Imagine you want to run 1 km. If you sprint at the beginning, you’ll tire yourself out and slow down, ending up more exhausted. If you start too slow, you’ll have to sprint at the end, leaving you drained. But if you run at a steady pace—not too slow, not too fast—you’ll reach the finish line without exhausting yourself.
That’s exactly how your studying should be: consistent, balanced, and sustainable.
Starting the year at the right pace and with consistency will help you get to the endless stress and be more prepared. You should already know your final exam dates because keeping an overview of the timeline is essential. This isn’t to cause anxiety, stress, or overwhelm but to help you stay organised. You really want to avoid taking it too slow at the beginning of the year, not paying attention or working on the right things, and then feeling stressed and out of time when teachers start preparing you for the final exams.
If this is your last year before the major exams, whether GCSEs or A-Levels, here’s what you need to do:
1- Consolidate your foundation: Before the school year starts, or whenever you have breaks during the term, make sure you consolidate your foundation. This means revising AS content if you’re studying A-Levels or Year 10 material if you’re finishing your GCSEs. Strong foundations will make it easier to study more advanced topics and help with content that appears in the final exams. So, keep it revised!
2- Maintain an overview of your programme: Always have an overview. Be aware of the topics you still need to cover, those your teacher didn’t go into detail on, or the ones you struggle with the most. This will help you fill any gaps and move through the year more smoothly.
3- Develop good revision habits: Start revising as soon as possible. Don’t leave topics behind; make keynotes, and ensure you have a solid understanding before moving on. Use simple tricks to boost your long-term memory. Want to know more about these tricks? Check out this blog post.
4- Take homework and tests seriously: Take every homework and test seriously. I hope your teacher sets up regular tests—these are fundamental to keeping the topics fresh in your mind and identifying any gaps.
5- Stay organised with your resources: Keep your notes, textbooks, and other study materials well-organised. This will save you time when revising and make finding the information you need easier. Being organised also means managing your time well, so consider creating a study timetable that allows for regular revision sessions.
6- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling with a particular topic or subject, ask your teachers or classmates or seek tutoring help. Whether you need extra support understanding a complex topic or want to ensure you’re on the right track, tutoring can provide the personalised attention you need to succeed. It’s better to clear up any confusion early rather than let it build up as the exams get closer.
7- Practice past papers regularly: One of the most effective ways to prepare for your exams is to practice with past papers. This will not only help you become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions that might be asked, but it will also allow you to apply your knowledge under timed conditions. Start practising early in the year and gradually increase the frequency as the exam dates approach. This way, you’ll build confidence and improve your exam technique.
Remember, how you start the year sets the tone for how you’ll finish. Keep your pace steady, stay organised, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to success.
