Paul Smith – Principal of IC6

1)Start Early Cramming never works – the longer we have to learn and retrieve information the better we can recall it. Don’t delay by using excuses Keep a revision diary

2) Planning is key What is it exactly we need to learn? Exam requirements and structure. What does an exam question look like – and what does a good answer look like?

3) Organisation is essential How does the memory work? It relies upon organisation so work with it, not against it. It’s easier to recall related objects and ideas than unrelated.

4)Location Try to have a stable place to learn – either at home or in school. No distractions – it’s myth that listening to music helps!

5)Mind maps Revise with others – test and learn.

6)Never do too much. 30 min session divided into three 10 min sections. Learn something Recall something Test your recall – what did you remember what did you forget. Keep and date the paper so you can see how you are progressing

7) Motivate and visualise. Keep sight of why you are doing this and what doing well would look and feel like. Get what you want to achieve.

8) Mind and Body Posture, sleep, food. Hydration during the exam is important. University of East London research in 2012 found that students who sit a written assessment with a bottle of water with them achieved 5% higher marks!

1) Start Early 2) Planning is key 3) Organisation is the plan 4) Location, location, location 5) Change and vary how you revise 6) Never do too much in one sitting 7) Motivate and visualise 8) Mind and Body So to recap…

Controlling for ability from previous coursework results, researchers found those with water scored an average of 5% higher than those without. The study, from the universities of East London and Westminster, also noted that older students were more likely to bring in water to exam halls. It says the findings have implications for exam policies on access to drinks. The researchers observed 447 psychology students at the University of East London - 71 were in their foundation year, 225 were first- years and 151 were in their second year