Planning your revision

Countdown to the exam

Revision planner checklists are a good way for you to plan and structure your revision. They also allow you to make sure you have covered everything you need to cover.

Revision planner checklist

Time before the exam Things to do

6−8 weeks • Draw up a revision timetable so that you know how much time you have to get through everything. • Use the Revision checklist on page 18 to work out which topics you need to cover. • Use the topic area headings and bullets to organise your notes and to make sure you’ve covered everything in the specification. • Don’t do too much in one day – a couple of hours of good-quality work in a day is better than trying to cram. 4−6 weeks • Work out which of the topic areas you still find difficult and plan when you’ll cover them. • You may be able to discuss tricky topics with your teacher or class colleagues. • As you get to grips with some of the knowledge you need, you can ‘tick off’ the topic areas that have been worrying you. • Make the most of the revision sessions you’re offered in class. Don’t skip them! 1 week • Make a daily plan to revise those few topic areas you’re not confident about and look back at your revision cards (see ‘Revision techniques’ section below) if you’ve made some. Day before • Try not to cram today – get some exercise and relax in the afternoon. • Make sure you know what time and where the exam is, and put all your things out (pencils, pens, calculator, bus pass, water) ready for the next day. SAMPLE • Get a good night’s sleep!

Revise it!

Using the example above, create your own revision planner checklist. Identify areas that you are not so confident about and think of ways to tackle these.

Choose the methods that work for you

For example: • use highlighters for key words and phrases • make note cards • use mnemonics made up of the first letters of words (for example, use ‘UPS’ to remember

‘User groups’, ‘Possible barriers’ and ‘Solutions to barriers’).

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Complete the ‘Revision checklist’ at the end of each chapter and identify areas that you feel less confident about. Give yourself additional time to revise these areas.

Stay healthy!

Exercise, fresh air, good food and staying hydrated will all help you to revise. Make a list of all the key Don’t cram! dates from when you Plan to space your start your revision up to revision out so that the exam date. you don’t try to do everything at once! Take breaks Plan regular breaks during your revision. Go for a short walk or get some fresh air. It will make you more focused when you do revise! Practise! Practising exam-style questions will help you get to grips with the question types, as well as the time pressure and the format of the exam. Learn everything! Questions can be asked about any area of the specification. It is easier to answer a question if you have revised everything. Attend revision classes! Use mind maps! SAMPLE