How should I create a timetable for my GCSEs?
Creating a comprehensive timetable is one of the most helpful things you can do to ensure success in your GCSEs. While this timetable may vary depending on other commitments, there are of course some aspects that are helpful to remember.
The first is to ensure that you dedicate time to the areas you find more complex. Be it Evolution, or the Elizabethans, write a list for each subject of the areas you are required to study, and be sure to spend a little more time on those you find challenging. Don’t neglect the areas you are more proficient at, in your GCSEs balance is key.
The very best timetables allow for flexibility. While studying for your GCSEs is a priority, it is important to remember that taking periodic breaks will aid your retention of information. You may also need to adapt your timetable for the rate at which you have managed to cover your subjects. Try not to overload yourself.
GCSE Revision Timetables
Example of a term-time GCSE revision timetable
- Remember you will also be doing regular school work and course work that has to fit in with the revision.
- Choose one evening during the week to have off from revision
- Choose one slot of each weekend day to have off e.g. Saturday night and Sunday morning lie in or Saturday afternoon playing football and Sunday night at the movies.
- These are you relaxation times and are important if you are going to be able to keep on top of your work. They can vary from week to week.
- Fill in the rest of the week day evenings with 15 minute slots of revision. You may want to cover all your subjects from now on each week. Or you may want to start with a few subjects that you think you need extra work on, and add other subjects as the weeks go by.
Holiday Time
Example of a holiday GCSE revision timetable
- Plan a week at a time. Fill in which sessions you are going to use for which subjects/topics. You may find that some subjects need more time and that some don’t need as much. That’s all part of the planning you are doing now.
- When making your plan for a week, set realistic targets for yourself.
- Make a list of the topics you still need to revise for each subject.
- It is important not to overstretch yourself and get exhausted. You will not be able to perform at your best if that happens. Therefore, plan your rest days or days when you are unavailable to work e.g. going away, family commitments.
How should I plan revision for my GCSEs?
Planning for your revision can best be supported by the creation of a comprehensive timetable. From here, it is wise to test yourself regularly and to tailor your learning accordingly. Some students find planning a week at a time the most helpful, though it is beneficial to have a more general plan in mind between now and your GCSEs. Remember to plan something to celebrate their completion.
Making a GCSE Revision Plan
What
You should ask your subject teachers for advice about what to study and revise. They usually have a good idea about which topics appear regularly on exam papers and which are less frequent. Although you should aim to have a good understanding of the whole syllabus, it is not unreasonable to want to prioritise your learning.
When
Most people will benefit from having a set period of time during which they revise. Because of the way in which a "normal day" is organised, most of us are forced into using the evening for studying and revising, but this may not suit everybody. Some people are at their best early in the morning - and it could be worth making a special effort to make the most of this time. Although it may seem a bit of a drag (especially at first), having a regular time-slot for studying really does reap rewards. Be encouraged, it does get easier as you get into the habit.
Where
Most people will benefit from having a "personal study space" where they will not be interrupted every few minutes by external noise. This is not always possible - but you may be able to enlist the help of parents (or a relative) to ensure that you have a relatively quiet place to study. You may be able to make use of the school's after-school homework clubs - or the library.
Who
You may find it useful to form a small study group with several friends - although you need to be careful that this does not become simply a "gossip-shop" or "party". If you are disciplined enough, working with others can be really beneficial. You can help each other over difficulties. You can share the workload. You can "test" each other (in a competitive but friendly way). One of the best ways to learn is to teach others - so this is a really useful approach.
How
Bearing in mind that the average intelligent adult can concentrate (at best) for about half an hour at a time, you should try to organise your study time into short blocks. At the end of each block you could either take a brief break (5 minutes) or simply change activities. It is quite a good idea to alternate between 2 (or even 3) subjects so that your interest level is maintained.
During the break you could do something physical, make a cup of coffee, make someone else a cup of coffee or phone a friend (for a few minutes - not half the night!).
Although it may sound a strange idea, you should try to ensure that you enjoy learning. Set yourself sensible amounts. Reward yourself for achieving your targets. Quit while you're winning. (Don't grind yourself into the ground labouring over something you don't understand - but finish on a "high", having achieved something satisfying.)
How many hours should I revise per day for my GCSEs?
The number of hours a day to revise for your GCSEs depend heavily upon your own timetable. During the holidays, it is generally wise to revise for between four and six hours a day, but do note that your timetable should allow for some flexibility. It is also helpful to note that your school homework counts towards your revision. Do schedule in regular breaks and remember, your quality of revision matters as much as your quantity.
When should I start revising for my GCSEs?
There is no right time to begin revising for your GCSEs, but the earlier you are able to start, the easier you will make your life in the long run. In general, the model of little often will best ensure that you have spent adequate time on your revision, though of course you will have more time to dedicate to your studies during school holidays and revision breaks. Do not forget to use past papers and mock questions to gauge your progress.
How can I help my child with their GCSEs?
