We’re asking the experts to find all the best advice to get you through exam season
3 Steps to success
Benenden School’s Exams department share their 3 steps to effective revision
Step 1
Notes. Students need something to learn from. Notes can be made from the material given in lessons, supplemented by wider reading of textbooks or revision guides. They need to be a summary of the information given rather than verbatim from the lesson or any written material. Research suggests notes should be approx. 10-20% of the material reviewed, focusing on the main points made, and can take many forms – bullet point lists, tables, mindmaps, flow diagrams, posters etc.
Step 2
Learning. Possessing notes isn’t enough for information retention, students need to learn the material. Popular learning techniques include mnemonics, rhymes, flash cards and blurting. Blurting is a revision technique where students write down everything they can remember about a topic from memory before checking their notes, helping to strengthen recall and identify gaps in knowledge. This is repeated until the student can confidently write down all the information accurately.
Step 3
Practice. A test or exam should never be the first time students apply the knowledge they have learned from their revision. Success in assessments is as much about exam technique as it is about subject knowledge. Students can find a wide range of practice questions on the internet or create their own using AI (see below).
How to use AI
Artificial intelligence can be really useful for revision if used well. Some possible uses of AI include:
Helping to create a schedule
Knowledge test
Summarising notes and articles
Finding mistakes in your work
Find out more about Benenden School at benenden.school
Top Tips
Sir William Perkins’s School Deputy Head, Pastoral, Heather O’Connor, offers tips to help ease worries and boost confidence during exam season
Active Memorisation Use active memorisation techniques in short bursts. Engaging with the material actively can make a big difference. Create quizzes and test yourself regularly. Record voice notes listing key facts and play them back while getting ready in the morning. You might benefit from creating knowledge organisers on posters or post-it notes for around your bedroom or learning space.
Sleep well Sleep is your friend: Quality sleep is crucial for memory and cognitive function. Ensure all devices are left in another room to charge at night to avoid distractions and promote better sleep.
Plan treats Rewarding yourself for revising tricky topics or completing exams can keep you motivated. Simple treats like a hot chocolate can provide something to look forward to and make the study process more enjoyable.
Lean on others Involving others in your study process can be incredibly effective. Ask friends or family to quiz you on topics you’ve learned. This not only reinforces your knowledge but also makes studying more interactive and less isolating.
Practice papers As many as you can – practice makes perfect. Completing practice papers and using the mark scheme to check your answers helps you understand the exam format and identify areas for improvement.
Be kind Maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Being kind to yourself and avoiding negative self-talk can reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Remind yourself that you will get through the exams and that summer is just around the corner.
By incorporating these tips into your study routine, you can approach exam season with greater confidence and less anxiety. Good luck!
Find out more about Sir William Perkins’s School at swps.org.uk
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