Top 10 revision tactics

Top 10 Tips for effective revision

1. Organisation, organisation, organisation

• Draw up a revision plan. This really helps to feel in control of the process. A realistic plan can be a lifesaver
• Start at least six weeks before the first exam. Divide time for each subject based on the units in the syllabus. Plan carefully, assigning more time to subjects you find toughest.
• Remember all those notes and handouts? A well organised folder is the ideal documentation.

“The single most important thing to do when revising is always to commit yourself to paper whether making notes, testing yourself or attempting questions. Students who underperform tend to either leave starting way too late or they spend far too much time reading through all the things that they already know and avoiding the harder work.

"Treat yourself when you do achieve some good revision rather than punishing yourself, or getting depressed, when you don’t.  Good Luck!”

Tim Kirk, Deputy Head (Academic), The Grammar School at Leeds

2. Where and when?

• A quiet room or space with a well-lit desk and comfortable chair is vital. Home revision (particularly bedroom) is not always the best idea because of distractions
• Some people work best in libraries, others need isolation. Know where and when you study best and ask friends and family to respect your needs.

"It’s good to offer advice on where and when to study without being too controlling; hopefully that way they develop their own time management skills.

"As a parent the best way I can support my teenagers is to remind them that all we expect is for them to try to do their best. Helping them to keep successes and failures in perspective is very important."

Gill, parent of A-level and university students 

3. Stay alert! 

• Devise a colour coding scheme to help stimulate memory. Highlight pertinent names and dates in brilliant colour.
• Diagrams/ flow charts/ mind-maps are creative aids. Cover up notes and diagrams and try to reproduce them.
• Work through past question papers and time yourself against the clock.
• Study with a friend and test each other, or enlist a parent to test you.
• Take regular breaks, do 30-40 minutes followed a 10-minute breather.

"After a hard day at school it’s difficult to motivate myself to continue studying; this is where family support is essential. As an A-level student, talk of exams seems never ending. My parents are there to remind me that there’s more to life than school work and I have found that doing sport and music activities increases my productivity."

Claire, A-level student, Dame Allan’s, Newcastle upon-Tyne

4. Understand assessment objectives

This is of the essence. Sometimes different questions test very different skills. Assessment objectives are often available on the exam board website along with exemplar/past papers. Know them and use them.

"That old past paper thing really works. Get hold of a style model where someone got an A and learn it. Use the model, but don’t go in with a pre-planned answer. It’s imperative to answer the question exactly. Sometimes it’s clear that a student hasn’t read the question before launching into an answer. Presentation matters. A student won’t be penalised for bad handwriting, but might gain a few points for a neat, legible paper."

Damian, a former examiner

5. Raid the school library for learning resources

There are numerous published guides and revision materials; it’s a big industry. Does the school/college have a VLA, (Virtual Learning Arcade)? These are full of information, giving interactive online models for economics and business studies.

There’s a multitude of websites offering help and advice. The problem is not how to find them, but how to judge which is best for you. Save valuable time and get recommendations from your teachers.

6. Talk to your tutor / teacher

Really talk; they will have plenty of information on the exam itself, such as the number of questions and how long to spend on each answer. Often revision sessions are provided and materials duplicated.

"Teachers and tutors work hard to organise interesting events, such as inviting poet Carol Ann Duffy whose poetry is on the curriculum. My University hosts revision days and events attracting 400 –500 students. The support is out there."

Keith MacDonald lecturer at York St. John University

7. Have an embargo on social networking sites                     

An ideal way to waste time. Desist.

8. Join an Easter revision course

Revision courses are ideal for overcoming the sense of isolation that a child may feel when revising. They’re with other children who are experiencing the same demands and pressures, and it can be hugely beneficial to talk these issues over and have a common goal.

"There’s fierce competition to get into top universities. At Magdalen College School, revision courses are structured not just for weaker candidates, but the strongest too. They’re a stimulus package, a morale boost and an insurance policy.

"It helps to be in a focused environment. If a university is asking for A’s, a borderline B won’t do.  Is the cost justified? Success is proven; therefore the course pays dividends for those choosing to invest."

Sophie Langdale, Marketing Director, Magdelan College School, Oxford 

9. Feed your brain

Don’t stay up late and deprive mind and body of vital sleep, and do eat well. Peanut butter, avocado, bananas, fish and dairy products are super brain foods.   

10. Do yourself a favour    

On the day be absolutely sure that you have all the materials you need. Every year students turn up to open-book exams without texts and to maths exams without calculators.