Planning your revision

Countdown to the exam

Revision 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 16 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 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 feel you’ve got to grips with some of the knowledge, you can ‘tick off’ the parts 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 topics you’re not happy with and look back at your revision cards (see page 7) 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. • Get a good night’s sleep! SAMPLE

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

Revise it!

Choose the methods that work for you Plan your revision

For example: • use highlighters for key words and phrases • make note cards Learn everything! • use mnemonics (the first letter Questions can be asked about of words): for example, JAWS any area of the specification.

Frightens Fish stands for Joining, It is easier to answer a question

Additive manufacturing, Wasting, if you have revised everything.

Shaping, Forming, Finishing.

Identify your strengths Don’t cram! and weaknesses

Plan to space your revision out so Complete the ‘Revision checklist’ at that you don’t do everything at once! the end of each chapter and identify areas that you feel less confident about. Allow additional time to revise these areas.

Variety is the spice of life!

Mix up your revision methods. Watch videos and listen to podcasts as well as making notes and mind maps.

Use mind maps!

Mind maps are great for connecting ideas and memorising information more easily and quickly. Stay healthy! Exercise, fresh air, good Attend revision classes! Don’t skip revision classes – it food and staying hydrated all help your revision. can really help to revise with your friends as well as by yourself. Plan regular breaks in your Make a list of all the key revision. Go for a short walk dates from when you or get some fresh air. It will start your revision up make you more focused when to the exam date. you do revise! Practise! Practising exam-style questions will help you get to grips with the question types, time pressure and format of the exam. SAMPLE

Find a quiet space

It can be difficult to revise in loud or busy spaces, so try to find somewhere calm to work. You could use headphones and music to block out distractions.