Alde Valley Academy

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Revision

Effective revision is key to success during the GCSE exam series. At Alde Valley Academy, we encourage our Year 11 students to take a structured, balanced approach to their revision.

Here are some top tips:

  • Plan your time: Create a realistic revision timetable and stick to it.

  • Use active revision techniques: Try flashcards, past papers, mind maps, or teaching topics to someone else.

  • Take regular breaks: Short, focused sessions with breaks in between help improve concentration.

  • Stay healthy: Eat well, get enough sleep, and keep active to support your wellbeing.

  • Ask for help: Teachers are here to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re stuck.

We also provide access to revision sessions, subject-specific resources, and wellbeing support throughout the exam period.

Stay focused, believe in yourself, and remember—you’re not alone. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Revision Strategies

🔁 1. Retrieval Practice (The Testing Effect)

What it is: Actively recalling information from memory (rather than re-reading notes).
Why it works: Strengthens memory pathways and improves long-term retention.

How to apply:

  • Use flashcards (e.g., Anki or Quizlet)

  • Self-quiz without looking at your notes

  • Answer past paper questions from memory

  • Teach the topic to someone else

//www.youtube.com/embed/7Y-yutMw5Rg#t=0.5

 

📅 2. Spaced Practice

What it is: Spreading out revision over time rather than cramming.
Why it works: Helps combat forgetting and strengthens memory over multiple sessions.

How to apply:

  • Start revising topics weeks or months in advance

  • Revisit each topic at increasing intervals (e.g., after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks)

  • Use a revision timetable that cycles topics

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🔄 3. Interleaving

What it is: Mixing different subjects or topics in one session.
Why it works: Helps students learn to distinguish between similar concepts and improves problem-solving.

How to apply:

  • Instead of spending an entire day on one subject, alternate topics (e.g., 30 mins maths → 30 mins history → 30 mins science)

  • Mix different types of questions within a subject

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🧠 4. Dual Coding

What it is: Combining words and visuals to learn information.
Why it works: Engages more cognitive pathways, improving understanding and recall.

How to apply:

  • Create diagrams, timelines, or mind maps alongside written notes

  • Convert notes into visual formats (e.g., flowcharts or annotated images)

  • Watch educational videos with visuals and take notes alongside

//www.youtube.com/embed/h9Fuhds6MTU#t=0.5

  

💭 5. Elaboration

What it is: Explaining why facts are true or how they relate to other concepts.
Why it works: Deepens understanding and strengthens memory connections.

How to apply:

  • Ask yourself "why?" and "how?" as you revise

  • Connect new knowledge to things you already know

  • Use study groups to discuss and explain ideas to each other

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❌ 6. Avoid Passive Revision

Reading and highlighting alone are not effective. These methods often give a false sense of confidence without real learning.

//www.youtube.com/embed/IyvlgRf7u3Y#t=0.5

 

Bonus Tips:

  • Use past papers under timed conditions to simulate exam stress and improve retrieval

  • Sleep well – memory consolidation happens during sleep

  • Keep hydrated and take breaks – fatigue reduces concentration and learning efficiency

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