Preparing for exams is probably the most challenging time many of us will experience as students. From what to revise, to staying motivated, or guessing what might come up in a paper, the stress brought on by exams is totally natural and felt by everyone.

There are so many ways to learn and finding the right way to revise during your exams, is arguably the most important piece of advice we can give. 

If you find yourself struggling to revise, or feeling disjointed from the revision process, there are a huge range of revision techniques out there to try. If the way you’re revising isn’t working, talking to a friend or teacher about how they learn, could help. Asking others for advice to adapt your own revision techniques, could help unearth a new strategy you hadn’t previously considered. 

Finding what works best for you is the key to exam success. Whether that’s revising in the morning before school, or after studies when perhaps your mind is more motivated - every person has their own unique practises.

Whether you’re revising at school or at home, there are revision tips every student can follow to help ease the pressure of exam season.

Our Top 5 Revision Tips for Pupils:

• Start Revising Early - The earlier you start revising, the better. Maximising the time you have to process and revisit information will help you cover more materials and accept revision as an ongoing process. Feel prepared when entering the exam hall in the knowledge that you utilise time wisely and can stick to deadlines.
•  Make a Revision Schedule - A revision timetable is the best solution, especially for GCSE exams, where there are multiple topics and subjects to prepare for. Separate your subjects out into hourly or half hour segments on designated days. It’s also important to be strict with this revision timetable so that you work efficiently and on schedule.
• Make Revision Fun - Effective revision doesn’t have to be dull. Be inventive with the way you memorise information, by investing in colourful stationery, making creative mind maps and using post-it notes to write down essential dates and details. Revision can also be done across a range of mediums, such as watching videos, or listening to podcasts. Keep making notes throughout this process though, to ensure you have material to reflect back on later. 
• Study with Friends - A problem shared is a problem halved. Ask your peers about their revision techniques and take advantage of each other's knowledge. You may have different areas of expertise, so can help one another when revising these. Asking each other questions and quizzing one another on topics, is a useful revision technique for both parties.
• Take Time Off and Reward Yourself – It is important to take some time out of your day to give your mind some rest, to refocus after a long day of revision. Work towards a set target and then have a reward waiting for you at the end - whether that’s some down time with friends, or an outdoor activity.

If you are a parent of a child at Rendcomb College, why not take a look at our blog dedicated to revision tips for parents.