Approach your revision with confidence

We know that exam season can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when there are several subjects to revise for at once. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure where to start, or even tempted to leave everything until the last minute.

Revision can feel a lot easier when you break it down and find a routine that works for you. Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs, A levels, mock exams or other assessments, these exam revision tips can help you feel more organised, focused and confident.

Student sat at a desk

Start with a simple plan

Take some time to get organised. Start by checking your exam dates, times, locations, and the subjects and topics you will need to revise. Try to take note of any key themes and areas you struggle with, so you know where to spend a bit more time.

Once you know what you need to cover, you can create a simple revision timetable. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a plan of what subject or topic you will focus on each day, giving yourself extra time for areas you feel weaker in.

Your study space can make a difference, too. Try to find somewhere quiet and tidy, with everything you need nearby. We know how easy it is to pick up your phone and get distracted with scrolling, so it can help to put it on airplane mode or leave it in another room while you revise.

Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to take breaks. Revision is much easier to stick to when you give your brain time to rest and avoid feeling burnt out!

Try different revision techniques

Reading through your notes is a great starting point, but using active revision techniques to test yourself can really help the information stick. Here are a few techniques you could try:

Flashcards: write down key information such as names, dates, definitions and formulas. Test yourself by looking at one side and trying to remember the answer before checking.

Mind maps: put your main topic in the centre and add branches for key themes, ideas and details, to help you see how key points connect.

Mnemonics: use a phrase, word or acronym to help you remember key information. It doesn’t matter if it sounds silly or only makes sense to you, as long as it helps you remember.

Record yourself: record yourself speaking through key points you want to remember and listen back to them.

Teach someone else: try explaining a topic to a friend, family member or study buddy. The more practice you have explaining something clearly, the better you will understand it yourself.

Spaced repetition: revisit topics over a few days or weeks instead of one session, to help you see what has sunk in and what still needs more practice.

Short intervals: use the Pomodoro technique and break revision into short 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks, to help improve focus and avoid distractions.

Blurting: choose a topic and write down everything you can remember about it, then check your notes and add anything you missed.

Practice questions: apply what you have learned by answering exam-style questions, as this can help you build confidence before moving on to full past papers.

Study with a friend: as long as you both stay focused, this can be really helpful, as you can test each other, keep each other motivated and talk through difficult topics together

Not everyone will revise in the same way, as different methods will work for different subjects and people. You may prefer visual revision, such as mind maps and flashcards, or you may find it easier to revise by listening to your notes and talking things through with others. You can always try a few methods to see which ones work best for you.

Student with laptop

Practise with past papers and questions

Looking at past papers can be one of the most useful ways to prepare for exams. They are a great way of getting you used to the wording of questions, the layout of exam papers and the amount of time you will have to complete them.

You can also compare your answers to the mark scheme to help you understand what examiners are looking for, where marks are awarded and where you may need to improve.

Shuttleworth visit

Look after your wellbeing during exam season

Looking after yourself during exam season is just as important as revising, so try to build healthy habits into your revision routine as best you can.

This could mean taking regular breaks, getting some fresh air, drinking plenty of water, eating balanced meals and taking time to switch off. It can be tempting to revise all day, especially when exams get closer, but long sessions are not always the most effective. Short and focused sessions, alongside healthy habits, are easier to manage and can really help your concentration.

It’s also completely normal to feel nervous. A bit of nerves and pressure can show that you care, but if the stress from exams starts to feel too much, it’s completely okay to speak to someone. That could be a teacher, tutor, friend, family member or someone from the college support team. We are always here to help you where we can.

English Student (CBC)

What to do the night before an exam

We know it can be tempting to cram the night before an exam, especially if you feel like you haven’t done enough, but staying up late and being tired can make it harder to remember the information the next day.

Instead, do some light revision, read over some key points, check a few flashcards, then stop at a sensible time. Leave yourself time to relax and get ready for the following morning, making sure you have packed everything you need, know where you are going, and have left yourself plenty of time for a good night’s sleep!

Students working in a classroom

Tips for the day

On the day of your exam, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to eat a good breakfast, drink water and arrive early so you aren’t rushing around.

When you sit down for your exam, remember to take a breath, relax, and read all the instructions and questions carefully. If you feel yourself getting stuck, try not to panic, as you can move on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time. If you do finish early, use the time to check your work, look for any missed questions and make sure you have answered as best you can.

After the exam, it can be easy to doubt yourself or compare your answers with friends, but try to keep it out of your mind and focus on what comes next.

Resetting after the exam

Firstly, congratulate yourself for getting through it! Give yourself permission to reset, take a break, get some fresh air and do something fun.

Then, when you feel ready, you can start preparing for your next exam. As exams go on, you may find it easier to understand which revision techniques and study methods work best for you, but remember to keep looking after your rest and routine as well.

Once you have completed all your exams, it is time to celebrate! We know how much hard work and preparation goes into exams, so make sure you take a moment to recognise the effort you have put in and celebrate yourself afterwards.

You’ve got this!

 

Student services staff supporting student.

Need extra support?

Exam season can feel like a lot, but you are not expected to manage everything by yourself. If you need help with revision, preparation or managing stress, you can speak to your tutor or a member of staff.

Good luck with your exams!

Plan your time, look after yourself and remember that every bit of preparation helps.

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