Exams underway? Not sure how to maximise your revision? At Bright Red, we understand that the exam period can be a tad daunting. We’ve all been through exams, so we can fully relate to how you might be feeling. So, we can help give you a gentle nudge in the right direction to help you tackle those exam nerves, and help you walk into your exam with confidence.

Here are our top tips to help you revise, whilst your exams are underway:

Have confidence in what you already know

If there are topics you know by heart, don’t waste your time going over them. Focus on the areas you know you struggle with to make the most out of the revision time you have left. Don’t let the panic or self- doubt set in, if you know it now, you’ll know it in the exam room! Using our Bright Red revision cards, pick a card on a topic you feel least knowledgable in, and test yourself with the question and answer. This can be a great way to get in last minute reminders of the kind of questions you may face in the exam.

Plan, plan, plan!

Making a revision timetable can help you visually map out how long you have until your examinations. You may have already created one, but it may be worth having another look now that your exams are officially underway. Focus on the exam subjects that are yet to come, in the areas you have the least confidence. It can help you plan your time effectively and ensure that you’re allowing yourself revision breaks and some social time too.  You can create a revision timetable in a notebook or by using Word or by using templates online (Get Revising offer a brilliant, free Study Planner template – check it out here).

Find your study space

Finding a distraction-free space really helps when it comes to getting focused with revision. If you can, choose somewhere that has natural light and where you have plenty of space to spread your notes out and get in the zone. Dress comfortably and make sure to have something to drink and some snacks to get you through. This may be in your bedroom, in the kitchen, at school or in a library. Keeping things nice and tidy around you can help you stay focused and on track with your revision.

Jazz up your notes and use mnemonics!

Add colour and illustrations to your notes – this will make them more visually appealing and will help all that studying stick. No one likes to look at one big chunk of plain black text, separate it and use colour to enhance your interest. Using mnemonics is a good way of shortening your notes and making concepts and facts easier to remember.

Use Study Guides

Study Guides are a brilliant way of filling in any gaps in knowledge and consolidating what you’ve learnt in class. They’re designed to be easy for you to use and locate specific pages/ topics. We have 65+ Study Guides from N4 – AH level across a huge range of subjects so definitely check out our website here and pick up any Study Guides in subjects that you feel like you need a little extra support in.

Test yourself!

Practice makes perfect – register for our Bright Red Digital Zone which has tonnes of activities (Things to do and think about questions) and tests so you can identify both your strengths and any gaps in knowledge. Past Papers are also a super way of testing yourself and assessing what you do and don’t yet know. Check out the SQA website here.

Take breaks

It’s important to take plenty of breaks in order to revise effectively and avoid burning yourself out. It’ll also help you to stay motivated and allow yourself to relax! Try going for a run, watching an episode of your favourite show or simply treating yourself to a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Look after yourself

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night so you can recharge properly and wake up feeling fresh and alert. Drink lots of water, avoid all-nighters and try and eat as healthily as you can to keep your energy levels up! You’ve done most of the hard part, now it’s time to show off what you know. You can do this!

Best of luck from all of us at Bright Red Publishing.

For more top tips and advice on different study techniques, check out our Learn to Learn Study Support Guide. It’s also worth checking out our Twitter and Instagram pages for additional revision tips!