This week marks the beginning of the GCSE exam season for thousands of learners across the UK. For a lot of young people, this can be the most stressful time in their educational life, so it’s important to make sure you are ready and have all the tools and tips you need!
Of course, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to studying – everyone has their own individual learning style. But we’ve put together the following top tips that are generally a great place to start if you want to make the most out of your revision time and smash your exams:
- Start Revising Early
Whilst we’re all guilty of putting things off until the last minute, starting your revision early means you can spread it out and avoid last-minute panic. Aim to start revising in the mornings when your brain is fresher. - Flashcards for the win
Flashcards or revision cards are a tried and tested revision technique and there are so many ways to use them! You can use them to remember words and definitions, facts, quotes and more! - Find a revision method that works for you
Everyone prefers different methods of revising; you should focus on a way that works best for you. Some revision techniques include past papers, mind maps, group work and recording yourself talking and then playing it back. Finding what works for you involves trial and error. - Test yourself
Time spent testing yourself pays off, so come up with questions to test your knowledge. Make sure you understand what you’re revising by thinking it through, rather than learning by mechanical repetition. Ask your friends and family to test you too. - Teach someone else
Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else is a great way to be sure you understand the topic. It will also help you remember information and identify any areas you don’t fully understand. - Space out your revision and take breaks
Memorising information takes time – you can’t cram it all in at the eleventh hour and expect it to stay there! Give yourself the best chance of success by staggering your revision – one hour of revision over five days is better than five hours in one day. - Look after yourself
Make sure you sleep and eat well, get some exercise and reward yourself.
Get a good night’s sleep
Eat well
Move your body
Reward yourself - Stay calm and positive
Maybe the most important thing to remember during the revision process is to stay calm and positive. Had a bad day? Try not to let it affect how you revise the next day. While exams are important, they’re not the be-all and end-all of your education. Try not to stress too much about them.
Passing your GCSEs can support you in getting into the college of your choice, but it is not the only option you have. MPCT Military Academies offer a pathway for those seeking a future in the Armed Forces.
And, if you’re still not sure what that dream job is, we have options you might not have even thought about yet! Read our blog on your options after GCSEs here: Not sure what to do after your GCSEs? Here’re your options in a nutshell | Learning Curve Group
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