Plan revision for a testing time ahead
FOr students settling into the new term, next summer’s exams may seem like a long way off.
However, tougher GCSE and A-levels mean it’s more important than ever to get into a good studying routine.
Stephen Moore, director of Justin Craig Education, advises year ten to 13 pupils to study through the year and start revision early. His top tips are:
SPEND time at weekends and school holidays revisiting course work and completing notes, to build understanding throughout the year rather than just in the run-up to exams.
IF STUDENTS struggle with independent study or need extra help, school- holiday revision courses can be effective.
MAXIMISE memory recall by learning in short bursts, spaced out over a period of time, with regular self-testing using online quizzes or past paper questions.
Mr Moore says students should use a planner to get into a study routine and keep track of deadlines, organising notes as they go.
He says: ‘Draw up a realistic timetable for holiday study. Historically, the Easter holidays have been the main time for revision.
‘However, teachers recommend that students allocate some time every holiday to consolidate knowledge so that they are well placed to move on to new topics in the next term.’ Mr Moore says students should also allocate some time to consider feedback and learn from class tests and mock exams.
‘If students ran out of time, they should consider what they can do differently next time and think about how they can reduce the risk of mis-reading questions.
‘Start trying out different learning and memory aids early on so you can discover what works best for you,’ he says.
Popular aids include spider diagrams, note cards and working with a study buddy.
Justin Craig has courses throughout the year so students can focus on different subjects at different points in the calendar rather than cramming revision into the Easter holidays.
‘Our Christmas courses are a chance to give all students a revision boost, whatever their ability or needs, and can kick- start a good study routine,’ he says.
‘ In addition to addressing knowledge gaps and/or weaknesses in key subject skills, students really value the opportunity to share information and revision strategies with their peers.’