Revision Websites
Tip 1 – Plan for your revision
It is important to have a structured approach to your revision because it means you can be sure of covering everything you need in the time available.
Tip 2 – Create the right environment
When you revise at home use the following tips for creating the right environment:
If possible try and set aside an area that’s just for revision. Wherever possible, avoid your bedroom as this is full of distractions.
Make sure your desk is well lit and away from distractions such as the TV.
Most people revise most effectively in a quiet environment.
Find a spot where it is easy to avoid distractions. Turn off your phone, move away from the TV and shut down your internet connection.
Have everything to hand before you start. This means pens, pencils, paper, textbooks, exam paper and notes.
Revision Websites
Tip 3 – Think about your technique
Simply reading textbooks and notes is not enough for effective revision. You need to be active, making notes and diagrams Use past papers, text books, class notes and syllabuses to work out what you should be revising – you don’t want to waste time on topics that are not relevant for the exam.
Set aside time to think as well as read and write. It’s important – switch environments for this.
Maybe go to the park, for a walk or to the cafe.
Go over material more than once but leave a day or two in between. This will help reinforce knowledge and fix it in your mind.
Find the optimum time in the day for you to revise - many students find that revising early in the morning works best for them – obviously this is impossible to do when revising during school hours but is possible during exam study periods, weekends and holidays.
Tip 4 – Don’t overdo your revision
Avoid information overload and burn out by pacing your studies – this reinforces the importance of having a well thought out
revision timetable.
Take frequent breaks. Short chunks of revision work best for most people e.g revise for 30 minutes then take a short 5 or 10 minute break.
Stay hydrated and don’t get too hungry. Keep a glass of water to hand along with healthy snacks like fruit and nuts.
If things aren’t going quite to plan, don’t panic – just re-evaluate what you can cover in the remaining time and focus on what you can achieve.
Make sure you get enough sleep as this can help you stay alert and energetic rather than tired.
Discipline yourself and get into the habit of revising regularly
Plan in some relaxation time – especially if you are revising every day it is important to plan in some time to switch off and relax.
