TIPS AND TRICKS FOR REVISING!

Revision is one of the most tedious and monotonous parts of student life, and with exams creeping up on us all it's sometimes hard to inspire yourself to keep revising and working for them. Determination is one thing that many of us struggle with, we all need encouragement to revise, whether that comes from ourselves or someone else. Also, we all worry about whether we are revising enough, it's a normal feeling. However, you should never push yourself too far! Too much revision can lead to too much stress and therefore impact success in the final exam. Do enough, but not too much!

There are always going to be people around us who talk about  how they spend continuous hours revising, don't dwell too much on this! A lot of people tend to do a lot less than they say they are doing. And those who do truly spend too many hours revising probably won't come out with the best result. Or, they won't be taking in everything, and their effort will be wasted! What's important is that you do enough to feel happy with your own work! Some people can concentrate longer than others. The brain can concentrate for 45 minutes at the most. After 45 minutes of intense studying, the brain's concentration drops extremely! Some people struggle to concentrate for 20 minutes, it's different for everyone. Breaks are the key!

Personally, I tend to study for about 3-4 hours a day at the weekend and during holidays. On school days I revise for 2 hours a day for about 4-5 days a week. I tend to do about half an hour and then have a 5 minute break where I leave my desk and go somewhere else, sometimes I have a snack and a drink. Some days I don't revise at all because it is always a good idea to have a break. You should never be revising for 7 days a week constantly, it's not healthy and can impact you in ways that you wouldn't realise. Always have a day off to refresh yourself and maybe go out with friends. Revision shouldn't take over your life completely.

Revision equipment is a vital part to revision! Revision is a lot more manageable with colours and different techniques. To revise, you can use flash cards, mind maps, notes, post-its, revision stars, podcasts, websites, etc. Anything that helps you to remember things are forms of revision. It doesn't have to be extremely academic, revision related videos on YouTube also count! It is absolutely vital to understand how you learn the best! Before you start revising, make sure to check the internet to find what type of learner you are. This will help you to tailor your revision to your needs.

I use many revision aids to help me to revise. I am mainly a reading and writing learner. I like to make mind maps and re-write my revision notes. There are lots of revision equipment that I would recommend that you purchase (especially is you're a similar learner to me):

1) A few folders to keep work in. I have one for revision notes and one for past years work/homework. It helps to keep me organised.
2) A big note pad for revision notes. I bought this one from The Works and I think it is perfect because revision is all about planning. It is also really good quality paper, which is so important for me.
3) Revision stars and post-it notes for little notes that are important. I use these for definitions.
4) Blue Tack and Sticky Fixers to stick posters onto walls and stick certain things together.
5) Staples to staple together revision notes to keep topics together.
6) A diary to keep a plan of when your exams and important dates are. A weekly planner to organise any revision tasks/homework due at school. This helps me to keep track of when which homework is due.
7) Coloured pens - makes revision more exciting and it is scientifically proven that we learn better with colour!
8) Cardboard folders to keep little revision bits inside for different topics. Or maybe to keep revision sheets inside.
9) Plastic wallets and dividers to keep sheets and revision notes inside in the folders and keep them organised into subjects.
10) COLOURED CARD! This is absolutely vital if you like to make mind-maps! These are just ideal, they are brightly coloured to help you to remember and also card is a lot more sturdy than paper, and easier to stick to the wall.

Once you have got together everything you need, the next step is to get together a revision time table, setting out your whole day! I use an amazing app called 'My Study Life' which helps your to manage your exams, homework, lessons and revision sessions! It is completely free. I have it on my laptop and iPad and it notifies me when I have 15 minutes until a lesson or revision session. If you find it easier, you can use a revision timetable template, write in your own revision sessions and stick it onto your wall.

Exams are stressful but as long as you ensure that you revise, you will do as well as you can! Make sure to do as many past papers as you can to make sure that you know the exam techniques. That is very important. Keep to your revision guide right up until your last exam and once you've completed all exams you can finally sit back and tell yourself that you performed to your absolute best potential!

Good luck to all of you who have important exams coming up soon! Be confident, you will do amazing!