I also know that a few people I know, up in Scotland, have actually come to the end of this period of exams, but this post should still be useful and relevant when your exams roll around again!
So, lets get on with these tips:
- Create a revision timetable - Both of us have one of these and it is honestly the most useful thing we have for revision. It helps you become more organised and feel reassured about knowing exactly what you need to do. Here's a link to laurdiy's DIY Revision Timetable and DIY Wall Organiser (similar to Alison's timetable).
- Find your learning style - Finding this - whether it's visual, auditory, kinaesthetic or a mix - it will make revision work so much better for you. Here's some links for sites that help you find your learning style, but experimenting for yourself is probably the most effective way: EducationPlanner.org - this one goes into detail about your learning 'type' as well as giving you other types that you partially relate with, BBC - 5 Questions, YouThink.com - Slightly stranger questions.
- Use techniques that suit your learning style - For example, Sabrina is a visual learner and so draws out diagrams and writes out the information she needs to remember, in bright colours. I, (Alison), am a auditory learner, so I listen to myself reading the work out loud, which I often record on my phone so I can listen to it whilst out and about. One of our teachers also provides podcasts on the subject which we can borrow and listen to- so speak to your teachers about whether or not they could produce them. If you're sitting GCSEs have a look at GCSEPod too.
- Ask your teachers for help - Your teachers are there to help you, so if you are struggling and feel like a little guidance or help would benefit you, just ask them! See if they can provide you with textbooks, revision sessions,or past papers.
- Make a to-do list - If you find yourself procrastinating your revision a lot, make yourself a to-do list. This helps me, as I feel like I have to tick all the boxes or I'll end up feeling bad. It therefore feels like revising takes a weight off of your shoulders.
- Set revision time slots - I'm sure most of you have timers on your phones, or somewhere in your house. So, use them to your advantage by setting timers for time working and time resting. Set 20 minutes of straight revision, then 20 minutes to relax - maybe browse the internet, scroll through tumblr, watch a youtube video or two, or maybe even catch up on your favourite blogs! Then, go back to 20 minutes of revision.
- Reward yourself - I've yet to try this one, but seeing as I read everything out, I'll be giving it a go later today (we have two exams on Tuesday!) Basically, you just put a sweet at the end of each paragraph or page that you can have it once you've read up to it.
Extra Tips:
- Drink water a lot.
- Make sure you're still eating and not just revising, revising, revising - try to have healthy meals too!
- Know that your grades don't define you, but if you do put in all of your effort, you will probably get better grades!
Good Luck to anyone taking exams right now, or in the future! Make sure to let us know your revision tips in the comments and share this with a friend who might need an extra hand with their studying.
See you soon with another blog post,
- Alison and Sabrina