Yr 9 Study Skills and Revision Booklet
Yr 9 Study Skills and Revision Booklet
Yr 9 Study Skills and Revision Booklet
1. Revision tips
2. What works best for me?
3. Timetables, Mindmaps and Organisers
4. Revision Guides
Name: _____________________________
Class: ____________
REVISION TIPS
Everyone hates revision. It is something that many pupils put off for as long as
possible. These results in feeling of guilt, panic and the cry, “There’s not enough
time. I wish I’d started my revision sooner.”
The only solution is good planning and time management. This helps you to feel in
control.
Revision will only be possible if you good notes and the necessary books. Before
you can even plan what you need to revise it is important to check that you have
everything you need. If you have got behind with your notes, lost your notes or have
difficulty reading your notes, you must beg, borrow or photocopy someone else’s.
What to Revise
1) Write down carefully what your teachers tell you to revise
2) If they tell you to revise anything, ask them to suggest what is most important
3) Decide what you know least about, or find difficult. Do that first.
4) Make sure you don’t give more time to your favourite subjects whilst
neglecting those you hate.
5) Plan a week’s revision on a blank timetable, and then you can see if you’ve
included all subjects.
Prioritise
o List the topics to be revised for each subject, in your study booklet
o Rearrange the list of topics into order of importance
o Don’t waste time revising topics that you know well
o Cross the weeks off to monitor the passing of time
LEARNING HOW TO STUDY BETTER
Motivating yourself to revise is a tough thing to do, so we hope that by reading
through this study skills booklet you will pick up some tips which will help you study
in a more effective way and increase the amount you learn.
Working through this booklet should enable you to:
Remember also that everyone is on your side. If you need help with studying, ask a
teacher, ask your friends or your parents.
7. Study when you are wide awake (early mornings always best)
8. Set a specific goal for each subject you study – “by the end of this study session, I hope to have
learnt……………………in Geography”.
10. Make summary notes on what you have learnt LOOK SAY COVER WRITE CHECK
14. Vary your work e.g. make notes, draw diagrams, read, problem solve..….
16. Balance your time carefully between home, school and social outings.
17. Produce revision timetable organised in advance and displayed for everyone to see.
18. Keep a stock of post-it notes, highlighter pens, and revision cards at home.
“You are doing your best only when you are trying to improve
what you are doing”
EXAM PREPARATION
1. Make the most of your resources
2. Preparing for exams is just like training for a sport, skills can be improved with
practice.
3. Review and correct your past mistakes
4. Study in a quiet area with good lighting and ventilation
5. Study for a short periods of time with frequent breaks
6. Reduce stress by eating well, being organised, exercise regularly, learning to
relax, avoiding arrangements and talking about problems.
Mnemonics
Talk to yourself
Record your voice
- Chapter from book
- An answer
- Quotations
Now give yourself some practice by looking at a past exam paper and
answering these questions:
1. How long is the exam
2. How many questions do you have to answer?
3. Are there any special instructions?
4. What equipment (if any) do you have to provide?
5. What equipment is provided for you?
6. Are any questions compulsory?
7. How many marks do you receive for each question?
Finally, work out how much time you can allow for reading through the
paper and answering each question.
1. Revision Tips
MEMORY
Caring for your brain
1. Get enough sleep and exercise. Oxygen is food for your brain
2. Eat right – practice choosing food with good nutrition
3. Use it! Condition your brain by doing puzzles and games, reading, solving math
problems, storytelling.
4. Be motivated to learn – you must have a reason to remember
5. Think positive! Use positive self-talk. This helps your attitude and openness to learning.
Memory Tips
“In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue..”
Can you devise a Mnemonic for something you have to learn in your subjects? Have a go!!
1. Science?
2. ………………
3. ……………….
Time Management Method
The ABC daily to-do’s
1. Write out your daily to-do list the night before. Write everything you want to accomplish
2. Label each task A, B and C
3. A’s on your list are those things that you are most important – homework due in other jobs
which need to be completed
4. B’s on your list are important, but less so than your A’s someday! These tasks are important
but not urgent
5. C’s do not require immediate attention – C priorities are often small, easy jobs
6. Schedule time for all the A’s. The B’s and C’s can be done in odd moments during the day
Avoid C fever!! Sometimes we want to do the easier tasks first but stick to your schedule! Pin
your schedule up!
Create a schedule of activities for the weekend and label them A, B and C
My Schedule:
An Important skill is learning how to prioritise! Treat your revision schedule like this.
1. Plan Ahead
Before you do any work, sit down and plan what you are going to do between now and
the exams. It is often a good idea to revise the areas you find most difficult first – get
them out of the way and build your confidence in the subject. Creating a timetable is
always a very useful as your time is now precious, so make it work for you. Starting
early will give you the stress free ‘little and often’ approach. In other words planning
not cramming.
