Learning - Exams

  • To be the best you have to be prepared. The only way to achieve this is hard work.

  • Students that achieve the best results study for 2-5 hours on a week night and 3-6 on a weekend.

  • Put distraction away (phones, ipods, TV, games, laptops)

  • Turn off your mobile.

  • Make a list of deadlines.

  • Only listen to music when you are doing undemanding work.

  • Use your study time at school to study or complete set tasks.

  • Put yourself in a space where there are few distractions.

  • Find study buddies for sharing notes and discussing ideas.

  • Ask for help from your teacher when you need it.

  • Get family members to test you before exams.

  • Plan your week ahead.

  • Remember to take breaks.

  • Make sure you have a copy of your subject syllabus as it should guide your study notes.

  • Write brief study notes for the day, review them, then rewrite 24 hrs later.

  • Use colour to highlight important headings/ evidence/ quotes. This will act as a memory trigger.

  • Do practice papers and seek feedback. Redo your past tests.

  • Read extra material, making relevant notes and use this information in your exams.

  • Look at all angles in your answers. Demonstrate that you understand opposing opinions and then explain why one argument is more valid.

  • Avoid stressed people and those who speculate about what is in the exam. This is really important on the day. It takes 10 minutes for students to really focus in the exam room. Start to mentally rehearse what you will do before the examiner says you may start.

  • Make sure you know all the requirements of each exam– timing, mark allocations, structure, writing space.

  • Read and re read each question and do a plan for answers longer than 1 paragraph. This is then your checklist. Learn from previous mistakes. That way you don’t repeat them. Don’t learn your answers word for word. That does not show deep understanding and the exam question may have different wording or a different slant.

  • Be clear about what study method works best for you and use it.

  • Make a study timetable and stick to it- be realistic and give enough time for each subject.

  • Make sure you eat and drink on the day of exams.

  • Have a good night’s sleep the night before exams.

  • Arrive early to exams and double check that you have all your equipment.

  • Keep things in perspective.