How to Effectively Revise During the Easter Break

The exam season is almost upon us, and students all over the UK are doing their final preparations. Within the classroom, this will be planning and practicing exam style questions with lessons on key topics which a majority of students struggled with during January mock exams, but what should this season look like at home for students? In this blog, we will explore the different ways in which Year 11 students can prepare for their exams.

How to optimise revision?

Revising is very often about recalling information that has been already learnt, rather than learning anything new. Therefore, the best revision will include working from memory. For example, answering exam style questions without looking at notes or getting help will be more effective than copying information off from a textbook or a website.

Short Burst Recall

Short quizzes, flashcards and fill in the blanks can be a tremendous help. For many students, the prospect of spending hours at the desk, especially after a whole day already spent at school, can seem like the worst kind of torture. Therefore, setting small, achievable revision goals will be very important. Even 15 minutes of recall will be better than nothing, and very often the thought of starting a task is worse than doing the task itself – once students get going with their revision, things do get easier. There are many websites that offer online flashcard creation such as Quizlet, or you can pick up some card and create your own.

Wellbeing and Screen Detox

As always, wellbeing is extremely important during exam season. Getting adequate sleep will be vital for a healthy, alert brain and body. According to the NHS, teenagers need 8 – 10 hours’ sleep per night, and ideally, they should limit their screentime two hours before their bedtime. The reality, however, is that a lot of teenagers will not sleep long enough and spend too much time on their screens. So, what can we do? Most phones now have a ‘Digital Wellbeing Centre’ which can be used to set timers on applications and set up ‘Bedtime Mode’ which can turn the screen black and white or limit the blue light.

How can Cardiff and Vale Tutors help?

Exam season can be overwhelming and sometimes having someone to help guide students through the sections they struggle most with, can be a game changer. There are many options for tuition such as individual, working in pairs or groups, as well as attending one-off workshops.

Keep an eye out for workshops during the Easter breaks which will be available both in-person and online!

This Blog was Written By Aleksandra Dul – QTS English Language and Literature Teacher

Do take a look at earlier blogs:

What is The Value of Tutoring? – Cardiff Vale Tutors

The Importance of Sleep and Nutrition for GCSE Students – Cardiff Vale Tutors

Why Last Minute Revision Matters – Cardiff Vale Tutors