GCSEs have begun this month for secondary school students across the country.

Students and teachers alike are spending their days trying to prepare, and the question most heard from students is: how?

Sites like Seneca Learning and UpLearn are no secret for revision and GCSE revision, but some students prefer creating posters, timelines, or simply reviewing their notes.

Whether students are taught how to revise and prepare for their GCSE exams depends on the school and its teachers, but recently there has been a rise in different methods and websites, emerging through the internet and word of mouth. 

It’s easy for students to worry, facing anxiety and stress due to the imposing nature of the GCSEs, worrying about how it will affect their future, and what they can do to make it their best.

The exam anxiety that many students face is a struggle in itself that must be overcome in order to perform at your best, and perhaps an even harder one.

Gracie Ballard, who did her GCSEs last year, says: "My biggest tip would be make sure to revise but leave time for yourself too! Don’t overwork yourself it will do more harm than good in the long run!"  

The NHS advises students to ensure you sleep well, eat well,  exercise, and talk about your stress, while advising parents to encourage this, to be flexible with your rules, and try not to add to the pressure or stress of exams.

A recent trend for exam revision has been to “study until runs out” such as candles, or a glass of water.

While this may be an excellent method for many students, it’s important to remember to take frequent breaks and take time to focus on things you enjoy, to preserve your mental wellbeing and ensure you perform at your best.

All in all, teacher feedback may be the best help for students and parents alike - be sure to ask your teachers questions, ask them to check your work, and have general conversations with them before your exams.

  • This article was written by Kaz W-B, PSC, from Peter Symonds College, as part of Newsquest's Young Reporter Scheme.