How to get a head start in September
Are you wondering how to get a head start in September for your child?
Starting the new academic year can be stressful. Especially for students going into Year 10 and 11, about to start their GCSE preparation and exams. It can be daunting not knowing what to expect.
Beginning GCSE preparation as early as possible is essential for receiving good grades. Here are some useful tips for succeeding in exams.
Attend additional tuition
After-school tuition at StudyBox provides one-to-one support and customised lessons to each child. Therefore, our tutors are able to evaluate and focus on which areas that the student finds difficult. The sooner the student starts revision, the better they are able to grasp the topic. StudyBox offers GCSE, SATs and 11+ tuition.
Short, regular study intervals
A study by Dr. Dave Haylock shows that regular revision in short intervals is the most effective way to revise. ‘Revise little but often,’ Haylock suggests, which will also reduce stress. This effect is known as “spacing,” which allows the material to be remembered again once revisited.
Start revision early
Dr. Cecile Brich says it is vital to ‘start your revision early.’ Keep up with the workload and make notes as you go. Remember to write clear notes in class and build on these notes using revision guides. ‘This is not something you can do well by cramming the night before. Working regularly and keeping notes up to date makes revision much more effective and much less stressful,’ Dr. Brich advises.
Set a timetable
A revision timetable is an effective way to keep organised and on top of revision. Dedicate a few hours per day for each subject and stick to it.
Find a method that suits you
Everyone learns differently. If you are unsure how to revise, test these different methods until you find what works best for you:
- Mind map: Write the subject in the middle, then the topic coming off the first branch. Branching off from this, write keywords and bullet points to trigger the material.
- Colour coding: Write the topic as the heading and subtopics underneath. Bullet point the material in short sentences. Use different colour pens or highlighters and colour code each topic.
- Flashcards: Write each topic on a flash card. Bullet point the information underneath each topic. Read the cards throughout the day and take them with you wherever you go.
- Reciting: Ask a relative or friend to test you on the material, having you repeat the information back to them.
Break down each subject
The GCSE syllabus consists of multiple subjects, each containing in-depth material to revise. In order to make the workload bearable, it is recommended to break each subject down into topics. This way, the workload seems less daunting and each topic can be ticked off a list once completed. It is also easy to return later to the topics that are more challenging.
