What is the Most Fool-Proof Study Plan?- Channelle Cervantes, Gumley House

Elevate Education is a research-based company that provides workshops and talks to improve student performance. After expanding to the UK in 2013 from Australia, Elevate’s programmes have already resulted in tangible improvements in student performance at over 850 UK schools. Their unique strategy is based on the observation of other students around the world, compiling data to see what strategies fit, and what does not.

The first tip is, of course, to ‘learn.’ This simple word, however, is the foundation for the rest of the stages and includes three different parts. Finishing and memorising notes during term is key, so that practice papers- applying this knowledge- can proceed. Research has shown that word-triggers, colour and visual cues are the best way to retain knowledge as opposed to paragraphs and paragraphs of information; in fact, studies have shown that students need to reduce the amount of words in their notes by 80%.

The second step is ‘mastering.’ Whilst this means reviewing notes every now and then, it also means applying knowledge through doing practice papers- three to five papers are recommended per exam. Quite understandably, this may create some anxiety as this is a great amount, but this practice ensures that students can structure there answers meaningfully. Though not all papers need to be done under exam conditions, it is recommended at least one paper is timed. Marking these papers are key to know how to improve.

The last step is to ‘create,’ a step is crucial in order to let one exam entry stand out from millions of others. This involves independent work around a subject (e.g., listening to podcasts, reading a text book from a different exam board, researching more in-depth facts and counter-arguments). This shows the examiner extensive knowledge around the subject and what differentiates a particular student from the rest who may even come from the same school and class.

Exam season is looming. Revision sessions are becoming more and more numerous, however, these helpful tips just may see them through. Elevate Education offers many more workshops, programmes and revision resources in their websites to help all students around the globe.