As GCSE and A-level exam dates approach, students who are sitting exams across the UK will be making their final preparations. While most of the learning for the GCSEs and A levels occurs in the years before the exams, the final weeks are crucial for sharpening skills, refreshing knowledge, and practising the skills needed for successfully sitting an exam. Knowing the best way to study, overcome challenges, and be ready for exam day is vital to achieve desired marks on the GCSEs and A levels. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make the last few weeks before exams productive and stress-free.
Study Skills
Depending on your subjects, studying for exams may look very different. Subjects like science, foreign languages, and history often rely on a lot of memorisation of vocabulary, dates, systems, and formulae. While there are many useful online programmes for practising memorisation, the old-fashioned technique of handwriting flashcards is itself a valuable practice. Reading your notes aloud, discussing techniques with friends, and practising sample problems are also useful for refreshing old skills and information. For other subjects, like English, maths, and arts, memorisation is less important. Practising writing essays or solving problems is usually more helpful as it helps you answer exam questions more swiftly and confidently. If you can, have classmates read over your work and offer feedback–this is useful for both of you!
Regardless of your subject, good study habits are crucial for surviving the weeks before an exam. These include good time management and stress management. Many people find it helpful to keep a schedule which includes both study periods and breaks. Study periods should not be too long, as it is hard to concentrate for more than half an hour at a time, meaning long periods of study become less productive. When you take a break, make sure to stretch your legs, drink water, and give yourself a reward. Good time management is key for managing stress. When creating a schedule, prioritise activities that are most stressful so that you do not worry about them later. Ensure you have plenty of time for eating, sleeping, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying other hobbies and interests. Taking care of yourself is the first step towards acing your exams.
Exam Preparation
Before exam day, practice sitting an exam at home or in another stress-free environment. Try to simulate the exam setting as much as possible. Find a quiet space and let friends and family know you are unavailable for the time. Keep your desk free from distractions, including your phone. Time yourself according to the time limits on the exam (if the timer is on your phone, set it and leave it across the room). Use past papers from your exam board, including answer sheets, as well as the pen, paper, and any other tools you might use for the exam. When you are finished, have a classmate mark your exams and discuss where you can improve. Do not worry if you do not get everything right: wrong answers will show you where to focus the rest of your studying efforts.
This kind of simulation exam is useful for helping you prepare for the feeling of taking an actual exam. Even the smartest of students can struggle with exam-day stress. Practising sitting exams beforehand takes some of the unknown out of the exam day and lets you concentrate on what you do know–all the important information that you have been studying.
Overcoming Struggles
If you feel you are struggling as you prepare for an exam, there are plenty of ways to improve your skills even in the last few weeks. First, try to identify what you are struggling with. Is it one particular skill, such as solving a type of problem or understanding a theory? Is it more general confusion about the subject and, if so, can you remember when you last felt confident and where you might have gotten confused? Or do you struggle with answering exam questions, such as showing your work in maths or writing a clear English essay?
Once you have identified what you are struggling with, ask for help. Talk to a fellow student, teacher, or older sibling or friend who might be able to answer questions or help you understand and problem. Do not be afraid to ask follow-up questions or for further help if you are still confused. However, you should try to make your questions as specific as possible so your helper can provide the best advice.
Lastly, consider changing how you study. Look for different kinds of resources, either in school or online. Practice more in groups or alone. Change your schedule to focus more on certain tasks, work for different lengths of time, or study in a different location. And, if you can, take a break for an afternoon or day. Time off not only helps you relax, but also allows for your brain to subconsciously process all that you have been learning.
Sitting Your Best Exam
On the day of, you want to bring your best self to the exam. Make sure you get plenty of sleep in the week before the exam (not just one night before). Eat a good breakfast with plenty of protein, just like you would for a run or a hike. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and alert.
As you take your exam, read through all the problems carefully, but do not spend too much time on each one. If you’re unsure of the answer, provide your best guess using whatever useful information you can gather from the question. Make sure to show all your work where required and write clearly and legibly–your exam marker will thank you for it. Take short breaks to rest your hand and your eyes and stay calm: a calm, relaxed test taker will do much better than a panicky one.
If you are preparing to take your GCSEs or A levels this year, you have already done a lot of important work towards learning your subjects. The last few weeks before the exam are useful for reminding yourself of what you have learned, practising those skills that you are struggling with, and preparing yourself to sit an exam. Remember to stay calm and focused and be proud of your accomplishments–a confident mindset is exactly what is needed to succeed!
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