2018’s GCSE and A level summer exams are upon us and the simmering of exam pressure is now reaching boiling point for many students. At the Capital Tuition Group, we know that this can be a time of stress, heightened emotions, rebellion or burn-out but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be like this. Follow these top tips for helping your child through the exams and last-minute revision.
Surely the only way to learn all this information is to do some last minute round-the-clock cramming? It’s not, and in fact all this will do is leave students with information overload and sleep deprivation. Setting out a realistic and sensible study schedule will help to ensure that all the key topics are covered. Make SMART revision goals:
Specific –the most important/urgent subjects or topics to revise should be identified.
Measurable – students should keep track of what’s been covered already and what is left to do. Past-paper questions are a great way to test knowledge.
Achievable – with just days left until the exams, students won’t have time to revise everything so setting achievable targets is paramount.
Relevant – check the exam syllabus (available on the exam board’s website) so that revision stays on track. It’s useful for your child to go through the spec and highlight in red what they don’t know, in amber what they need a little more practice on and green what they are already confident with and don’t need to look over again.
Timely – this is where a study schedule comes into action!
Most schools provide revision support, be it after school extended days, half-term revision classes, lunchtime drop-ins or online materials. Encourage your child to use them! Teachers don’t put in all the extra hours and hard-work just because they love it, they do it because it’s useful. It may seem like a drag for students to spend extra time at school, but it’ll pay off in the long run… and just remind them how long the summer holidays will be this year!
Flashcards and posters – a student’s best friends. Encourage your child to write out key points for each subject on pieces of paper and stick them around the house, on the ceiling above their bed, on the bathroom door, on the headrest of the car… as long as they are seen and used, they’ll help. Test your child on the revision notes or key words that they’ve written on flashcards. Read out revision notes onto the voicenote app on mobile phones and listening to it whenever possible!
Whilst your child is revising, encourage them to:
There is always someone who can help. Students should feel able to email teachers, ask friends and family or seek a tutor. It’s never too late – the Capital Tuition Group has a large collection of qualified teachers available and ready to help you. Whether it’s for two hours or twelve, the input from a qualified teacher in the comfort of your own home can make all the difference.
Keep SMART and good luck!
The Capital Tuition Group is a collective of fully qualified teachers tutoring across South West London. Contact them at hello@capitaltuitiongroup.com.