Middle Years

Preparing well for exams 

Most Middle Year students are in deep revision for their end-of-year examinations next week. Students are learning in the classroom and outside in their co-curricular pursuits. One of the key learning environments outside the classroom is at home (or in the boarding house), so having an area set aside for study allows students to be efficient in their research at home. Ideally, this study environment should be well-lit, quiet, warm and comfortable, and away from distractions, primarily TV and loud music (and mobile phones should be in another room). 

Students need to revisit what they learn in each subject every night, even if it is for a short period, or their brains will “forget.” If new information is not reviewed or revisited within 24 hours, 60% to 80% of it is forgotten. After a month with no reviews, only 3% to 4% is remembered as the neural pathways within the brain that were created by this knowledge wither and die. 

As a result, we encourage students to review new information regularly. Regularly reviewing topics covered earlier in the year is especially important to keep them ‘fresh’ in your memory. Keep revision material and notes neat and logical, with key headings underlined. Much of this class week has focused on students applying their knowledge to practice questions from old tests or revision questions/booklets. These are all strategies to ensure that their revision is both an effective and efficient use of their time. 

I wish all the Middle Years students luck with their exams next week.