“I used to think the only thing worse than exams was revision!!!! Hours sat staring at an open book when all I wanted to do was go out and play footie. I was getting so stressed out that my mate showed me some websites. I found some wicked ways to help me!”  Deano, 15

Exam revision

There are very few of us that like the idea of revision. But revision is important as it helps you to learn and improve on your skills. Sometimes it's really difficult to get started and you might think that your exams are miles away, but it's really important that you plan your revision time well in advance. Leaving it to the last minute will only make it more stressful!

Revision top tips

1. Revision timetable

Try to plan your revision carefully and draw up a plan for all your subjects and make sure that you stick to it. Think about what's the best way of revising for you -

• Are you better revising by yourself or with a friend?
• Do you prefer doing lots of short revision sessions or longer sessions?
• Never leave your revision to the last minute!
• Try testing yourself and your friends by looking at old exam papers

2. Location, location, location

Try to find a quiet place to work with no distractions such as the television. Sometimes playing some of your favourite music can help you whilst you revise.

3. Use notes and reminders

It's good to write yourself reminders, make notes and highlight important facts when you are revising. Try putting fact notes and dates, etc, somewhere you can see them. Good places are -

• on the fridge
• in your bedroom
• or even in the bathroom!

The more you look at them, the more you should be able to remember the information.

4. Record your notes

Record information and play it back - good times to listen to it is when you are in bed just before you go to sleep or while you are travelling.

5. Revision guides

Ask your teacher to recommend revision guides. You can also summarise different subjects on to cards or an A4 sheet of paper which you can use as a revision guide.

6. Relax!

Make sure that you take regular breaks. If you spend too long revising without a proper break you will stop taking the information in.

• Make sure that you eat and sleep well and don't spend all your time revising.
• Exercising is a great way to clear your mind and will help you to feel refreshed.
• Eat well. Even if you’re feeling nervous it’s important to eat properly. Make sure you have breakfast the morning before an exam to help you concentrate. Things like dried fruits and pasta and potatoes are good brain food.
• Look after yourself. You'll feel much better about exams if you can get plenty of sleep and a chance to relax. This is important all the time, but even more so before an exam. Try listening to calming music to help you relax or have a milky drink before you go to bed.
• Talk about it - talk to your mates, parents, carer or teacher. Just talking to someone about how stressed you feel can make you feel better

The big day

When you go into an exam, stay calm, breathe slowly and don't worry.

Make sure that you read all the exam instructions carefully and keep an eye on the time so that you spend enough time on each question. Remember - you can only do your best.

Go easy on yourself if you don't do as well in your exams as you expected.

More help about revision is also available at the following websites:

BBC (link opens in a new window)

Direct Gov (link opens in a new window)