Revision tips for parents and carers

Exam season can be a difficult and stressful time for everyone. While there is no golden rule to when or how your child should be revising as it’s all about personal preference, we have shared a few tips and tricks we think might help.  

Prepare

• Encourage your child to start early and create a structured revision plan. Help them break down subjects into manageable chunks.
• Ensure they have all the necessary study materials, including textbooks, notes, past papers, and revision guides.
• Create a conducive study environment at home with minimal distractions. A dedicated study space in a quieter part of the home or in their bedroom can help aid successful revision.
• Consider enrolling them in school revision courses or hiring a tutor if you feel they need extra support or guidance.

Motivation and Focus

• Help your child set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements along the way.
• Encourage them to find intrinsic motivation by focusing on the benefits of their education and future aspirations.
• Teach them strategies to stay focused, such as using timers, taking short breaks, and practicing mindfulness techniques. Academics from the School of Education recommend using the ‘Pomodoro Technique’. 

Routine

• Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, meals, and relaxation.
• Encourage consistency by sticking to the routine even on weekends.
• Help your child prioritise tasks and allocate sufficient time to each subject based on their difficulty level and exam dates.

Sleep and Exercise

• Emphasise the importance of adequate sleep for brain function and memory retention. Try and ensure they get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Encourage regular exercise as it can improve mood, concentration, and overall well-being. Encourage activities like walking, jogging, or yoga.

Relaxation and Socialising

• Remind your child to take regular breaks and engage in activities they enjoy to prevent burnout.
• Encourage them to maintain social connections with friends and family for emotional support and stress relief.
• Support their hobbies and interests as a healthy balance between study and leisure activities is essential.

Time Management

• Teach your child effective time management techniques, such as using planners, to-do lists, and setting priorities.
• Encourage them to identify time-wasting activities such as excessive use of social media or gaming.
• Help them learn to say no to non-essential commitments to prioritise their revision schedule effectively.

Additional tips for parents and carers

• Offer encouragement and praise for their efforts, regardless of the outcome.
• Monitor their progress and provide assistance when needed, but also encourage independence and self-reliance.
• Stay informed about exam dates, syllabus changes, and available support resources provided by the school or exam board.

Good luck!