Exam Preparation

Exam Preparation

With exams season just around the corner, those of you with exams this year will already know your children are preparing with mock exams and revision, but what else is involved in preparing?  Here are some tips and pointers for your kids.

Plan and start early

Prepare a timetable of realistic time slots when you can study then allocate them to specific subjects.  Remember to consider when the exams for each subject will be held so you can allow extra time to prepare in the lead up to each subject.

Pencil in topic areas, allowing more time for areas you are less comfortable with.

Pencil in practice questions for each subject to test yourself.

Mix up the subjects a bit, making sure you include some of your favourite subjects alongside those you are not so keen on so you don’t get bored or avoid a study session all together.

Make yourself accountable to someone…

Make a copy of your plan and put it somewhere your family can see; not only will this hold you accountable to study when you plan to, but they also know not to disturb you!

Find your space

Find a space that is suitable for you to study.  This may vary depending on what revision you are doing; practicing for your French Oral exam wouldn’t be appropriate in a library, or anywhere you will be self-conscious talking out loud.  Ideally you’ll want somewhere where you can concentrate without distractions and access to appropriate space to work.

Review your notes

Read your notes, make condensed notes and clarify anything you don’t understand.

Prepare revision cards with key facts on them to review and learn when you have a short revision session planned.

Review the syllabus

The syllabus is a great checklist to make sure you’ve covered everything you need to.  If you’re not sure what something is that is on the syllabus, check with your subject teacher.

Test yourself

It’s great reviewing your notes over and over, but unless you test yourself, you won’t know where further understanding is required.

Work with a friend

Study the same topic together and then test each other; ask questions, discuss ideas, practice speaking languages together.

Be selective who you work with, ideally you want someone of a similar ability and with the same motivation to do well.

Take a break 

Allow yourself time to rest! Try and focus on small chunks at a time; review your notes and ensure you understand.  Learn specifics details such as formulas or dates, with repetition.  Then take a break.  Come back later, either after a break or a few days and test yourself.

Reward yourself

Whether it’s a drink and a cookie, or a night off studying, stick to your plan and then reward yourself for doing it.

Ask for help…

Finally, if you need help, ask!  It may be a friend, your teacher or your parents who step in, but if you need additional support, you can get in touch with Tutor My Kids to see how we can offer private tuition to help fill in the gaps.