Revision season can be long and hard, and sometimes it can be good to hear stories from people who've been through it all to give you that extra bit of motivation to get you across the finish line.
We've spoken to Operation Ouch's Dr Xand van Tulleken, Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton and Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Rutherford who've given us their top tips for revision and exams.
Xand: I'm Doctor Xand I make Operation Ouch on Children's BBC. Now, when I was at school, I really struggled with my schoolwork. I was bottom of the class. I failed a lot of exams and around 14 or 15 I realised I wanted to go to medical school, I was going to have to start passing, so I really remember that transition to going "I have to do well in exam". The hardest bit is opening the book, especially if you're someone who puts things off a bit, you're worried about it, you think it's going to make you anxious, you kick it down the road and then you get more and more anxious. So the first thing is open the book, just start. You will be able to manage. The second thing is anxiety is absolutely punishing around exams, and it can start to feel like your whole world depends on it. Take the pressure off yourselves a bit, try and enjoy it, and try and enjoy the learning process.
Helen: Hi guys, it's Helen Skelton. I was quite into school and I did enjoy that period of exams. I had a little pack of like cards, and I used to write down the stuff I needed to know on there, and then put it in my pocket and just go about my life. And if I was waiting for the bus or in the park or walking somewhere, I might just have a little scan. So I wasn't regimented about it. I just soaked up bits as I went along. I used to revise with friends. I used to schedule in a bit at the end of the day, so I wasn't stressed about it. I'd say, right, I'm going to do an hour there or half an hour there. And the other thing I used to do is talk to my friends in the car on the way to places. So if we were going to practice for something or going out. We kind of revise as we went along. Basically, I tried to not make it strict and boring. I tried to make it just a conversation about stuff we needed to know. Good luck.
Greg: Hello, I'm Greg Rutherford, Olympic long jump champion from London 2012 and now a TV presenter. What I did for myself, in order to make that something that was slightly more enjoyable was get myself in a really comfortable room, make sure everything from the heating to the lighting and everything else made me feel relaxed. I'd only start on one thing at a time. I'd get it myself, a nice drink or whatever else. I would sit down and I would go through it. I'd then take really regular breaks. For a lot of children, you're going to feel so much pressure heading into the exams, but by giving yourself a bit of a break, switching off ever so often is something that really, really helps cement a lot of that info into your head. The pressures that other people are putting on around you, that's something that you don't have to worry too much. Look, your exams are very important for you and there's something that you really need to focus on. But fundamentally, they do not define you as a human. If they don't go as well as you hope. There are definitely things that you can go onto after that. For me, it was jumping into a sandpit, which is a ridiculous life and job, but it became my job. Didn't need exams for that. But equally, being fastidious and learning and making sure you spend time developing those skills to take exams is something hugely important to take forward with your life.
Tips to help you revise for your exams
Dr Xand says that the hardest part about revision for him was getting the motivation to start. He says that putting off your revision could just increase your anxiety, "Open the book, just start, you will be able to manage…try and enjoy it!"
Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton says she used to make flashcards and take them with her wherever she went. "If I was waiting for the bus, or in the park, or walking somewhere I might just have a little scan… I'd soak up bits as I went along." Revising with friends worked well for Helen: "I'd talk to my friends in the car on the way to places… we'd kind of revise… I tried to not make it strict and boring, I'd try to make it a conversation about the stuff we needed to know!"
Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Rutherford made sure his revision space was nice and cozy: "I'd only start on one thing at a time, I'd get myself a nice drink and take regular breaks… switching off every so often is something that really helps cement a lot of that info into your head."
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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