Paul Connor
@checkmatetrain
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Law Lecturer/Writer for Oxford University Press. I use X to: Educate; Motivate; or Inform. I only post about matters relating to police exams & the law.
Warwickshire
Joined November 2015
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Last Seen Profiles
NEVER...EVER...STOP
It took me 3 times to get into the police.
It took me 3 times to get into CID.
It took me 3 times to get into CID Training.
If I gave up every time I got knocked back by dickheads I wouldn't be where I am today.
Refuse to be defeated - eventually you win.
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'DO YOU HAVE A NEW SGT 2020 STUDY GUIDE?'
I have created a new SGT Study Guide based on a 90-day study period.
As soon as the date for the rescheduled SGT exam is known I will release it.
IT WILL BE FREE TO ALL.
Please R/T.
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I'LL RESTART MY QUESTIONS ON TUESDAY
I know we have no idea about a rescheduled SGT date but perhaps a little exercise for the brain via a gentle MCQ might keep things ticking over?
I hope this is OK with you?
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SGT STUDY GUIDE - RELEASED MONDAY 15th JUNE.
I need to reconsider some elements of the new Study Guide in light on the date of the rescheduled exam (& other factors).
Rather than rush into the release of an ill-conceived plan today, I'll consider the issues over this weekend.
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GOOD NEWS!
SGT & INSP candidates taking the 2020 exam will NOT be examined on:
Chapter 4.1 Complaints and Misconduct.
Chapter 4.2 Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance.
Quite right to!
GPD just got 50 pages shorter!
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2020 SGT CANDIDATES
This has been an incredible journey.
You have worked so hard to get here.
I sincerely hope that your efforts generate the result you richly deserve and I wish you all the very best for the next three days.
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BLACKSTONE'S EXTEND MCQ SUBSCRIPTION - FOR FREE
I'm exceptionally pleased to tell you that Oxford have reacted quickly & positively to assist candidates.
I stress that this will come at NO COST to those who are existing subscribers.
I'm sure you all agree that this is good news!
Due to the postponement of today’s Sergeants Exam (NPPF Level 2), we will be working with the
@CollegeofPolice
to offer extended access to Blackstone’s Policing Online for candidates that are existing subscription holders. More details to follow.
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100%
...I admit it...I never thought I'd see it again!
Only the 2nd time ever a candidate has achieved this mark in the NIE.
A Sussex NIE candidate who attended our 2-day NIE Surrey/Sussex crammer course on 26th & 27th April scored 100%.
Phenomenal.
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....SOMETIME TODAY
The wait will be over.
I wish all 2020 SGT exam candidates the very best.
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If I were able to control the delivery of SGT exam results I'd send an email to the address the candidate provided & tell them they had passed/failed.
It would be sent at the touch of a button & at the same time FOR ALL.
There is no justification for staccato delivery in 2019.
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SGT 2021 CANDIDATES
It's done.
You gave it your best shot & you can ask no more of yourself.
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GREAT RESULT!
A shout out to Ellie Burgess from Humberside Police who attended our 2-day NIE crammer course in Manchester and scored a fabulous 92.8% (5th nationally).
Amazing score and huge congratulations Ellie!
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SGT 2021 RESULTS
...first person who contacts me scored 91%.
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192
FREE SGT EXAM LECTURE - NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW
In just 2 hours I can take you from being an exam hopeful to someone who has a every chance of success because they are properly prepared.
Watch it at a time & place of your choosing.
Please R/T
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UPDATE - EXAMS TO GO ONLINE
CoP have stated that from September onwards exams will be delivered through an online platform enabling officers to take the NIE or SGT/INSP virtually, without the need to sit at a physical exam centre.
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TOMORROW.
I wish everyone who took the March 2023 SGT exam good luck.
Be proud of what you did.
Whatever your best is, it is an 'exceptional' pass.
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WOW (v3)
With those who didn't pass.
Because every single person I've communicated with today who didn't make the grade in 2020 has told me they are going for it in 2021.
Refuse to be defeated and you will eventually win.
Power to you.
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I FAILED.
I failed my 1st SGT exam.
I studied for over 700 hours.
