It’s finally time for some festive fun but with so many students facing exams immediately after the Christmas break it’s a good idea to set some time aside for study.
Here are our top ten tips for keeping on top of things during the holidays:
1. Get organised. Don’t leave revision until the last minute, sit down and make a plan including frequent small chunks of revision rather than one large chunk of panicky cramming. Make sure this plan is realistic (leaving time for breaks and mince pies!).
2. Know when your exams are. This way you can prioritise the exams come first and ensure you don’t miss anything. Make sure you plan in extra time for weaker subjects or those where you need a good grade.
3. What do you need to learn? Your time is best spent on things that will be on the exam so check you know the exam board and syllabus you are taking for each subject. The syllabus is often a good revision guide as it lists all the stuff you’ll be tested on. If you are going to use revision guides, find the right one for your syllabus and learning style, not just the one all your mates have.
4. Do you actually understand what you have to learn? If there is a particular topic or subject you are struggling with then before you fight through it, it could be a good idea to chat it through with a teacher, friend or parent. Don’t be afraid to ask and if you can’t find the help you need then consider a tutor who can give you hints and tips on revision as well as helping with tricky subjects.
5. How do you learn best? Try out different techniques to find the one that’s right for you. Try mind maps, writing notes, highlighters and pictures. Listening to revision CDs could work for you or Questions and Answer sessions (working with a friend could be perfect for you).
6. Keep testing. Past exam papers are a great way to see if you can apply what you are revising. These papers give you an idea of the types of questions you might face in an exam and if you can also get hold of the marking scheme you can see the right answers and how examiners award marks.
7. Take care of yourself. If your body isn’t healthy then your mind won’t work properly. There are some key things you need to do, drink plenty and sleep (not too much, not too little). Eat plenty of ‘brain’ foods like fish and nuts and try to choose healthy snacks such as fruit. Ensure you have relaxation time as part of your study plan.
8. The night before. Make sure you get to bed early and have prepared what you need for the next day (pens, pencils, ruler, and calculator). Do not spend all night revising as this will just make you too tired for the exam the next day.
9. On the day. Arrive in plenty of time. Check you have a pen/pencil. Calmly read the questions and if you don’t know an answer don’t panic. Instead move on, answer the next question and come back to any you struggled with.
10. If you need help with revision and exam technique we have private tutors across Manchester and Cheshire that can help you with your 11 plus, GCSE’s and A levels. Contact us today
Tags: Christmas break and revision, entrance tests, holiday tuition, Revision tips