Exam revision tips for parents from South Devon College

With exam season looming, it can be an anxious time for families. Even so, parents and carers can make a real difference in helping with revision.

We asked Jess Tucker, Head of Tutorial and Learner Progress at South Devon College in Paignton, for expert tips on how parents can support their young people during revision. 

Here’s her ten top tips for parents and carers:

1. Start by asking your teen how you can help. Try opening the conversation with something like: “Have you got a revision plan sorted? Need a hand with it? How can I help?” 
2. Work with them to put together a revision timetable, print it out, and stick it up where they study - keep a copy for yourself too.  Ensure the timetable also has dedicated time for doing things your young person enjoys.  Avoid large blocks of revision all at one time.  Cramming is not an effective revision method.   

Splitting revision into smaller, doable chunks makes it easier to stick to, and regular breaks are just as important.  Try the Pomodoro technique of 25 mins study then a 5 min break before starting another 25-minute study period, this is even better if you chose a different topic for each 25 - minute session.   Switching between topics is called interleaving and helps you to develop connections and concrete knowledge into your memory.  

3. There are plenty of revision tools out there - mind maps, videos, flashcards, guides, concrete examples, visuals, worksheets, bubble diagrams, and parents should help their child figure out what works best for them.  
4. Doing practice papers often will also help them get better at using what they’ve learned.   Asking your young person to explain topics to you or asking them questions from their notes are also great ways to recall the relevant knowledge. 
5. Teenagers and young adults need routine, at home as well as at school, especially when they’re doing a lot of studying on their own.  Building exam preparation into that routine is helpful, perhaps talking through what the day of the exam might look like on regular occasions in the build up to the exam, this will help them get accustomed to some of the feelings associated and make it part of their usual routine.
6. They’ll need a proper study space at home too, a quiet, tidy desk away from noise and distractions. Make sure they’ve got all their study gear, books, pens, highlighters all in one handy place. 
7. A good night’s sleep is crucial. Set up a regular evening routine, and it’s worth suggesting they stop revising at a fixed time each night. Switching off their phone could help them sleep better. 
8. Eating a healthy, varied diet will keep their energy up for studying and cut down on raiding the biscuit jar for sugary snacks.  Keeping well hydrated is also important.
9. Parents and carers should keep their expectations high but also watch out for any stress and make sure their child gets enough downtime. Plan some breaks for them to unwind, time for hobbies, activities, or seeing friends can help them recharge between subjects.
10. If your teen is struggling with gaps in their subject knowledge, suggest they contact their tutors for help.  

The College has timetabled some additional GCSE revision sessions for those who would find it helpful. 

Easter revision sessions for English & Maths 

Maths GCSE Revision 

Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th - 10am - 2pm 

English GCSE Revision 

Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th - 10am – 2pm. 

 All sessions are in the library on Level 3.  Students must enter the building through the Level 3 entrance and walk through the Wellbeing Office.