I could recite 100s of definitions (including Acts and Sections).
I did everything I could to pass & I didn't get the result I'd worked so hard for.
I know how it feels right now...don't let it stop you.
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Lucy Chafer (Leicestershire) is one of our candidates - she scored a phenomenal 95.7% in the September NIE.
The CoP have changed the way they present the exam feedback (wonder why?) so we don't know if the officer was top in the country...but what an achievement!
AMAZING!
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If, after doing all that I possibly could to pass, I was told tomorrow that I'd failed, I'd justifiably be as fucked off as a person can be.
...and then I'd begin planning for 2022.
You see, nothing will stop me.......ever.
I mean it.
That is why I will eventually always win.
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SGT CANDIDATES
Many of you are understandably asking 'what next'?
It's too early to say in the long-term - it's an unprecedented situation.
Short-term? I'd step back from the books etc. for a week (I appreciate you may be different).
If I hear anything I'll communicate ASAP.
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A SHORT TWITTER BREAK
I'll be returning to Twitter on Monday 28th December 2020.
Merry Christmas to you all!
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2021 SGT CANDIDATES
I will release the 'SGT 2021 Efficient Revision List' tomorrow.
It lists the chapters that represent the most 'efficient' way of scoring 77+ marks (aiming for 55%).
With just over 2 weeks to go, now is the time to focus on lucrative chapters.
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SGT 2021 CANDIDATES
Over the next 3 days I wish you all the very best.
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THINKING OF QUITTING?
You're tired and pissed off with the whole thing - everyone is.
But don't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by giving up now.
You do know that quitting is illegal don't you?
(Regulation 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986).
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Every single person who ever passed the SGT exam:
1 - Had gaps in their knowledge.
2 - Struggled with some areas of the syllabus.
3 - Answered exam MCQs incorrectly.
As 1, 2 & 3 must apply to you, so must the first line - YOU ARE THE SAME AS EVERY PERSON WHO EVER PASSED THE EXAM.
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2022 SGT CANDIDATES
You gave it your best shot.
Nobody could ask any more of you.
Don't be hard on yourself for being human & making mistakes.
100% is not required!.
Let's wait for the results & see.
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SGT CANDIDATES
Take a deep breath.
Remind yourself that 55% is the target.
I wish you all the very best of luck!
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COMING SOON TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU.
You'll be able to watch my '2022 Sergeants Examination' lecture at your convenience.
Titan Films recorded the lecture 'live' at Austin Court in Birmingham this morning.
I'll let you know how to access this exam preparation video ASAP.
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SGT 2021 CANDIDATES
FACT
Unless you can provide a list with a MINIMUM of 64 MCQs you categorically answered incorrectly then you CANNOT say you have failed.
Please R/T - Please BE POSITIVE - Please HAVE FAITH
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SGT CANDIDATES
You can expect to receive your result by 6th April.
Unless you can list 74+ MCQs you definitely answered incorrectly you can't say 'I have failed'.
Instead, BE PROUD! You did what you could & gave it your best - who could ask for more?
Take a well-earned rest.
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SGT 2021 CANDIDATES
Trust me....right now EVERYONE is feeling like this.
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MARCH 2023 NIE
A candidate who scored 98.57% in the March NIE (69/70 - top mark in the country) attended our West Yorks crammer course.
Phenomenal score - many congratulations!
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SGT 2020
One week before this long journey ends.
I'm in awe of the remarkable dedication you've shown - to continue to work in such challenging & adverse conditions & with the uncertainty that has surrounded the whole process is a phenomenal achievement.
Lets smash it this week.
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MARCH 2021 SGT - EFFICIENT REVISION
From today...
Start at the top.
Work your way down.
Get to the bottom...go back to the top & start again.
READ - REPEAT - READ - REPEAT - READ - REPEAT.
PLEASE R/T.
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Spooky.
What is really odd is that my house is in the background.
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DON'T TALK TO ANYONE OUTSIDE THE EXAM VENUE BEFORE THE EXAM.
There are a serious amount of fuckwits outside the exam venue - if one or more of them finds you then months of hard work can be undone in a few moments by their reckless jibber-jabber.
