Below are some techniques for how parents/carers can support with effective revision:

Creating the Right Environment 

Designate a quiet, clutter-free study space with good lighting and minimal distractions. 

Limit screen time during revision periods unless it's for educational use. Consider asking your son or daughter to leave their phone in another room. 

Health and nutrition: Ensure that your child gets enough sleep in the lead-up to the exams, eats a balanced diet and is well hydrated (with water) to maintain focus, memory and mood. 

Effective Revision Techniques 

Use retrieval practice: Reading through notes or highlighting sections is not effective for revision. Memory works best when information is considered and a task is completed. Encourage your child to recall information without looking at notes—quizzes, flashcards, and past papers are great tools. Pupils may: 

Design mind diagrams such as mind maps and/or revision cards. 

Teach others to help reinforce understanding.  

Practise previous questions: encourage the use of previous exam questions to familiarise with the language of examiners and expectations. 

Break revision into chunks: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes break to maintain focus. 

Use revision materials: these will be recommended by school. 

Online Platforms: recommended by school to support individual needs. 

Supporting Memory and Understanding 

Practice and repetition: Help your child review material regularly, not just before exams. 

Encourage self-testing: Let them explain concepts to you or use apps and online platforms that support revision. 

Encourage reading: Research proves that regular reading improves attainment and memory, as well as providing a wider vocabulary and understanding. This could be a textbook, news report or reading something for pleasure. 

Motivation and Emotional Support 

Celebrate small wins: Praise effort, not just results, to build confidence. 

Stay positive and patient: Avoid pressure, your calm support helps reduce anxiety. 

Allow independence: Offer help when asked but allow them to work independently. 

Seek support from school: Contact your Pastoral Coordinator, if you have specific concerns. 

Planning and Time Management 

Help create a revision timetable: Include breaks, hobbies, and realistic goals and use check lists to monitor progress. 

Set a consistent routine: Encourage regular study times to build habits. 

Avoid cramming: Spread revision over several weeks and start to revise early. Consider asking your son or daughter to create revision notes regularly throughout the course, in order to reduce stress and improve retention of information.