We're right in the middle of exam season, and whether you are studying for your GCSEs or SQA exams there is still time to brush up on your revision skills and pick up some useful tips that may help you out in your remaining exams.
We've pulled together a list of ten of our favourite revision tips from across the Bitesize Study Support website that could be game changers when it comes to studying for your exams.
1. Eat brain boosting food
Revising for exams can be draining at times, but did you know there are certain foods that can help boost your brain for the moments you need it most? You should include different foods in your meals and snacks that contain:
Fibre – vegetables and dark leafy greens, help slow down digestion so that your food releases slower and keeps you fuller for longer.
Protein – fish that are high in oils, have a good amount of omega-3 fats in them which is great for brain health – like fresh tuna, sardines, tinned mackerel. Chicken, eggs, beans, nuts and lentils contain good levels of protein.
Whole grains – slow-release carbohydrates, like wholegrain bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, porridge keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Vitamin C – fruits like oranges, blueberries and blackberries are great for your immune system and as a snack.
You can find some tasty recipes for some brain boosting snacks here.
2. Ask for help
No matter how hard we try, we can sometimes end up leaving things until the last minute, but it's best not to do this with revision. But, if you have left things to the last minute try not to panic. Asking for help as soon as you need it is much better than burying your head in the sand.
If you've left revision to the last minute and you're feeling short on time, definitely go to someone for help. Your teacher should be able to help prioritise things for you… Don't be tempted to pull an all-nighter – they never help!
You can read some more tips about what to do if you've left your revision to the last minute here.
3. Revise little and often
If you find it overwhelming trying to tackle all your revision at once, try and plan ahead and break your revision up into small, more manageable chunks.
Even though you are in the thick of your exams, it's still not too late to create a revision timetable – make sure you plan time for fun things like seeing friends and chilling out too!
4. Do some exercise
Doing something fun that helps you stay healthy is a great way to boost your endorphins. This will help reduce your stress levels in the run up to exams too.
Did you know that exercise can also boost your memory, improve focus and concentration, and increase energy levels? If you want to know more about how exercise can help you revise, we've got a guide for that.
5. Use flashcards
Flashcards are a popular way to use retrieval practice – the process of regularly retrieving knowledge from memory – but if you're just reading your flashcards over and over again, you're not getting the best use out of them.
Good flashcards will have a couple of keywords or a question on one side and then the answer or explanation on the other. Use the keywords or question on the first side to prompt you, then try recalling from memory what's on the other side. You can write down what you've recalled or just do it in your head.
6. Listen to podcasts
Listening to podcasts is a really useful tool to help you revise as you can listen to them whenever you want! Listen to ones that contain information on things you've already studied to help refresh your memory when revising, or if you want to expand your knowledge on a subject, listen to podcasts that contain new information, which will help broaden your general understanding.
Bitesize has loads of revision podcasts to help you remember the things you need to know for your upcoming exams.
7. Surround yourself with information
Your entire home can aid your study in the run-up to an exam. Invest in some sticky notes and pop them up in the place you visit most throughout the day. Creating a mind map can really help your existing knowledge of a subject by solidifying that information in your mind. Mind mapping is a great way to plot down a lot of information on a subject to help your remember the things you need to know. Here are some useful things to remember when you create a mind map:
- Make your mind maps eye-catching, big, bright and colourful.
- It really helps if you use capital letters, doodles and different colours for each 'branch'.
- Stick mind maps to the ceiling or wall so you see them regularly.
8. Relax
Looking after your mental health is really important, especially when you are doing your GCSEs or Nationals, when the exam stress can be really overwhelming. We've spoken to Jamie Gilbert aka Mr G who told us that using breathing techniques will help if you are feeling overwhelmed before, during or after your exam.
You should do two short inhales through your nose and one deep exhale from your mouth. You can find some more tips from Mr G to help reduce stress and anxiety during exam season here.
9. Use past papers
Past papers are really useful to help you get to grips with the structure of your exam. They will help you see what type and style of questions you may be coming up against in your real exam. Doing past papers will help you get all the mistakes out of your system, and to learn from them.
Make sure you ask your teachers for their advice and tips on where you went right and wrong in your past papers. Then when it comes to the real exam you should be as prepared as you can be for anything that comes your way!
10. Try something different
Our memory expert, Dr Vanessa Loaiza has given us some simple memory hacks that could help you ramp up your revision and excel in your exams. Have a look over her list of memory hacks, such as mnemonics, elaboration and spaced practice, and give some of her techniques a try – they could be revision game changers!
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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