DON'T ENGAGE - AVOID!
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As a 2020 SGT or INSP candidate, motivating yourself to study/revise right now is undoubtedly the most challenging task any police exam candidate has ever faced.
Which is why rising to that challenge will be the greatest achievement.
KEEP GOING.
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2020 SGT HOT LIST - ASSESSMENT
The 2020 SGT Hot List was the most accurate SGT version I have ever produced.
It identified areas worth 108/140 (77.14%) marks.
You have the Hot List - you have your feedback - compare them - I am telling the truth.
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AND PAUSE.
Tomorrow we will push even harder.
I'll be there every step of the way with you.
I'll be on Twitter;
I'll be answering emails;
I'll speak to you on the phone;
I'll do what I can to help you pass this exam.
I'll be as committed as you are & WILL NOT STOP.
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My experience is that many candidates who invest huge amounts of time, effort & money in the study process fear failure the most as they fear their efforts will not be rewarded - and yet these are the candidates who are the least likely to fail.
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...shall I?
The College has begun the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive.
Find out more:
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2020 SGT CANDIDATES
Never allow the heart to influence choices in the exam.
Be a cold, unemotional law machine.
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FREE STUDY GUIDE - RESCHEDULED 2020 SGT EXAM
If you want a copy of my new Study Guide for the November 2020 SGT exam, send me an Email & ask for it:
paulconnor
@checkmatetraining
.co.uk
It's FREE to all.
Please R/T.
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James Smith (South Yorks Police):
Attended our 3-day SGT course & scored 87%.
Attended our 2-day NIE course & scored 91%.
Attended our 3-day INSP course & scored 93.57%.
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WOW AGAIN
There are some spectacular results out there - proud of you all. Including the Leicestershire officer who attended our course in Derbyshire & scored an amazing 97.14% in the 2020 SGT exam.
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YES/NO + TRUE/FALSE + OTHER 'POLL' MCQs
I know many of you have benefited from participating in the Twitter polls associated with the NIE, SGT & INSP exams.
I'll certainly be asking many more questions in the future!
Questions will resume w/c 25th March 2019.
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Today is an exceptional police exam day.
I imagine that for the first time ever the College of Policing are more nervous about how an exam will go than the candidates who are taking it.
So, I'll add my best wishes for the day to the College of Policing!
@CollegeofPolice
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SGT 2021 CANDIDATES
You're on the final bend & the finish line is just out of view in the mist.
Don't stop now.
Don't walk towards it.
Don't jog towards it.
Sprint.
With every last bit of energy you have.
Be proud to say that you gave it 100%.
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INSP CANDIDATES
I wish you all the very best.
Be a Sandford Superhero today.
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SGT AND INSP EXAM - DATES ANNOUNCED
The INSP exam will be held between 12th and 14 October 2020.
The rescheduled SGT exam will be held between the 9th and 11th November 2020.
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INSP EXAM 2021
To ALL candidates - I sincerely wish you the very best for the exam tomorrow.
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Hi Sarah & all SGT candidates - I will be producing a SGT 'Efficient Revision' list next Monday.
Too many stats about different exams in one day - bad for the eyes & brain?
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2022 SGT CANDIDATES
Lastly...
You have worked extremely hard.
You have the tools to get the job done.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
I sincerely wish you all the very best.
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Julianna & I wish all candidates the very best of luck for their results tomorrow.
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2022 SGT STUDY AND REVISION GUIDE
I will release this on 10th September.
It will be FREE to all candidates.
Advice on resources, 2 x study plans, a revision plan, advice on study methodology and THE 'Hot List' of course!
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FOUR MORE DAYS
The longest journey in the history of police exams is not far from over - but it isn't finished yet.
We are all stir crazy from this experience but this is not the time to stop after so much effort has been invested - KEEP GOING.
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COMING SOON - UPDATED 2021 SGT STUDY GUIDE
I am currently working on this and will Tweet when it is available.
Anyone who has booked a course will automatically be sent the updated version.
It will be FREE and available to all.
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700+ INSP candidates attended our 3-Day Crammer Courses over the last 5 weeks.
