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 .