Gather all your material for the topic area and reduce them into brief clear
notes. Then summarise those, and then again and again until you only
need a few keywords to remind you of the whole topic!!
You can carry around a sheet with all the keywords wherever you go…….
By setting our your revision schedule to make the most of this (learning something, revise
It again after few hours, revise it again in the next few days, and so on) you will be using
The way your memory works to an advantage!!!
For revision
Menu
6. Eat Properly
While you are using up energy revising it is important to eat properly so
that your body and your mind are fit and ready for exams
Main
Fish, eggs and milk are high in protein which is used by your brain. But you
will need energy as well.
Dessert
Nuts and bananas are a good source; chocolate is another good source of
energy, but the effects of eating a bar of chocolate last far less than eating,
for instance, a banana
2. What works best for me?
Learning Styles
Everybody has a preferred learning style. Knowing and understanding our learning style helps us to
learn more effectively. Through identifying your learning style, you will be able to capitalize on
your strengths and improve your self-advocacy skills.
Directions:
Place a check in front of all statements that describe you. The list with the greatest number of
checks is your dominant learning style.
List 1
List 2
List 3
Tactile/Kinesthetic learner:
Reader/Observer
Scans everything; wants to see things, enjoys visual stimulation
Enjoys maps, pictures, diagrams, and colour
Needs to see the teacher’s body language/facial expression to fully understand
Not pleased with lectures
Daydreams; a word, sound or smell causes recall and mental wandering
Usually takes detailed notes
May think in pictures and learn from visual displays
Visual Learners:
Have a clear view of your teachers when they are speaking to you can see their
body language and facial expression
Use colour to highlight important points in text
Illustrate your idea as a picture and use mind maps
Use multi-media such as computer or videos.
Study in a quiet place away from verbal disturbances
Visualize information as a picture to aid learning
Make charts, graphs and tables in your notes
Participate activity in class-this will keep you involved and
alert
When memorizing material, write it over and over
Keep pencil and paper handy so you can write down good ideas.
Characteristics of an Auditory Learner:
Auditory Learners:
Step 2
Start in the centre of the page
Step 3
*
Make a central image that represents the topic
Friends
Step 4
Sport
Friends
Step 6
Start to add detail to the main branch on thin lines
Sport music
Friends Parties
Discos
Remember:
1. Study Skills
Where to study:
Creating good conditions to study can help you make the most of the time you spend
revising. Here are some suggestions:
Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably
Make sure your desk is well lit
Keep background noise to a minimum
Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions (like televisions!)
Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start.
How to study:
There is no ‘right way’ to revise, as long as the method you choose enables you to gain a
solid grasp of key facts and consolidate your knowledge. Some students are happy to read
their classroom notes from start to finish, others prefers to simplify the information as much
as possible, turning everything into skeleton notes, diagrams or mnemonics. In practice, most
students find that mixing techniques suits the varied nature of the subjects being revised, and
provides essential variety when studying.
2. Revision Plan
The top tip for successful revision is to make a plan; otherwise it is easy to waste
your precious revision time. We recommend that you start your revision at least
two weeks before your exams begin. It is helpful to look at your exam dates and
work backwards to the first date you intend to start revising.
List all your exam subjects and the amount of time you think you will need for
each one. It is unlikely that the amounts will be equal;. Many people find it
advisable to allocate more time to the subject or topics they find the most difficult.
Draw up a revision plan for each week (you can use the ones included in this
booklet). Don’t forget to work in some leisure / relaxation time too!
Fill in any regular commitments you have first, such as sport’s activities or clubs
you are involved in, and then the dates of your examinations (see timetable)
Use revision checklists or Syllabuses for each subject as a starting point. Look at
what you need to know and try to identify any gaps in your knowledge. (A good
way of doing this is to look at the results of past papers or tests you have worked
through)
Divide your time for each subject into topics based on the units in the revision
checklist or syllabus, and make sure you allow enough time for each one.
Plan your time carefully, assigning more time to subjects and topics you find
difficult
Revise often; try and do a little every day
Plan in time off, including time for activities which can be done out in the fresh
air. Take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour and do some stretching exercises, go
for a short walk or make a drink
You may find it helpful to change from one subject to another at ‘break ’time, for
example doing one or two sessions of maths and then changing to Geography, or
alternating a favourite subject with a more difficult one. It helps to build in some
variety.
Write up your plan and display it somewhere visible (maybe on your bedroom
wall, or above your desk wherever that may be)
Adjust your timetable if necessary and try to focus on your weakest topics and
subjects
Don’t panic; think about what you can achieve, not what you can’t. Positive
thinking is important!
Although time may be short, you can still make a difference to your grade. Try and
prioritise; do what you can.
Use your revision tools ( prompts, diagrams etc) to check final facts
Keep calm and consolidate your existing knowledge rather than trying to learn new
topics
Don’t stay up all night revision; being overtired will not help you to do your best
It is natural to feel nervous before an examination. The more prepared you feel, the easier it
will be to conquer your fears.
