Revision can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve put this blog together to support you through exam season.
It’s never too early
The earlier you start the longer you’ll have to revise your material and break down your topics into manageable sections.
Organise your time
Create a realistic timetable to plan how long you’re going to spend on each topic and when. Make sure to include time for relaxation, socialising, exercise, fresh air, regular meals and sleep.
Find out what type of learner you are
Knowing how you learn can help you to revise effectively. Find out what works for you. If you are a visual person create posters, drawings and visual aids and place these around your room so you can read them as you are going about your day. If you are a verbal learner, try teaching (or explaining) someone the information or discuss it with a friend or family member. Or why not record some of the information you need?
Consolidate your notes
Go through your notes and highlight the most important and relevant sections. Create bullet points to gather the highlighted information, try to keep it down to one page.
Use YouTube tutorials
A lot of useful, educational and revision-based content can be found on YouTube. Most of the videos are interesting and can help keep your concentration for longer. It’s a good way to break up your revision practice and think about the information in a new way.
Past papers
Past papers are a great way to understand what types of questions you may be asked, use these to test how much information you are retaining. Most practice exam questions and answers can be downloaded from the exam board website. Also, create flashcards and use your notes to create questions and answers. You can carry these around and quiz yourself whenever you want to (or ask someone else).
Review your topics
When you think you have gone through all the information, read through your page of bullet points to make sure you have remembered everything you thought was important at the beginning.
Create a positive study space
Choose a space in your home (or on campus Library, or preferred coffee shop) to study in and set yourself up to work, keeping the area fresh and tidy. Make sure you have your laptop, iPad etc in the right position, gather your stationery, notes and books and make yourself comfortable.
Look after yourself
Take regular study breaks, stay hydrated and eat regular meals. Your body needs fuel so avoid eating fast food and takeaways and choose fresh vegetables and fruit that will keep your energy levels up.
Make sure you are still socialising with friends and family or doing a leisure activity or hobby to help you relax. Taking the time each day to take part in exercise or go for a walk will also help you to unwind.
We’d also recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, so you’re alert and focussed.
Get support if you need it
Lots of people find exam pressure difficult, so if you’re feeling stressed or your revision may be affected by issues outside of your control, seek help and get support. Speak to your tutors, teachers, college, school, university, a family member or friend.
