
Revision Tips for Students
This page contains information to support students in preparing for their exams. You can find useful resources using the links below. Access subject-specific details including exam content, key revision points, revision checklists, and available in-school support here.
For general advice on effective revision strategies and managing exam pressures, visit the Positively You Revision Hub.
All parents and students can use the Positively You Revision Hub by clicking here.
Username: PosYouHub
Password: AppleTree88
Revision Top Tips for Students
Start Early, Don’t Procrastinate
- Give yourself plenty of time to plan and revise.
- Access the Positively You Revision Hub by clicking here. Username: PosYouHub Password: AppleTree88
Make a plan and stick to it
- Make a Plan: Create a realistic revision timetable, allowing enough time for each subject. Find out more about writing a revision timetable.
- Identify Gaps: Use checklists to find what you still need to learn.
- Organise Materials: Keep notes and textbooks tidy.
- Pomodoro Technique: Study in 25-minute blocks with short breaks to stay focused. Find out more.
Focus on Active Revision
- Flashcards: Summarise key points on flashcards to practise recall. Use them regularly to test what you know and what needs more work.
- Practice Questions: Use past papers to get familiar with the types of questions you might face and the exam format. Focus on areas you find most challenging.
- Mind Maps: Create mind maps to connect different ideas and topics visually. They help you see the bigger picture and how concepts link together.
- Teach Others: Explaining topics out loud to a friend, sibling, or parent can help reinforce your understanding and reveal any gaps in your knowledge.
- Mnemonics: Use memory tricks, rhymes, or acronyms to remember difficult facts and sequences. For example, “BODMAS” for the order of operations in maths.
- 1-2-4-7 or 2357 Rules: Revisit new material at increasing intervals (e.g., after 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, and so on) to help transfer information into long-term memory.
- Attend School Revision Sessions: Make the most of any revision sessions offered by your teachers—they’re a great way to get expert help and stay on track.
- Use Online Tools: Platforms like Seneca, Sparx Maths, and MathsWatch offer interactive ways to review information and practise exam questions.
Use Effective Strategies
Having a strategy makes your revision more productive and less overwhelming:
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Avoid Cramming: Spread your revision over weeks instead of cramming it all into a few days. This helps you remember information better for the long term.
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Switch Topics Regularly: Rotate between subjects to keep your mind fresh and prevent burnout. Aim to cover a mix of subjects each day.
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Test Yourself Often: Regular self-testing helps you identify weak spots and boosts your ability to recall information during exams.
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Take Breaks and Get Enough Sleep: Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night to help your brain process and retain what you’ve learned.
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Stay Healthy: Eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and try to exercise regularly to keep your energy levels up. Check out our brain boosting meal and healthy revision snack recipes
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Manage Mental Health: If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, talk to someone you trust or access support. Simple things like deep breathing, mindfulness apps, or a short walk can also help.
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Remember Your ‘Why’: Remind yourself why you’re revising—whether it’s to achieve a particular grade, get into a sixth form, or pursue a future career. Keeping your goals in mind will help you stay motivated.
Planning Your Revision
Creating an Effective Revision Calendar
Effective Revision Using the Pomodoro Technique
The 1-2-4-7 and 2357 Rules for Effective Revision
Effective Revision Techniques
Using Mnemonics and Visual Mnemonics for Effective Revision
Teach Others to Boost Your Learning
Effective Revision Using Mind Maps
How to Revise Effectively Using Flashcards