Revision Planning and Timetabling

Having a revision timetable can help you plan for your revision can help you feel in control as well as ensuring you don’t miss anything.

Follow these steps to plan your revision effectively:

1. Start by making a list of all the topics you need to revise in each subject (there are Revision Checklists for GCSE Literature texts on my website which you could use as a model) Use your exam specification or ask your teacher to check you haven’t missed anything out.
2. Give yourself columns to record how often you revise each topic; this way, you’ll be able to see at a glance which topics need your attention. You could use a table like this; head each column with your own plan or target

3. Rate yourself on each section to help you prioritise weaker areas for more revision focus. You could use a Red/Amber/Green colour code system to indicate which need more of your attention.
4. Make a revision timetable using the following guidance:
   • It needs to start now and finish on the day of your last exam.
   • Include the dates of all your exams.
   • Block out any days you know you can’t revise.
   • Consider any times that you may be able to revise in school.
   • Divide the days up into chunks of time that work for you (some people know that they can’t focus for more than 30 minutes at a time; others may be able to work for longer stretches) You could use the timetable templates on my website. Build in breaks – short ones between revision sessions to get a drink or snack and some longer ones where you go and do something else to give your mind a break.
   • Do not plan to work right up until the time you go to bed; you need to switch off by doing something you enjoy for 1-2 hours before bed.
   • Start by filling in the subjects. Try to do this evenly but allow your self more time if the subject is one you are struggling with and need to prioritise. If there is a subject you know you don’t like, consider putting this earlier in the day to get it out of the way. You might prefer to have a variety of subjects each day, but you may like to do a whole day of a certain subject.
   • Now, using the checklist you made for step 1, fill in the topics.
   • Display the timetable somewhere you can clearly see it (but preferably not from your bed!) If you think it will help you to get your parents involved in this, then you could display it where they can see it too.
   • Make sure you cross off each session as you complete it; this can be a real motivator!

Guidance about revision:

• Aim for at least 3-4 hours a day.
• Don’t work beyond school hours in the holidays – you don’t want to burn out.
• Repeat the revision of important content across different study sessions.
• Plan in a review period to check how much you have memorised/learnt.
• Testing is one of the most effective strategies for revision, so ensure this is a regular part of your revision.
• Try to do some different types of revision to stop you from getting bored.

Things to ask yourself:

Is your schedule realistic and sustainable?

Are too many hours coming from working late in the evening?

Does your chosen work environment allow you to study effectively?

Is the schedule balanced across the week to allow smaller amounts of regular study with breaks?

Do you need to reduce other commitments (e.g. clubs, part-time jobs) to create more time for study over the next few months?