SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD GCSE REVISION AND EXAMS
PLANNING
• With their exam timetable as a starting point, work backwards to help your child create a revision timetable, ensuring it covers all the topics they need to revise for each subject.
• Make sure they factor in regular short breaks between study topics.
• Check they have all the books and materials they need.
• Buying new stationery, highlighter pens or coloured notebooks could help make revision more interesting.
THE STUDY ENVIRONMENT
• If your child is studying at home, try to create a calm and peaceful environment.
• Ask where they would like to study – some young people prefer to study in their bedroom; others might like to find a quiet space elsewhere in the house.
• If they want a change of scene, they could try working at the local library or in a café – provided there aren’ t too many distractions. Or they could find out whether their school is offering revision sessions or quiet study space.
• Make sure other family members are aware that this could be a stressful time for your child, and ask them to be considerate and minimise distractions.
REVISION TECHNIQUES Your child will get revision tips and advice from their school, and an online search will also give them plenty of ideas. Doing past papers, making summary notes on index cards or post-its, and creating topic-based mind maps or spider diagrams are all common methods.
There are lots of ways you can offer to support your child, for example:
• Going over school notes with them.
• Listening while they talk about a subject to test their knowledge.
• Timing them while they do practice papers.
WHAT WORKS FOR THEM? The most effective revision methods for your child will depend on their individual learning style. Talk to them about which techniques work best for them.
For example:
• Visual learners might prefer to create mind maps and colour-coded revision notes.
• Auditory learners, who find it easier to absorb information by hearing it, could benefit from reading notes out loud, recording information and listening to it, or talking through their knowledge with you.
• Those with a hands-on learning style might find it useful to write things down repeatedly and use real-life examples to reinforce theoretical ideas.
MAKING IT MANAGEABLE Lots of bite-size chunks of revision can be more effective than lengthy sessions on one topic. Research suggests that 20 to 30 minutes’ intense study followed by a short break helps students maintain their concentration. Your child could use a kitchen timer or app to time themselves.