The word ‘revision’ sends a shiver down the spine of so many, as we envisage the caffeine-induced all-nighters, staring at the same screen for what seems like a lifetime, in the hope that your over-worked, sleep-deprived brain might have the capability of retaining some piece of information, anything…

 

As we approach exam season, it’s critical that students revisit their course material, practise the trickier questions and ensure that they have a good grasp of their syllabus before examination day. However, the way in which you approach revision can be the make or break of any student. Without the right information, this is very much a process of trial and error. I have devised a list of tips and attitudes which can b a means to facilitate you on your way to a successful exam period.

 

Exams are a mental game

 

Exams are not bear traps, waiting to trip you up as you fret about that one equation which you can’t remember, squirming uncomfortably in your seat, hand gripped to the pencil which has become slippery with perspiration. Think of them as a performance.  Exams are an opportunity to show the examiner exactly what you DO know about a topic. Don’t get hung up on that one literary device that you can’t quite seem to use properly, or that one chemical process that just doesn’t make sense. When you’ve been staring at the same line for ½ an hour it’s time to build a bridge…move on to something else, and if you have time at the end – great! If not, top marks are still achievable even if some areas of knowledge are not as strong.

Take massive action

 

It’s so easy to spend the best part of your day (and a solid chunk of your bank account) whisking off to WHSmith to kit yourself out with 59 scented gel pens, post-it notes and a tape dispenser in order to make a colour coded, minute-by-minute revision timetable. Moreover, that bookshelf that you’ve been DESPERATE to alphabetically re-organise by author’s surname which will DEFINITELY help you to stay focused-it can wait. Whilst good materials, a tidy workspace and a cohesive plan are all important, don’t use it as an opportunity to procrastinate. Set aside 30 minutes before you begin, make room on your desk space and draw up a rough study plan and then take massive action. If you struggle to get motivated, working with a private tutor can help accelerate the revision process as well as keep you accountable.

Devote time to yourself

 

Let me take you back to the spring term of my year 13, where I was in the midst of studying for my impossible HL IB Chemistry exam. As I completed a past paper, I was delighted to see a facetime come in from a friend! After witnessing her horrified expression upon seeing my face, I suddenly realised that I hadn’t left my room (and practically not moved from my desk) in three days. My efforts simply weren’t sustainable. Successful revision and self-care go hand in hand. Don’t deny yourself of what you enjoy; rearrange your timetable and devote some time to yourself to unwind, whether that be to have a candle-lit bath, or to go and exercise. A healthy mind and body will do wonders for your self-esteem and motivation.

 

Discover What Works for You

 

Everyone has a different revision technique and environment that works for them. Just because your best friend can highlight a phrase which then seems to be burned into the back of their brain for the rest of eternity (it’s the worst, trust me), doesn’t mean that you have to be like that too. Try working in your bedroom, the dining room table, the library. Answer some questions, write some flashcards. Knowing yourself is one of the most fundamental keys to successful revision. Get to know what works for you, what keeps you engaged, and, at the end of the day, what is going to make you remember the most.

 

The exam period is daunting, no matter how well you prepare, but it’s also an opportunity to overcome obstacles and shape who you are.  Following these tips and adopting these attitudes are a sure-fire way to give yourself the best possible chance at success.

By Hannah S, Maths, Science and Art tutor in London graduate from The University of Warwick

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