Top tips for beating the revision blues
Preparation for exams can be incredibly stressful and difficult, but there are ways to manage the workload and make it a bit easier. Isabel Sheppard shares her top tips
I've often found that there are three main issues with revision: demotivation, inefficiency and feeling overwhelmed at the amount to do, so I would like to offer some advice to help you find revision a bit easier.
I constantly struggle with keeping motivated throughout my revision and it's too easy to get distracted. However, there are ways to manage the procrastination and lack of motivation. Different techniques work for different people, so not all of my advice will apply to you, but here are some ideas:
· Work in a space where you won't get disturbed or distracted - for example, your bedroom isn't going to be a good idea unless you have a specific work space as there are too many things for you to get distracted by. Try changing location if you feel your attention being drawn away from your studies.
· Switch off your phone! Arguably the most dangerous thing to have near you as it is so distracting.
· Warn your family that you will be revising — they'll be less likely to disturb you.
· Set timers to take breaks. Revising in one huge block is exhausting so set a timer for 1-2 hours and take short, 10-20 minute breaks at each alarm.
· Revising with others can keep you motivated but you need to be careful that you won't distract each other.
Ineffective revision is a student's worst nightmare - you revise and revise and then sit the exam and remember absolutely nothing. Or you revise some of the material but not all of it because you ran out of time. There are three main ways to combat this:
· Try a variety of different revision techniques and test yourself after each one to find which works best for you.
· Test yourself and practice exam questions - boring, but a great way to find and fill gaps in your knowledge.
· Create a revision timetable, with each section labelled with the subject and what you will cover and with breaks in the appropriate places.
The final big problem is feeling completely overwhelmed by the amount that you need to study. This is completely understandable and everyone will be able to relate to it. Some of the previous advice should help, such as creating a timetable and stopping yourself from getting distracted, but the most important way to deal with this problem is to look after yourself.
Get enough rest, make sure you're eating properly, etc - basic self-care.
If you feel really stressed, find someone to talk to that could help (teachers, tutors, parents, pastoral, Miss Surrage). If you are unsure who to talk to, try emailing [email protected] , where your email will be directed to the best person to help you and you'll get support.
I hope this has helped you and good luck in your mocks and exams!
Isabel Sheppard, Year 11
I've often found that there are three main issues with revision: demotivation, inefficiency and feeling overwhelmed at the amount to do, so I would like to offer some advice to help you find revision a bit easier.
I constantly struggle with keeping motivated throughout my revision and it's too easy to get distracted. However, there are ways to manage the procrastination and lack of motivation. Different techniques work for different people, so not all of my advice will apply to you, but here are some ideas:
· Work in a space where you won't get disturbed or distracted - for example, your bedroom isn't going to be a good idea unless you have a specific work space as there are too many things for you to get distracted by. Try changing location if you feel your attention being drawn away from your studies.
· Switch off your phone! Arguably the most dangerous thing to have near you as it is so distracting.
· Warn your family that you will be revising — they'll be less likely to disturb you.
· Set timers to take breaks. Revising in one huge block is exhausting so set a timer for 1-2 hours and take short, 10-20 minute breaks at each alarm.
· Revising with others can keep you motivated but you need to be careful that you won't distract each other.
Ineffective revision is a student's worst nightmare - you revise and revise and then sit the exam and remember absolutely nothing. Or you revise some of the material but not all of it because you ran out of time. There are three main ways to combat this:
· Try a variety of different revision techniques and test yourself after each one to find which works best for you.
· Test yourself and practice exam questions - boring, but a great way to find and fill gaps in your knowledge.
· Create a revision timetable, with each section labelled with the subject and what you will cover and with breaks in the appropriate places.
The final big problem is feeling completely overwhelmed by the amount that you need to study. This is completely understandable and everyone will be able to relate to it. Some of the previous advice should help, such as creating a timetable and stopping yourself from getting distracted, but the most important way to deal with this problem is to look after yourself.
Get enough rest, make sure you're eating properly, etc - basic self-care.
If you feel really stressed, find someone to talk to that could help (teachers, tutors, parents, pastoral, Miss Surrage). If you are unsure who to talk to, try emailing [email protected] , where your email will be directed to the best person to help you and you'll get support.
I hope this has helped you and good luck in your mocks and exams!
Isabel Sheppard, Year 11