As I write, a glorious day has already begun with record temperatures [at least somewhere in the UK, if not Durham] anticipated for the next days; on the one hand, this is exactly what one would hope as we enter the Bank Holiday and the Half Term, but experience dictates that good weather can make revision hard-going – especially for those acting as the touch judge on the sideline.
My advice to the pupils in Chapel on Monday was to use their time well:
– A well-structured schedule with a 7 am start allows for five 50-minute sessions with breaks to be completed by 12.30pm;
– Focus on the high-value topics;
– Importantly, this schedule gives the afternoon free to enjoy the hopefully good weather and reflect on what has been studied;
– A further review session on the evening provides a valuable to check what has been understood and remembered from the morning, and set up the next day’s work;
– A location such as the dining room away from devices and gadgets allows breaks to be meaningful and prevents distraction when working;
– An approach based on the active production of mind maps, revision notes, aides-mémoires, &c., will help;
– This regime allows at least 10 subjects to be covered every 2 days.
Whilst it might be a challenge to pretend that revision is exciting, I do hope the pupils enjoy studying, evaluating how much they do know and what now needs to be revised; mastering this skill is part of learning. I wish all well for the week!
Good luck to all those competing in the National Schools Regatta and I hope all have a lovely Half-Term holiday.