Best GCSE revision tips | Best way to revise GCSEs | Revision technique GCSEs and A Levels and different subjects | Best revision questions | Revise effectively using flashcards, mind maps, and past papers | Exam revision tips
By Forest Delaney
Studying for your GCSE exams (and/or iGCSEs) can be intimidating, especially if this is your first time preparing for tests. It can be challenging to know where to begin. Fortunately, we’ve got five simple suggestions to get you started and keep you on track while you revise for your GCSEs. The UK's best GCSE tutors provided these tips via theprofs.co.uk and by the
The best GCSE tutors can help if you need general GCSE revision or more intensive assistance in one or more areas.
GCSE revision tips | active revision techniques | a-level revision for GCSE students | GCSE subjects passive revision | revision and exam study tips | ultimate guide to GCSE revision guides | Revision notes for GCSE maths, GCSE science
1. Make a list of everything you need to know for your study session techniques to help your exam preparation
There is a lot of material to cover for various courses, which is one of the reasons studying for your GCSEs can feel overwhelming. Make a list of all you need to know for each subject before you start your revision. If you do this, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and won’t miss anything.
To simplify, your teacher may have provided you with a syllabus; if not, ask them for a copy or send you the correct direction to locate the syllabus. By searching for the subject, you’re studying and the test board under, for example, “GCSE Biology AQA,” you can typically locate your entire course plan.
Then, review each subject on your curriculum and highlight the crucial passages that require revision. For instance, you might have to study a subject like “Cell Biology” if you are studying biology. Cell Structure, Cell Division, and Transport in Cells are three topics under “Cell Biology” that you may need to be familiar with. Make sure you note any increased weighting in the mark scheme for specific topics when planning so you may allocate more time to studying these areas.
Top tip: Make a note of the exam board that each of your subjects is run by, for example AQA, EdExcel, OCR, or another exam board. This will make it easier to find additional resources like past papers and mark schemes later on in your revision.2. Turn your list into a revision timetable | create a revision timetable | Keep exam dates in mind | use a revision timetable for essay-based exams
After making a list of everything, you must revise and create a timetable. Instead of cramming the days before your exams, you may stretch your study time over a more extended, manageable amount of time by making a schedule. It also makes revising much less intimidating because you can see what has to be done.
Even if you believe you already know something, ensure every section on your list is covered at some point in your schedule. Although revision might help you understand concepts you didn’t fully get the first time you were taught them, reviewing the ideas you already know is crucial.
Your revision schedule should reflect reality, and you should make sure to leave time for breaks and other obligations. You’re less likely to follow your schedule over time if it’s overly packed and you don’t offer yourself enough breaks.
Top tip: When planning your revision timetable, consider which subjects and topics you particularly struggle with, or that you need more revision on (for example, content that you covered a longer time ago or don’t quite understand fully). Then, you can allocate more time to these areas and plan to get any additional help if you need it (such as from a parent, teacher, or private tutor) to ensure that you are using your time wisely.3. Set small, achievable goals | find an effective revision technique
Setting a few modest goals you’d like to accomplish by the end of the day might be helpful. You can do this as part of your revision schedule or at the beginning of each revision day. It’s preferable to keep goals attainable and sustainable rather than making them become massive projects (such as mastering an entire topic in a single day). For instance, you might want to memorize five essential definitions for a subject or learn to apply a specific mathematical formula.
You’ll feel more motivated and accomplished when you fulfill these modest goals, giving you a feeling of direction throughout the day. In the long run, this will assist in keeping you motivated to keep studying and help you from getting stressed out as your examinations approach.
4. Find a revision style that works for you | understand your learning style | start revising
Everybody learns differently! While some people might learn best by creating revision cards and mental maps, others might prefer to copy notes directly from a textbook. There are numerous more methods as well.
There is no one right revision method. Thus you must discover a revision method that suits you. Take short tests after each strategy to determine which helps you recall information the best. Even better if you find that a combination of various approaches suits you. By varying your revising methods, you can take advantage of this and prevent revision from becoming monotonous or repetitive.
Additionally, you could discover that some subjects are better suited to specific revising techniques than others. Making revision cards, for instance, can be pretty effective for science topics, whereas mind maps might be more effective for English literature. Additionally, different methods are effective for learning various kinds of information. For instance, mnemonics can help review lists, while audio recordings can be used to learn foreign language phrases. Visit our Revision Hacks blogs for more advice and strategies.
Top tip: Now is the best time to work out what type of learner you are and which revision styles work best for you. If you start early, you’ll have plenty of time to try out different approaches to revision and really hone the skill of revising (which really is a skill in itself!). Any techniques you get under your belt now will not only benefit your GCSE exams, but also help to prepare you for many of the future exams you’ll face, such as A levels and even university exams.5. Remove distractions | organise best revision time
One of the main challenges students encounter is overcoming distractions when rewriting, especially at home. It’s difficult to resist using your phone, laptop, or another device when you’re bored or need a brief break when they’re only a few metres away. But these gaps are seldom brief, and you’ll almost certainly fall into a rabbit hole!
We advise clearing the area where you’re reviewing all distractions to get around this. Put your phone on “Focus” mode or download one of the many apps that will limit the time you spend playing the platforms and games that distract you the most. We also advise that you only use background media such as music or television if it improves your ability to focus. According to our experience, it’s ideal for practicing working in silence since this is the environment you’ll encounter during your tests.
