6/03/2025
Supporting Your Child’s Revision and Exam Preparation
Supporting a child through their revision and exams can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent efforts—like setting up a calm workspace, maintaining a positive mindset, and encouraging balanced routines—can make a significant difference to your child’s motivation and confidence. Below are practical tips to help you guide them throughout their revision journey.
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
8 things parents can do to support their child
1. Encourage a Structured Approach
- Create a Revision Plan: Help your child outline a clear study schedule. Display it visibly on a wall calendar or use a shared digital calendar like Google Calendar.
- Stay Balanced: Recommend using tools like a Pomodoro timer (25 minutes of work, 5 minutes break) to keep each study session focused and manageable.
- Use Revision Planners: Encourage them to use school-provided or online revision planners to structure their sessions.
2. Provide Rewards and Encouragement
- Small Incentives: Offer praise for good study habits or consider small rewards to maintain motivation (e.g., treats, extra free time).
- Positivity and Resilience: Celebrate effort, not just results. Show belief in your child’s abilities and encourage them to keep going even when things get tough.
3. Minimise Distractions
- Quiet Study Space: Help find a calm, tidy area for revision—preferably at a desk or table, not in bed.
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage turning off the TV and putting away phones or social media apps during study sessions.
- Instrumental Background Music: If they like music, suggest quiet, lyric-free options to avoid breaking their concentration.
4. Promote Healthy Habits
- Regular Sleep Schedule: Aim for at least eight hours of sleep with consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
- Morning Routine: Start each day positively with a healthy breakfast and enough time to get ready without stress.
- Nutritious Diet: Provide balanced meals and healthy snacks to keep their energy levels steady and their minds sharp.
- Physical Wellbeing: Model calm behaviour and encourage them to exercise or at least move around between study sessions.
5. Active Support
- Test Them: You don’t need to be an expert—use flashcards, quiz them on facts, or ask them to explain concepts.
- Accountability: Check in on their progress. Celebrate and reward the behaviours you want to see (e.g., sticking to the revision timetable).
- Don’t Overemphasise Certain Exams: Telling them some exams matter less can demotivate them. All their efforts deserve recognition.
6. Signpost Resources
- Revision Tips and Hub: Direct them to the school’s “Revision Tips for Students” page or to resources like the Positively You Revision Hub for active revision strategies.
- Attend School Sessions: Encourage your child to join any structured revision sessions offered at school. These are designed to give extra support and guidance.
7. Mindset and Wellbeing
- Positive Reinforcement: Remind them of their strengths daily. Let them know you believe in them.
- Managing Stress: Explain that some stress is natural (and can even be helpful) but encourage them to use mindfulness or grounding techniques if they feel overwhelmed.
- Focus on What’s Controllable: Help them understand the value of focusing on their own efforts, rather than worrying about things outside their control.
8. Be There for Them
- Open Communication: Invite them to talk about their concerns and celebrate their successes.
- Be a Role Model: Show calm and encouraging behaviour—students often mirror your mindset.
- Offer Caring Advice: Sometimes just listening and offering emotional support can make a big difference in their confidence and resilience.
By providing structure, fostering healthy habits, and offering positive support, you’ll help your child feel more capable and confident about their upcoming exams. If you need further advice, refer to the parent support pamphlets provided—these include practical tips and extra resources.
Parent Advice Pamphlets
Handling the Pressure of External Exams
Helping your Child get into Good Habits
Support Planning 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 Strategies
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