Use your revision plan to help you feel in control of the process
Plan your work carefully around the topics you need to focus on. Being aware of
gaps in your knowledge can create nerves, but having a plan of how you will fill these
make you feel better.
Find out what is involved in each exam:
Where and when it will take place?
How much time is allowed/
How many questions you need to answer?
What equipment will I need to bring?
Think positively – you CAN do well
Keep the exam in context – even if you do badly, there will be other options open to
you and you have lots of time to improve before your next exam
Allow yourself some fun-time each day to relax
Eat sensibly – your brain cells need energy to function well. Make sure you drink
plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration makes you tired and
reduces concentration.
It is easy to fall into the trap of wondering how well you performed and to discuss this with
your fellow students. Your time would be better spent looking ahead to your next
examination.
Don’t panic – you won’t be the only student who is anxious about answers
Don’t compare your answers with those of other students - this can create negative
feelings
Have some fresh air and food and take time to relax before you start revising
Don’t rush on your textbooks to check your answers – there is no point at this stage
Focus on the next exam and how you might improve your exam technique
Have a quick look at your revision plan. Do you need to adjust it?
Think Positive
REVISION TIPS – PARENT GUIDE
Helping your child through exams
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/helping_with_exams/)
At a glance
How to support your child through the stress of revision and exams.
The secret to doing well in exams lies in planning. You can help yopur child to create a clear
revision plan and method of studying that will make them feel in control of their work.
Tips for Revision Planning:
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DOs AND DON’Ts IN EXAMINATIONS
Make a list of what you should do in examinations. Discuss
with a partner
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Key words and definitions for the following topics:
• Sketchbook
• Watercolours
• 2B pencil
• Colouring pencils
KS3 students will carry out a
practical assessment within class
time.
Your Christmas test will last for 1 hour.
Reading Section In this section, you will be asked to read a passage from
'Abomination’ and answer questions about the passage.
Writing Section
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Case Studies
Reformation
Tudor Monarchy
(Henry VIII & his wives & his 3 children)
Topics to Revise
Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy Eating
Teeth
Salt
Convenience Foods
In addition pupils can use my.maths and the BBC Bitesize websites.
All pupils are expected to have the following equipment for the Maths exam:
3. Pitch tells us how ______ or _____ the music is.The texture of this piece
is thin or thick?
Pachelbel’s CanonWhen was Johann Sebastian Pachelbel born?
3 facts about his musicHow to make a chord
Canon chord sequence pattern
Music from China
5. Chinese instruments
ISLAM
The facts about Islam that you learnt in class and researched at home.
Key definition sheet
The symbol of Islam.
The 5 Pillars of Islam (in English and Arabic): Faith, Prayer, Fasting,
Charity, Pilgrimage) Learn a little about each of the 5 Pillars.
The Holy Qur’an
Chapter 7J – Electrical Circuits:
Circuit Symbols.
Series and Parallel Circuits.
Current and Voltage measurements.
Magnetic fields.
Magnets and their poles.
Attraction and repulsion between magnets
Electromagnets and their uses.
Advice – revise all work covered so far. The list above is general and does not
cover every question in the exam. Some questions will use your investigative
skills, e.g. reading and interpreting data.
Clock Project
Wood – Know the 2 main groups are; Hardwoods and Softwoods
Saws
(You used a coping saw or Scroll Saw to cut out your clock shape)
There are 2 main saws used for cutting wood:1: Tenon saw – Cutting straight
lines in wood. 2. Coping saw – Cutting curves in wood.
Hand tools: Be able to identify and outline the uses of the following tools:
Files, Steel rule, coping saw, tenon saw, try square, engineering square, scriber,
centre punch, hammer, vice, pliers, wire snips.
Machinery : Pillar Drill, Sanding machine/ Linisher / Band facer. Polisher.
Design Task: This will be based on designing a new phone case. More
information explained during class time in school.
Bring all necessary equipment to the exam. Pen, pencil, ruler, colouring pencils,
eraser, etc.
www.technologystudent.com
Fill in each ½ hr section with the activity that you do during that time. Use a colour key:
Phone/Friends
Sports/Leisure/Clubs
Eating
Homework Study
Monday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Tuesday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Wednesday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Thursday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Friday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Saturday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
Sunday
Time Activity
4.00 p.m.
4.30 p.m.
5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m.
6.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
8.00 p.m.
8.30 p.m.
9.00 p.m.
9.30 p.m.
DATE 9.10-10.30 10.50-12.10 12.45-2.00 2.00-3.20
This is my Revision Schedule for my Study Day
9.00-9.40
10.00-10.40
11.00-11.40
12.00-12.40
1.00-1.40
2.00-2.40
3.00-3.40
4.00-4.40
5.00-5.40
6.00-6.40
7.00-7.40
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