Preparing for success in your GCSEs
GCSEs are a crucial part of any UK student’s educational journey. They test your ability to recall and apply procedural and substantive knowledge to the specific demands of an exam paper, as well as your ability to prioritise and manage your time effectively. The process of revision is a close corollary of this, and indeed is itself a key element in what the examiners are assessing. In addition to consistent and hard work throughout your course of study and diligent revision in the period leading up to the examinations, there are some key strategies that can help secure top marks in your GCSE exams.
Create a detailed revision timetable
At first, a spreadsheet or diary is all that is needed to create an effective timetable. This will allow you to take a broad view and document your study goals and schedule your time accordingly. Mark the days you intend to study each GCSE subject on your calendar and you will be in a strong starting position. The next step is to consult the specific substantive knowledge required for each exam, and write a more detailed timetable in addition to the one you already have. If you have a history exam on Nazi Germany on 5th June, and another on the Cold War on 9th June, it pays to plan the bulk of your revision around Nazi Germany in the days leading up to 5th June. Once you have finished that exam, you can then focus your undivided attention on the topic areas that you need to study for the next one.
Don’t neglect the basics
Firstly, it is important not to disregard the foundational topics covered in school during year 8 and year 9, as well as the easier topics at GCSE. These topics serve as the basis for many level 9 questions encountered in the exam, and will also enable you to pick up some easy marks throughout the exam. You should devise your revision plan carefully to ensure that you allocate sufficient time and that all essential areas are adequately addressed. A key example from GCSE Maths is algebra, which is covered extensively in years 8 and 9.
Practice makes perfect
In addition to revising key topics, it is absolutely crucial to allocate time in your schedule to practice with sample questions. We recommend incorporating question practice from the outset of your revision process. Aside from providing a gauge of your current proficiency, sample questions serve as an excellent means of monitoring your progress and consolidating your learning. It is essential to focus on practicing all of the different types of questions that will be encountered, and it is best to do so whilst the knowledge is fresh in your mind. While revising notes can aid in refreshing your memory, and make you feel as though you are working hard, there is no substitute for applying theory in practical exercises and on a consistent basis. Although working through sample questions may become monotonous, there is truly no better way of consolidating your knowledge. Do not forget to include timed practice questions, which involve setting a specific time limit for answering each question using a stopwatch or online timer. This not only enhances focus and concentration but also improves time management skills.
Learn from your mistakes
Making mistakes during practice should be expected. The purpose of revision is to learn from these errors and correct them. By acknowledging your mistakes and taking note of any issues you may have encountered, you can apply the acquired knowledge to future problem solving. A key aspect of this is reviewing mark schemes carefully where you have answered a question incorrectly, to ensure that you understand and are able to reproduce the model answer. Mark schemes and model answers can also show you how to avoid dropping easy marks. Analyzing past examiners' reports can also be highly beneficial. These reports provide insights into students' performance in previous exams and highlight common mistakes that were made. Considering that the examiners themselves create the exams, paying attention to their recommendations and suggestions is essential.
Exam strategy
Finally, during the actual exam, time management and exam technique becomes crucial. If you come across a question that you are unsure of, it is advisable to skip it temporarily and return to it later. Finish attempting all the questions you feel confident in first, and then employ the techniques learned from solving these other problems to tackle the more challenging questions. This approach allows you to maximize your efficiency and utilise your knowledge effectively. Your tutor will also be well placed to advise you on best practice and good exam techniques as you work with them to prepare!
GCSE revision at Chapkin Edwards
Chapkin Edwards’ roster of academically-accomplished tutors can work with students and parents to devise revision timetables, set practice questions and model success throughout the revision process. With a key focus on pedagogy and formative assessment, your Chapkin Edwards tutor will ensure that you are in the best possible position to excel in those crucial GCSE exams. For more information, get in contact here.