Don't go into your exams unprepared, check out our top tips!
1. Keep calm and carry on.
Don't panic! If you start to get to struggle, stop for a moment, take some deep breaths, re-read the question and then carry on.
2. Revise!
If you put the work in before the exam you shouldn't have anything to worry about. it's that simple. For revision tips click on the tab at the top of the page.
3. Take in a bottle of water.
Water keeps your brain hydrated, helping you to concentrate for longer and keeping those dreaded exam headaches at bay - jut don't forget to take the label off before you go in!
4. Take a couple of cough sweets in with you.
Some exams allow you to take in cough sweets, so long as they don't have any packaging around them, and are clearly visible in your clear pencil case. If unsure as to whether you can take them in, ask a teacher. Its horrible when you think you have to cough in an exam, you lose focus and get distracted. Having something to chew will stop you coughing and help you keep your focus.
5. Be prepared!
No-one likes that pre-exam rush of "can i borrow a pen?!" You don't need a lot, and it will help you feel prepared and confident. A couple of pens and anything else you think you might need is enough.
6. Highlight key words
Coloured pens are wonderful! take a couple in with you, so you can highlight the really important bits of the questions, as a reminder of what you're supposed to be writing in your answer. See below for what words mean in exam questions.
7. Watch that clock!
Keep an eye on the time. Remember that most exams have time for about a mark a minute, so write quickly and make sure the amount of time you spend on one question is proportional to what its worth. There's no point spending 10 minutes on a 1 mark question!
8. Have something to eat before you go into the exam.
Never go into an exam on an empty stomach! You won't be able to concentrate as well as if you've had a good breakfast or lunch. Try to have something that will give you plenty of energy that will last a long time - not just chocolate! Also remember that bananas are brain food! They slowly release energy so can keep your brain working the whole way through an exam. Caffeine is also a good idea for exams in the morning, a cup of tea or coffee will help you keep your head off the desk!
Don't panic! If you start to get to struggle, stop for a moment, take some deep breaths, re-read the question and then carry on.
2. Revise!
If you put the work in before the exam you shouldn't have anything to worry about. it's that simple. For revision tips click on the tab at the top of the page.
3. Take in a bottle of water.
Water keeps your brain hydrated, helping you to concentrate for longer and keeping those dreaded exam headaches at bay - jut don't forget to take the label off before you go in!
4. Take a couple of cough sweets in with you.
Some exams allow you to take in cough sweets, so long as they don't have any packaging around them, and are clearly visible in your clear pencil case. If unsure as to whether you can take them in, ask a teacher. Its horrible when you think you have to cough in an exam, you lose focus and get distracted. Having something to chew will stop you coughing and help you keep your focus.
5. Be prepared!
No-one likes that pre-exam rush of "can i borrow a pen?!" You don't need a lot, and it will help you feel prepared and confident. A couple of pens and anything else you think you might need is enough.
6. Highlight key words
Coloured pens are wonderful! take a couple in with you, so you can highlight the really important bits of the questions, as a reminder of what you're supposed to be writing in your answer. See below for what words mean in exam questions.
7. Watch that clock!
Keep an eye on the time. Remember that most exams have time for about a mark a minute, so write quickly and make sure the amount of time you spend on one question is proportional to what its worth. There's no point spending 10 minutes on a 1 mark question!
8. Have something to eat before you go into the exam.
Never go into an exam on an empty stomach! You won't be able to concentrate as well as if you've had a good breakfast or lunch. Try to have something that will give you plenty of energy that will last a long time - not just chocolate! Also remember that bananas are brain food! They slowly release energy so can keep your brain working the whole way through an exam. Caffeine is also a good idea for exams in the morning, a cup of tea or coffee will help you keep your head off the desk!