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The exam preparation guide

A calm, practical approach to preparing for exams, from your first revision timetable to the moment you turn over the paper.

Your exam countdown

When	What to focus on
4–6 weeks before	List every topic, gather notes and past papers, and make a revision timetable.
2–4 weeks before	Work through topics with active recall and start mixing in practice questions.
1–2 weeks before	Do timed past papers, mark them honestly and target weak areas.
The last few days	Light review of summaries and flashcards; keep regular sleep and meals.
The night before	Pack what you need, glance over key notes and get to bed on time.
Exam day	Eat breakfast, arrive early, read every question carefully and plan your time.

Short on time? The revision planner adjusts the phases to the days you have.

In the exam room

Read the whole paper first and note which questions you’re confident about.
Divide your time by marks. A 10-mark question deserves about twice the time of a 5-mark one.
Underline command words such as explain, compare or evaluate.
Show your working; method marks add up even if the final answer slips.
Leave time to check calculations, units and spelling of key terms.

Memory consolidates during sleep, so late-night cramming often backfires.

A short walk between study blocks refreshes focus.

Steady meals and water help you keep concentrating.

Planned breaks prevent burnout and make study time more productive.

Exams matter, but one result rarely defines your future.

Talk to a teacher, friend or family member if stress feels overwhelming.