The public exams this year may have been cancelled, but there are still thousands of students up and down the country who have significant assessments to revise and prepare for, whether they be less conventional assessments or internal school exams. Preparation for exams of any sort can be daunting, and one of the biggest issues is knowing where to start. Below we have outlined a number of helpful tips to get you started, and to begin the revision process.

1. Plan your revision from the start.

The first crucial step to revision is to create a comprehensive and detailed plan of when and how you are going to target all necessary aspects of the exams, and how you structure this. It can be tempting to merely set aside certain days or weeks for each subject, but we would highly recommend taking the time to break down each subject into topics. Make a checklist with each topic on, and ensure that each is allotted enough time in your plan. This avoids the danger of forgetting subject areas or running out of time with topics still to cover.

2. Ensure that there is variety in your revision.

One of the most difficult aspects of revising for a sustained period of time is having the motivation to persevere. It can be easy to lose drive and energy, especially when the exams may feel far away. One of the most effective ways to combat this is by varying your revision techniques. You should try to incorporate note taking, mind-maps, presentations, and colour as well as oral discussion with classmates or even families, to help consolidate the knowledge you have gained.

3. Take regular breaks – and make the most of them!

Not only is it important to have down-time from your revision, but it is important you spend this time wisely. If you are revising on your computer for hours on end, then it may be a good idea to get away from the screens when you can. Go for a walk, kick a football around, or get creative in the kitchen – anything which adds variety and gives your eyes a rest from the computer!

4. Don’t overdo it.

It can be tempting to be drawn into classroom competitions about who has done the most hours of revision for any upcoming exams. We would recommend that you ignore this competition, and instead find a balance which works for you: be sure you are doing enough to cover every topic in sufficient detail, but it is equally important to avoid burning out by spending too many hours chained to your desk.

Facing exams of any kind can be immensely daunting, and knowing where to begin with revision forms just one part of this challenge. We hope that the above tips are helpful in your exam preparation, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the team if you have any further questions or would like any advice on revision strategies.

Learn how tutors can assist their tutees with revision here.