If you’re currently sitting GCSE exams and need some help boosting your productivity, take a look at our top revision tips.
- Make a study schedule
Plan when you’re going to study and split your time between subjects where necessary. If you’re short on time, consider what areas to prioritise and focus on these first.
- Get into a routine
Where possible, try to revise on the same days and times so it forms part of a routine and feels natural. If you already do homework at a set time, you could switch this to revision time. The more revising or studying becomes a habit, the easier it is to do, and the less likely you are to forget it.
- Be realistic
Revision can feel overwhelming, so it can be tempting to try to pack in as many study sessions as possible to fit it all in. But if you over-commit, your timetable will be useless, and you’ll end up feeling frustrated and demotivated. Think carefully about the best times to study and make sure you’ve considered clashes such as family time or after-school clubs.
- Set yourself goals
Setting goals can help keep you motivated and can be a good way to progress. Set some long and short-term goals and have small rewards for each, so you have something to work towards. This could be celebrating finishing a particular topic or marking when you have completed a set of topic flash cards.
- Research the best resources
There are some incredible free resources available to help you study for GCSE exams, including YouTube videos, websites with past papers and BBC’s bitesize revision. Spend some time looking into the best study support for you and determine how to use this as part of your revision routine.
- Check your GCSE exam boards
Different schools use different exam boards for GCSEs, so make sure you know yours so that you’re using the right resources. This will differ for each subject, so double-check them all.
- Be strategic
Think about how you’re going to approach revision carefully. You only have a finite amount of time, so it’s essential to use it wisely. Work out what subjects you want to concentrate on and your weaker areas. Ask your teachers to help guide you if you’re not sure. Set aside time for specific topics and work backwards starting with those you need the most support with.
- Work out the best revision style for you
We all absorb information in different ways, so it’s important to understand the most effective methods for you. This could be writing out flashcards, reading around a subject or watching videos. Plan your revision around what suits you.
- Find a quiet space
Try to avoid revising around others or in a loud environment. It can be distracting and can be harder to absorb information. If you have no option but to be somewhere busy, try wearing headphones or finding a quiet corner.
- Eat before beginning revision
Don’t try to revise on an empty stomach! It’ll make concentrating harder, and you’ll inevitably need to take a break to eat fairly early on. Keep well hydrated, too.
If your child will be sitting GCSEs next year, find out more about our GCSE tuition here.
