within this programme is on the key topics that will help students achieve a grade 4 or better, or push them above the threshold in this GCSE. It builds upon the body of knowledge that students start off with but does not attempt to cover the whole specification content.
The 5Rs outlines revision routines to be employed within the classroom as well as encouraging independent self-study. Outcomes for re-sit students are historically low. One factor is that students do not engage with a re-sit course, even though it may be their only realistic second chance to achieve. Hence, taking a different approach and engaging students is a key aspect of the 5Rs.
The 5Rs is based upon a clear systematic approach for each session. The emphasis within each session is on the following:
- Recall the facts; the underpinning skills in English to be learned and recalled
- Routine English skills that need to be revisited regularly through spaced and interleaved practice
- Revise the key topics that determine success in exams at this level
- Repeat the revised content to become competent in the techniques
- Ready for the exam - focus upon exam technique and past/practice papers
Recall - a fast and furious starter section
Quick activities that cover the skills and knowledge required. For example, language techniques, structure, viewpoint, show not tell. Interleaved throughout are activities to build spelling confidence.
Routine - a regular mix up of different topics
These activities take longer and can be used for weekly independent study outside of the classroom. It is suggested that teachers follow up in the lesson.
Revise - a specific topic
This is a mix of BBC Bitesize activities, quizzes, and short films.
Repeat - the topic with exam question focus
These are shorter activities that build on and reinforce the skills covered in the routine section.
Ready - for the exam with good exam technique
This provides hints and tips for the exam, including Mr Bruff clips to build confidence and prepare learners for exams.
In effect, post-16 education relies upon 30 weeks of face-to-face supported revision. Students are familiar with the types of questions and the assessment objectives. The skill of the tutor will be to find out what a student can do and keep reinforcing this through a variety of short, varied activities