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guys do you think im cooked
got gcse mocks (y10) in around 50 days and havent made a single flashcard or revision mindmap
but im aiming for all 9sssssss
so what do i do :') im such a procrastinator omd

Reply 1

You have plenty of time. Don't spend loads of time making flashcards or mindmaps- instead just do as many practice questions as possible. It feels like its not as complete as making materials, but its really more time-effective and helps prepare you for actually sitting the exam. If you like flashcards try using someone else's quizlet/anki deck. If you feel like you have a solid foundation maybe its ok to spend some time making flashcards, just don't fall into the trap of making nice flashcards or what not because it feels easy. On that note also tackle your most challenging topics first, instead of going for the easy ones.

Doing things using online applications is also much faster. If you want flashcards/materials more tailored to you, you can give Chat-GPT a link to your specification/online guide, and it can make revision materials for you super fast.
At this point just make sure you don't burn out and be careful to pace yourself.
Good luck!

Reply 2

Original post
by studious32
guys do you think im cooked
got gcse mocks (y10) in around 50 days and havent made a single flashcard or revision mindmap
but im aiming for all 9sssssss
so what do i do :') im such a procrastinator omd

You're not cooked but as a Y10 who has done their mocks already, I can give you some pointers:

don't aim for all 9s, you want to see what your weak points are, just do what you can but also do revise because it's definitely important

use active recall methods (flashcards, read then reread a sentence in your own words etc)

use this opportunity to try out different methods of revision such as blurting, mindmaps, cornell, scribble method

don't burn yourself out, it's okay if you haven't revised enough you can just accept the results and learn from the mistakes

only make flashcards with loads of information on them in the place of mindmaps - let's be honest, you're not going to remember two big paper sides full of info so just make a lot of small, short question ones eg "When was WW1" on one side and "1914" on the other

use non lyrical music like jazz or lofi to study to, also extended pomodoro helps with productivity as you get to break regularly

put your phone in another room entirely when studying


BEST OF LUCK I BELIEVE IN YOU POOKIE!!!!!

Reply 3

Original post
by studious32
guys do you think im cooked
got gcse mocks (y10) in around 50 days and havent made a single flashcard or revision mindmap
but im aiming for all 9sssssss
so what do i do :') im such a procrastinator omd

Hi @studious32,

Nah you're not cooked at all, 50 days is plenty of time if you start now and stay consistent! Loads of people leave things late, but what matters is how you use the time you've got left. Aiming for all 9s is ambitious but totally possible if you focus up.

Prioritise: Figure out your weakest subjects or topics and tackle those first. You can use your specification points to identify your weak subjects.
Use active recall + past papers: Test yourself rather than just re-reading notes. Do mini quizzes, blurting, and lots of past paper questions (especially for science and maths).
Set small goals: Instead of saying “revise for 5 hours”, say “do 3 topics today”, it’s way less overwhelming and doesn't make you scared to get started.
Limit distractions: Use a timer (like Pomodoro technique) and put your phone on Do Not Disturb while you work.
And don't beat yourself up for starting late, just start today and you'll thank yourself in a few weeks.

Hope this helps!
Danish
BCU Student Rep
(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 4

Original post
by studious32
guys do you think im cooked
got gcse mocks (y10) in around 50 days and havent made a single flashcard or revision mindmap
but im aiming for all 9sssssss
so what do i do :') im such a procrastinator omd

Hey there,

My name is Siobhan and I'm a third year student at the University of Central Lancashire. You are not the only one going through this now and it's not too late to get a good amount of revision in. It's great that you're seeking help now and wanting to achieve good grades. Here's some things I would do to optimise your revision:

Get in as many past papers as you can as these are the gold standard for revision! They will help you idenitfy the kind of things that examiners are looking for and will help you get in the exam mode. I would try and do 30-45 mins of revision and then do a past paper or section of questions relating to the topic you have gone over to see if you have grasped the content and can apply it well. These should be available online or you can always see if your teacher has any!

