With prelims just around the corner, our teachers have been providing practical strategies to help pupils study and prepare effectively for their exams.
By creating a study plan, engaging in active learning, practising with past papers, finding their preferred learning style, and taking time out to relax and switch off, students can enhance their performance. These tips will help students make the most of their revision time and find study methods that work best for them.
Let’s dive into the advice Lathallan School teachers have shared with us…
Miss Jordan, Head of Science, suggests using the Pomodoro method, which involves breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks. You can download an app or us the website with a Pomodoro timer for easy implementation.
Here’s how it works:
- Decide on the task to be done.
- Set a Pomodoro timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on the task.
- Take a short break (5-10 minutes) when the timer rings.
- Repeat this process for four sets, then take a longer break (20-30 minutes).
Mr Fernandez, Principal Teacher of Business Studies and Computing Science, shares several valuable tips for effective exam preparation:
- Create and adhere to a revision schedule.
- Allocate sufficient time to each subject.
- Maintain a healthy work/life balance by scheduling breaks and downtime activities like walks or gym sessions.
- Prioritize studying topics you are less familiar with before tackling easier material.
- Utilise past paper questions to guide your revision, focusing on understanding the command words, identifying topic areas, and checking your answers against the mark scheme.
- Practice time management through small timed tests, allocating appropriate time for each mark.
Mr Mackel emphasises the importance of planning revision time and being strategic in studying. His tips include:
- Begin by planning your revision schedule, considering holidays, weekends, and evenings.
- Start with periods when you know you won’t be studying, such as attending social events or taking breaks to create a clear picture of available revision time.
- Spread out study sessions throughout the week, giving more attention to subjects that require additional work.
- Find a suitable study location.
- Keep a record of the topics you have covered to track progress and maintain momentum.
Mrs Gabriel-Clarke, Head of English, offers the following tips for effective exam preparation and places emphasis on active learning techniques.
- Passive reading and memorisation are not always the most effective study methods so it’s worth using other ways to digest your learning such as summarising information in your own words, using colour-coded notes, or creating flashcards.
- If you’re an audio learner, read quotes and facts aloud, record yourself speaking, and listen back to fill in any gaps. You can also ask friends to test you.
- Practice with a wide range of past papers.
- Consider using apps like Flora to limit phone usage and focus on revision.
- Use a large weekly calendar in your bedroom to schedule revision and breaks.
- During holidays, follow a 9-5 revision schedule that mimics the school day, ensuring breaks and evenings off.
As the prelims approach, implementing these effective exam preparation tips from Lathallan teachers will help students develop practical strategies for studying, managing time, reducing stress, and staying motivated.
Every pupil is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Take some time to suss out your preferred learning style, whether it’s visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Visual learners may benefit from diagrams and charts, while auditory learners can try recording and listening to their notes. Kinesthetic learners may find hands-on activities or role-play helpful. Experiment with different techniques to find what suits you best.
By following these suggestions, students can make the most of their revision time and approach exams with confidence. Good luck!