Homework and exams

There can be a lot of pressure on young people to do well in exams which can cause exam stress. All the revision you need to do might seem impossible. There are things you can do to make it a bit easier and feel better about everything that you have to do.

If you are worried about anything, talk to your school teacher or your parents about how you feel and don't be ashamed to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with being worried about exams, it's very normal. Remember, exams are important – but they are not the only key to a successful future.

There are lots of things you can do to get ready for exams and it's important to find what works for you. Some ideas of Dos and Don'ts are:

Dos
- Have your own revision timetable – start planning well before exams begin. Your teacher should be able to help.
- Make your books, notes and essays user-friendly. Use headings, highlighting and revision cards, and get tips on other revision techniques from teachers and friends with experience of exams. You could also consider buying revision guides.
- Take notes of the important points when revising. Try to answer the questions of past exam papers – explain answers to tricky questions to someone else.
- Everyone revises differently. Find out what routine suits you best - alone or with a friend or parent/carer; early morning or late at night; short, sharp bursts or longer sessions; with music or without noise.
- Ask for help from your teacher/learning mentor, parent/carer or a friend if there are things you don't understand.

Don'ts
- Don't leave revision to the last minute.
- Don't avoid revising subjects you don't like or find difficult.
- Don't forget that there is life beyond revision and exams.
- Don't cram ALL night before an exam – you'll be really tired in the morning.