GCSE Revision: 4 Techniques and Tips You Need to Know

Trying to maximise your break? Finding the GCSE resources? Read this guide to dive into how to be prepared and productive for the GCSE exam preparation.
Mar 22
It's paradise to have a break, even just a short one after a long-lasting term. But what if an important exam awaits just after the break? Wasting time gaming or doing nothing might not be the best idea.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 4 important things you should bear in mind for exam preparation and how to make the most of your upcoming school holiday.

1. Practice past papers

Past exams, also called past papers, are invaluable for testing your understanding of the course content and how well you can apply your knowledge.
They also help familiarise you with the exam format, reducing nerves on exam day.

When doing the past papers, it is nice to do it like a mock test. Set the time like the real test to practice finishing the test on time, spare some time to revise your answers, create a quiet environment with no distractions. And if you’re looking for the exam resources, check out examples of past papers on our Maths Angel website to help you prepare!  

2. Be mindful of the exam dates

Mark your calendars! In 2024, the Easter holiday will run from March 29th to April 12th. The first week of the GCSE Exams is on May 9th, 2024. This means you have around a month to study for the exam, which is a proper time, making it wise to revise during the break. Who knows what assignments and school activities will come up during term time?

The key is to revise your GCSE subjects and choose the learning method that works for you. Whether it's flashcards, group study sessions, or visual aids, find what suits you best. Remember to stay productive without stressing out.

Here are the key dates for the GCSE Maths exam to help you plan your study and make the most of the time left!

For the Edexcel and AQA examination boards
  • Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Foundation Tier and Higher Tier: 16th May 2024
  • Paper 2 (Calculator) Foundation Tier and Higher Tier: 3rd June 2024
  • Paper 3 (Calculator) Foundation Tier and Higher Tier: 10th June 2024


For the OCR examination board
  • Paper 1 (Foundation – calculator) and Paper 4 (Higher – calculator): 16th May 2024
  • Paper 2 (Foundation – non-calculator) and Paper 5 (Higher – non-calculator): 3rd June 2024
  • Paper 3 (Foundation – calculator) and Paper 6 (Higher – calculator): 10th June 2024

3. Make a GCSE revision timetable

Stay organised by planning which GCSE subjects you'll revise. Look at the syllabus and make sure you know what to read.

Create a timetable detailing the dates, times, and subjects for each day, aligning it with the exam date. Rotate subjects to keep things fresh or focus on one subject at a time, depending on your study habits.

According to Ebbinghaus' findings on the learning curve, newly learned information tends to gradually fade over time, with retention decreasing to as low as 25% within a week without repetition. To enhance retention, learners should revise content interactively, such as through quizzes or flashcard activities, and vary their learning approaches.

Don’t forget to set your goals for the day to ensure your study goes as planned.

4. Take regular breaks

Don't put too much pressure on yourself! It's hard to stay focused for long periods, especially with challenging subjects.

Research shows that taking a break from studying will help refresh your brain, increase productivity, and improve focus. Breaks can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as an hour.

So, remember to take breaks; perhaps study for 45 minutes to an hour, then take a 5-15 minute break to recharge your brain. Go grab something to eat, take a walk, or play with your cat.
Stay organised, don't procrastinate, practice past papers, and don’t forget to take breaks.

Remember, success in the GCSE exams is within reach, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're struggling with maths problems while revising, we're here to help!