Revision
Top tips:
1. Plan your revision - download a revision timetable
Short bursts of revision are most effective - try working in bursts of no more than 30 minutes, with a short 5
minute break in between.
Make sure you don't just revise the topics that you like - work on your weaker ones as well.
2. Practise past papers - download them here, or ask your teachers for them
Start off by trying to complete small sections, making use of the answer packs available to check your work
and to see model answers. Aim to be able to complete entire papers against the clock as your exams get
closer. It is OK to repeat the same papers - repetition can really help us to remember key ideas and
techniques.
3. Try different techniques to find what suits you - you can find out your learning style using this quiz
Read through your notes, using a highlighter pen to identify the key points and then:
- Record yourself reading your notes aloud - this site is free to use and enables you to record your voice
- Create flashcards with key words, formulae and quotes - try this quick and easy way
- Make your own learning maps - create a colourful mind map of your topic using this site
- Ask family and friends to test you
- Stick post-it notes or flashcards with key words, formulae and quotes on cupboards, doors, mirrors, on
the TV, the microwave - anywhere you look regularly.
4. Find somewhere quiet to revise - try following advice from this site
Let your family know where you will be revising - your bedroom, school, the Library or at a relatives house -
ask them to make sure you will not be disturbed. Switch your phone to silent and put on some quiet music if
you work better this way.
Did you know, that revising with calming instrumental music gives you up to 53% better recall the next
morning? Click here to try it.
5. Look after yourself - get help to manage your stress levels here
Speak about your concerns with family, friends and teachers - make them aware of how you are feeling. Try
to give your mind the best possible chance by getting enough sleep - aim for 8 hours a night and make
sure you are eating properly - there are some really good ideas for 'brain food' here.
Finally, on the night before an exam, it is often much more beneficial to give yourself a break - set a revision
cut off time of 9pm and try to get an early night.
Good luck - believe in yourself and be positive - if you think you can succeed, you probably will.
1. Plan your revision - download a revision timetable
Short bursts of revision are most effective - try working in bursts of no more than 30 minutes, with a short 5
minute break in between.
Make sure you don't just revise the topics that you like - work on your weaker ones as well.
2. Practise past papers - download them here, or ask your teachers for them
Start off by trying to complete small sections, making use of the answer packs available to check your work
and to see model answers. Aim to be able to complete entire papers against the clock as your exams get
closer. It is OK to repeat the same papers - repetition can really help us to remember key ideas and
techniques.
3. Try different techniques to find what suits you - you can find out your learning style using this quiz
Read through your notes, using a highlighter pen to identify the key points and then:
- Record yourself reading your notes aloud - this site is free to use and enables you to record your voice
- Create flashcards with key words, formulae and quotes - try this quick and easy way
- Make your own learning maps - create a colourful mind map of your topic using this site
- Ask family and friends to test you
- Stick post-it notes or flashcards with key words, formulae and quotes on cupboards, doors, mirrors, on
the TV, the microwave - anywhere you look regularly.
4. Find somewhere quiet to revise - try following advice from this site
Let your family know where you will be revising - your bedroom, school, the Library or at a relatives house -
ask them to make sure you will not be disturbed. Switch your phone to silent and put on some quiet music if
you work better this way.
Did you know, that revising with calming instrumental music gives you up to 53% better recall the next
morning? Click here to try it.
5. Look after yourself - get help to manage your stress levels here
Speak about your concerns with family, friends and teachers - make them aware of how you are feeling. Try
to give your mind the best possible chance by getting enough sleep - aim for 8 hours a night and make
sure you are eating properly - there are some really good ideas for 'brain food' here.
Finally, on the night before an exam, it is often much more beneficial to give yourself a break - set a revision
cut off time of 9pm and try to get an early night.
Good luck - believe in yourself and be positive - if you think you can succeed, you probably will.