Advice for Students
Below, you will find advice and tips on the best way to manage your revision workload and maximise the effectiveness of your time, as well as links to other sources of information that may be useful to you. Below this, there are also some useful pointers for parents/carers on ways in which they can support you with your exam preparations
A few other useful links
How to revise
Remember that using a variety of revision techniques will save you from getting bored and switching off. Store your revision resources carefully in an orderly way.
Active revision strategies
Refresher cards
- One topic per card. Key points only. Colour code to make links and associations.
Testing
- Ask family and friends to test you.
- Use previous examination questions.
- Choose topics and questions that you are uncertain about.
- Get used to working under timed conditions.
- Check your answers. Do some questions with your notes and others without.
Learning maps
- Start in the centre with the topic title.
- Main points about topic as thick branches, smaller points as smaller branches.
- Don’t crowd the paper.
- Use colour, pictures and symbols.
Highlighting notes
- Must be selective. Highlight only key words and ideas.
- Colour code to make links and associations.
Posters/Post-it notes
- Display around your study area.
- Particularly useful for important vocabulary and key statistics.
Key-word listing
- Begin with a blank, landscape piece of A4 paper.
- Choose a topic and write down what you know, following the instructions below.
- Use a different colour for each section.
Coping skills for examinations
Positive talk
Avoid negative discussion with your friends. Don’t be put off or intimidated by anything other people say.
Check equipment
Make sure you have everything you need with you. Pens, pencils, rubbers, felt tip pens, calculators etc. Know what you are allowed to use.
Arrive in time
Not too early, not too late. Avoid hysterical discussion and keep calm.
Keep a clear head
Things won’t always go perfectly, but if you keep your mind focussed and as relaxed as possible you should be able to adapt to any awkward questions or challenging situations. If you get stuck, re-read the question, think back to studying the topic in and out of class and don’t just give up.
If things go badly?
It’s not the end of the world!
Revision tools
Students can use GCSEPod to help with their revision. For more information click here.
Revision advice for parents
Tips for parents and carers on how you can support your child’s revision.
- Work out a revision timetable for each subject
- Find a quiet space where they will not be disturbed by younger siblings
- Break revision time into small chunks – 45 minute sessions with short breaks at the end of each session often work well
- Make sure your child has all the essential books and materials
- Condense notes onto postcards to act as revision prompts
- Buy new stationery, highlighters and pens to make revision more interesting
- Go through school notes with your child or listen while they revise a topic
- Time your child’s attempts at practice papers
- Agree with your child to limit access to mobile phones and social networking – help them to see this as a treat during the short breaks
- Feed them with healthy food, complex carbohydrates to keep them concentrating– feed their brains!
- Encourage them to avoid energy drinks as this will leave them tired and lacking in energy when the ‘sugar rush’ wears off
- Allow them to revise with a friend – gently remind them to stay on the revision and not gossip!
- Make sure they get a good night’s rest before each exam
- Provide them with a healthy breakfast on the ‘big day’