2fm's Exam Series
If you’re doing exams this year, 2fm is the only place to be.

Countdown to 906 with Paddy McKenna, is on air every evening between 6 and 7pm on 2fm. They will have full analysis of this year’s subjects from a panel of experts, plus tips on how to survive the next few weeks. What do eat? How to manage your time? Even how to relax.

On Tuesday Jim Lusby will be in to talk English while Sandra Cleary will give her advice on Home Economics. There will also be an item on dealing with sress with Dr Ian Gargan. On Wednesday Jim Lusby will be back in to discuss the English paper. Sean de Lap will be in for History and Ann Marie Toomey will give advice on Engineering. Thursday will see Jim Lusby review the second English paper while Michael Doran has Geography advice and John Brennan will discuss maths. Michael Doran will review Geography while John Brennan will discuss Maths and Clare Grealy will give Irish tips.Text the show on 51552 with your exam questions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1850-715-922, weeknights from 6pm only on 2FM.

Top Tips for Exam Success
Start study sessions with your favourite subject to get you to sit at the desk.... and then go to your least favourite and over and back working your way through your syllabus. Devote 30 mins per subject - refresh, renew, repeat. First 5 minutes refresh your memory by writing key words, phrases etc for the section you are going to focus on that night 20 minutes on that section - renewing your info final 5 minutes.... write key words, phrases etc...repeat. Also - SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE ... pick a time every night that you and your friends switch on (30 mins or so) so that you can all text each other around the same time - it's very distracting so you have to control your use.

Exam Hall Prep
In terms of last minute revision for any of the subjects make sure you are looking at not just past exam paper questions but the marking scheme of the exams themselves. The Leaving Cert isn’t about how much you know – it is about maximising your grade. If you haven’t done it already make sure you get your internal clock in order starting tonight. During the exams you have to get up early and go to bed early. Start tonight – go to bed early! In the exam hall there is no restriction on the number of biros or pens or bottles of water you can bring in. You cant bring in items which will interfere with other students – crisps, popcorn (chocolate is okay). This is a place of focus. Spend up to 15 minutes at the start of an exam constructively planning your exam. A good plan here can save time later when you’re stuck for time and trying to think on your feet.

Food
Eating regular meals can really help you to concentrate and study well. By keeping your energy levels stable, you can cut down your visits to the vending machine and the temptation to snack on sugary foods throughout the day. Iron and B vitamins are especially important for the physical and mental energy you need to study well. Iron-containing foods include lean red meat, eggs and green vegetables. Foods that contain B vitamins include fortified breakfast cereals, whole-grains and nuts.

Dietary supplements can boost your intakes of nutrients but they wont make up for poor meal choices. An orange contains not only Vitamin C, but fibre, phyto-chemicals, beta carotene and certain minerals — so it can’t be replaced by your favourite chewable vitamin C supplement. When you’re heading for the book, take apples, Clementines, carrot sticks and hummus or dried apricots. Smart snacking can enhance studying.

Breakfast like a King! The idea is to get some protein and calcium from milk/yoghurt, a slow release carbohydrate cereal topped with a banana for fibre and vitamins. When you have a bit more time enjoy some scrambled or poached eggs, or beans on wholemeal toast.

Stay well hydrated. Since too much caffeine can make you jittery, try to drink a minimum amount of coffee and other caffeine containing drinks. Include more water, and some fruit juice, milk, and anti-oxidant-rich green tea or herbal teas which can help you relax and sleep well later in the evenings.

FAQ's
Where can I find the exam timetable? Log on to www.examinations.ie for all the details.

What time should I arrive to the examination centre at? On the first day you should arrive at least 20 mins to 30 mins before the exam to familiarise yourself with the set up. After that 10 to 15 minutes in advance should be fine.

What can I bring into the examination hall with me? You can bring whatever supplies you need from pens, rulers, calculator* to bottles of water. Some students bring in a snack like a bar of chocolate for energy during the exam and that is fine too. (*check the make and model of calculator – more information below) HOWEVER YOU ARE NOT ACTUALLY MOVING IN TO LIVE HERE SO KEEP PERSONAL MEMENTOES TO A MINIMUM

What kind of calculator can I bring in with me? The guideline is that only non programmable calculators are allowed in the exam hall. You are strongly advised to be very familiar with your calculator beforehand and don’t borrow one that you are unfamiliar with going into the exam. Remember that the calculator knows all about ‘bomdas’ so be careful when dealing with fractions and questions where there is a mixture of ‘plus signs’ and / or multiplication and division. You must write the make and model of your calculator on your paper.

Can I bring a log book? No. Mathemetical table books containing the formulae will be supplied, as will graph paper.

Can I switch from honours to pass on the day of the exam? Junior Cert students cannot. Leaving cert students can switch but the advice is that if you have prepared for one level don’t suddenly change on the morning of the exam because you may not be familiar with the structure of the new paper and the questions that will be asked.

What if I feel sick on the day of an exam? If you feel sick or unwell on the morning of the exam try to present yourself to the exam centre in advance to the exam and speak to the invigilator. They may be able to make some local arrangement that will allow you to start later that morning to give you some recovery time. You may be handed over to the care of the principal until you enter the exam hall so that there is no break in the integrity of the examination system i.e. you are under the invigilator’s control from the time the paper is issued whether or not you are in the exam hall or recovering in a separate room NB If you do not turn up to the exam centre there is nothing they can do for you. You will have to repeat the exam the following year.