So now we are moving towards the mock exams for Year 11 and Upper Sixth (from 5 January 2021), it’s time to focus on the best way to revise. Your youngster will be getting lots of advice from their subject teachers, but support at home is crucial for confident learners.
1. Start revising early
i.e. weeks or months, not days before the exam.
2. Plan your revision using a timetable
Planning out your revision means you can spend more time revising and less time worrying you've forgotten something. Use a revision timetable. Your tutor can help you with this.
3. Set up a nice, tidy study space
You'll need somewhere with good lighting, your pens close by, your phone out of sight and your TV unplugged.
4. Vary your revision with different activities
Try a variety of different revision techniques — answering practice exam questions, writing down notes from memory, creating mind maps or revision cards, watching appropriate clips on Youtube or use revision sites such as Seneca.
5. Set aside time to do fun things
Don't totally stop yourself from having fun. This'll help you stay motivated, relax, and allow you to keep up with your favourite hobbies.
6. Keep your phone and other distractions away
Phones are great, but they're a one-stop shop for procrastination. Heed our warnings and stick it in a drawer while you're revising.
7. Don't just read your notes
You have to write information down. This is really basic "how to revise" stuff.
8. Take your revision wherever you go
If you find books aren't quite portable enough, lots of revision guides and textbooks with handy online editions — great for revising on the go!
9. Sleep and eat properly
Sleep is more important than you'd imagine — it helps your brain store all the juicy information you've learned throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods will also boost your concentration throughout the day.
10. On exam day, make sure you arrive in plenty of time
Nothing adds extra pressure to exam day like the fear of being late. Just make sure you set off at a little earlier than usual. While you wait, if people around you seem stressed about the exam, try to relax and not let their worries affect you.