We understand that preparing for the exams can be quite an overwhelming experience and it requires good time management skills. We usually receive questions from students asking when and how to start their revision. This post gives you a step-by-step guide on how to create a well-structured revision timetable plan and how to improve your time management skills. 

Step 1: Download the exam timetable and write down the dates and times of each syllabus you are taking.

Work out how much time you have before each examination. Ideally, start your preparations at least five to four months before your exams so you can leave yourself plenty of time to revise each subject.

You might want to consider our online courses to help you with your exam preparations. We have monthly payment courses where materials are released weekly and single payment courses to access all A* materials at once.

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Step 2: Prioritise your subjects/topics.

For each subject, make sure you know how long each examination paper is and understand what each examination paper is going to assess.

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Then write the subjects you need more time on at the top of your list and the subjects you are confident about towards the bottom. The same goes for the topics; list down the topics you are confident and not so sure about. 

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Step 3: Draw up your revision timetable.

Use colours to differentiate subjects from one another in your calendar. It is essential to be flexible and realistic, so make sure you include any days or times when you cannot revise, such as meal times, school, birthdays, social events, and family functions. It is also best to include one rest day per week or break this up into shorter rest breaks across a week.

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Start at the exam date and work backwards. Make sure to block in more study time for subjects you find challenging and allocate at least one month for practising past papers.

A few days before the exam, you can do targeted revision where you take all your previous practices, go through all of them, and revise the common mistakes you usually make.

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Step 4: Plan each study session in detail, including your most effective study times.

Write down which topic you will be reviewing and consider what you want to achieve in each session. Schedule the topics you’re likely to find challenging at times that you work the best. 

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Break up the material in your subjects into manageable chunks and be honest with yourself about how much time you can spend on each subject and topic. It is also essential to have breaks to stay alert and productive, so make sure to take 5 to 10 minutes between your study session.

For our monthly course programmes, we provide revision timetable guides to help students plan their schedules. Materials are released weekly, and each subject will take around one hour per day. 

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Step 5: Start using your revision timetable.

See how well it works. What did you leave out? It can be changed as you go, but do this consciously: look at what is not working, which areas you need more time in, and change the timetable. This is much better than just throwing the timetable away. Then you can be sure that you will still cover all the material you need to.

Revision timetable tips

Visualise your timetable

Use calendar apps like Google Calendar on your smartphone or write it down on your planner. You can also use these free printables to track down your progress and to review your plans if needed.

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Study more efficiently with the Pomodoro technique

Study in short intervals and take short, regular, timed breaks or “Pomodoros.” For example, set your timer to 25 minutes for a short, intense burst of studying, then take a 5-minute break away from your study area. Repeat these four times and take a more extended break after every fourth Pomodoro. This will improve your focus and concentration and encourage you to cut out interruptions and stay on task.

Block out distractions

Social media has become the number 1 distraction for most students. Here are some ways to limit your social media use:

• Turn off alerts and notifications. This will prevent you from checking your phone now and then.
• Create a social media schedule. If you allow yourself scheduled time each day to do this, you can focus more on getting your work done instead of wondering where that time went. Stick to those times!
• If you feel like limiting screen time still won’t be effective, then actually turning off your phone or leaving your phone in a place where it’s out of reach from you can make a huge difference.
• Keep yourself busy with other non-tech activities. Meditate, practice yoga, exercise, listen to music or do whatever makes you feel calm. Sometimes disconnecting yourself from social media can help you focus on things that can be more productive.

Reward yourself for every job well done

Treat yourself to your favourite ice cream, a stroll in the park, or watching your favourite show. Do something that you truly enjoy to avoid burnout from all the studying. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to concentrate on even the simplest tasks.

Get a good night’s sleep

Working too late is unlikely to be productive, and it is better to study consistently than pulling all-nighters. Include sleep in your schedule and try to get 7 – 8 hours of rest every night. It will keep your body rejuvenated and your mind fresh for the next day.

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Any questions, leave us a comment. We are happy to help!