For learners who have written exams before and have experience with exams, “the focus shifts to refining your strategies and learning from the past,” says Fraser.
Study hacks
- Reflect on last year’s successes and challenges: Think about what worked well for you last year and what didn’t. Did you find it hard to manage your time or focus on certain subjects? Make adjustments this year to improve.
- Focus on problem areas: Identify subjects or topics that you found difficult last year and start reviewing them early. Don’t leave the tough stuff for last!
- Use active recall and past papers: Test yourself on what you know and practice with past papers to build confidence and familiarity with the format.
- Stay consistent: Set a daily study routine and stick to it. A little progress every day is better than cramming everything at once, Fraser says.
- Try different study methods: Experiment with different techniques like summarising notes, making mind maps, or using flashcards.
- Time yourself: Practice answering questions within a time limit to prepare for exam conditions.
- Teach others: Explaining a topic to a friend or family member helps reinforce your understanding.
- Organise your notes: Keep your notes neat and organised so you can find what you need easily. Avoid using he same notebook for various subjects. This could become messy and frustrating when you are needing to find important notes. An alternative is that you divide your notebook into your subject titles by using a colour sticky note. This way you keep all subject notes separate. And look after that book!
- Review frequently: Set up at least an hour each day to go over your notes, to keep the material fresh in your mind. You may discover that you have some unanswered questions about some subjects. Use the opportunity to email these questions to your teacher, or ask them when you see them next. Do not avoid asking your questions.
- Set priorities: Focus on the most important or challenging subjects first to make sure you’re prepared, but do not slack or be over confident about other subjects. Always be ahead of the game.
Lifestyle tips
- Balance study and relaxation: Avoid burnout by giving yourself regular breaks. Use your free time to do something you enjoy, like sports or hobbies.
- Fuel your body and mind: Eat healthy snacks while studying and drink lots of water. Avoid sugary foods (especially avoid energy drinks!) that can make you feel tired later.
- Set goals: Write down what you want to achieve this year. Whether it’s improving your grades or joining a new club, setting clear goals can keep you motivated. Important thing is to be in action with your goals. Just writing them down is not going to make you achieve them. Be in action and make them happen!
- Prepare mentally and physically: Practice mindfulness or deep breathing to reduce stress, Fraser says. A calm mind is better prepared for learning and exams. Preparing mentally also includes acknowledging that you had not studied as much as you should have and that the exam result expectation should be that of what you had put it. Do not fool yourself into thinking you will do great when you know you have not put in the work. This just causes upset when you receive your results. And next time. Do the work.
- Stay active: Exercise regularly to stay focused and reduce stress.
- Organise your space: A tidy study space helps you concentrate better and keeps distractions away. Keep your study space to only that which is necessary for your study time.
- Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night to keep your brain sharp.
- Track your progress: Keep a checklist of what you’ve studied and what’s left to do.
- Limit distractions: Put your phone on silent or study away from distractions to stay focused.
- Celebrate milestones: Reward yourself for completing big tasks or improving in a challenging subject.
Bonus study tips
- Reflect on exam results: Analyse past performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Time blocking: Divide your study time into focused blocks, like 45 minutes of study followed by a 15-minute break.
