How to Prepare for an Important Exam Year: Setting Up Your Ultimate Revision Folder
As you start an important academic year, it's key to get ahead with your exam preparation. One of the best ways to stay organized and reduce stress as exams approach is by setting up an effective revision folder from the start. A well-structured folder helps you break down your revision into manageable chunks, stay on track, and ultimately perform better. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate revision folder, designed to help you ace your exams!
1. Get the Basics: A Binder and Dividers
First things first, you’ll need a sturdy folder or ring binder. This will be the backbone of your revision system. Ideally, choose one with a lot of space, because it will be filling up as the year progresses!
Dividers are essential for keeping everything organized. Label each divider clearly, and be sure to leave space for extra notes or topics as you move through the year. Dividing sections will help you quickly access what you need without searching through piles of paper.
2. Key Sections to Include in Your Revision Folder
Section 1: Specification Checklist
This section is where you keep a checklist of everything you need to know for your exam. It should be based on the official exam board specification for your subject. Whether it’s GCSE, A-level, or any other qualification, the exam board provides a detailed specification of what will be tested. As you revise each topic, tick it off the list so you can track your progress. This also helps to ensure you’re covering every topic in your revision.
What to Include:
A printed copy of the exam board specification
Your personal checklist for each topic, including subtopics
Section 2: Cheatsheets/Knowledge Organisers/Topic Summaries
The next section should be dedicated to simplified versions of your notes – these can be cheatsheets, knowledge organisers, or summary pages. Use them for quick revision or when you're doing last-minute checks before an exam. This is the place to distill complex information into key points, formulas, definitions, and diagrams.
What to Include:
One-page summaries for each topic
Key formulas, definitions, or concepts
Mind maps or diagrams
Section 3: Exam Paper Tracker
Tracking your progress is crucial for staying on top of your revision. In this section, create a simple tracker where you record the past papers you’ve done, your scores, and areas for improvement. This helps identify which areas still need work and gives you a clear overview of your progress.
What to Include:
A table to track past papers completed
Scores and feedback for each paper
Notes on topics to revisit
Section 4: Exam Question Packs by Topic
Practice is key when it comes to exams, so this section is all about practicing exam-style questions. Organize past questions by topic to target your weaker areas or test yourself on a specific area as you finish learning it. Use these regularly to assess your understanding and exam technique.
What to Include:
Past paper questions categorized by topic
Your written answers or notes on how to answer certain types of questions
Mark schemes for self-assessment
Section 5: Past Exam Papers
This is where you'll store complete past exam papers. Past papers are an essential tool for familiarizing yourself with the format, types of questions, and time constraints. Aim to complete these under timed conditions as part of your final revision stages.
What to Include:
Printed past exam papers from previous years
Your completed attempts (with your answers and any feedback)
3. Keep It Tidy and Updated
As the school year progresses, you’ll accumulate more notes and practice questions. Stay on top of your organization by regularly updating your folder. File away anything that’s out of date and make sure you’re constantly adding new notes or completed practice questions. This system will only work if you keep it maintained throughout the year!
4. Digital vs. Physical: Find What Works Best for You
You can choose to go entirely digital with an online folder or use a mix of both. Apps like OneNote, Notion and GoodNotes allow you to set up similar folders and dividers in digital form, which might be easier for some students who prefer working on computers or iPads. The key is to have a system that works for you and that you’ll use consistently.
5. Get Started Early for Success
Setting up your revision folder early in the school year means you’re laying a strong foundation for your exam preparation. By breaking things down into sections and checking off topics as you go, you'll feel more in control and less stressed when exams roll around.
If you need any help or advice on getting started with your exam revision, feel free to get in touch! Wishing you the best of luck for a productive and successful year ahead.