This time of year can be stressful for teachers, parents, and, of course, students, with mock exams underway across the country. It’s important to stay calm and be prepared to give yourself the best chance of success.
No exam is easy, especially one that simulates the biggest one of all for the young students, the results of which have a major bearing on their future prospects. It can bring a sense of dread and uncertainty because it often happens at a time when students haven’t finished the course or their revision.
All of the mock tests are a practice run for the real thing, and they also provide an opportunity for students to test themselves in a real-life setting. The mocks should be used to highlight where a student is in terms of knowledge and expected grades.
Practical preparation tips
1 Practise past papers: Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions that are likely to come up in an exam by completing all available past papers. This is the best way to ensure you know what the structure of each exam is going to be like as they all vary. There are some subjects in which you need to answer all sections of the paper, with others giving you an option.
It’s important to know this going into each exam so you can avoid leaving a full section blank or incomplete. Time yourself to simulate real exam conditions so you can get used to working against the clock.
2 Review key concepts: It can be overwhelming to think you need to learn every subject and topic off by heart. You should focus on understanding core concepts rather than just memorising facts. Use flashcards, or mind maps to reinforce your knowledge. If you prepare these as you go for each subject, you will have a full set for final revision in June.
Flashcards and mind maps are also a great tool for visual learners. In an exam, you will be able to imagine that topic or piece of paper, and hopefully, draw on the contents to answer the question.
3 Take regular breaks: When students are cramming or trying to fit in as many hours of study as possible in the week of their mocks, it is easy to get burnt out. It’s not possible to sit at a desk for long periods of time and remain focused. Students need to make sure to take regular breaks to stay motivated.
Follow the 25-5 or 50-10 rule; study for 25–50 minutes, then take a short 5–10-minute break to recharge your focus before returning to the desk.
4 Stay healthy: It might sound simple, but students often don’t prioritise looking after themselves during the exam season. To perform at your best, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night to keep your mind sharp.
Avoid overloading with caffeine or junk food as the stimulants mean your blood sugar levels peak, leaving your system off balance.
5 Use active revision techniques: Engage in active learning, such as teaching a topic to someone else, writing essays from memory, or creating diagrams to simplify information. This can help with memory retention and efficiency.
6 Prepare for exam day: Lay out everything you need the night before (pens, pencils, calculator, etc) and plan your route, alarms and timing to avoid unnecessary stress on the day.
7 Create a study schedule: Plan a realistic revision timetable that covers all your subjects, breaking down topics into manageable chunks. Prioritise areas where you feel less confident and spend more time on them.
A lot of students end up cramming for their mocks because of how quickly the exams sneak up after Christmas. If this is you, it’s important to set out a study schedule from now until the real thing in June.
8 Learn from your mistakes: After the mocks, review your results carefully to understand what went well and where you can improve. Use this feedback to refine your revision before the real exams.
By following these tips, you’ll approach your mocks with confidence, clarity, and a solid foundation for success.
Just remember at the end of the day these exams are a practice run; you will have time over the next four months to work on areas that need improving. Consider the mocks to be a dress rehearsal.
Let a tertiary degree take you on the right path
‘It felt silly to say I wanted to be a farmer living in the city’