20 top revision and exam tips for your students
Effective revision:
- Divide study time into timetabled chunks, so your revision has structure.
- Make notes in a way that fosters self-testing.
- Allow extra time for more difficult subjects, so you don’t end up cramming.
- Learn actively by making notes and testing your understanding as you revise.
- Practise past exam papers, so you know what to expect.
- Become familiar with mark allocations. That way you can focus your efforts on what matters most.
- Regularly review what you’ve learned so it sticks. Every two or three days in the week before an exam is good.
- Take regular short breaks. This will keep you fresh so you can revise longer without getting tired.
- When revising, periodically get up and move about. A little exercise will help you to concentrate.
- Get enough sleep, as this re-energises the brain.
During the exam:
- Read the whole paper thoroughly right at the start.
- Begin with easier questions. Answering these will give you confidence.
- Be strategic. Concentrating on questions that give the most marks makes sense.
- Don’t answer questions automatically. Make sure you understand what is really being asked. Identifying key words helps you do this.
- ‘Brainstorm’ the question by making notes about it.
- Leave time for proofreading, checking SPAG and final additions or changes.
- Take water into the exam room and drink frequently as this helps brain function.
- If you go blank, dropping your shoulders and breathing out slowly will help you stay calm and refocus.
- After the exam, reward yourself. You deserve it.
- Learn from each exam and apply this new knowledge to the next.