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 time spent cramming. 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 DRAFT your things out (pencils, pens, calculator, bus pass, water) ready for the next day. • Get a good night’s sleep!

Revise it!

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.

Choose the methods that work for you

For example: • use highlighters for key words and phrases • make note cards • use mnemonics (the first letter of words): for example, ‘CCCPE’ stands for choice, confidentiality, consultation, protection from harm and abuse, equal and fair treatment.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

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

Stay healthy!

Exercise, fresh air, good food and staying hydrated all help your revision.

Don’t cram!

Plan to space your revision out so that you don’t do everything at once!

Tea breaks

Plan regular breaks in your revision. Go for a short walk or get some fresh air. It will make you more focused when you do revise!

Learn everything!

Questions can be asked about any area of the specification. It is easier to answer a question if you have revised everything.

Practise!

Practising exam-style questions will help you get to grips with the question types, time pressure and format of the exam.

Attend revision classes!

Don’t skip revision classes – it can really help to revise with your friends as well as by yourself. Make a list of all the key dates from when you start your revision up to the exam date.

Use mind maps! Mind maps are great for DRAFT connecting ideas and memorising information more easily and quickly.

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.