With the examination season upon us, it is worth remembering that there is more to pupils' success than simply their subject knowledge. Revision techniques also play a very important role in determining pupils' grades.
It can be easy for some pupils to fall into the trap of spending lots of time apparently revising but doing so ineffectively. In reading through or copying out course material, pupils may feel that they are spending a great deal time of revising or that they are producing lots of revision material. In the short term, it may even assuage parents’ insistence on signs of revision activity. But over time, we retain only a small proportion of the detail of what we might read or copy out.
Most of us don’t want to spend any more time revising than we have to, so it is important to make time spent revising count.
Effective revision techniques ensure that key information has been understood, processed and can be recalled quickly and accurately at the time it is required in the examination. This is best done when pupils engage actively with revision content.
So, by all means re-read that important chapter but its key points need to be processed in note or another visual form such as a diagram or a mind map. Alternatively, they could be captured in audio form as a sound file.
Mind maps can be particularly effective for capturing a subject or broad topic area. These can then be focussed on specifics and are useful in identifying key words, terms and concepts. The use of colour and other visuals, such as images, help the brain to remember and subsequently recall these details.
Revision needs to be targeted. It can be too easy for pupils to stay within their comfort zone and revise’ the stuff they already know or enjoy. Pupils need to identify what they find challenging and what is important to their exam success and prioritise this.
Lifestyle factors also have an important part to play. Revision sessions should be 45 to 60 minutes with frequent breaks. During revision and exams, stress can be alleviated and productivity enhanced by getting sufficient sleep, exercising, eating healthily. There is also good evidence that staying hydrated improves brain function.
Finally, keep a healthy sense of perspective. Exams are important and can determine future study and career paths but they are not the beall and end-all.
The School is currently taking applications for September 2018. To register your interest or for any queries, please contact 0191 255 9303 or admissions@newcastleschool.co.uk or for more information, please visit www.newcastleschool.co.uk .