Article: Five revision myths demolished

I don't think you really have to have a timetable to do work. In fact, some people spend so long making these fancy timetables that they fool themselves into thinking they have done work, even if they don't actually follow it when the time comes.

I am 56 and I have done a lot of exams.

And I say timetables are a very good idea.

It is not to be seen in a negative way but like a reward option.

For example you work one subject for 2 hours, then you allow yourself 30 mins break where you really switch off and relax your brain.

Same for lunch time, give yourself 2 hours and really do something fun.

Your batteries will be recharged and you will feel much fresher to get back to work. Overdoing it can also be bad for you, you need to find a nice balance, and also give time for sleep and good food. Good luck everyone x

I feel even more scared after reading that...
*bins highlighters and cries in a corner trying to make a revision timetable*

I didn't realise you were an emotional wreck - sorry!

I think the article says that highlighting can be very useful ... but don't rely on it as your only method of revision.

As for timetables - just a quick one to make sure your revision is balanced between subjects as you want it to be shouldn't take very long at all. You don't have to take the multi-coloured-every-moment-of-the-day-accounted-for approach.

Sad revising!

Edited for ya
No but in all seriousness the article was interesting, thank you!

I feel even more scared after reading that...
*bins highlighters and cries in a corner trying to make a revision timetable*

You're right - it can get a bit over the top but you have to be very confident and very well organised, with a clear view of what needs to be done to get by successfully without at least an outline plan I think.

I've never really planned revision because I find it works better when I'm in the mood to revise

That's great if it works for you. I guess I was a bit less motivated so was rarely in the mood to revise. I had to force myself and a plan helped me get motivated.

Timetable's often don't work for me because I set myself unrealistic targets (yeah, sure, I'm going to do three hours' revision the moment I get home from school). That can often leaving you feel demotivated when you don't stick within the timetable, not only because it's easy to underestimate how long it will take you to do something.

I expected a spider diagram to take me one hour yesterday. It took three.

I find that simple to-do lists work better. Ones that don't have time constraints - just stuff you know needs to get done, whether you complete it all within three hours or ten. Other people may feel differently, but it isn't even the end of the world if something doesn't get checked off. Just move it to the next day. This is why it's best to do the longwinded objectives first. Isn't a huge drag on your next day's revision just to complete that sheet of questions the teacher set.

People often forget that it isn't the amount of time you spend revising that matters, but what you actually learn. And timetables are a great way for notorious procrastinators like me to waste time.

how long should i revise each day for my gcse exams?