The remedy of revision

How do us already troubled teens avoid the added stress of trying to do well in our exams for benefits that are not even visible until another five or so years? The answer is that we can all do well.

Here's Kemi's tips on what to do and what not to do.

Don't forget to check out the success not stress guide

Prepare well and in good time

Revision is a necessity. Make good use of the time you spend revising and don’t get distracted. A three hour revision session can easily become 30 minutes of reading, one hour of gossiping on the phone, 90 minutes of singing along to your new album.

Need a revision timetable? For more information see our section revision timetable

Stay healthy – remember 5 a day and exercise

Number one: dont' skip breakfast. It is known to keep concentration going throughout the day. So if you’re about to face an exam, breakfast is almost as important as remembering to bring a pen!

"...if you're about to face an exam,
breakfast is almost as important
as remembering to bring a pen!"

Local doctor, Jonty Heaversedge, star of BBC TV’s Street Doctor and Smokehouse recommends

• Developing a good routine with regular breaks in your revision. You should still spend some time with friends, do some exercise and eat healthily
• Get plenty of sleep as this will improve your concentration and schedule in things that will help you unwind and relax
• Most importantly, if you are finding it hard to cope with the work you have to do and you are feeling overwhelmed you should talk to someone, perhaps your parents, a teacher, your GP or practice nurse.

Work in a group and help each other

Try teaching a friend who is doing the same subject as you. Teaching a fellow student helps confirm your understanding and also shows you that you would be able to regurgitate any of the knowledge when faced with a difficult question in an exam.

You can also try revising with other people, but make sure you revise with people of the same ability as you. Revising with people who are working with people at a higher level can be intimidating, and disheartening. Revising with people working at a lower level than you can end up slowing you down.

Aim high and do your best

Remember, exams are only a test of preparation. Make sure that you revise enough to avoid disappointment, however, balance your revision with some fun. The key is managing to balance your social life with your academic, this will open the door to a range of opportunities for your future, and you won’t have to be bored along the way either.