Your efforts have been 1st class & there is no doubting your desire to pass.
It has been a privilege to lecture to you
Julianna & I wish you all the very best for Tuesday.
NOW...KEEP GOING.
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I'm sure everyone studying for an exam can relate to this!
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Being told that your attempt at the INSP/SGT/NIE was unsuccessful does not instantaneously make you unfit for purpose as a police officer does it?
You are extremely good at what you do aren't you?
It means that for one reason or another you failed an exam.
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2020 SGT EXAM - CRAMMER COURSE PASS RATE
We emailed the 1050 officers who attended our SGT exam 3-day crammer courses in 2020 asking for their result (pass/fail).
We had 824 responses (a very high response rate of 78%).
751 reported that they passed – a pass rate of 91%.
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FINALLY (DONE MY 12 HOURS WITH YOU)...
There are gaps in you knowledge.
You can't fill them all by Tuesday morning.
All that matters is you pass.
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2020 INSP CANDIDATES
All the very best for today and the next 3 days.
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GREAT MYTHS OF OUR TIME
They get bigger every year!
Thanks to Heather Ansell for sending me this picture that says a 1000 words...or perhaps removes several 1000 words?
2007 on the left - 2021 on the right.
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I've emailed everyone who was on a crammer course to tell them what has happened.
The words I am seeing in response from you on a large scale are 'I am gutted' & 'I understand'.
I can 100% relate to those sentiments.
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EVERYONE NEEDS A BREAK - INCLUDING ME!
I'm taking a few days away from Twitter & the world of police exams to recharge my batteries.
I will be back on 21st June 2021.
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2022 SGT CANDIDATES
If you answered 87+ MCQs correctly you've definitely scored 55% or more – well done!
Can you list the 74+ MCQs you categorically answered incorrectly? If not, you can't state you've failed when there's no evidence to support that claim.
Otherwise - wait & see.
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SGT RESULT OUT THIS THURSDAY
As many of you will have heard from you Force Exam Contact, the results will be released from 0930hrs on Thursday 30th (confirmed by the College of Policing).
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Join me in my crusade to make 'Hedgehog Homicide' a crime. Would you believe that if someone kills a 'wild' hedgehog you can't even do them for criminal damage as 'wild' hedgehogs aren't 'property'? What kind of sick society are we living in?
LIKE THIS POST TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
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In an exam, reduce MCQ dilemma by refusing to allow 'YOU' (the pragmatic & emotional copper) any part in the decision making process.
Instead, let 'SANDFORD' (a machine with no heart) decide.
MCQs are not real life.
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CHRISTMAS TIME OUT
I'll be back on Twitter on 29th December 2021.
My very best wishes to you all.
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Ana Trofimova attended our 2 day NIE Crammer Course & scored 84% in the September NIE. Top mark in Hamps. Ana joined the policing family 1 year ago and English is her 4th language. That is a seriously impressive and spectacular achievement eh?
Pozdravleniya I blagopoluchiye Ana!
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BLACKSTONE'S ONLINE MANUALS AND/OR MCQs
Just had it confirmed that Oxford University Press will be extending FREE access to all existing subscribers taking the rescheduled SGT exam.
Your access will run until 11th November 2020.
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I 'hear' that INSP candidates sitting the exam at the ExCel venue in London have been instructed to take ear defenders with them to combat noise levels. It didn't cross anyone's mind that this suggestion might indicate it's a wholly unsuitable venue for a high stakes exam?
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Q&A WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK
Posing MCQs that may cause doubt & consequently damage morale so close to the SGT exam is not helpful.
However, I promise to piss off a whole new group of candidates with sneaky, devious MCQs from Friday 13th November (a good day to start!).
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SGT 2021 - UPDATED HOT LIST
The 2020 version was extremely accurate so the changes to it are on a small scale - a few additions & deletions.
If you are taking the 2021 SGT exam please email me for the updated version.
paulconnor
@checkmatetraining
.co.uk
FREE TO ALL
Please R/T
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UPDATE - SGT & INSP EXAMS GOING AHEAD
College will consult with forces & staff associations this week with the intention that SGT and INSP exams will be held in Autumn 2020.
