Revision should be carried out throughout a GCSE course, but students can struggle to know how to revise. Here’s some top tips and advice, and the linked booklet gives further support.
Short spurts of revision (20-25 minutes) are most effective. Your concentration lapses after about an hour and you need to take a short break (5-10 minutes). Aim to revise for 2-3 hours per evening and 5-6 hours each day at the weekend.
Find a quiet place to revise—your bedroom, school, the local library—and refuse to be interrupted or distracted.
Turn your mobile phone off and put it in a separate room.
Make sure you don’t just revise the subjects and topics you like. Start with your weaker subjects/topics first.
Re-write the key points of your revision notes, read them out loud to yourself.
Use different techniques such as:
make your own mind maps
use post-it notes to write key words on
create flash cards
record your notes on your mobile phone and listen to them regularly
ask parents/carers/friends/relatives to test you.
use highlighter pens to mark important points.
Access past exam papers or revision tests available on the internet. Use online revision support such as GCSEPod and BBC Bitesize.
You will need help at some stage; ask parents, teachers, or friends.
Don’t get stressed out! Eat properly, do some exercise (even a short walk in the fresh air can work wonders!) and get lots of sleep.
Believe in yourself and be positive. If you think you can succeed you will!
