Recently a new system has been introduced at Dame Alice Owen’s School. It usually takes place every year - as the Year 11s approach their mock exam period, a revision space is set up for anyone who wishes to be there.

Essentially, the space is available for any students who wish to have a different work environment to where they normally revise, and allows the opportunity to revise together with friends and classmates.

It’s set up by the head of year in order to motivate students to work and offer a different setting to usual. Although by no means compulsory, the ‘Revision Space’ has become surprisingly popular.

 

It encourages the students to work as the environment is very focused, but also relaxed and freeing for the pupils to choose how they want to spend their time.

The revision space allows independence, for instance students can come and go as they please, listen to music and work with friends - providing, of course, they don’t disturb or distract any others.

The head of year overlooks the revision session, keeping students in check if they become too unruly or disruptive.

Not only that, but students are motivated to work more, because of the focused atmosphere but also the sudden notion where everyone else is studying, so you would want to too - almost a sense of fear of missing out.

 

Julia Jagusiak, one of the year 11 students, was a bit sceptical at first. However, after going to one of the revision sessions, soon found herself to be much more productive than she anticipated.

She said, “I actually found it really useful. I managed to complete more work than I usually do, probably because of everyone working around me which made me focus more.”

 

Almost the entire year has gone at least once to work in this space, with many going on a regular basis.

Especially for those who have to travel far to get to and from school, it means they have a great opportunity to revise, and then go home; normally they would get home late, and by the time they start revising they’re too tired to work or not bothered to focus.

This way, they manage to get a substantial amount done and find they progress a lot faster.

Clearly this system is a huge success - no doubt it always boosts as much progress each year.

This opportunity introduced by the head of year has been very effective, and countless benefits are coming from it, many which are reflected in the students’ improvement and progress.