Get your revision act together

• Most students struggle to have a solid revision strategy and find revising draining and frustrating. This is all too often because they over-focus on ‘learning’ their subject content in an inefficient, non-productive way and end up becoming disillusioned and bored.

• Revision is simply about systematically becoming better able to answer questions –that’s what exams actually test and how exam success is measured. As Professor Philip Race once said, “as with anything else, the best way to become better at something is to do it – and do it again –until it becomes second nature”.

• Students who have repeatedly practiced answering a question numerous times are more likely to get it right in the exam than those who haven’t.

• Find a study environment that works for you. Some prefer studying with friends –revising with friends can help you study more effectively and there are also social and emotional benefits - as long as you don't let them distract you!. Studying alone in a quiet room suits some people. If you don't like silence, try playing music in the background.

• Customise your notes to make them more personal. Experiment with a highlighter to colour-code them. You may also try flashcards, notes on postcards, diagrams or simply highlighting them on your phone/ tablet/laptop/PC

• Do some further research on complex or tricky topics. JJust memorising it might be too risky in your exam. Ask your teacher or a friend for help if you think it might give you a better understanding.

• Look at past exam papers and mock, specimen or practice papers. This will help you to familiarise yourself with the layout and type of questions you'll be asked. Practise completing exam papers in the set time limit to improve your exam technique.