GCSE Science Revision Tips: Student Led Blog

GCSE student Kongkwan, from Thailand, shares how she practices effective GCSE Science revision. Kongkwan is currently in grade 9, studying for IGCSE exams. Kongkwan says “As a student who is committed to trying to overcome the challenges in the academic world, I have stumbled upon a potent combination of revision methods, a sleep code and ways of organising my study that has transformed my approach to studying”.

Alex Brennan, Chemistry Content Creator at Save My Exams, has provided her expertise throughout the article.

The Blurting Method and the Feynman Technique

The blurting method 

Blurting is a popular revision method for revising GCSE science that has been all over many social platforms. In simple terms, blurting involves writing down all the information you can remember on a specific topic, then going back to your notes to check whether you listed everything. If there is any missing or wrong information, pay extra attention to that part until you remember it. Doing this two or three times for every topic will help you to remember all the key points in the science specification.  

Teacher advice: Science is a very content heavy subject, and it’s important that you can recall the information before you start applying it to exam questions. This is a great technique for just that! As a teacher and tutor for more than ten years, I still love suggesting this tip because it really helps to incorporate information into your long-term memory. 

The Feynman technique 

The Feynman technique is another method that works with every subject. It was devised by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Richard Feynman. The main idea is to take something that is hard to understand and clarify it in your mind by explaining it as if to a child.

Teacher advice: I always say to students that the best way to know whether you have truly understood a topic is to try to teach it to someone else. I regularly encouraged students to pair up and teach topics to one another. Some students initially found this approach quite daunting but gradually started to integrate this method into their study routines due to its effectiveness in enhancing their comprehension and retention. 

A combination of the two

Blending the blurting method and Feynman technique has proven to be successful in my study sessions. The blurting method keeps me active with reading and remembering important key details about a topic, for example, covalent bonding. The Feynman technique helps me to understand more advanced ideas and the topic or subject as a whole, such as how the type of bonding links to the properties of a substance.

Teacher advice: Using a mixture of revision techniques can be so helpful. I always advise students to diversify their approaches to revision to prevent it becoming a tedious task. Given the extensive amount of revision required for your science GCSE and any further qualifications you pursue, adopting a range of strategies will ensure you stay engaged and motivated. 

Sleep Code 

Sleep is an essential factor for efficient study sessions because the human mind and body need a break. A lack of sleep means that you wake up feeling tired and dull. I recommend having more than five hours of sleep per night, and a short ten-minute meditation before sleeping to help you to calm down. When I wake up I use the first 15 minutes to revise the topics I studied the day before to help me to remember the information.

Teacher advice: It is widely recognised that a lack of sleep can significantly impact an individual's performance. My most regular piece of advice to students has always been to make sure they get at least seven hours sleep a night. While it's true that individuals have varying sleep needs, it was always clear to me which of my students maintained regular sleeping habits. They were consistently more focused, engaged and productive. I taught some students who sacrificed sleep in order to study, and while their work ethic was admirable, it was counterproductive in the long run and led to burnout. 

Organising Study Sessions 

Organising study sessions is challenging, as there is a limit to how much sleep and study you can fit into 24 hours. As I mentioned in the advice about sleep above, I make sure to get enough sleep, which enables me to feel fresh in the morning. After waking up, I revise for 15 minutes on the way to school (this makes sure I don’t miss any topics or important details). After school ends, I take a ten-minute power nap in the car and then study when I arrive home. 

Consider incorporating strategic breaks during your study sessions. Research has proved that taking a short break every 25–30 minutes can improve focus and productivity. During these breaks, you could engage in an activity that relaxes your mind, such as a quick walk, some stretches or deep breathing exercises. This practice can help to prevent burnout and maintain a high level of concentration throughout your study sessions.

Consider setting specific, achievable goals for each study session. Breaking down overall objectives into smaller and more manageable tasks can make the workload more approachable and boost your sense of accomplishment.

Effective note-taking skills can significantly enhance your learning process. Experiment with various methods, such as Cornell notes or mind mapping, to find what suits you best. Well-organised notes can serve as valuable reference points during exams and reinforce your understanding.

Teacher advice: Being organised with your revision is key to academic success. I recommend taking the time to understand the specification and using it to create a revision timetable. It is certainly worthwhile discovering which revision strategies suit you best. While one student might benefit from using mind maps, others might not find them helpful. Short bursts of revision can be helpful, but it is equally important to dedicate longer periods of time to understanding more challenging topics, such as equilibrium. Implementing the Pomodoro Technique, which involves taking five-minute breaks every 25 minutes can effectively break down your revision sessions into more manageable segments. Whichever strategy you decide to use, make sure you strike a balance between revision time and relaxation time to ensure success. 

Here's how I would suggest you create your GCSE revision timetable:

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Motivation

My motivation is ambitious aspirations and family expectations. As an international student, the dream of securing a spot in a prestigious college is a beacon guiding my academic journey. The weight of family expectations fuels my determination to excel. It’s not merely about achieving good grades, but about proving myself to others who have put their hope in me.

Teacher advice: I've had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students, each with their unique motivations and aspirations. Some students are motivated by achieving top grades and attending prestigious universities. Others are fueled by a specific career path or the desire to meet and exceed family expectations. Meanwhile, those unsure about the direction they want their future to take simply want flexibility and options for later down the line. Either way, it is crucial to remember that the journey you are on is uniquely yours, and you shouldn't lose sight of your goals. 

Finally

Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as an opportunity for growth rather than obstacles. Learn from setbacks, celebrate success and maintain a positive outlook on your personal academic journey. This mindset improves resilience and also contributes to long-term success.