The Learning Curve

As a community we all want to support our students who are entering after the Holiday break the exam period of their studies. Our IGCSE and A-level students will be studying over the next few weeks to help them ascertain their best results for either real exams that start in January or Mock exam practice. 

As teachers we want all our students to achieve their best and therefore we would ask you as parents to support and encourage your son or daughter to study responsibility and intelligently. This is why we are sharing some basic advice and tips to help all of us encourage the students to make the effort and achieve success.

Tips for Successful Revision 

1. Make a revision timetable. Use the blank timetable attached to plan which subjects you  will revise on specific dates. Then identify which topics you will focus on.

 2. Short bursts of revision (40-50 minutes) are most effective. Your concentration lapses after about an hour and you need to take a short break (5-10 minutes) before starting again.

 3. Find a quiet place to revise: your bedroom or preferably some other quiet place at home and refuse to be interrupted or distracted. Switch off mobiles, tablets and other communication devices. 

4. Make sure you don't just revise the subjects and topics you like. This is the classic mistake. Instead, identify and work on your weaker areas. 

5. Transform the information, manipulate it, do something active with it. Write your own revision notes in your own words. That way you will remember what you have written down more easily. Stick key notes to cupboards or doors so you see them every day. 

6. Use different techniques. Make your own learning maps, use post it notes to write key words on, create flash cards. Use diagrams and pictures. Read your revision notes out loud. Ask friends and family to test you. Use highlighter pens to mark important points. Re-cap in the next session the trickiest points of your previous session. See if you can still answer them. 

7. Practise using past exam papers or revision tests available from your teacher. Initially do one section at a time and progress to doing an entire paper against the clock. This way you are training yourself for the specific ‘event’ in which you will be ‘competing.’ 

8. You will need help at some stage, ask parents, older brothers and sisters, teachers or friends. Only revise with a friend who is serious about his or her work. Use websites specifically designed for revision. 

9. Eat properly, get fresh air, stay hydrated and get lots of sleep! Reward yourself from time to time. 

10. Believe in yourself and be positive. If you think you can succeed you will. If you fail, stay determined and then fail better. Fail better again and then eventually you will find that you can succeed. Do not compare yourself to others. Results are not about who wins the gold medal, but rather about you and your own personal best.

Revision Plans

Revision timetables are important as they help to break down large syllabus’ for students. They also set realistic goals, too much studying is not always helpful. It is important to build into your timetable study plan breaks and rewards to help motivate the students. Students should also be encouraged to speak to all their teachers about their exam revision and what would help them achieve their best as some students may need to concentrate on certain areas of the syllabus. Use the Google classroom resources also to help you find knowledge on particular topics.

DOWNLOAD OUR TIMETABLE TO STUDY

 

Health in Body and Mind 

At Mougins school we would like all our students to feel confident and prepared for their exams. Exams are a part of life's journey and they need to be ready for exams at different intervals in this journey.

The following guidance is from the NHS, the first part is for pupils, the second part for parents. The advice is excellent and we really encourage parents and pupils to fully read both parts. 

NHS: Guide for Pupils Being well prepared for your exams is the best way to overcome stress and anxiety, and gives you the best chance of getting good grades.

Revision tips: Make a realistic revision schedule. Work out how much you have to do and the time you have to do it in, then break it down into manageable chunks. 

Aim to do a few hours of revision each day, and mix up your subjects so you don't get bored. Find a revision style that suits you. 

Studying alone in a quiet room suits some people, but not everyone likes working in silence. Try playing music quietly in the background, or revising with a friend (but don't let them distract you!). 

Customise your notes to make them more personal. Experiment with colour coding, notes on postcards, diagrams or whatever helps you learn your topic.

Make sure you understand everything. If you come across something you don't understand, try to find a new source of information that will help you understand it. 

Just memorising it won't help you in your exam. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher or a friend for help if you need it.

Look at past exam papers. It means you can familiarise yourself with the layout and type of questions you'll be asked. 

Practice completing exam papers in the set time limit to improve your exam technique. Take regular short breaks. 

Studying for hours and hours will only make you tired and ruin your concentration, which may make you even more anxious. A break every 45 to 60 minutes is about right. 

Reward yourself. For example, you could take a long bath or watch a good DVD once you have finished your revision session.

Do something physical. When you're not revising, use your spare time to get away from your books and do something active. 

Exercise is good for taking your mind off stress and keeping you positive, and it will help you sleep better.

Ask for help. If you're feeling stressed, it's important to talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, teacher or a friend. Lots of people find exams difficult to deal with, so don't be embarrassed to ask for support.

We hope this is helpful and if parents and students need any resources or help with revision tips please do not hesitate to contact Robert Cooke r.cooke@mougins-school.com