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With the summer examinations looming, NOW is the time to start revising! For many students, starting revision is the biggest hurdle to overcome. With this in mind, we've put together 9 top tips to help you begin revising effectively.   

1. Get organised

Forget the midnight cramming sessions - the time to get organised is now. Starting now will ensure that you'll have plenty of time to focus, get the help you need, and go over all the relevant information.

Being organised will save lots of valuable time in the long run and will help you to avoid last-minute stress. Start by going through your course materials, this includes all notes and handouts from your teachers, any books that were used in class, and any additional resources – collect them together in one place.

Ensure that you are well stocked on stationery, including: 

• • Pens & pencils
  • Flashcards
  • Highlighters
  • Sticky-notes
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2. Make the most of our free resources

Name the subject – we've got you covered. Working closely with teachers and subject leaders, we've prepared a wealth of  to help with your revision, and these are all available for free.

3. Know your learning style

Everybody learns in different ways, so creating a timetable that works for you is the key to effective revision. There are a number of great articles exploring different learning styles. Here's an example of a  to kick-start your learning style discovery.

Shake it up! Experiment with an array of different revision techniques. You won't know what works best for you until you give it a try.

4. Past papers are your new best friend!

Past papers are a revision must. They will give you an understanding of how the exam works and the type of questions to expect. They're also a brilliant way to quiz yourself.

Have you checked out Question Bank? It's our free tool which allows you to mix and match questions from thousands of our past examination questions. Find the questions you need, add them to your paper and then export with the accompanying mark scheme and examiner's comments.

Remember to take a note of the questions that you struggled with and revisit these topics in your next revision session. 

5. Slow and steady wins the race

Maintain motivation and concentration for longer by taking your time and pacing yourself. Organise your revision into small sessions (25-30 minute bursts) with regular breaks.

Remember, it's important to reward yourself with some "me time". Whether that's socialising with friends, playing your game console, or updating your social media. Don't forget to relax and unwind around studying.

Try giving yourself incentives, for example, go to the cinema, or cook your favourite meal after a strong uninterrupted revision session.

6. Immobilise that emoji

Don't let your mobile phone or tablet be your downfall - remove all distractions from your study station. Ignore those notification bells and typing text bubbles, they'll still be there after your 30-minute revision spurt.

However, if you're a pro procrastinator who just can't put the phone down, there are some great apps around that help remove the temptation entirely. For example, this  app temporarily blocks out social media, games, and any other apps that act as a distraction. 

7. Thirsty for success?

Drink lots of water and stay hydrated! Studies have shown that drinking just one glass of water a day can help boost your productivity and energy levels.

Why not use a free app to help monitor your daily water intake?  is just one of several free apps available.

8. Don't bottle it up

Worrying about your exams is perfectly normal, a certain amount of pressure can be a great motivator, helping you to work and think more effectively. However, if your anxieties start building, it's important to talk it out.

Speaking with a friend, teacher, or family member about how you're feeling is a great way to relieve anxieties.

Here are some great websites packed with information and advice about coping with exam pressures:

Apps to support wellbeing are becoming increasingly popular. For example, the NHS has created a free app called , designed to help with anxiety.

9. Stay positive!

Remember that short term sacrifices will bring long term benefits. Just think of how amazing it will feel when all of your exams are over and you can enjoy the summer break.

Start revising today - you'll thank yourself later!