Tips for pre-examination time :)

Tips from examiners 

For no-nonsense, practical revision help, read these top 10 tips from some of Edexcel's15,000 examiners:

1. If you find that reading over revision notes just before an exam relaxes you, feel free to do so, but be aware that in most cases it could make you more nervous; any new information is not normally absorbed at this stage.
2. On the day of the exam, when you are told to turn the paper over, don't start writing until you have read the exam paper from cover to cover.
3. Mark the topics you wish to answer and concentrate on them. You should have an idea of how much time you are going to spend on each question, with the ones carrying the most marks being allocated the most time.
4. Remember that the exams are not set to trip you up, but are designed to allow you to show your knowledge of the syllabus. Be positive and have confidence in your ability.
5. Take time to consider the question. Look at where the marks are to be gained and allocate time appropriately (and stick to it). Many candidates spend too much time earning and re-earning small numbers of marks, thereby losing time for the heavier-tariff tasks. Remember, answering three questions fairly well is better than answering one very well and leaving two badly done. Underlining key words in the question may help to focus your mind and jog your memory.
6. Structure your answers by making an answer plan; writing this down will help.
7. Don't forget to refer back to the question to help ensure that you answer the question asked. The examiner can't give you marks for your knowledge and understanding of a topic if you don't answer the specific question properly. Make sure you don't answer the question you wish you'd been asked rather than the question in front of you! Try to read your answer through before moving on to the next question.
8. Concentrate on your punctuation, spelling and grammar. Remember that, while you will not be marked down for bad handwriting, if the examiner cannot read what you have written, then they can't give you the marks you deserve.
9. Try to relax, and keep an eye on the clock without checking it every five minutes. You need to leave time to complete each question and to read through your answers before the end of the exam.
10. Once you have finished the exam, don't worry about it and try to avoid comparing your answers with other students. Now the examiners' hard work begins!

Exam tips from students 

For down-to-earth, hands-on revision help, read these top 10 tips from students who have been through what you’re going through now:

1. Create a revision timetable with sensible work slots and breaks and then show it to your parents to get their agreement. Keep to this timetable! Then when your parent finds you 'not working', provided you are following your agreed timetable, no-one is going to hassle you. Parents only hassle and worry when they are not sure what you are doing, or if you do not seem to have a plan. Organise yourself well and it will help you to fulfil your potential.
2. Know where your exams are and when they start, how long they are, what equipment you are allowed to take in (for example calculators) and what you are not allowed to take in (mobiles, notes, etc).
3. Make sure you have one weekend day when you don't do revision or think about exams - you'll come back to it refreshed.
4. Tell your family about your revision time - and ask them for help if you need it - it may help make them feel useful to you!
5. Keep bullet points on crib cards highlighting main subject theories. Use these for quick revision and for reading during 'dead' times – for example, when you’re waiting for a bus. Use mnemonics - using initials of a word helps your memory.
6. Some people revise well by listening, so you could try ‘talking’ your revision and recording it onto your iPod or onto tapes. Listen to these while lying in bed, while travelling in a car, or walking to the shops. This also takes the guilt out of being out and about rather than in front of your books!
7. Ensure you eat and sleep properly. Now is not the time to diet or stay up all night. Have an early night before each exam.
8. Prepare items needed for the exam the evening before. Make sure you have the correct equipment needed for your exam (calculators, rulers, etc). Your exam invigilator should remind you of what you are and aren’t allowed before the exam starts. Taking unauthorised equipment in can get you disqualified from the exam.
9. Look after yourself during the exam period (a good routine and healthy eating!). Be sure to cut down on your weekend/evening job; most employers know that you need to commit time to the exams and revision, but often try to get you to do extra hours anyway!
10. On the morning of the exam, have a good breakfast, stay calm and allow plenty of time to get to the exam. Remember that you can only do your best and even if you don't do as well as you'd hoped, your parents still love you just as much!