1. Use Past Papers
Past papers are invaluable for understanding exam formats, identifying strengths, and working on weaknesses. They help familiarise you with question types and improve exam technique.
• Strategy: Start with your exam board’s papers, and once you’re done, try past papers from other boards to diversify your practice.
2. Try Revision Books
Revision guides summarise topics effectively and often include practice questions and flashcards. E-book versions are great for revising on the go.
• Strategy: Choose guides with additional resources like printable flashcards, clear summaries, and digital formats to maximise flexibility.
3. Make a Plan
A study plan helps you track your progress across topics and avoid last-minute cramming.
• Strategy: List topics for each subject and allocate time to cover them weekly. Adjust the plan as needed but ensure you stay on target.
4. Utilise Easter Holidays
Use the extended break to focus on intensive revision sessions.
• Strategy: Dedicate a few hours daily to revise critical topics while leaving time for rest and recreation.
5. Understand Exam Specifications
Specifications, mark schemes, and examiner reports clarify what’s expected and common mistakes to avoid.
• Strategy: Print off the specifications as a checklist to ensure you’ve covered all necessary topics.
6. Start Early
Starting early gives you ample time to revise thoroughly and reduces pressure closer to exams.
• Strategy: Begin with past papers and focus on weak areas early to build confidence over time.
7. Stay Organised
Organisation keeps your revision consistent and effective.
• Strategy: Have all your notes ready by the end of the Easter holidays, so the remaining time can focus on reviewing and practising.
8. Do Practice Questions
Practising questions familiarises you with exam scenarios and builds confidence.
• Strategy: Use exam format practice to simulate test conditions and strengthen your problem-solving approach.
9. Give Yourself Breaks
Scheduled breaks refresh your mind and help maintain focus.
• Strategy: Take 10-minute walks or short active breaks every hour of study to clear your head.
10. Find What Works for You
Experiment with various revision methods to discover what suits your learning style.
• Strategy: Try flashcards, quizzes, mind maps, or summarising notes until you find what helps you retain information best.
11. Make Sure You Understand It
Don’t shy away from topics you don’t understand. Spend extra time on them and seek help if needed.
• Strategy: After struggling with a past paper question, review the mark scheme and ask teachers to clarify complex topics.
12. Keep Calm
Stress can hinder performance, so focus on early preparation and consistent effort.
• Strategy: If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that steady progress is key.
13. Ask for Help
Teachers, friends, and family can provide support and insights you might not have considered.
• Strategy: Ask teachers for help with specific questions and clarify doubts as soon as they arise.
14. Make Bullet Point Notes
Summarise key points into concise bullet points to make topics easier to review.
• Strategy: Convert detailed notes into bullet points to create quick-reference guides.
15. Focus on Life After Exams
Visualising post-exam rewards can keep you motivated through revision.
• Strategy: Plan fun activities for after exams, like holidays or hanging out with friends, to keep yourself inspired.
16. Put the Hours In
There’s no shortcut to top grades; consistent effort is essential.
• Strategy: Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase study hours as exams approach.
17. Write Essays and Memorise Quotes
For essay-based subjects, practise writing essays and memorise relevant quotes for higher marks.
• Strategy: Use flashcards to store quotes and practise structuring essays around them.
18. Remember It’s Not Too Late
Even if you start late, any revision is better than none.
• Strategy: Focus on high-priority topics first and stay consistent with your efforts.
19. Have Time for Yourself
Regular downtime helps recharge your mind and prevents burnout.
• Strategy: Schedule one stress-free day weekly to relax, sleep, and pursue hobbies.
20. Imagine Success
Visualising your achievements can boost motivation and perseverance.
• Strategy: Picture yourself receiving excellent grades and enjoying a long, stress-free summer.
21. Test Yourself
Regular self-testing highlights strengths and areas needing improvement.
• Strategy: Use practice questions, quizzes, and flashcards to assess your progress.
22. Make Colourful Revision Tools
Bright notes and flashcards can make revision more engaging and fun.
• Strategy: Use highlighters and coloured pens to emphasise key points and organise information visually.
23. Get Teachers to Check Work
Teachers can provide valuable feedback on practice papers and questions.
• Strategy: Share answers with teachers and ask for advice on how to improve.
24. Know What Exam Boards Want
Understanding examiners’ expectations helps you craft answers that score highly.
• Strategy: Study mark schemes and examiners’ reports to learn what is rewarded.
25. Memorise Vocabulary
For essay-based or language exams, memorise essential vocabulary and phrases.
• Strategy: Create a list of advanced words and test yourself on their usage regularly.
26. Be Confident
Trust in your preparation and approach exams with a positive mindset.
• Strategy: Remind yourself of your hard work and focus on giving your best effort.
27. Revise Where You Can Focus
Choose a distraction-free environment for effective revision.
• Strategy: Study in places like the kitchen or dining room instead of your bedroom.
28. Look After Yourself
Healthy habits improve cognitive function and reduce stress.
• Strategy: Sleep well, eat nutritious meals, and limit social media during exam season.
29. Read Mark Schemes
Mark schemes reveal what examiners value and common mistakes to avoid.
• Strategy: After practising, compare answers with mark schemes to learn the examiner’s perspective.
30. Use Mind Maps
Visual learners can benefit from summarising topics with mind maps.
• Strategy: Create diagrams showing connections between concepts for a clearer overview.
31. Avoid Cramming
Last-minute cramming can lead to stress and poor retention.
• Strategy: Stick to a consistent study schedule and avoid last-minute overload.
32. Prioritise Subjects
Balance your time across subjects, focusing on weaker areas.
• Strategy: Allocate extra time to subjects or topics you find most challenging.
33. Maintain a Work-Life Balance
Excessive studying can lead to burnout and lower performance.
• Strategy: Schedule leisure activities alongside revision to maintain energy levels.
34. Do Sustainable Studying
Quality trumps quantity when it comes to revision.
• Strategy: Focus on active recall and problem-solving rather than passive reading.
35. Mix Revision Methods
Different subjects require different approaches to learning.
• Strategy: Use flashcards for languages, past papers for maths, and mind maps for science.
36. Set Goals as You Go
Goals help track progress and keep you motivated.
• Strategy: Break down larger tasks into manageable milestones and celebrate small wins.