Revision Guides

Exactly when, where and how long each exam is
What topics you need to cover for each exam
You have all the notes, books, past papers and model answers you need
What sort of questions are on each exam paper e.g. multiple choice, essay based
If you have any exam clashes and how to resolve them
What percentage each exam carries for each subject
Write a schedule to ensure that each subject and each topic within each subject is given an appropriate amount of time. Plan to revisit each topic regularly
Start your revision early - revising often and in small chunks is more effective than cramming, it will help you remember more, for longer.

Unless you are using it to revise, put your phone somewhere out of sight so that you don't get distracted
Always make your own revision notes - you’ll learn as you write them
Take regular planned breaks for food, exercise or rest and relaxation
Experiment with different revision techniques: Make notes, lists, glossaries, mind maps, spider diagrams or flash cards
Look at past exam papers and know how questions could be asked
When you come across something that you don’t understand or can’t do, and the internet doesn’t help, find someone to ask
Be confident - if you’re positive about your exams, you’ll take in more and remember it when it counts
Understand the key instructions: explain, evaluate, compare, show that, etc.

Condensing: write and rewrite your notes, keep cutting them down so the key information fits on one side of paper or on index cards
Making links: Mind maps and spider diagrams help you make links between different topics
Recording: tape important points, quotes, formulae - if you hear and read things they’re more likely to sink in
Talking: read your notes out loud, work in groups to share understanding, clarify ideas and rehearse key concepts
Testing: see what you can remember without notes, but avoid testing yourself on topics you know already
Timing: do past exam questions against the clock - it’s an excellent way of getting up to speed; make sure you have model solutions to check your answers against
Revision clock: Revision sessions should ideally be 45-60 mins. In each session you should try to recap content, test yourself, review what you do/do not know. Using the revision clock below will help you to do this.

Have a mini celebration/treat yourself after each exam
Use your list of revision topics to tick off what has already been covered
Build your exams into your work plan so you know exactly how much time you have left for revision
File away revision notes once you’ve done the exam.