One of the best ways to help your child prepare for their GCSE is to talk to them about it. Be it a discussion of their timetable, or a review of specific areas they are finding more complex, an open discussion about the upcoming examinations can best prepare them for the assessments.
It is also helpful to ensure that your child has a space where they can study without distractions. This will ensure that they are best able to dedicate quality time to their studies.
What are the best revision books for GCSEs?
The best revision books for GCSEs vary from subject to subject, and board to board. It is best to ask your teacher if you unclear as to which books can best support your learning. Reading outside of your subject is always an asset.
What are the best techniques for GCSE revision?
There are a range of techniques used to prepare for your GCSEs, and the best guidance is to find those which best suit you. There are, however, three key elements which can best prepare you for your GCSEs. The first is the creation of a timetable, as outlined above. The second is to ensure that the quality of your revision is prioritised, ensuring that you are retaining as much as possible. The third, is to remember to schedule time out with your revision schedule to offer you time to unwind.
Example GCSE revision techniques
GCSE Revision Techniques: Placemats
Break the subject you wish to revise into easily defined topics e.g. Cells
Take an A4 piece of paper and split it up into sections as shown in the diagram.
Key Points: note all of the key points included in the topic. Use your textbooks, notes and revision guides to help you with this process.
Key Words: list all of the key words in this area. Again you can use textbooks, notes and revision guides to help you. These tend to be the words you will get marks for in exams so it’s crucial that you remember them all for each topic.
Diagrams: Draw the key diagrams you have learnt in this topic
Question: In this section note down either the kind of exam question you are likely to be asked on this topic or questions that you need help with from your teacher.
GCSE Revision Techniques: Mindmaps
- Select either blank or ruled paper.
- Write the main theme or question in the centre of the page e.g. what do I need to do for my revision? This becomes the hub of your mind map.
- Draw a box or circle around this hub text.
- Draw a line from the hub to your next fact or idea.
- Write down your idea or fact e.g. Make a revision plan.
- Draw a box or circle around the new text. This becomes a node on your mind map.
- Repeat steps 4 - 6 for each fact or idea you wish to note.
- If you have additional information you can link it to any of the nodes e.g. Notes, Course text.
GCSE Revision Techniques: Flashcards
- Summaries or notes on index or cards are particularly handy as you can carry them with you and review them in odd moments or for testing yourself – perhaps on a train or bus, or while waiting in a queue in the supermarket.
- Summarise your topic in a few words. Using your own words means you process the information, which improves your understanding and your memory. Keep the notes brief to act as prompts.
- Organise your notes in new ways on the cards – perhaps providing an overview of a topic on one, and then notes around sub-topics on others. Try using colour as an aid to memory.
Things to consider when revising for GCSEs
Visual material
- Use pattern, colour, symbols and drawings to make it as memorable as possible.
- Give them to friends or family so that they can test you on that topic.
- Pin them up where you’ll see them often.
Key words, phrases, themes or concepts
- Make sure that you consult your textbooks, notes and revision guides first so that you include all of the key information you are supposed to know about a topic.
- Fill in the gaps in your knowledge as you identify them.
Teach someone
- Teach a topic to a fellow student, a friend or member of your family.
- Thinking it through is effective revision.
Reinforce your memory
- As you end a revision session, review key points.
- Review again regularly.
Subject Specific Revision
GCSE Maths Revision
While this may appear obvious, one of the best ways to prepare for the GCSE Maths paper is to work through Maths questions. Ensure that you focus in on the areas that you find more complex, and cycle through the topics where appropriate. Remember, showing your working is key.
GCSE Science Revision
As part of your revision for your GCSE Science exams, ensure that you are well versed in the key scientific concepts which will form part of your examination. Looking at past papers, and their mark schemes will also help to cement how best to score marks in the paper. Ensure that you are clear on the relevant terminology, both in terms of questions and their answers. It may also prove helpful to explain more abstract concepts to someone else, to ensure you have remembered them correctly.
GCSE English Revision
Knowing your texts thoroughly is key to performing well in your English GCSE. Once you have read the text, try to summarise key characters and events, in addition to quotes, so that when it comes to revision time you have done some of the work already. Try to identify the types of questions you might be posed with and write model plans for these. If there is a film version of your book or play that is considered accurate, you can also watch this to refresh your memory.
GCSE History Revision
The earlier you are able to incorporate History revision into your timetable, the better your chance of success. Ensure that you are aware of the topics you are focusing on, and the types of questions you may be asked. Use this to develop your timetable, and in turn, your exam technique, both of which will aid your GCSE preparation.
GCSE & IGCSE Easter Revision Courses
Looking to provide your child with additional support as exam season approaches?
Our Easter revision courses are fully online, with classes made up of no more than 10 students, and led by leading UK tutors. Your child will receive bespoke support from our subject experts at a critical time in the run up to their exams, helping them to achieve their best possible performance - all from the comfort of your own home.
At Keystone we offer the following Easter revision courses for GCSEs and IGCSEs:
GCSE & IGCSE English Literature
The Easter revision courses are led by experienced Keystone tutors and are aimed at students who are studying for their exams this summer.