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A-level revision tips from sixth formers

Struggling with your A-level revision? We spoke to sixth form students about their A-level revision tips, from past papers to mind maps.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
02 Feb 2024

Beth - "I find it easier to revise visually"


“I mainly revise by making PowerPoints and posters of all the sections, especially for psychology as it has set topics, explanations and research.

“I find it easier to revise visually, as I usually try to picture the poster/PowerPoint slide with the relevant info on it when I’m in the exam. I tried other methods during my GCSEs such as re-writing out my notes, but I found that posters helped me a lot more!”

Georgie – “I also always do past papers”


“I look back through my notes and revision guides and make posters, or just write out the main points of information. I also always do past papers. It forces me to really think about what I'm writing because I have to condense the information.

“Past papers allow you to test whether you can apply your knowledge in an exam setup and see how much you already know. I've done this since my GCSEs but have started making more posters and flashcards for A-level subjects as there is more information to fit in.”

Hannah - "I find that writing the information down helps it sink in"


“Making notes and posters straight from a textbook/revision guide is how I mainly revise. I find that writing the information down helps it sink in. Then, I can answer some questions on it and put the posters up in my room to look at. I've done this since GCSEs and found it’s the best method for me.”

Mel – “I normally use flashcards”


“I normally use flashcards, as writing the information out helps it stay in my mind. I can then always look at it to refresh my memory.

“I haven't always done this though, as I used to write things out again and again, but I used to lose concentration quickly from doing that. It became a bit repetitive, so I only started using flashcards last year.”

Hope – “I focus more when I’m writing stuff out”


“The main ways I revise include rewriting information, making posters and testing myself with flash cards. I focus more when I'm writing stuff out and I like to make colourful posters to make the information stick in my head. I've done this since I started revising for my GCSEs and it's proven fairly successful.”

Tamara – “I also print out past papers and try to do them in timed conditions”


“The main way I revise is by making revision posters on Word that I colour code. I do this to make ideas link and to highlight certain important areas, so they stand out more prominently. I then print these off nearer the exams and put them up on my wall.

“I also print out past papers and try to do them in timed conditions. The past papers help me as they give me an idea of how much I can do within the time that I have. They also show me what I need to do to improve.”

Rachael – “I try and condense notes into spider diagrams/posters”


“I try and condense notes into spider diagrams/posters, then write essay plans. This helps me condense the information so I can remember it more easily. It’s a technique I’ve been using since my GCSEs.”

Joe – “Having different revision techniques makes it easier for me to focus”


“I work best by making colourful posters. The more colourful they are, the easier it is for me to visualise. Other ways include revision cards, yet this takes time and by the time I've made them, the exam is close.

“Having different revision techniques makes it easier for me to focus on what subject I'm revising. I’ve just started using these new revision techniques because the technique I used last year – writing notes – didn’t cut it for A2.”

Mallory – “I don’t really have one main way to revise. Instead, I use a mixture”


“I don't really have one main way to revise. Instead, I use a mixture of revision cards, creating tests for myself and past papers.

“The revision cards help me learn the content, the tests help me know how well I know the content and then the past papers help me apply the content. I started using these revision techniques when I began my A-levels.”

Amy – “If I spend time making my notes look nice it just distracts me”


“Copying out notes works best for me, because I can read over all the information and summarise it. This is what I’ve always done, purely because I’m not very creative when it comes to revising. If I spend time making my notes look nice it just distracts me.”

Holly – “I find that writing revision cards is the best way to revise”


“I find that writing revision cards is the best way to revise. I can easily take them around with me wherever I go and not worry about lugging around too many textbooks. I can condense my notes and they therefore appear more manageable, making the task of revision seem a lot more bearable.”

Revision techniques work differently for different people. Finding the different methods that work best for you is what’s important. You’ll learn more effectively and find that you enjoy revising.

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