As I already stated in the 'About me' section of this site, I am in my last year of sixth form and exams are coming up quite quickly (5 months to be exact) and the need to revise is constantly on my mind. In the last few weeks, I have found that being motivated and getting in the state of mind for revising is a thoroughly unwanted thought but I feel that before I know it, exams will be 2 months away and I will get myself in a complete anxious, stressed out state that won't help me achieve anything. So, to make things easier for myself, I just need to be more organized now and that won't be a problem in the future. My solution to this is to create a very simple but effective 'Revision timetable'.
This will give you (and me) an idea of one that could be used for exams or even a way to organize general meetings and events happening regularly in your week.
So, let's get started!
STEP 1 - Start by preparing and organizing everything on your desk so then you can complete it without having to keep on getting up and down all the time as this takes energy and we want to do it quickly, as you probably have better things to do (don't we all).
You will need:
This will give you (and me) an idea of one that could be used for exams or even a way to organize general meetings and events happening regularly in your week.
So, let's get started!
STEP 1 - Start by preparing and organizing everything on your desk so then you can complete it without having to keep on getting up and down all the time as this takes energy and we want to do it quickly, as you probably have better things to do (don't we all).
You will need:
- 4 different coloured highlighters to organize the revision subjects on the timetable... and also to make it look PRETTY :) (I know I only have 3 highlighters in the picture but only noticed about half way through the process so forgive me for that small minor - silly billy me)
- 1 Ruler
- 1 pencil - no need to sharpen it too much as it's nice to have soft lines so their thicker rather than sharp and thin (although you can if you want, its just this is how I prefer it).
- 1 Pen - Biro/roller ball/fountain (anything you like really)
- 1 piece of plain white A4 paper - as you'll obviously need one.
As you already know, I am in sixth form still and because I only do 3 subjects, I have quite a few "what i call" free periods (free times of the day where i'm not in compulsory lessons). *Note: as you'll find out throughout other posts of mine, the amount of Miranda (English comedy series) references is sky high and for some unknown reason, these little quotes are deeply embedded in my vocabulary and ones that I use on a regular basis so please excuse me for this annoying/ or comical habit.
Anyway, back to the work - I am basing this timetable on a school timetable of mine as I have lessons in the day but also free periods (times in the school day where I don't have confidential lessons). this will enable me to structure my day easily due to the already recorded and organized timings of my day (basically much easier for me to create and for you to follow as we don't have that much complicated business).
This may all sound simple and you may feel "Oh, i don't need to read this blog because i can revise using my own timetable", which may be true. But honestly to me, having a clear picture drawn out on paper is much easier and quicker to process than with trying to figure something like this out by yourself.
Above is an example of the one i'm going to be basing it on (i have also included Saturday and Sunday as even though i work all weekend (part-time job) I may still be able to do some revision.
Anyway, back to the work - I am basing this timetable on a school timetable of mine as I have lessons in the day but also free periods (times in the school day where I don't have confidential lessons). this will enable me to structure my day easily due to the already recorded and organized timings of my day (basically much easier for me to create and for you to follow as we don't have that much complicated business).
This may all sound simple and you may feel "Oh, i don't need to read this blog because i can revise using my own timetable", which may be true. But honestly to me, having a clear picture drawn out on paper is much easier and quicker to process than with trying to figure something like this out by yourself.
Above is an example of the one i'm going to be basing it on (i have also included Saturday and Sunday as even though i work all weekend (part-time job) I may still be able to do some revision.
STEP 2 - This is really step 1 but I like being organized and
preparation is key in this process and i don't know about any of you guys, but i enjoy being organized as it creates some sort of calming sensation which is perfect for studying (it also makes the process quicker as you have no faff). You start by drawing a large square (using your pencil) 15cm (bottom) by 12.5cm (sides) at the top of the page leaving space at the top for a title (if you want it) and the sides for the timings of the day.
preparation is key in this process and i don't know about any of you guys, but i enjoy being organized as it creates some sort of calming sensation which is perfect for studying (it also makes the process quicker as you have no faff). You start by drawing a large square (using your pencil) 15cm (bottom) by 12.5cm (sides) at the top of the page leaving space at the top for a title (if you want it) and the sides for the timings of the day.
STEP 3 - Once you've drawn your square, you now take your ruler and draw 12 one centimetre in width going down the page within the square. This will form the vertical lines of the timetable (...which i probably didn't need to state because you aren't dumb).
STEP 4 - the next step is to again take your ruler and pencil
and draw 7 (Monday to Sunday) two centimetre wide lines
going vertically down from the top to the bottom.
Now you need to fill in at the top, the days of the week and down the left hand side the timings of your day (including when you'd like to revise e.g. after school ect.).
STEP 5 - This will form the basis of your timetable. Here, you now need to fill in your commitments e.g work/part time job or school. Then decide how many hours you want to revise for each subject. For example, for AS or A-levels, I think they recommend you spend 4 hours a week on each subject. I also recommend you spread the subjects over the week making sure you have an even amount of revision throughout which makes it easier for your brain to absorb it all (short bursts of revision is what all my teachers say).
Note: Just letting you know, this timetable also acts as a general organizer of all things so use it how you want but revision is just one aspect of it so don't limit yourself, go crazy!
Note: Just letting you know, this timetable also acts as a general organizer of all things so use it how you want but revision is just one aspect of it so don't limit yourself, go crazy!
STEP 6 - You now need to fill in the blanks with your revision subjects. Take your highlighters, and instead of writing them (subjects) in (which can make it all look a bit packed and crazy), colour each of the spaces in with a highlighter (making sure their different). You can then use a key at the top of the page, for example: BLUE = sociology and RED = English LANGUAGE. However, i have highlighted it but mostly for the sheer delight of seeing the colours on the page and the prettiness of them all! But i have also written in the subjects to make it easier for myself.
*I have no idea why this photo's pink, so forgive me for the clear photo fail :/
*I have no idea why this photo's pink, so forgive me for the clear photo fail :/
STEP 7 - Just a short one - you now have your first week finished, its time to do the second. Follow what you did for your first week from this tutorial but fill it in for a different week i.e. if your have different lessons or commitments for B week than A.
[Sigh of Relief] Yes, it is officially over, you have to admit that wasn't that bad. I always find it nice to go back to basics with a bit of arts and crafts using a good old fashioned piece of blank paper, pencil and ruler instead of the computer. Don't worry, i love the computer but arts and crafts never do you any harm.
Oh and i forgot to say... Congratulations on completing it! It may of been a long slug with me rambling on but forgive me, this is my first blog post and hopefully you found it comical. :)
Do let me know in the comments if you found it helpful and if there's anything you want me to do differently (it would be great as I've just started this and want to get it right and satisfy you guys).
If this tutorial has gone to good use, upload your pictures of your timetables onto the comments. Soon, i'll have twitter up and running so you can then tweet me if you like.
One last thing... Good Luck in your revising and exams, making a timetable proves that your working hard and your going to be successful.
Have a good evening, and speak to you soon
Lots of love xxx
Oh and i forgot to say... Congratulations on completing it! It may of been a long slug with me rambling on but forgive me, this is my first blog post and hopefully you found it comical. :)
Do let me know in the comments if you found it helpful and if there's anything you want me to do differently (it would be great as I've just started this and want to get it right and satisfy you guys).
If this tutorial has gone to good use, upload your pictures of your timetables onto the comments. Soon, i'll have twitter up and running so you can then tweet me if you like.
One last thing... Good Luck in your revising and exams, making a timetable proves that your working hard and your going to be successful.
Have a good evening, and speak to you soon
Lots of love xxx