The Student Room Group

Gcse revision helpπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time

Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good

For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher

thanks

Reply 1

Original post
by Nk06176
I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time
Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good
For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher
thanks

Hi @Nk06176

Try not to panic! Exam stress can be really overwhelming but it will be okay.

Have you ever tried the revision website 'Seneca Learning'?
I personally loved using this for GCSE revision - especially for science. It's a revision website where you can find your subject and correct exam board, and complete lessons and knowledge checks for the whole exam specification. You can create an account so you can keep track of your progress too. I really like this for my revision as it had all the possible topics as a checklist and you can work through each subtopic, completing a short lesson teaching you about the topic and the website quizzes you about the topic along the way. I found it helpful as I also didn't have to spend time making any revision material and could keep track of my revision in one place.

My other go to method was to complete past exam questions - and sometimes even whole exam papers. You can find lots of these online. I liked to use the past papers to become more confident with the exam layout and to also practice working to timed conditions. These may be something you do once you feel more comfortable with the exam content, but you can also start out by answering some questions - especially English papers - with your notes in front of you so you can practice crafting the 'perfect' answer before having a go with no notes to help you.

I hope this helps - you've got this! πŸ™‚
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Reply 2

Original post
by BCU Student Rep
Hi @Nk06176
Try not to panic! Exam stress can be really overwhelming but it will be okay.
Have you ever tried the revision website 'Seneca Learning'?
I personally loved using this for GCSE revision - especially for science. It's a revision website where you can find your subject and correct exam board, and complete lessons and knowledge checks for the whole exam specification. You can create an account so you can keep track of your progress too. I really like this for my revision as it had all the possible topics as a checklist and you can work through each subtopic, completing a short lesson teaching you about the topic and the website quizzes you about the topic along the way. I found it helpful as I also didn't have to spend time making any revision material and could keep track of my revision in one place.
My other go to method was to complete past exam questions - and sometimes even whole exam papers. You can find lots of these online. I liked to use the past papers to become more confident with the exam layout and to also practice working to timed conditions. These may be something you do once you feel more comfortable with the exam content, but you can also start out by answering some questions - especially English papers - with your notes in front of you so you can practice crafting the 'perfect' answer before having a go with no notes to help you.
I hope this helps - you've got this! πŸ™‚
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Heyy thanks for this, I remember using seneca for homework in like year 7 and 8 so I'll try it out again and sometimes I just completely forget that exam questions are so helpful, I practiced loads for a bio test I had the day before yesterday and it was very helpful, thank you!

Reply 3

Original post
by Nk06176
I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time
Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good
For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher
thanks

Dr Frost for Maths: https://www.drfrost.org/explorer.php?coid=12809

MathsMadeEasy: https://mmerevise.co.uk/gcse-maths-revision/

Other subjects on RRevision tab - only use free stuff

Reply 4

Original post
by Nk06176
I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time
Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good
For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher
thanks

Hey,
I know exactly how you feelβ€”I used to procrastinate so much, and it made me stress out even more. What’s been working for me is breaking things into small chunks. Like, instead of saying, "I’ll revise Biology," I pick one topic, like enzymes, and just focus on that. Past papers are honestly a lifesaver tooβ€”they help you figure out what the examiners want.
Also, try doing 25 mins of work with a 5 min break (Pomodoro method). It makes revision less draining. And don’t stress about not revising earlierβ€”you still have time to turn it around!
Good luck, you’ve got this! πŸ™Œ

Reply 5

Original post
by level-apprentice
Hey,
I know exactly how you feelβ€”I used to procrastinate so much, and it made me stress out even more. What’s been working for me is breaking things into small chunks. Like, instead of saying, "I’ll revise Biology," I pick one topic, like enzymes, and just focus on that. Past papers are honestly a lifesaver tooβ€”they help you figure out what the examiners want.
Also, try doing 25 mins of work with a 5 min break (Pomodoro method). It makes revision less draining. And don’t stress about not revising earlierβ€”you still have time to turn it around!
Good luck, you’ve got this! πŸ™Œ

Thank you so much!

Reply 6

Original post
by Muttley79
Dr Frost for Maths: https://www.drfrost.org/explorer.php?coid=12809
MathsMadeEasy: https://mmerevise.co.uk/gcse-maths-revision/
Other subjects on RRevision tab - only use free stuff

Thank you!!

Reply 7

Original post
by Nk06176
I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time
Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good
For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher
thanks

This is random but what were the questions on the 2024 AQA History Germany Paper? There were my mocks but I somehow lost my paper and need to revise!

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymous
This is random but what were the questions on the 2024 AQA History Germany Paper? There were my mocks but I somehow lost my paper and need to revise!

Same they were my mocks too but I can't remember what the questions were sorry and I can't find them online anywhere 😭😭!! If anyone else reads this pls help

Reply 9

Original post
by Nk06176
Same they were my mocks too but I can't remember what the questions were sorry and I can't find them online anywhere 😭😭!! If anyone else reads this pls help

I only remember the sources about Nazis Youth groups and like the 12 marker was literally a repeat of like a past paper and I just can't remember the other 4 and 8 marker. If you remember the others please tell me 😭
(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 10

Hi! for history I think this person explained a technique to study that is quite effective: https://medium.com/@h2historytutor/how-i-went-from-grade-5-to-grade-9-in-gcse-history-without-studying-for-hours-eed345dd896e
this other article also highlights some good resources you can use: https://medium.com/@h2historytutor/the-gcse-history-resources-i-wish-i-knew-about-sooner-25a3f40348de
goodluck for the history exam!

