Exams are your chance to show everyone what you’ve been working towards, so keep focused and make the most of your revision time with these top tips to help you achieve.
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Make a plan
It's a good idea to create a revision timetable to help you make the most of your time and to ensure you've scheduled time for rest and play as well as for homework and revision. You can make it on paper and stick it somewhere you will see it every day, like above your desk, or create a digital calendar that you can easily refer to on your phone.
Start off by working out how much time you have and how long you can spend on each subject. You can then create your own personalised timetable tailored to your needs. Everyone's timetable should be different.
Think about the time of day when you are most productive and find it easiest to get motivated and remember information. Do you work best in the mornings, afternoons or evenings? You should also think about the subjects you’re most and least confident about and balance your time between them.
Visit BBC Bitesize How to revise: Planning and Timetables for more information on how to plan your time with a revision timetable. This is also where you can view a revision timetable example to give you some inspiration and save a blank template that you can use to start creating your own.
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Set goals
Whether you set yourself a time goal or an amount of work to complete set goals for what you want to achieve in each revision session. Make sure to challenge yourself.
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Pace yourself
Try not to revise everything at once. Give your mind time to take in what it is you are revising. Spreading your revision out over time is proven to be far more successful.
Spend a small amount of time on everything you have to learn and repeat regularly.
Short bursts of revision 30-40 minutes are most effective. Your concentration lapses after about an hour so break your day into smaller sessions split up with short breaks of 5-10 minutes to stay motivated.
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Create a perfect study space
Creating the perfect revision space is essential as it can help keep you focused. Take the time to ensure that your study space is maximised for your happiness. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Get rid of the clutter
- Keep distractions away
- Control the noise
- Get good lighting
- Stock up on supplies
- Have a clock visible
- Make it comfortable
- Personalise it
- Stay organised
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Mix it up
Use a mixture of revision techniques for the best results.
- Past papers
These are great ways to get used to the exam format and testing what you have learnt. Check out BBC Bitesize Revision: How to use past exam papers for top tips on using past papers.
- Flash cards
Flashcards allow you to practise summarising information and can help you identify any gaps in your learning. You can use them in a variety of different ways
- Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are good for summarising information and remembering key details. Use colours to identify themes and stick them around your home - but move them regularly so you don't get used to having them in a specific place.
- Mind Maps
Mind maps can be a great way to identify connections between ideas. Use colours and images, which will aid your memory. You may find drawing diagrams useful to remember processes or cycles.
- Revise with a friend
Talking through what you’ve learned can help information stick.
- Use voice notes
Record your revision notes by using the voice memo or voice recorder app on your mobile phone and listen to them back swhen you are on your commute to school, college or even heading to the shops.
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Test yourself
By testing yourself with questions you are making sure you fully understand what it is you are revising. Decide on key things you want to know by the time you have finished revising that topic and create a test before you begin.
If when you test yourself do not fully understand the topic try a different revision technique for this topic in your next revision session.
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Take regular breaks
It is possible to work too hard, make sure to take regular breaks. Give yourself short breaks 5 -10 mins during revision to keep your attention and focus. Go for a brisk walk, stand up and move about, stretch etc.
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Look after yourself
Make sure you sleep and eat well, get some exercise and reward yourself.
- Get a good night's sleep.
A good night’s sleep means your brain functions properly and can recall information. Make sure you have a good sleep of between 7-9 hours every night to keep your brain healthy and to remember what you've revised. Visit BBC Bitesize How sleep can help you study to discover why sleep is so important and how the things you learn become embedded into your long term memory while you sleep.
- Eat well
Certain foods boost your brainpower and will help you remember more. Visit BBC Bitesize The best brain food for studying and revision for advice on eating smart and unlock the best meals and snacks to eat whilst revising.
- Exercise
A healthy body = a healthy mind. Do at least 20 minutes of physical activity a day to help improve your focus and keep you relaxed. Visit BBC Bitesize How exercise can help with revision to find out how exercise can help boost your memory, improve focus and concentration, and increase your energy levels.
- Reward yourself
A reward at the end of a long day of revision is something you can look forward to while you're hitting the books. It could be anything from an episode of your favourite TV show to a phone call with a friend. Set a time to reward yourself, and don't stop revising until then. You could also plan a big reward for when exams are over.
Here to help
We’re all cheering you on and are here for you if you need us. If you need advice on your next steps, contact our admissions team on 01923 812345 or email