Scarborough Pupil Referral Service GCSE Revision Tips 2018 1
Top Tips to help you. Don t just read do! Reading through revision notes may seem like a good way to remind yourself of the material, but reading alone is unlikely to be enough to help you absorb the information sufficiently for you to recall it in the exam. You could try rewriting your revision notes in a different format, such as a mind map or labelled diagrams or you could do past paper questions in an open book style so you can refer to the key points in your revision notes. Have a balanced approach to revision Some students like to cram the night before an exam and some draw up a revision timetable many weeks in advance. It is not wise to leave everything to the last minute, but equally, filling up all available time with revision is also not a good idea. Be organised and arrange your time so have sufficient down time for relaxing. Some students like to start early in the morning, with regular breaks throughout the day, so they have the late afternoon and early evening to themselves. Work in blocks Don t try to revise everything all at once. Your brain can t take in all the information at once and you re likely to go into meltdown! Try to sort revisions sessions into short bursts of no more than about 30 minutes before having a ten minute break. Change subjects and then try to do another 30 minute session on something different. 2
Looking after yourself Looking after yourself during exams It's important to take care of yourself How to take care of yourself 1. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night. You ll be able to stay out late as much as you like when exams are over. 2. Eat properly. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins will make you more alert and positive. Now, more than ever, your fivea-day is crucial. 3. Keep moving. Exercise can train your brain, like a good died, regular exercise will make you more alert and positive. 4. Don t use your phone just before you go to sleep. To get the right kind of sleep, you need to clear your mind and wind down first. 3
On exam days Arrive on time. Aim to get there at least 10-15 minutes before the start of your exam. If you are late, your work might not be accepted. Getting there early will also give you some breathing space to relax before you start writing your paper. Make sure your mobile phone is not on you. Phones and other similar portable devices are not allowed in the exam room. Listen carefully to the exam invgilators' and teachers' instructions before, during and after the exam. Follow instructions about all unauthorised materials and equipment, including phones. Be quiet once the exam starts. Talking to, or disturbing, other students may be seen as misconduct and lead to a penalty. If you have a question, feel sick or need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to come to you. 4
Exam techniques If you feel you've forgotten everything, it may be just nerves. Take a few deep breaths to help you stay calm. Read the instructions; make sure you know how many questions to answer. Take your time, read all the questions carefully until you understand exactly what is needed. Look for the command words. Identify key words before you answer the question. Use your answer book to brainstorm and mind-map content or ideas as you go. This will also help jog your memory if you 'draw a blank'. Remember to cross out any draft work you don't want marked. Write neatly. Answer the questions given on the paper, not the questions you were expecting. Use the allocated marks to guide how much time you spend on each answer. If you can't answer a question, move on to the next question and come back later. Leave space between answers so if you want to expand on any later, you can add to them neatly. Allow time to check back over your work. 5
Managing your exam stress Before your exams Being prepared and doing the work will always help you feel more confident about sitting your exams, so do as much revision as you can. Celebrate your successes in revision tasks and know when you do well. Meditation and exercise are great ways to help clear your mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and energised. Use deep breathing to relax your body and mind. Eat the right foods and drink lots of water too much coffee and sugar for example can make you feel more anxious as they are stimulants. If possible, avoid classmates who are highly stressed or who want to talk about the exams. Plan your exam day so you feel in control; allow for travel and proper meals. In your exams Breathe take some deep breaths to relax your body and mind. This will really help if you freeze up or are struggling to get started. Focus on your paper. Block out the exam room and other students. Read the entire question paper, answering the questions you feel most comfortable with. By answering these first, you will feel more confident and settle into the rest of the exam. Stuck with a question? Leave it. Work on the next one and then come back to it. 6
Remember, it's not a race. You've been allocated a set amount of time use it and make sure you have done as much as you can. Keep a good attitude and use positive language with yourself; your nerves will pass and you're not alone. Websites which might help https://s-cool.co.uk/ http://www.revisionworld.co.uk/ https://revisionmaths.com/ 7