Learning to learn

Revision Techniques:

We start by discussing how to make revision more engaging and effective. Using multiple colours can stimulate your brain and make your notes more visually appealing, helping with memory retention. We also talk about the importance of planning—knowing exactly what you’ll do during your study sessions to avoid wasting time. Small, manageable goals can prevent burnout, and early preparation can keep stress at bay.

Comfort and Environment:

Next, we explore the idea that you don’t always have to revise at a desk. Finding a comfortable space and setting up your environment with everything you need (pens, water, books, etc.) can help you stay focused. Whether you prefer silence or background music, the key is creating an atmosphere that works for you. Reading and Analysis: We stress the importance of reading anything and everything. Daily reading can improve your writing, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Beyond reading, practising analysis is essential for English exams. Whether you’re watching a TV show or reading the news, pay attention to why certain words or techniques are used. Why did the journalist choose that headline? How does it shape the reader's view? Variety of Resources: We also talk about using a variety of resources to support your revision. YouTube videos, mind maps, and past papers are all great tools, and we explore how using a range of methods can help make revision less monotonous. Additionally, post-it notes can be a surprisingly effective tool—stick them around the house in places you frequently visit to embed information in your subconscious.

Creative Revision Methods:

For students revising literature, we share a unique visual method for remembering quotes—drawing images to represent key quotes. For example, one student used illustrations to memorise quotes from *Macbeth*, which helped solidify them in his memory. Walking and talking about the material can also be a helpful revision technique. Structuring Responses: We wrap up by focusing on how to structure responses for English Literature exams. Instead of just stating "point, evidence, analysis," we suggest using multiple pieces of evidence for each point to ease the pressure of having to write deep analysis for every small detail. This approach helps to prevent repetition and keeps your essay balanced and well-structured. Subtle Use of Quotes: Finally, we recommend being subtle with your quotes. Instead of announcing them with phrases like "as stated in the text," try to weave quotes naturally into your writing, just as you would subtly drop information into a conversation.

A just a final quick note, in the days of modern technology that we find ourselves in, embrace it!
Use AI as a more knowledgeable other to offer you support.

In this final video I mention some free sentence openers that you can download by clicking here: Free Download: Sentence openers for GCSE English Language Paper 1

I hope you find them useful