My study and revision timetable

Use this routine for every subject, between one summative and the next.

1. Read your last summative carefully. Look at the questions, your answers and your teacher's comments. Where did you lose marks? Did you forget something, misunderstand it, leave out an explanation or run out of time? Ask your teacher about comments you do not understand.
2. Write down what you need to improve. Choose two things to work on first. Write what you will do and when. For example: "On Tuesday, I will rewrite two answers and explain why each example supports my point."
3. Find out what is in the next summative. Check the date, topics, question types and how marks are given. List the topics. Try a question from each. Mark them: I can do this, I need practice, or I need help. Spend more time on the last two.
4. Read your notes, then test yourself. Put your notes in order. Write short summaries or draw diagrams. Learn the words, facts and formulae you need. Then close your notes: explain an idea, draw a diagram or answer a question from memory. Check what you missed.
5. Practise and correct your mistakes. Do questions or tasks on your own. Check your answers. Write down what went wrong and correct it. A few days later, try again without looking at the answer. Practise different topics and answering within the time allowed.

If your next summative is two months away. Weeks 1 to 2: read your feedback, list the topics and make a plan. Weeks 3 to 5: work on difficult topics and revise new classwork. Weeks 6 to 7: practise questions under test conditions and correct mistakes. Week 8: revise what you still find difficult, and get enough sleep.

Check: can I answer a new question without help or notes?

Make a plan you can follow on school days and busy days.

1. Choose a regular study time. Pick a time that fits your school day and activities. For example: "After my snack, I will study at my desk for 30 minutes."
2. Make a simple weekly plan. Include every subject. Write a clear task for each study time, such as "Solve four equations and check my answers." Leave some time for work you could not finish.
3. Get ready before you start. Keep your books and materials ready. Put your phone away and turn off notifications. Begin with the first task on your plan.
4. Do a little on busy days. If you cannot do your full session, study for 10 minutes. Revise one idea or answer one question and check it. If you are ill or too tired, rest and choose another time.
5. Check your plan each week. Tick off what you finished. Check whether you can do it without help. Spend more time next week on subjects you still find difficult. Change study times that are not working.
6. Start again if you miss a day. Use your next study time. Begin with the most important unfinished task. Do not try to fit all the missed work into one evening. Work out why you missed it and change your plan if needed.

Missed a day? Start again at your next study time.

When a carnival, sports day or school event breaks your usual routine.

1. Give yourself time to settle. After a busy event, you may still feel excited or find it hard to concentrate. Put your things away, change clothes, eat or drink if needed, and take a quiet break. If it is late or you are exhausted, sleep and start the next day.
2. Choose when to return to your routine. Pick a clear time: "Tomorrow after my snack, I will sit at my desk." Return to your usual place and time where possible. You do not have to catch up on everything at once.
3. Put event messages and photos aside. Decide when you will look at them later. Put your phone away while studying. If thoughts about the event keep coming back, jot them down and return to the page.
4. Start with a short, familiar task. For your first session back, study for 10 to 15 minutes. Try three recall questions, correct one answer or explain a topic you have already learnt. Check your work before stopping.
5. Build back to your usual study time. If the short session goes well, continue. If you still find it hard to settle, take a break and set another study time. Over the next day or two, return to your usual session length as you feel ready.
6. Move missed work into your weekly plan. Look at the topics you missed. Choose the most important one first. Spread the remaining work over the week. Ask your teacher for help if you are unsure what to prioritise.

Ask GuideMate to plan my first session back

Give yourself time to settle. Start small, then return to your usual routine.