Revision - Approach

• Devise a revision timetable, which incorporates specific subjects at certain times.
• Studying times are best kept quiet..
• If you like to work to music, background music is preferable if you want to optimise retention.
• Regular breaks from revision in a day that has been scheduled appropriately is best- Relaxations is vital so try to arrange things to do when you have a "day off" in your revision schedule. .
• Try to revise one section of notes, or one set of topics together.
• If you find there are topics that you do not understand, attempt to get a general understanding such that you optimise the amount of marks you will score in an exam. By ignoring these topics you are limiting the number of questions you will be able to answer and in doing so minimising your chances of doing well.  Again a broad understanding is better than no understanding

Revision - Techniques

Try to develop your own technique for revision. Different techniques work for different people and depending on the type of subject being revised, some techniques are more suitable than others. Here are some:-

• Memorise by speaking out aloud.
• Create a smaller set of notes with the important notes.
• List of keywords for each topic covered, using a pneumonic code  "triggers" key ideas.
• Mind map your ideas.
• Create a revision dialogue by revising  with a friend or colleague - exchange ideas during revision - this can be very helpful to both people in understanding topics and building confidence.
• Questions and Answers - get a friend to ask you specific questions about topics and think up questions to ask your friend. This will test and help to build your own understanding.
• Use colour coded cards and notes. .
• Ensure that you go to all your revision classes at school, keep your notes with you. Exam Preparation
• The perception of an exam is important.  Being slightly nervous is normal.  Visualise your performance.  Trying your best is your ultimate goal. Follow a routine that suits you best.
• Try to think that at least after the exam, you can relax and won't have to do any further revision - this will help you relax before the event too.
• Last minute preperation is your choice. A review of your strengths is vital.
• Take writing equipment that you feel comfortable with- this  can be a small psychological booster .
• Timing your own exam is crucial.

Understanding approximately the total number of questions, the worth of each question and ascertaining how long you should spend on each question is imperative.  Most of all try to relax!.

Before The Exam

• Get to your exam before it starts , normally at least 20 minutes will be appropriate.
• Make sure you listen very carefully to instructions that are given or any announcements that are made. If anything is unclear, ask questions before you start as this may save you a great deal of time later.  Make sure you ask the invigilator for extra paper before the exam starts.
• Set out your pens / pencils etc. and set up your clock or wristwatch on your desk so that you can see it just by looking up and not having to move anything out of the way.
• Make sure that you have everything necessary - question paper, answer papers, additional sheets etc. Ask the invigilator if something appears to be missing.

The Exam Itself

• Read all the paper rubric and all the instructions carefully - check that you know exactly how many questions you have to answer and carefully note any constraints .
• "Speed Read" the paper to get an idea of what questions are in it but then...
• Read each question carefully and thoroughly and make sure you understand what it is asking. Read all parts of the question before deciding whether or not to answer it.
• Try work out how much time you will need to answer each question, but allow some time for reading / checking at the end of the time.
• Write neatly.
• Mathematical questions NEED AND DEMAND your working. Stating an answer will not get full marks. If you get a question partially correct, and have shown your working, you may be given some marks.
• Relax as much as possible and try to think clearly and keep confident.
• In a given question, concentrate of what you do know rather than what you don't know.
• Use what you know to maximum effect, but remember to ANSWER THE QUESTION.
• Do the questions you feel most confident about first (it rarely matters which order you answer questions in). This will help to build your confidence and you may find yourself remembering more things.
• Sometimes, intense thought whilst answering a question can facilitate understanding. If you find this happening, try to use it to maximum effect.
• Keep thinking positive and do the best you can. Just answer as much as you can.
• If, after reading a question, you genuinely feel it is ambiguous or too broadly based, state this in the first part of your answer and explain briefly your reason for trying to answer a question in a particular way. The examiner will then have a better chance of empathising with your answer.
• Answer the question.
• Relax