Use online resources: I know you mentioned that you haven't made any revision cards yet and that's okay because there will be stuff available online made by other students on platforms such as Quizlet. This is what I did when i didn't have time to make revision material. Just make sure that it is the correct exam board and topic!

Set a routine of revision now: The hardest things about revising is getting motivated to do so, therefore I would recommend you set a good few hours a day to dedicate solely to revision. You can try and do the pomodoro technique to build some strategy and discipline (20 mins intervals or revision). I would also recommend you get in an environment where you know you work well, eg in a library or listening to music. You can also download apps that stop you from using your phone during your revision time.

Make sure to take regular breaks and to eat/drink/sleep well when revising in this time! 🙂
Hope it goes well and if you have any more questions just let me know 🙂 Good luck!

Siobhan (Student Ambassador for the University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 5

Original post
by studious32
guys do you think im cooked
got gcse mocks (y10) in around 50 days and havent made a single flashcard or revision mindmap
but im aiming for all 9sssssss
so what do i do :') im such a procrastinator omd

Please don't panic and try to relax. I'm in Y11 and in the middle of GCSE season. Firstly, it's just a mock, it is not the real thing yet. You still have a year. The purpose of these mock exams is to see where you weak areas are so it's ok if you don't do as well as you would have wanted because that's the purpose of mocks, to see where your gaps are. In terms of revision, don't necessarily worry about flashcards or mindmaps, because they do not necessarily work for everyone, and you can find different ways of revising if they don't work for you, because they didn't really work for me. And also, you still have time to make them. Some pieces of advice - make sure you stay organised. Know what you will be tested on, and for example, please don't revise paper 2 content before a paper 1 exam. The best way to know what you will be tested on by far is to go to the official exam board website and check the specification, which is this whole long document about the qualification.
Most important of all, take care of yourself. Don't learn from me and stay up till god knows what time, that's not healthy at all, sleep is important.
Don't worry too much about mock exams. Everyone is terrified before mocks understandably because it's the fear of the unknown, and i was mortified, but after a few exams, I realised it was nothing to worry about. As long as you make sure you don't communicate or talk with anyone else, turn around, mess about, bring any phones or watches into the exam (please make sure your pockets are empty and completely empty, especially phones and watches, because in the real thing if you are caught you can be disqualified), then there's nothing to worry about.
At my school, and I'm sure this is relatable to many others, before each exam, you will line up in rows depending on the exam seating plan. You will then walk into the exam hall, and take your seat. You need to ensure you are in complete silence. After, it is highly likely the invigilator will read a speech that is nearly always, if not identical to this:

You must now follow the regulations of the examination.
Only material listed on the question paper is allowed in the exam room. You must not have on or near you any other material.
Check your pockets now. Check for things such as notes, books, papers, iPods, mobile phones and smartwatches. If you have any unauthorised items in your possession, you must hand them in to an invigilator now. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
If you are wearing a wrist watch, please hand this in now.
Check that you have been given the correct paper for the day, date, time, subject, unit/component and tier.
Fill in all the details needed on the front of your question paper in black ink. Make sure you fill these details in on any additional answer sheets that you use. Do not open the exam paper until the invigilator has instructed the examination has begun.
Read the instructions on the front of the question paper.
Check that you have all the materials you need for the exam.
Remember, you must write clearly and in black ink.
You may use pencil for drawings and rough notes.
You must write in the designated sections of the answer booklet.
You must write all rough work in your answer book and neatly cross it through with a single line.
You must not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens or blotting paper. You must not use highlighters or gel pens in your answers.
You must not communicate in any way with, ask for help from or give help to another candidate while you are in this exam room. You should put up your hand to attract the invigilator’s attention.
If the fire alarm sounds, please remain seated and wait for instructions from the invigilator.

This all seems like a lot, but it isn't, as long as you follow these instructions you'll be fine. Don't stress out too much, and just try your best. After doing mock exams you'll realise there is not much to worry about. Best of luck for everything, and most importantly, I cannot stress this enough, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! :smile:

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