Reply 11

Original post
by lea31092730
I only remember the sources about Nazis Youth groups and like the 12 marker was literally a repeat of like a past paper and I just can't remember the other 4 and 8 marker. If you remember the others please tell me 😭

That's fine thank you!!!

Reply 12

Original post
by Airyn123
Hi! for history I think this person explained a technique to study that is quite effective: https://medium.com/@h2historytutor/how-i-went-from-grade-5-to-grade-9-in-gcse-history-without-studying-for-hours-eed345dd896e
this other article also highlights some good resources you can use: https://medium.com/@h2historytutor/the-gcse-history-resources-i-wish-i-knew-about-sooner-25a3f40348de
goodluck for the history exam!

Thanksssss

Reply 13

Original post
by Nk06176
I need help cause gcse's arent that far away now and i still don't know how to effectively revise and my procrastination does not help, i have random boosts of productivity if that's the best way to put it but then I JUST CANT DO ANYHTHING. And i've tried using apps like forest to make sure i concentrate and focus on my work but it just doesn't work out for me. I need help with how to effectively revise without stressing myself out cause i get stressed VERY easily and i don't know how to reinforce the knowledge that i already know so that i can revise properly like i regret never looking over my notes from school whenever i was learning a new topic cause that would DEFINITELY save me so much time
Sorry for going off on a tangent, i know some revision techniques work for some and don't work for others but i'll take ANYTHING like what are the BEST revision techniques that help you with anything and are genuinely like lifesaving and so good
For context, I do Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Edexcel higher), Maths (Pearson Edexcel), English (AQA pride & prej), Music Eduqas, History AQA (conflict in asia, germany, elizabeth, health and the people), German AQA higher
thanks

Hey! 😊

First of all, everything you said is so relatable, you’re definitely not alone. I remember feeling the exact same way before my exams (I did Maths, Physics, and Chemistry too, so I really get how stressful it can feel, especially with so many subjects to manage).

Getting bursts of motivation and then feeling stuck is completely normal. The key is to work with your energy, if you focus better in short sessions, try 30–40 minutes at a time, then take a proper break. You don’t need to revise all day for it to be effective!

Here are a few revision techniques that helped me a lot:

1. Active Recall & Questions
β€’ Don’t just re-read notes, try turning your notes into questions and test yourself.
β€’ Use past paper questions to guide your revision. If you get one wrong, go back and revise that topic.

2. YouTube Recaps & Chunking
β€’ There are loads of great YouTube channels for science (like Cognito, FreeScienceLessons, or Science with Hazel). Watch one video, then test yourself after.
β€’ Focus on one topic at a time, don’t try to do a whole subject in one go.

3. Blurting
β€’ Write down everything you remember on a topic without looking, then check what you missed using your notes. This really helps you see where your gaps are.

4. Mind Maps & Diagrams
β€’ Great for subjects like History or Science to link ideas together. Use colours and stick them where you’ll see them often!

Also, please don’t stress about not starting earlier. What matters is what you do from now. Even one good revision session today makes a difference. And don’t forget to rest, your brain needs breaks to remember things properly.

You’ve got this, honestly. And if you have any more questions, feel free to reach out, happy to help! πŸ’ͺ😊

Reply 14

Ty!!
Hello there!

Here are some tips that could help you:

β€’

Instead of passively rereading notes, test yourself regularly. Use flashcards to quiz yourself on key concepts.

β€’

Practice Past Papers
Regularly attempt past exam papers under timed conditions.

β€’

Manage Procrastination
Use the Pomodoro Technique. - Work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break.

β€’

Set Achievable Goals
Break down your revision into manageable tasks. Completing small goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you in further study.

β€’

Eliminate Distractions
Minimise distractions in your study environment. This might involve turning off notifications or finding a quiet space.



β€’

Ensure you maintain a healthy balance between study and relaxation.

β€’

Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can alleviate stress and improve focus.


Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, friends, or family when you feel overwhelmed. Discussing challenges can provide new perspectives and solutions.

Remember, it's about consistent, focused effort rather than long, exhausting sessions.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 16

Original post
by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hello there!
Here are some tips that could help you:

β€’

Instead of passively rereading notes, test yourself regularly. Use flashcards to quiz yourself on key concepts.

β€’

Practice Past Papers
Regularly attempt past exam papers under timed conditions.

β€’

Manage Procrastination
Use the Pomodoro Technique. - Work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break.

β€’

Set Achievable Goals
Break down your revision into manageable tasks. Completing small goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you in further study.

β€’

Eliminate Distractions
Minimise distractions in your study environment. This might involve turning off notifications or finding a quiet space.


β€’

Ensure you maintain a healthy balance between study and relaxation.

β€’

Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can alleviate stress and improve focus.


Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, friends, or family when you feel overwhelmed. Discussing challenges can provide new perspectives and solutions.
Remember, it's about consistent, focused effort rather than long, exhausting sessions.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Thank youuu, sorry this is late, I've started improving my revision like this and I only have 5 more exams left, almost done!! πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰

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