Dates to be confirmed by Friday 12th June 2020.
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95.71% (134/140) IN THE MARCH 2024 SGT EXAM
The officer who scored this mark (the TOP mark in the country out of 4268 candidates):
1. Only used my STUDY GUIDE:
2. Chose PLAN B;
2. Solely read the 2024 BLACKSTONE'S POLICE MANUALS;
3. Listened to JULIANNA MITCHELL'S AUDIO USB.
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TWITTER CHRISTMAS BREAK
I'm taking a short break from Twitter but I'll be back on 27th December.
Merry Christmas to you all!
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MY FINAL ADVICE - BE A SANDFORD LAW MACHINE.
No pity.
No morals.
No remorse.
Absolutely NO EMOTION.
Be cold and calculating when answering MCQs.
Humans fail in Sandford.
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96
NO MORE MCQS FROM ME...FOR NOW.
I'm going to throw random Blackstone's material in your direction & hope some of it sticks.
1 mark makes the difference.
6
1
95
When you refuse to be defeated you will eventually win.
Proud of you Dave.
4
0
95
Happy New Year to you all.
I appreciate exams are down the pecking order in the priorities of life but if you are taking one (or more) in 2023, I wish you success.
5
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94
LAST FULL DAY
Give it 100% & read Blackstone's until at least 8pm tonight.
Read as many of the below chapters as you can (you can read them all today!).
Read them in the order they are set out in the table.
FRAUD* - read up to & including 'Obtaining Services' then stop.
34 marks?
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TO ALL OUR SGT CANDIDATES
Thank you for the fantastic effort you made on our 3-day crammer courses.
Julianna & I very much appreciate how hugely demanding it is to maintain concentration during our uber-intense front-loaded sessions.
We sincerely wish you all the best.
10
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SGT CANDIDATES
I don't care how much you've already done.
Push yourself relentlessly for the next 29 days (you work on the morning of the exam).
DO NOT TAKE A DAY OFF.
READ - READ - READ.
HIT THE HOT LIST.
TAKE EVERY CHANCE TO STUDY - 5 MINS = 1 MARK.
DO - NOT - STOP!
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SERGEANTS' EXAM DATES (PLURAL!) 2023
There will be TWO Sergeants' exams in 2023.
14th to 16th March 2023
AND
3rd to 5th October 2023.
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The road you're walking along is pitch black, soaking wet, windswept and bitterly cold.
If you sit down you'll freeze to death.
You just need to get over that last hill.
SO...NEVER...EVER...STOP.
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OCTOBER 2023 SGT EXAM - AN APOLOGY
I advised you to concentrate your revision on chapters that should get you approximately 77 marks (55%).
I was wrong & I apologise.
They were worth 92 marks (65.71%)😉.
OCTOBER 2023 SGT CANDIDATES - REVISION
Keep it simple.
Once you start revising:
No MCQs; and
No 'mocks'.
READ 2023 BLACKSTONE'S ONLY - because the exam is only based on 2023 Blackstone's.
Start at the top - work your way down.
Finished?
Then start again!
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SGT 2021 RESULTS - COLLEGE OF POLICING UPDATE
Tuesday 23rd March it is (that is very quick!).
Please R/T.
Sergeants’ exam results
The results will be released from 9.30am to 6pm this Tuesday. Details of how to access your results will be sent to the email address that you used to register for the exam.
There’s more information about the exam on our website:
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PERFECTION IS AN ILLUSION
Try as hard as you like - you'll have gaps in your knowledge (nobody knows everything).
Nobody ever scored 100% in the SGT/INSP exam (you don't need to break the mould).
Don't berate yourself when you answer incorrectly & don't set unrealistic targets.
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Tom Thorpe attended our Kent course & smashed the SGT exam with a fantastic 89% score & was placed 4th in the country.
Superb stuff Tom!
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You can do this - I know you can. I'm certain you possess the knowledge to pass. Your hard work & study means you are as fit for the fight as you ever could be. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF & don't despair when you don't know the answer to every question. OBJECTIVE = 55% NOT 100%.
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