It’s 160 Days To The A Levels, What Should You Do?
Effective A-Level Revision Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
It’s 160 days to the A Levels, what should you do? As the A-Level examinations approach, it's crucial to plan your revision effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide based on a recent online session to help you make the most of your remaining study days.
Step 1: Understanding Your Timeline
First, determine the number of days left until your exams. For example, if your GP paper is on November 2nd and today is May 11th, you have 174 days left. To avoid last-minute stress, set aside the last 14 days for light revision only. This buffer period helps keep your mind clear and reduces anxiety.
Step 2: Subject Allocation
Assume you have three H2 subjects and two H1 subjects. Count H1 subjects as half subjects. Therefore, your effective subject count is four (3 H2 + 2 H1 x 0.5). Divide your revision days accordingly:
40 days for each H2 subject
20 days for each H1 subject
Step 3: Content vs. Practice
Allocate your time between content revision and practice:
Spend 25% of your time on content understanding.
Spend 75% of your time on practice.
For example:
For H2 subjects, spend 30 days on practice and 10 days on content.
For H1 subjects, spend 15 days on practice and 5 days on content.
Step 4: Planning Your Blocks
Divide your revision into manageable blocks. Here's how you can structure it:
Content Revision Blocks (Orange): Focus on understanding and revising content.
Practice Blocks (Blue): Apply your knowledge through practice questions and past papers.
Break down each subject's curriculum into topics. Use the SEAB website to download the curriculum and identify the key areas to focus on.
Step 5: Using a Calendar
Create a Google Calendar for each subject to visualize your plan. Use different colors to represent different subjects. For example, set red for econs, blue for GP, and so on.
Example Schedule:
Monday:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Econs Block 1 (Content Revision)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Econs Block 2 (Practice)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exercise/Relax
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: GP Block 1 (Content Revision)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: GP Block 2 (Practice)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Leisure/Netflix
Step 6: Incorporating Rest and Play
Combine work and play daily to avoid burnout. Establish a habit of studying and resting every day. This balanced approach helps maintain consistent progress without overwhelming yourself.
Step 7: Review and Revise
Regularly review your progress. Identify areas of weakness during practice sessions and allocate specific days to revisit these topics. Write down concepts you struggle with and focus on them during your review blocks.
Step 8: Finishing Past Papers
Aim to complete all past A-Level papers and the TYS at least once. Ideally, finish them three times. This practice solidifies your knowledge and improves your exam technique.
Step 9: Seeking Help
Allocate time for consultations with your teacher or tutor. If you’re part of a study group or tuition center, use their resources effectively. Consider attending boot camps or crash courses for intensive practice and content revision.
Step 10: Customized Revision Plan
For those who prefer a more structured approach, some educational centers offer customized week-by-week revision plans. These plans provide a detailed schedule tailored to your needs.
Final Tips
Start Early: Begin your revision as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the more time you have to cover all topics thoroughly.
Stay Flexible: Adjust your plan as needed. If you fall behind, don’t panic. Reassess and modify your schedule to stay on track.
Stay Consistent: Make studying a daily habit. Consistency is key to effective learning and retention.
For additional resources and a template to kickstart your planning, visit https://tinyurl.com/planning. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create an effective revision plan that maximizes your study time and prepares you thoroughly for your A-Level examinations. Good luck!