Revision can often feel like a daunting task, especially when the pressure of exams is looming closer and closer but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by it. With the right plan in place, you can make sure you’re ready for success come exam time.
If you’re in year 10 (4th year) now is the time to put a revision timetable in place. You need to get organised and map out exactly what you need to achieve and don’t leave it until the Easter holidays!
Start by looking at the subject syllabus and use the feedback from your teachers to guide you. You can find the latest syllabus online for any exam board, such as AQA, WJEC, OCR, CAIE, IB and Pearson Edexcel. The exam boards often have revision materials and past papers with mark schemes for you to download so make the most of what is available! There are also other materials on GCSE BBC Bitesize or Sparknotes that can be very useful.
Once you know what you need to cover, it’s time to plan! Break down each subject into manageable chunks and give yourself deadlines each week to work towards. This will stop you from procrastinating and help you make sure you’re on track. It's often useful to create a timetable that looks similar to a school timetable with the time you want to spend on the subject and which subject you are going to study. Use this handy template to get you started: Exam Timetable Example.
If you’re not naturally a planner, you could try doing things like making a study playlist or setting up a reward system for yourself. That way, you’ll have something to look forward to once you’ve finished your revision for the week. Try getting a friend or family member to help you revise too. They can act as a sounding board for any questions you have or just keep you company as you work.
All in all, revision is a crucial part of the exam process and it’s important that you start it early. Get organised, put a plan in place and start getting the results you deserve!