In the light of the Scottish Highers results being released and A-Level results to be published next week, I thought I would share my tips on how to manage exam related stress and the exams themselves- regardless of whether they are GCSE/AS/A2 level! First of all, I would like to say I am in no way an A* pupil, far from it in fact! These tips work for me and managed to come out of exam season with all my hair and no wrinkles!
The first tip is a generic one, one your teachers and older family members and friends say, but make a timetable! I always did an hour of each subject in the morning and an hour of each in the afternoon, so a total of 6 hours a day. I always kept the afternoon or morning before an exam to revise that specific module and exam, just time for cramming!
For me, revision was a prime snacking time. Naughty I know! I used to snack on sweets and crisps but this season I snacked on grapes and cashew nuts- my new favourite! As I often went to the library to revise I always went to the greengrocer to buy from a local business, which helps them out too. I mainly drank water as you learn better when you're hydrated. If normal water is too boring, read my previous blog post on how to keep healthy on a budget, which has a fruit water recipie in!
If you are easily stressed then take some time out for your friends and family. Often there is a week or so between one exam and the next, so take a day off and go shopping, have an xbox marathon, go for a drink. Do whatever relaxes you and have fun doing it. Personally for me it was going to the pub with my friends and having a laugh, as I was lucky to have my exams spaced quite apart.
On the exam day, I have a good brekkie and don't drink too much water beforehand. I needed the loo in the middle of a two and a half hour exam, and it's really awkward when a teacher has to watch you have a wee! Revision-wise try not to cram too much as it can stress you out. If you don't know something 5 minutes before the exam you won't learn it!
When it comes to note writing, I always used my specification. If your teacher doesn't give you one, get one online. They are super handy to use and can help you make notes that are precise and short, which is very helpful as you don't need to learn frilly bits that aren't on the specification. Waste of brain space! To reinforce learning, use past papers and mark them yourself. It gives you exam practice and shoes you areas you need to work on. Mark schemes are also a very good revision tool as if an answer is a nonspecific one it can give you a good summary of the topic.
I hope these tips help you out in your exams and in your revision period!
No comments:
Post a Comment