Maximise your GCSE Maths revision with 5 Weeks To Go!

With a little over 5 weeks remaining until your initial GCSE Maths exam, here's a guide on how to make the most of your study time for your GCSE Maths exams.

1. Prioritise and Plan

• Identify Weak Areas:

  • Start by reviewing your past mock exams, practice papaers, and classwork. Pinpoint the topics where you consistently lose marks.

  • Use your exam board's specification to ensure you've covered all required content.

• Create A Revision Timetable:

  • Allocate specific time slots for each topic, giving more time to your weaker areas.

  • Break down revision sessions into manageable chunks (e.g. 45 minutes of focused study followed by a 15-minute break).

  • Ensure to schedule in rest days, to avoid burnout.

Sample Revision Timetable. Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zn3497h#zq2nf82

• Utilise Resources:

  • Gather your textbooks, revision guides, past papers, and online resources.

  • Websites like Maths Genie, Corbettmaths, and exam-board specific resources (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) are invaluable.

  • MathsBot.com have recently added some GCSE Maths Workouts which are randomly generate, self-marking worksheets on a wide range of GCSE Maths topics.

2. Active Revision Techniques

• Practice Past Papers:

  • This is crucial! Work through as many past papers as possible under exam conditions.

  • Pay close attention to the mark schemes to understand how examiners award marks.

  • Analyse your mistakes to identify recurring patterns.

• Topic-Based Practice:

  • Focus on individual topics where you struggle. Use worksheets and online resources for targeted practice.

  • Work through various question types to build confidence.

• Flashcards:

  • Create flashcards for key formulas, definitions, and concepts.

  • Regularly test yourself to reinforce your memory.

  
  

  

  Source: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/saz_1234

  
  

• Teach Others:

  • Explaining concepts to someone else can solidify your understanding.

  • You can form study groups with classmates to discuss challenging topics.

• Use Online Resources:

  • Websites like those mentioned above often have videos, and practice questions that can be very helpful

3. Exam Preparation

• Understand the Exam Format:

  • Familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam papers, the number of questions, the time allowed.

• Time Management:

  • Practice answering questions within the allocated time to improve your speed and accuracy.

  • Learn to allocate your time effectively during the exam.

• Stay Calm and Confident:

  • Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.

  • Get enough sleep, eat well, and manage stress.

Important Reminders:

• Consistency is key. Regular, focused revision is more effective than last-minute cramming.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help from your teachers, classmates or one of our tutors.

• Take breaks to avoid burnout.

By following these tips, you can maximise your revision efforts and increase your chances of success in your GCSE Maths exam.

Good Luck!

Alison Bolsover,

JCT Learning Hub.