The Revision Decision

It may seem early, but GCSE and A Level examinations are only a few weeks away for many students. Adele Trathan offers some practical advice with some of the best methods for effective exam study

Over the past decade or so, the method by which academic excellence is judged has altered somewhat. Coursework and assessed performance, not least in the wake of Covid-19, has shifted the emphasis away from exams somewhat.

However, despite the theory that the end-of-year tests perhaps favour an ability to revise as much as demonstrating an actual knowledge of a subject, they are still a pivotal part of a student progressing to the next stage, be that Higher Education, a vocational qualification or something else.

With that in mind, here are 10 tips for students looking to maximise their potential when it comes to revision:

PREPARATION It goes without saying, the earlier revision starts, the more chance a student will have of doing well.

ORGANISATION Having a structure and a process to revision is crucial. Subjects should be ordered, with the student deciding on those that need more time than others, and a priority established that is fed into a timetable… that’s stuck to! REGULAR BREAKS The brain is only designed to function most efficiently on a topic for short periods of time, so regular breaks for refuelling and to facilitate naps is absolutely vital if looking to keep learning potential at peak levels.

READING & WRITING Efficient revision is about more than reading up on notes. It’s vital to write down observations and ideas, and even paraphrase passages in a different tone to facilitate a different method for absorbing information. Some students have found that writing down in very small lettering creates an additional focus and increased retention of ideas.

EFFICIENCY It’s been known for students to spend more time arranging a schedule than they actually

spend revising! This can be for a number of reasons, from a hesitancy and inability to start, nervousness at the task in hand, or even a desire to waste time rather than work. Whatever the reason, efficient study, both at the start of the process and in the weeks and months that follow, is essential.

CONCENTRATION While having a clean, clear study space is important, it’s also necessary to study away from noise and distractions. They could come in the form of other people in the house (particularly noisy siblings), music (although some people find having a sound stimulus in the background can help) or general chatter. PROMPTS & NOTES Revision time will mean having a head in a book or in study materials, but post-it or note-type prompts and stimuli dotted about a bedroom or the house can reinforce reminders of a subject or ideas, thus creating a pathway by which the brain can tap into key ideas at other times during the day, and even subconsciously.

CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT Taking your study out of a normal environment can be beneficial, but only if you select a location wisely. For instance, many students believe leaving the home to revise in a coffee shop is a good idea, yet the distractions and noise can actually be detrimental. TIMING It’s been known for students to spend more time arranging a schedule than they actually spend revising!

As humans, we are generally more focused and receptive to the intake of ideas in the mornings. That’s not a generic rule across the board, but revising and studying late at night typically means asking a lot of the mind when it’s low on energy and fuel.

PRACTICE PAPERS There’s nothing like giving a subject a trial run, and taking practice papers, of which there are many available. This will prepare fully a student for the examination that is to come. l

An independent Prep School for children aged 2 - 13