10 tips to making GCSE revision work for you

It is almost that time of year again when our young adults county wide will begin to sit their GCSE exams, their revision will have started and it is these exams which will determine which colleges they go to and which jobs they can apply for.

While we try our hardest not to place too much pressure on them as that of course can be detrimental, we need to start making sure revision plans are in place and we are doing our best to help them get through these tests.

Of course it is not the end of the world if your child does not achieve the highest grades but as parents we are duty-bound to help them to try their best. I myself had to re-sit my Maths GCSE exam originally getting an E grade and then a C two years later.

Here are my top tips on making the most of your revision time:

1. Look at the exam timetable and plan a revision guidefocusing on the subjects you need to work harder on, the weaker of your subjects.
   Try to schedule a little more time to these subjects.
2. Little and oftenRemember to take breaks – revising all day and every day will do you NO good. You will not retain information and it will become stressful. 30 minutes and then a break works for many.
3. Talk through your notes with others
   
   Reading them alone can help but getting them out there can help you to understand them better. This could be parents, friends or a family member.
4. Post-It notes/FlashcardsWrite down bullets point notes to help you with key ideas – you could even stick them around the room and refer to them as you are getting ready in the mornings.
5. Turn off the TV or listen to a podcastIt may sound simple but distractions will hinder progress. How many times have you had to re-read something as you were drawn in by a TV programme? Or even written down the characters’ words instead of your own (I am guilty of both of these).

   There are so many brilliant podcasts out there that can really help GCSE students put what they learn in the classroom into a real-life context.  Sherpa Tutors has assembled a list of podcasts recommended by their teachers that can subtly support GCSE learning at home so it doesn’t even feel like revision.  Podcasts are more often than not free, and are great to have on in the background in the kitchen or on car journeys so the knowledge subtly filters in

6. Eat well/Sleep wellYou won’t be able to concentrate if you are hungry and the same goes if you are over-tired.
7. Look at past exam papersWhile these will obviously be different questions to the exams you will be sitting, it will give you an idea of how questions are phrased and the length/type of answers which you may be expected to give.
8. Ask for helpIf you are struggling with a subject don’t struggle alone. There are so many people who will help you to understand from a class mate, teacher or even a specialised tutor.
9. Mix it up a littleIf you are learning about a certain subject or time in history for instance then why not watch a documentary on that subject? This will also help you to relax a little, ensure you have a break and well, let’s face it we all need some TV time sometimes.
10. Repeat steps 1-9,over and over and remember to take time out to breathe!

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