Top tip: Try time blocking if, despite your best efforts, you still find yourself reaching for your phone. Here, you set short breaks of around 5 to 10 minutes every 30 minutes. Set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes, and attempt to avoid distractions while concentrating solely on your revision. Take a five to ten-minute pause after that to use technology, enjoy the outdoors, or do anything else that will help you unwind and refresh. Continue the cycle by going back to your workstation for your subsequent 25–30 minute editing session. If you find it difficult to live without technology, take advantage of it by working with an online tutor! The Profs offer organised revision sessions with a knowledgeable instructor who can help you stay on task and focused.6. Take plenty of breaks | revise effectively
Have you ever felt the words on the page are simply not entering? Or does what you’re being told escape your ears entirely? You’re probably overworked and in need of a break because of this.
It’s vital to give your mind time to relax even though you might be tempted to review topics back-to-back, especially in the days leading up to your exam. Only when you take breaks that allow your brain to assimilate what you have learned will revision be helpful. It is okay to change your revision schedule to include extra breaks if you need to; it is there to be a tool for you, not to get in the way.
Attempt to complete worthwhile tasks during your breaks so your mind can unwind. For instance, consider working out, reading a book, going for a walk outside, grabbing nutritious food, or listening to a podcast instead of scrolling through TikTok. All these will nourish your body and mind, enhancing the standard of your revision process.
7. Do practice papers under timed conditions | Use past papers, revision questions, mind maps, and flashcards to revise for your GCSE exam
The closest you can come to predicting your exam performance is completing practise papers in a timed environment. Simulating the exam atmosphere is one of the finest ways to evaluate your knowledge and determine how well you are ready for the real thing.
Practice exams are also useful tools to help you get accustomed to the exam format and the questions’ potential structure. It is advantageous to have answers prepared in advance because the same types of questions (which ask you to use information in the same way) appear every year.
While your understanding of your subjects is essential to how well you perform, we frequently observe that students struggle with other exam-related challenges, such as completing all of the questions within the allotted time, demonstrating your reasoning clearly and logically, and structuring your answers to get the highest possible score. The mark scheme is your best friend in this situation because it lets you see how points are awarded, making it simple to check each one off when writing your answer to receive all the points.
Top tip: If you aren’t able to create a mock exam environment at home, then ask your teachers if they can arrange some time for you to complete one at school. Alternatively, you could go to another quiet place like a local library where you’re less likely to be disturbed or distracted.8. Ensure you have an optimal study zone
Your preferred setting for revising is where you feel calm and undistracted. The greatest study areas are peaceful, have natural light, are roomy enough to arrange your books and notes, and are quiet.
You’ll probably be reviewing most of the time at your desk or table at home. Ensure that you reserve this time solely for revision. Don’t be tempted to rewrite in locations where you can’t focus properly, such as in bed, and try to keep distractions away from that region. Concentrating and unwinding will be much simpler if you can mentally distinguish between “work” and “play.”
No matter how well-designed your home study area is, there are occasions when spending extended periods in one location might make you agitated and bored. Try changing your location if this occurs so that your rewrite has a change of scenery. You may visit a quiet cafe, the local library, or study space at your school. You can also consider working with a private tutor or a friend to co-learn at their home (either online or in-person). You might get the break you need while still being productive by working away from home or changing your environment.
9. Look after your mind and body
You must be in excellent shape to do well on your GCSE exams. You must be as alert, relaxed, and in good health, as you can be. Therefore, healthy nutrition and lots of relaxation and sleep in the weeks following your tests should be part of your GCSE preparation.
Most importantly, make an effort to ensure that you obtain 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping enough will positively impact your cognitive function because it helps your brain assimilate all you’ve learned during the day. Additionally, you’ll be more focused and upbeat throughout the day.
Top tip: Some students struggle to sleep on the run up to their GCSEs due to a range of factors, including anxiety about your upcoming exams or a change in your daily routine. If this happens to you, try not to worry too much about the exact amount of sleep you’re getting and concentrate instead on the quality of your sleep. There are loads of habits you can incorporate into your routine to improve the quality of your sleep and lower any anxiety you might have about your exams. Some helpful tips include: avoid using screens in the hour before going to sleep, remove devices and distractions from your bedroom, avoid caffeine after lunchtime, go to bed at the same time every night, and try listening to a podcast or music to help you drift off.10. Seek help if you need it
There is nothing wrong with requesting more assistance as you study for your GCSEs. A tutor can significantly help your preparation, whether you need assistance with specialized subject knowledge, exam time management, or want to know how to maximise your grades.
The GCSE instructors at The Profs can assist you in getting ready for any subject you are studying. Our tutors can guide how to adjust your responses to this because they have in-depth knowledge of the marking criteria for each topic and test board you study. Additionally, we’ve assisted hundreds of students in receiving As and A*s, enabling them to enrol in sixth forms and colleges and prepare for the next level of their studies. Get in touch with our team for a free initial consultation to review your or your child’s specific needs.
Don’t be upset if you don’t obtain the marks you were looking for any reason. Exam retakes are frequently an option, and our instructors can assist you in getting the scores you require the second time. Learn more about our resit tutors by clicking here.