It's crunch time- but don't let revision get you down!
- Billie Smith
- May 13
- 2 min read
Updated: May 14
Good, effective revision matters. Not just for passing exams but for building independence, confidence and memory.

Use Evidence-Based Techniques
Often, I’ll hear of students endlessly reading and highlighting- this isn’t enough. I truly recommend using techniques, that are backed by science, such as:
Active recall: e.g., using flashcards or writing down what you remember before checking notes.
Spaced repetition: revisiting topics at increasing intervals to strengthen memory.
Interleaving: mixing up subjects or topics during study sessions, rather than "blocking" one for hours.
Dual coding: combining words and visuals (e.g., turning notes into diagrams or mind maps).
The Leitner system for organizing flashcards efficiently.
Plan It Out
I cannot stress enough; how important it is to have a realistic timetable- one that is easy to stick to! Ensure that you have the right balance between your subjects and have included enough breaks and extended downtime. Goals are also useful for each session, e.g. ‘Understand the structure of Charge of the Light Brigade and London’ vs ‘Revise poetry.’
Make Revision Active
No one likes to be sat at a desk, reading or writing all day- think about how to mix it up! What about some creative, practical methods, such as:
Turn bullet points into quiz questions
Use voice notes or record summaries
Teach someone else (a great way to find gaps in understanding)
Create mind maps, timelines, or storyboards
Use Past Papers Smartly
Past papers are a fantastic resource that are available to you, on the exam board website of your subject. You could use these to build up writing stamina by practising under timed conditions, as well as using the examiner reports to understand common mistakes. If you can gain some extra awareness and understanding of the mark schemes too, you can mark your own answers, using the exam board criteria, whilst learning how to self-assess and spot gaps. Win, win!

Include Wellbeing and Balance
Wellbeing is important in all aspects of life but is especially the case for young people that may be experiencing stress and pressure for the first time. Here, we can arm them with tools to take forward for the future. Revision doesn't always have to look like scanning notes, relentlessly!
The exam period can be very stressful if you do not include time for yourself to decompress. Moments of stillness and relaxation are key in ensuring that your mindset remains calm and composed, throughout. My top wellbeing tips include:
Regular breaks, healthy snacks, sleep, and fresh air
Avoid the “cram and panic” cycle
Listen to apps/subject podcasts, close your eyes and enjoy!
Use Tech Wisely
In this day and age, we can use tech to our advantage- there are thousands of resources out there that we can access, at the tip of our fingers! Aim to vary the websites/resources used, as you may find key nuggets of information elsewhere. My favourite techy bits are:
Quizlet for flashcards
Seneca or BBC Bitesize
Google Docs for shared group revision
YouTube channels like Mr Bruff (for English) or Cognito (for science)
Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress. Everyone revises differently- find what works best for you. Revision IS a skill that you can learn and get better at.
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