Neat Revision strategy
The purpose of this Revision Note is to add another revision strategy to your box of tricks, and/or provide a nice solution to unsuccessful revision/cramming for all you revision-stressed colleagues. This will particularly help people who find that they do not remember much of the stuff taught over the year(s) (or who didn't pay attention!), as this takes you through all the content of the course one more time. Conversely, people who are sound with most of the course, and only need to revise a small bit can still use this strategy effectively too.
1. Get the content Sorted
Go to your exam board website and find out the specifications for your subjects which contains a list of everything you need to know for the exam. Print it off (or whatever you want) and then go through the list, writing down the things you need to know. The specification almost certainly has some points which require essays/lots of content to cover. You must do the essays/long things or at least stick a copy in this revision note. Highlight/Underline Important parts/equations/things you have difficulty with.
For specific points you don't understand, you should write them down on a sheet of paper, and then ask the relevant teachers abot it, noting down their answers (more or less perfect for your purposes). Then, integrate these into your notes.
It will take a while, lots of referencing to internet or textbook or previous classnotes, and willpower, but once its done, it will feel good.
2. Memorise it.
>Go through the fresh and concise revision notes first by reading it out aloud (it may help to go into a quiet place to avoid being disturbed/mocked!).
>Read point 1 a few times, then try to say it from memory a few times too. Do not be annoyed if you have to refer to notes repeatedly. Keep doing until you have memorised it more or less.
>Move onto point 2, and then do the same thing.
>Then recite point 1, then point 2 from memory.
>Move onto point 3, memorise it, and then recall point 1, 2, 3 in order.
>You should realistically aim to do it for not more than 3 or 4 points, and then move onto another "set of points"
You can also attribute a tune to it if you want (my current favourite right now is to say things in the style of the hymn "Lord of All Hopefullness"
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3. Do Past Papers
Past Papers are very important, as they help to familiarise you to the style of the exam, and ultimately help to keep you from panicking at the actual exam.
>Briefly read the notes you have relevant to the exam.
>Do the past paper, preferably under timed conditions.
>For each spefic point/question that you got wrong or a point of consideration you find out, write it down on a sheet of paper, making sure to reference the question number.
>Then staple this sheet on top of the past paper you did (i.e. staple it on top of a copy of the paper and your answer sheet(s)).
This is a great way to find out the things you have to improve and/or consider during the actual exam. In this format you can see exactly the sort of situation your notes apply to.
4. A Week or so before the exam
Go through the Main revision notes, and spend time recalling them from memory. Do a few past papers, and remember to look at your previous past paper tips.
5. One and Two days before your exam
Refrain from doing more past papers, and instead concentrate on your main notes and past paper notes.
6. On the Day
When in the waiting room, just chill or read some of your past paper notes, and Good Luck (you hopefully wont need it by now)!!!
I hope this helps you all as much as it did/still does for me!
Regards, RJ XX
What do you think? all comments welcome!
Exams and revision for all students (KS3 to degree) and secondary school courses
Useful Resources:
Awesome Revision strategy, esp. for those who need to revise QUICKLY and effectively
