Its Mock Season: How Are Students Getting Ready for Exams?
As mock season arrives for most schools around the country, Year 11 students are diving into preparation mode to secure their predicted GCSE grades. So, what revision methods are trending this year?
The Feynman Technique
This method involves teaching a topic to someone else (or even yourself) in simple terms. If you can explain it clearly, you probably understand it well. It’s a favourite for tackling tricky concepts.
Past Papers and Practice Questions
Nothing beats real exam practice. Many students swear by past papers to get familiar with the exam format and identify their areas of weakness.
In most cases, the GCSE exam boards will use past questions with rewording for the next set of papers which can be extra convenient for students who use them as a main source of practice.
YouTube Videos
YouTube is a lifesaver for many students who understand better with a person explaining a concept to them, with channels like FreeScienceLessons and Cognito making science easy, while Mr Everything English and Mr Bruff cover all things English with expert advice and paper predictions.
Flashcards
A classic for a reason! Flashcards are perfect for quickfire memory work, helping students lock in key facts and definitions
Study Timetables
Another popular method is to create detailed revision schedules to manage time effectively and ensure they cover all subjects before the exams.
Apps and Digital Tools
Platforms like Quizlet, Seneca, and Gizmo are increasingly popular for interactive learning and active recall as well as spaced repetition.
Some platforms also offer the option to go against your friends to see who gets the most XP whilst learning!
Group Study
Some students prefer studying in groups, finding it useful to brainstorm and test eachother.
While some students may prefer to work themselves, working in groups offers an active and comfortable environment to make learning fun.
Well being and Breaks
Balancing study with rest is key.
Strategies like the Pomodoro Technique or simply taking regular breaks are widely recommended by schools and teachers to avoid burnout.
These techniques, while not for everyone as everyone learns differently whether that's alone or with friends, the key for the best grades is to pace yourself and not burn out.
Space your learning so you have time to do things you enjoy alongside your work, however much that may be.
So to fellow students and test takers, best of luck for all your exams!
