Making a Revision Timetable

Revision is a core part of preparing for academic success, so taking the time to properly plan by creating a revision timetable is important. There are many different ways to make a revision timetable, but here are some top tips to help you craft an effective one…

1. Make a list

A good first step is to choose a subject and make a list of all the topics that you have learnt and need to revise. This helps to break down the subject into smaller topics, which you can then use to make a further list of the different components that make it up. For example, if you’re studying the novel A Christmas Carol in English Literature, your topics may include plot, characters, themes, context. If you were to further break these down, they would detail the different chapters, characters, themes, contexts. These lists serve as a good starting point to make a plan.

2. Create a calendar

A calendar is an essential tool in making a revision timetable. You can either make one yourself using the table function in a Word document, or a spreadsheet in Excel, or get creative and draw one. Or you can purchase one in the form of an academic diary, a monthly calendar, or a weekly planner. There are multiple types of calendars, so choose one that feels right for you.

3. Add commitments into your calendar

Begin by adding in when you’re at school, any extra-curricular clubs you attend, any part time work, or any social plans. This then allows you to see how much spare time you have each day of the week, which is where you can plan your revision.

4. Plan revision

You may choose to focus on a different subject for a chunk of time per day, or revise for multiple subjects for shorter amounts of time each day; there is no right or wrong. Pencilling in which subjects and which topics you aim to focus on each day holds you accountable. This is more effective than seeing what you feel like revising on the day as we often focus on the easier subjects or the subjects we enjoy.

5. Amend revision schedule

Nothing in life ever goes to plan, so it’s important to appreciate this and not be too hard on yourself if you don’t get everything done on your plan. Sometimes you may finish your revision quicker, whilst other times it may take you longer than you anticipated. This is where being adaptable is important; you may leave a day blank to account for any topics that you run over on. You may also get some unexpected homework, so it’s important to always amend your revision schedule to reflect this.

6. Don’t be afraid of experimenting

You may try different ways of planning your revision such as planning it daily, weekly, or monthly. Finding what works best for you is key and a core part of that is trying different ways. If you’re in Year 11 and exams are only a few months away, a monthly revision timetable may help to manage your time best. However, if you're in Year 9 and getting to grips with revision, a weekly plan may be a good start for you.

Following these steps will help you to get into the habit of planning your revision and finding the best revision timetable for you.

In order to gain more specialist help ensuring success, contact The Education Suite:

Website: www.theeducationsuite.co.uk

Email: hello@theeducationsuite.co.uk

Tel: 07818022590