What does effective revision look like?

How can you help your son or daughter?

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Revising for exams

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

How not to revise

Students often end up drifting into patterns of behaviour which undermine the effectiveness of revision.

They waste hours of time and see little benefit, which can weaken motivation and increase anxiety.

How many unhelpful features can you spot here?

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Getting the basics right

Make revision more formal

Sitting at a table or desk

Get rid of clutter

25-30 mins active revision

Scheduled breaks of 5-10 mins

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Getting the basics right

Remove distractions

Mobile turned off

No music or TV

Short breaks – not 3 hours gaming!

Not on a computer*

*except where specifically instructed by subject teacher

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Getting the basics right

Look after the body

Avoid sugary / caffeinated drinks

Stick to proper meals rather than sugary snacks

Breaks away from the desk – ideally take some exercise

Ensure sensible sleeping patterns –8-9 hours a night

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Getting the basic right

Revision = practice over time

Avoid cramming – distribute revision for a subject over several weeks

Mix it up – revise 4 different subjects for 30 mins each, rather than 2 hours on one subject

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

We remember what we think about

Ineffective / passive revision

‘Just reading’ isn’t effective revision

Avoid passive activities like highlighting or copying

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

We remember what we think about

Active revision Tackle example questions from memory then check and improve answers using revision guide / book

Cover and reproduce from memory

Create visual maps / flash cardsthen test yourself on them

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

How can parents help?

Help structure an environment which reduces distraction and encourages active revision

Encourage your child to test themselves

Encourage active revision and expect to see something produced after a 30 min session

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

How can parents help?

Ask your child to explain a topic to you after a revision period

Use visual maps / flash cards produced to ask them questions on a topic

Use mark schemes / revision resources online to help them check answers

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

How can parents help?

Students often get anxious about exam performance – leading to stress and avoidance strategies

Praise effort (hard work) and try not to appear concerned about grades

Revision isn’t about getting a certain grade, but about genuinely trying your best

Effective revision always pays off!

Y10 & 11 Parents’ information evening

Yes we can!