Revision

Most people agree that to do well in exams, we need to revise beforehand. But, do we all know how to revise well? Do we know why some things help us to learn well and some don’t?

There are some unhelpful beliefs and habits around learning and revision that get in the way of us doing our best in exams. Re-reading notes can feel like we are remembering/learning lots because the information can feel familiar, but this is not the same as being able to recall information in an exam in order to answer a question. Similarly, highlighting the key words in a text can feel useful, but it is only useful as a starting point in a learning process. We then need to do something with the information highlighted in order to learn it well.

Below you will find ideas regarding healthy habits, revision plans, revision strategies and how to approach an exam.

Healthy body, healthy brain

Looking after your body will put you in a better position to perform well.

Sleep

The Sleep Foundation recommend that 14-17 year olds have 8-10 hours sleep per night. Good sleep improves your memory, concentration, mood, creativity, health and concentration. During sleep, the brain washes away any clutter built up during the day and also replays what we thought about during the day. In this way, revision is processed and strengthened in our brains during sleep – the learning is made sense of and written into the maps of our brains during sleep. This is why something we might still be unsure of one day can feel more familiar/understood the next day.

Nutrition

Aim for at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Hydration

Although 2 litres a day is a rough guide at best, drink water (not sugary/processed drinks) throughout the day. Your brain relies on water to function well. If you are feeling thirsty, you are already de-hydrated and your concentration has likely already dropped.

Exercise

Aim for at least 30 minutes being active, ideally outside, for at least 5 days per week.

Breath

Use your breath to manage your body’s responses to situations. Physiological sighs can help you to calm down in just 1-3 breaths. In the clip you see how the double inhale followed by a long exhale relaxes the body.