EASTER REVISION – NOT TO BE DREADED AND DEFINITELY NOT TOO EARLY!
by Jenny Bennion
You may be sat at home thinking that the summer exams are miles away (and Manchester & Bolton’s current weather would forgive you for thinking that!), but in reality there are less than 8 weeks before some exams start! Now this is not to scare you into frantic and panic-ridden revision, this is to tell you that there is still time to get some really good and meaningful revision planned and underway.
So, once the panic has subsided lets think about the good things about revision – yes there really are some truly great things about revision! One of the most amazing gifts that we possess is the ability to learn and our innate curiosity, and revision is a wonderful way of satisfying this. Even if you think that Comprehension is boring or that Shakespeare is just a pile of out dated ramblings, there are still nuggets of information that can get our synapses firing even in the most seemingly mundane things. Also that feeling when you are on a roll and things just seem to be flying into that wonderful grey matter of yours, is just brilliant!
Right so we’ve stopped panicking and we’re even feeling positive about the value of getting that Easter revision started, so let’s think about some great and engaging ways of actually doing that revision. Just as everyone looks or behaves differently, just so everyone learns differently. But regardless of your mode of revision, the golden rule is to ensure that you tantalise and feed that wonderful curiosity of yours. Pouring over your texts and making reams of notes may very well be the best thing for you, but what about combining it with really delving into your subject and finding out what you love (or hate) about it. Some great essays have been written by people who thoroughly despised their text, but could wonderfully describe exactly how and why they felt that way.
One great way of really getting your revision juices flowing is to have a look at some of the free English resources available on www.tusitala.org.uk. These are like York Notes for the soul and can be a fantastic way of altering your revision path and thought process. As said above everyone learns differently and so getting a real range of resources, thought and opinions can be a great way of finding out what really inspires you. And it is inspiration that avoids revision stress induced perspiration!
Remember, revision by its very essence means going back to something that you’ve already done. You already know this, so all you’re doing now is finding out why you love it!
Special Guest writer: Jenny Bennion
www.jennybennion.co.uk