Revision Techniques

On this page, there are three sections to support effective revision for students.

1 Revision Techniques - practical ways to revise that are proven to support the remembering of content/topics. Subject teachers will be able to suggest which works best for their subject. We are developing these throughout modules 2 and 3 in tutor time.

2 Revision Tips - knowing when, where and how to revise is just as important as the techniques. Read through the tips to know how to set up efficient revision.

3 A Parent's Role - What you can do to support your child to have an effective routine

1 Revision Techniques

Practical ways to revise that are proven to support the remembering of content/topics. Subject teachers will be able to suggest which works best for their subject. We are developing these throughout modules 2 and 3 in tutor time.

Testing yourself is the most important aspect of your revision.

Why? Because it is scientifically proven that devoted a certain amount of study-time to testing yourself cements information into your long-term memory.

Answering practice questions and asking a friend to test you are great ways to make sure you stay on top of your knowledge.

The Testing Effect

Targeted Practise

Practise along with educational videos, such as Tassomai. For some people, watching videos is far more engaging than reading. If you’re one of those people, make sure you actively take notes or practice questions while the video is running. This will prevent your mind from wandering.

Flash Cards

Create flashcards to distil information into an easily reviewable format. You can then use these cards to test your memory and find out which topics you need to revise more thoroughly.

Flashcard guide

Complete past papers

Under timed conditions, without your notes! There are only a limited number of past papers available online for your subject and exam board, so you should only attempt past papers when you think you’re ready to do so. But, when you do, this is the best possible way of testing yourself and preparing yourself for the exam.

Repetition is how you create long term memories.

By testing and re-testing yourself, you will continually identify areas that you need to improve on. Focus on those areas and repeat your revision for those tricky topics, this time using different strategies.

There is a lot of science behind why repetition helps us study, but all you need to know for your revision is that repetition is key.

2 Revision Tips

1. Start revising early

— i.e. months, not days before the exam.

2. Plan your revision using a timetable

Planning out your revision means you can spend more time revising and less time worrying you've forgotten something.

Students have been given 2 templates to use.

3. Don't spend ages making your notes look pretty

This is just wasting time. For diagrams, include all the details you need to learn, but don't try to produce a work of art.

4. Set up a nice, tidy study space

You'll need somewhere with good lighting, your pens close by, your phone out of sight and your TV unplugged. Try not to revise on your bed, or you'll be dreaming of pink igloos and elephants before you know it.

5. Vary your revision with different activities

Try a variety of different revision techniques — answering practice questions, writing down notes from memory, and using Revision Guides, Flash Cards, Exam Practice Workbooks

6. Set aside time to do fun things — don't turn into a revision zombie

Don't totally stop yourself from having fun. This'll help you stay motivated, relax, and allow you to keep up with your favourite hobbies.

7. Keep your phone and other distractions away.

Phones are great, but they're a one-stop shop for procrastination. Heed our warnings and stick it in a drawer while you were revising.

8. Sleep and eat properly

Sleep is more important than you'd imagine — it helps your brain store all the juicy information you've learned throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods will also boost your concentration throughout the day.

9. On exam day, make sure you arrive in plenty of time

Nothing adds extra pressure to exam day like the fear of being late. Just make sure you set off a little earlier than usual. While you wait, if people around you seem stressed about the exam, try to relax and not let their worries affect you. You've prepared well.