College of the Sea

Preparing for exams can be a difficult time and to support you in your preparation we have put together some tips which may help you during your revision.

Revision is more than just remembering facts; it is also about learning how to answer the questions when you are in an exam room.

Preparing for the exam

Revising is crucial to any exam; however with busy lives it will be difficult to fit revision in around your work. The following are useful pointers when making your initial preparations:

Setting a timetable allocating certain subjects to certain times, it will help you spread your revision over all the topics and prevent you spending a lot of time on one subject and not enough on another;

Try to revise in an environment that you find suitable. This will not always be possible, especially if you are studying onboard, however try and enlist the support of your colleagues to make the environment as conducive as possible;

Ensure that you have regular breaks, this will help you to absorb what you have revised and be fresh for the next topic;

Remain in close contact with your tutor and ensure that you let them know if you have any questions or if you need any advice;

Try and practice using old exam papers – if you would like to do this, please contact the Education Manager who may be able to assist;

Try to gain a broad understanding of all the topics – if you limit the topics you study then you may limit your options during the exam.

Most awarding bodies will have a revision text which will guide you through the subject and give you tasks to complete in preparation for your exam. As a library service we can order and send you any texts that you may wish to use as a study aid. Once again, you can contact the Education Manager for further information.

Techniques

Write summary notes that you can carry with you and refresh your memory when you have a moment;

Memorise key words for each topic – these key words may “trigger” other ideas;

Get a friend to ask you questions, this will help you feel more confident in your answers and will also test and help your understanding;

Try to get your tutor to help you fully understand the topic.

Exam Preparation

Try to treat your exam as part of your normal working day, this will help you relax in preparation for the exam;

If you are travelling to a local college or our exam centre here in London, make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early and have your identification available. Check your travel arrangements to make sure they are sound. If you experience problems with travel on the day, make sure you have a phone number and can make contact;

If you are onboard, then make sure that the relevant personnel are aware of your exam and that the arrangements are in place prior to the exam;

Make sure you have sufficient pens, pencils, erasers. If you are sitting an exam that allows calculators, make sure you have the right specification;

If you are allowed texts in the exam, you must make sure that they are unmarked;

Although there will be a clock in the exam room, you may find it useful to have a wristwatch to check the time;

Try to relax!

During the exam

Once you have sat down, check that you have everything, if you are missing anything you should let the invigilator know immediately;

Make sure you feel comfortable;

Make sure you complete the front of the exam paper and sign it if directed to;

Read the instructions carefully, check that you know how many questions to answer and where there are options you understand the options given;

Read through the paper once before answering the questions, this will give you an idea of the questions and help you choose which ones to answer;

Set yourself a time limit for each question and make sure you leave enough time at the end to check your answers;

You do not need to answer questions in order, although if this is the case, you should clearly state this so that the examiner knows;

Try to write as neatly as possible, if your writing is not readable then you may be marked incorrectly;

Make sure you show your workings or notes clearly, if you do not wish your notes to be marked, then you should cross them through;

When answering a question, try to concentrate on what you do know, often you’ll find that what you can’t remember immediately will “come back” whilst you are writing;

Don’t forget to answer the question – it is important that you are not side-tracked whilst writing your answer;

Keep positive and answer as much as you can, you can always go back to a question if you need to;

ANSWER THE QUESTION;

And lastly……RELAX.

The above points are there to assist you in preparing for your exam, however it is important that you understand that each person will tackle their revision in a way that suits them. If you have not taken an exam for a long time, then this guide is just that – a guide and you will work out methods that suit you as you go along.

Don't forget that your tutor is there to support you throughout your revision - don't be afraid to ask for advice!

For all administrative issues relating to your exam please refer to our Education Manager. We're here to help!