Success Not Stress

You’re in the exam room, you open the paper, read the questions and realise you don’t know any of the answers. Beginning to sweat and running out of time, you wake up and realise it was all just a bad dream.

Most of us have had this kind of nightmare before. And like anything that puts us under pressure, preparation is the best way to get the results you want without the stress.

Simon Williams is the director of learning for key stage 4 pupils at Charter School in Dulwich. He says, “We encourage pupils to set up a revision timetable in order that the revision isn’t crammed into the last days before the exams,” he says. “We also suggest students plan their free time so they can meet friends between revising, do some sport, relax and of course eat well.”

This summer you are among millions of students all over the UK who will be sitting exams. But even though you’re not alone, revision is a personal thing so work out what suits you best. Some of you might prefer to revise at home, some at school and others at friends’ houses. Remember your preference isn’t what you enjoy, it’s what you gain the most from.

Southwark has 13 libraries dotted all over the borough that provide calm spots, full of research tools and resources to help with revision. Remember, the internet isn’t only for Facebook or MSN, resources are available for your benefit, so use them wisely and have fun when the exams are done. The libraries are open after school and at weekends, so before you spend time playing football or jamming with your friends get down to your local library and put some work in!

Top tips

• Turn off your mobile so you can revise undisturbed
  
• Do a revision timetable allowing time for breaks - see our download
  
• Eat well and sleep well in the run up to the exam
  
• Start revising early on
  
• Practice as many past papers as possible asking your teachers for help with key words in questions, such as ‘describe’, ‘evaluate’ and ‘summarise’ 
  
•  Put post it notes around your home with useful information on a certain subject to help you learn it 
  
•  Set yourself realistic revision goals and treat yourself when you reach them 
  
•  Set aside time during your revision programme to socialise, exercise and chill out
  
•  If you’re worried talk to someone, don’t bottle up your stress
  
• Plan a party or celebration with your mates for when all the exams are over
  
  Don't forget, check out the remedy of revision guide here
  
  More information
  • Visit www.direct.gov.uk for more revision tips
  • For revision and exam advice from students to students visit www.examzone.co.uk
  • Southwark’s libraries offer homework help clubs that could be useful when it comes to revising. For more information call 020 7525 2000 or visit www.southwark.gov.uk
  • If you’re worried, stressed or just need someone to talk to you can call the Calm Zone on 0800 585858 or visit www.thecalmzone.net