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Studying & Revising

Studying, Coursework, Revision, Exams, Exam Stress

Studying and passing exams are important for your future. But often studying and revising isn’t easy and gets in the way of enjoying life. It needn’t be this way. Here are some tips and techniques to help you.

Studying

General organisation

 bullet pointKeep track - a homework timetable will help keep track of when you are set work and when it has to be completed
 bullet pointDon’t put it off - try to do your homework as soon as you can so it will be fresh in your mind and easier to do
 bullet point Time - when is the best time for you to complete your homework? Straight after school or later in the evening? It's what works best for you that matters.


How about a different approach?

 bullet pointEducational programmes on the TV or radio. Sometimes seeing it on screen, or hearing it, can make a topic easier to understand
 bullet pointUse the Internet to find useful sites that can help you with your homework
 bullet pointEncyclopaedia DVDs & CD-ROMs contain loads of information. Have a hunt through and get the answers you need
 bullet pointTry Enquire a reference service provided by librarians (and supported by Somerset County Library Service)


Whereabouts should you study? People are different but it's usually it’s a choice between one of these:

 bullet pointfinding somewhere quiet away from people, television and other distractions
 bullet pointhaving some noise in the background (usually music) that won’t distract you and may even help you concentrate a bit more. If this works for you keep it low and don’t be tempted to sing along!


Coursework

 bullet pointYou need to plan your projects carefully and make sure you don't leave things until the last minute. Break down the work into sections. Complete one section each week so you divide the workload properly over the time allowed
 bullet pointTake your time and make sure you choose topics you find interesting. Make sure you research properly before you start writing
 bullet pointYou need to write carefully and clearly. Always check your spelling, grammar and punctuation. It's also worth checking if there is a word limit for your assignment


Revision

The BBC has an excellent revision tips and techniques site at www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision. This includes the Seven Rules Of Revision:

 bullet pointMake your own revision notes - you'll learn as you write
 bullet pointBe brief - check the syllabus, ask teachers, make sure you suss the key areas
 bullet pointConcentrate on the purpose of revision - get it right and the exams should be easier
 bullet pointDon't overdo it - your concentration lapses after a couple of hours. Take regular breaks
 bullet pointExperiment - try different revision techniques. Variety beats boredom
 bullet pointFocus - look at past exam papers and don't make pointless notes
 bullet pointBe confident and positive - this should help you learn more and use your knowledge when it counts


Exams

In an exam:

 bullet pointStay calm, breathe slowly and try not to worry
 bullet pointRead all the instructions carefully
 bullet pointKeep an eye on the time so you make sure you spend enough time on each question
 bullet pointRemember you can only do your best!


Exam Stress

Everyone gets stressed at one time or another. Lots of people get stressed at exam and test time or when coursework deadlines are looming large. This is quite normal! A bit of stress can be good for you. It’s the body’s way of making you alert and ready for what’s coming. It can help you do better.

But too much stress is not good. It can make you feel unable to cope, out of control, even ill.

How do you feel emotionally and physically? If some of these symptoms apply you may be suffering from too much stress:

 bullet pointAngry and impatient with people close to you
 bullet pointClose to tears over small events
 bullet pointBig mood swings
 bullet pointAlone and isolated
 bullet pointSelf-esteem at rock bottom
 bullet pointSleeplessness
 bullet pointHeadaches
 bullet pointTummy upsets
 bullet pointLoss of appetite or irregular eating
 bullet pointPanic attacks and difficulty breathing
 bullet pointLow energy and lack of concentration
 bullet pointLoss of interest in things around you


If you're stressed don’t suffer in silence. Remember that whilst you can’t completely escape from feeling stressed, there are things you can do which may help.

Get on top of things:

 bullet pointCheck with your teachers on what you need to do to revise. Listen to their advice
 bullet pointPlan a realistic revision or study timetable. Include time to do things you enjoy as well as working
 bullet pointTake short breaks when studying or revising. A tired mind is not an active one!


Look after your body:

 bullet pointFeed your brain. Eat healthy foods regularly
 bullet pointTake exercise, walk, run, swim, dance, play sport. It will help you sleep and make your brain work better
 bullet pointGet as much sleep as possible
 bullet pointAvoid misusing drugs - including alcohol - to help you relax or gain energy. They may seem to help at first but will quickly make things worse
 bullet pointFind time to relax and learn to switch off. Never go straight to bed after studying. Listen to some music, watch TV, take a short walk, have a warm bath or do something you like
 bullet pointTune into your own feelings. If you feel anxious, tired, worried or stressed discuss your worries with people you trust


Be positive:

 bullet pointConcentrate on you. Don’t worry what other people say they are doing (it may not be true anyway)
 bullet pointUltimately remember to just do your best. No one can expect any more of you than this. And if you don’t do as well as you hoped, it doesn’t make you a bad person


If you need help about stress speak to your teachers, school counsellors, Connexions PA, youth workers and anyone else you trust. It may also help to contact your school nurse or doctor.


More information and advice


BBC www.bbc.co.uk/schools

Key site about many aspects of studying, exams and revision.


BBC Radio1 One Life www.bbc.co.uk/onelife/your_world/school_studying

Lots of information and advice about school and studying


Connexions Direct www.connexions-direct.com

See the "learning" section for help on studying, exams, course work and coping with stress.


Enquire www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/enquire/about.html

Ask a librarian a reference question (service supported by Somerset County Library Service).


Childline

Phone 0800 1111, web www.childline.org.uk


The Samaritans

Phone 0845 790 9090, email: jo@samaritans.org
Web www.samaritans.org.uk


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