It’s about this time of year that students taking public exams in the summer will be looking at their mock results and, if they are wise, starting to work out a strategy to prepare for the real thing.

Here are our Top 10 Tips for getting into gear for your summer exams – this is the time to start!

  1. Don’t panic! Mock exams are a useful indication of how you would do if you were to take your real exams now. However, although schools use mock results to predict actual grades it is the real exams that matter, and there is still plenty of time to up your game.

 

  1. Be honest with yourself. You will know how much effort you put into revising for your mocks. If you didn’t do much work and did well, don’t rest on your laurels! You may have been lucky with the questions, and although you will feel encouraged, make sure you keep up the pace and revise properly for the actual exams.

 

  1. Don’t give up! A lot of students do really badly in their mocks, often because they haven’t done enough revision, but sometimes because they haven’t finished the course of study. Don’t be disheartened by poor results at this stage, because there is still time to greatly improve your performance.

 

  1. Analyse your mock papers. Look through your papers and analyse where you did well and which areas you need to work on. It’s tempting to throw papers away, especially if you haven’t done well, but you should keep the papers and try again with questions you found difficult. If you are having tuition to help prepare for the summer exams your tutor will want to see your mock papers.

 

  1. Make a revision planner. With only three months to go until the start of pubic exams it is really important to make sure you manage your time properly. Planning properly will help you avoid stress and ensure you leave yourself time to prepare. The Student Room has a very useful guide to creating a revision timetable https://getrevising.co.uk/planner

 

  1. Check your exam dates .If your school hasn’t given you a timetable you can find the dates of all public exams online. You also need to check deadlines for handing in coursework and dates of any oral or practical exams. Write these onto your calendar/revision timetable!

 

  1. Get a copy of the markscheme. As you start your revision it’s a good idea to ask your teacher for a copy of the markscheme for each subject so you know exactly what the examiners will be looking for. You can also find these – along with past papers and exam specifications – online.

 

  1. Sort out your notes! Why not spend a couple of days this half term getting all your folders in order? You’re bound to come across parts of the course where your notes are a bit thin, so use this time to read up on these areas.

 

  1. Be realistic. Remember to build in time over the coming months for relaxation, including socialising and physical exercise. Revising in short bursts rather than setting yourself a punishing schedule of 15 hour days will be far more productive and help keep your stress levels down.
  2. Sign up for an Easter Revision course. An intensive period of directed study and exam practice can really boost your confidence, and make a big difference to your performance. Many schools offer revision sessions during the holidays, and we can advise you on both day and residential courses. Call us on 01622 813870 or email enquiries@educationadvisers.co.uk