FAQs for Parents
When should my Son/Daughter start revising for exams?
Generally speaking, in depth revision should start two or more months before an exam, however students should continually revise; this means ensuring their notes are complete – that all work missed is caught up on and that any gaps in their knowledge or understanding is dealt with by seeing the relevant teacher or checking the VLE.
Is there any way in which I can suggest they plan their revision programme?
Ask them to make a list of the different topics they need to revise for each subject and encourage them to make a revision timetable which clearly shows the week, day, time, subject and topics for revision. You may support them by referring to the timetable and checking and acknowledging that it is being followed. Research has shown that most effective revision takes place when a person revises in blocks of 30 minutes at a time with a 5 minute break in between.
A blank revision timetable is available here
How can I help to create the right study environment?
Encourage them to revise at a table with paper, books and pens at the ready. It is important that they study in a warm, quiet and well-lit room, well away from the television - although some students will work better with some quiet, calming, background music. More advice can be found here.
Remind them that distraction during their planned revision time is likely to make their revision time harder and more stressful, so it would be advisable to switch phones to silent and leave them out of the way. Now may also be a good time to talk to younger brothers and sisters about the importance of not interrupting them while they study.
How can they best use their revision time?
Suggest that they read through the notes from a particular topic and highlight any keywords, definitions and main points. They can then summarise the notes by creating mind maps, glossaries of key terms or flash cards on a particular topic.
There is a wealth of revision support and resources on the 'How to Revise' section of this site - including links to apps, tips, past papers and support and advice for coping with exam related stress.