Revising for exams is a high pressure time, whether you’re an educator, carer, or student. Many teachers will be well-versed in delivering revision tips and advice to their students but it’s always worth a reminder. If you are a new teacher, or a parent who is supporting a teenager through an exam period for the first time, then this blog is for you and your young people.
Here are some key points which you can share directly with your young people.
Planning
Structure a revision plan for each day and break it down into shorter, more digestible chunks. Choose different subjects for each revision session and take regular breaks. You can structure your weeks to ensure equal subject coverage. You can find our free revision timetable here. It is fully editable to allow your students to adapt it to their needs.
Try different revision strategies
Note-taking, particularly writing what you think you know before you begin to revise, can be helpful. Consider using different responses to the learning e.g. posters, mind maps. You might want to make revision cards. Use bullet points for formulae, facts, topics, authors etc. You might find you remember things more easily that way. Find which strategies suit you best. There’s a really interesting blog on this topic here.
Environment matters!
It sounds obvious, but make sure to revise somewhere quiet. Remove any distractions by turning your phone off and logging out of social media. Some people work better with background music than others. Find what works for you.
Stay hydrated
Mild dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches and reduced concentration. If you’re bad at remembering to drink, set an alarm at intervals. More information about how water is vital to the functions of the brain is here.
Reach out for support
You’re not alone in this – everyone is in the same boat. Talk to your peers. Talk to your teachers. Talk to your carers. Create a study group or a class group chat to share thoughts, worries and study techniques. Support and advice can be found here if you’re struggling with your mental health.
Try to sleep
You might be tempted to ‘let your hair down’ to relieve some stress but it certainly won’t help you focus on your revision the next day! Develop a regular routine and don’t stay up too late revising the night before your exams. Try to ensure that you make your sleep environment as healthy as possible. There are some tips about how to achieve that here. That’s not to say that some time out for hobbies and seeing friends and family isn’t good for your mental and physical health: but partying might have an impact on how well you concentrate afterwards. There’s plenty of time for that!
Remember to fuel-up
Make sure to give your brain and body energy with a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner before you start your revision and before your exam. There are some great suggestions for energy rich brain and body fuel here. Your brain can’t function properly if it’s running on empty.
Stay active
Make time for exercise. It increases your body’s production of endorphins which helps create a happier and healthier mood. Not sure if you’ll have time to keep active? You have! Even a brisk 10 minute walk can help focus your thoughts and improve your concentration. Fit a quick walk or workout into one, or more, of your breaks.
Ask for help
Your teachers are here to support you. If you still can’t get your head around a certain topic or need some advice, don’t hesitate to start a conversation.
Don’t let stress get on top of you
Anxiety around the exam period is an absolutely normal feeling for the majority of us. Support can be found here.
Where can I find resources to support revision?
Conduit has some amazing resources to support revision across the curriculum. Check them out here.
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