Start Early and Plan Ahead
Revision for exams should be an ongoing process, rather than a last-minute effort. Attempting to cram all your learning the night before an exam is rarely effective. One common mistake is simply rewriting notes or reading through them, which often doesn't yield great results. These methods fail to build exam technique or help students apply their knowledge in varied contexts, which is essential for formal written exams. Students need to apply the ideas and concepts to different questions. A well know example from recent exam years was when in a biology exam a question was asked about diffusion across a membrane in a carrot. Students across the UK had been taught about diffusion in schools, but the usual example and experiments used potatoes. Unfortunately, many students were confused, claiming they had not studied diffusion in carrots, and it was unfair. They simply needed to change the word potato for carrot in their mind as the principles were exactly the same! This is a very clear example of how exam technique and practice is invaluable.
To excel, focus on studying exam questions alongside their solutions. While this approach requires consistent effort and can feel repetitive, it is a proven method for success. Teachers often provide topic tests, mock science exams, and assessments as part of regular homework. Once these are marked, students should collect them, analyse their mistakes, and file them in their revision folder for further study. Starting a structured science revision program from the beginning of GCSE courses helps solidify concepts and build a strong foundation over time.
Build a Complete Set of Resources
To begin effective science revision, students need a comprehensive set of materials, including:
Detailed notes with written explanations, diagrams, and summaries.
Example questions and their solutions.
Past homework, tests, and module papers with corrections.
Access to useful resources like video links and model answers.
A dedicated list of common mistakes and how to correct them.
A well-organised collection of resources is essential for successful GCSE revision.
Organise Your Files by Subject and Paper
Divide your revision materials into the three Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with a separate folder for each. Break down each folder according to the exam papers. For instance, AQA Biology is divided into two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Organize each folder so the first half contains all the topics covered in Paper 1, and the second half holds the topics from Paper 2. It is also a good idea to write down the date, time and location for the exam on the front of each file once you know them, so they are a constant reminder.
Create a Revision Timetable
Plan a timetable with short, focused sessions of 30 to 40 minutes. Dedicate specific slots to individual topics. Initially, work through solved examples and attempt similar questions. As your confidence grows, introduce past papers into your routine.
When using past papers:
Divide them by exam papers (e.g., Paper 1 and Paper 2).
Practice answering questions under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
As exams approach, incorporate memory techniques like mind maps, flashcards, and multiple-choice quizzes to enhance quick recall. Ensure you have access to fully worked examples and detailed explanations to refine your exam technique. Past papers, available through schools or exam board websites, are invaluable, but mark schemes often lack detailed explanations. Supplement these with worked solutions to deepen understanding.
Learn from Mistakes
A helpful strategy is to document mistakes and misunderstandings. Redo incorrect questions until you fully understand the errors. Consider creating a dedicated “Mistakes” section in your folder for easy reference and review.
Utilise School Resources
Take full advantage of any science revision sessions offered by your school, including after-school clubs and special holiday revision days. Teachers are often the best resource, as they know your strengths and weaknesses and can tailor advice to your needs. Take GCSE revision with you if you go on holiday etc. Take flash cards and mind maps on long journeys and if possible, ask others to test you.
Consistent and Focused Effort Pays Off
GCSE Science introduces many new concepts, vocabulary, images, and mathematical elements, which can feel overwhelming. Developing a deep understanding requires regular and consistent revision.
If you are already in Year 11 with exams only months away, start revising now. Create a daily timetable, including weekends, and prioritize attending school revision clubs. While starting early is ideal, it's never too late to begin. A planned, methodical approach will undoubtedly yield better results in the long run.
By dedicating regular, focused time to revision and building a strong foundation of understanding, you can successfully navigate the challenges of GCSE Science and achieve your desired results. This blog post is a very general description of my thoughts, it can be applied to any subject when revising for exams. The main thing to remember is that regular sustained revision is best. Keep the revision sessions to 30-40 mins maximum as any longer than this and you may find you have lost concentration and your mind wanders.
I hope this helps to give you a general idea of how to start a programme of GCSE revision, it's never too late to start, but revision is absolutely necessary for exam preparation and should not just be left to the teacher to organise. Students must take responsibility.
For more ideas and tips, please read some of the other blog posts in my blog which can be found by googling The Prichard Post or looking on Prichardguides.co.uk in the Blog section.
Tim Prichard
