Stress, success and everything in between

Vidya Naker 11.2 reflects upon the many things to think about in the run-up to the final weeks at school 

Since beginning high school, we have all known what it would lead to… Our GCSEs, the first national standardised assessment that goes on our permanent record. Not to freak anyone out! While it may not have been that serious to some at the start, it couldn’t be more so now. With only a few weeks left until the start of our exams, it’s incredibly important to reflect on the five years at Claremont High School and consider what we did well and what we could have done better, as well as analysing the positive events to come and revision methods to help boost studying. 

At the moment, I’m sure revision is at the forefront of everyone's minds. Completing past papers, attending intervention sessions and, most importantly, understanding the content. Even if you have not fully committed to revising, there is still time to amend that. But time is running out… fast. So using your time effectively is what matters. If you have no idea how to do that, it's good that you're reading this article because I will tell you exactly what you can do: 

• First, make sure you understand the content you need to know. This applies to every subject. 

• Second, find past papers and do as many as you can. According to recent research, around 90% of students who achieved a grade 7 or above in their GCSEs said past papers were the key to getting higher grades. 

• Finally, anything you do not understand, go to your subject teacher and ask for guidance. This will clear up any misunderstandings and ensure you are not revising incorrect information.  

These tips may not work for everyone as we all learn in different ways, but for someone who is completely baffled and unsure where to begin, this is a good place to start. After speaking with several students about their revision techniques, I received a varied set of responses. 

‘My preferred method is using flashcards,’ says Lois Birsan 11.2, ‘as I find I’m able to retain information easily with smaller pieces of info.’ 

‘I find memorising to be the most practical form of revision,’ Dev Pindoria 11.2 says, ‘because I can take in large amounts of content and then apply my knowledge to past papers.’ 

It's no secret that exams place a physical and mental strain on students. This is why it’s crucial to take breaks and know when to rest so you do not burn out. By taking a break every so often, it can make revision better. Attempt to use techniques such as the ‘Pomodoro Technique’, a time-management method designed for intense focus, involving 25-minute study sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. Many students find these methods to be the best way to balance revision and relaxation. Remember, mental well-being is just as important as revising. One thing that keeps me going is knowing there will be a two-month break afterwards. Plenty of time to catch up on sleep then! 

While Year 11 may be full of revision, many other positive things take place. Prom Night is one of them and is a lovely way to end high school, with all your friends dancing and having a great time. Many students are also looking forward to the signing of leavers’ shirts and receiving their leavers’ hoodies.  

In many ways, Year 11 can feel like the best and most challenging year. However, it’s essential to focus on the positives and the opportunities that come next, whether that’s in sixth form or college. These decisions may be made later on, yes, but it's good to strive for the best possible results now so that the possibilities in the future are endless. At the end of the day, the choice is yours: revise and do well, or choose the alternative path. I know which one I’ll be on!