Homework and revision

Getting started with revision and homework

Homework and revision can feel overwhelming sometimes. It can feel hard to know where to start or feel worrying if you think you’re falling behind.

Even doing a small amount of revision or work can help you feel motivated to do more. Sometimes it can help to just pick something you enjoy or find easier and start there.

Remember that exams and work are only a small part of your life, there’ll be a time in the future when your exams have finished, and you won’t need to revise anymore. Whatever’s happening, you can always talk to us.

5 ways to get support:

let a teacher know how you feel, so they can try to help you
tell your parents or carers, or ask another adult for help
speak to a doctor or school nurse for their advice on coping with stress
get support from other young people on our message boards
talk to a Childline counsellor.

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Share revision tips on the message boards

Revision tips

It’s good to start revision early, but it’s never too late to work towards an exam or assessment.

Try these tips to help you stay motivated and organised:

Plan your time

Make a schedule that’s realistic. That means making sure it’s something you can stick to without feeling overwhelmed.

It can help to include:

A realistic aim for each day
Hour or half-hour time slots for which subjects you’re working on
Breaks and time to relax

Remember that it’s okay to change and update your schedule as you go, especially if it’s not working for you.

Get advice on making a timetable from the BBC.

Break things down

If things are getting overwhelming, take some time to break down each subject into smaller areas you need to revise. Then focus on just a few things instead of trying to do everything at once.

Try mixing up your revision into things you enjoy and things you don’t. Avoid putting off the areas you find more difficult.

Make a note whenever you complete an area you need to revise as it can help to see how much progress you’re making over time.

Take breaks and look after yourself

Stress can make it hard to relax and look after yourself sometimes. Making time to take a break and look after yourself can help to make things easier.

Taking care of yourself can include:

Eating healthy, regular meals
Making sure you get enough sleep
Spending time with other people and doing things you enjoy
Going outside and exercising

Practise exam papers

Past and example papers can help you to practise being in an exam and feel more prepared on the day.

Try setting a timer when you take the paper. Remember to put away distractions while you’re doing it.

If you’re not sure where to get practise papers, you can always ask your teacher.

Work with other people

Revising and working with other people can help in lots of ways. Explaining things to other people can help with your own learning, and you have people around you to ask when you’re stuck. It can also be a great way to share tips and support each other when things are getting tough.

If you’re feeling isolated, you’re not sure what to do or you just want to talk. It can help to post anonymously on our message boards or speak to one of our counsellors.

Preparing for exams

Check out our tips to help you prepare and cope.

Coping with homework

Homework can feel like a lot sometimes, especially if you’ve got other activities or responsibilities. Keeping yourself organised and knowing when to ask for help can be really important to keeping up.

Here are a few tips to help you get your work done:

Take away distractions
Put your phone somewhere else and make sure the TV is off so that you’re not tempted to do something else when you’re working.
Do a bit at a time
Take regular breaks to help you focus, for example you could work for 30 minutes and then take 10 minutes to do something else. Make sure you take time to eat healthily and exercise.
Say when you don’t understand
Everyone needs help sometimes, and speaking to your teacher, family, or someone you trust can help. It’s okay to look up support and information online if you’re struggling.
Prioritise your work
Break down your homework into smaller tasks to make things less daunting, then focus on what you need to do first.
Build a routine
Try to set time aside every day for homework. If you’re not used to doing it, setting a reminder on your phone and keeping yourself focused can help to make it easier in the long-term.

Dealing with stress

Exams and homework can feel scary and stressful, but you’re not alone. Taking care of yourself is always important.

Whatever’s happening, there are a few things you can try every day to help:

make time to relax
express yourself
exercise and eat healthily
talk about how you’re feeling
get enough sleep.

Calm zone

Coping with stress

Problems sleeping

Taking care of yourself

Getting help

It’s always okay to ask for help, but it can feel hard sometimes if you’re worried about being seen as weak or stupid. Everybody needs help sometimes, and we’re here for you.

There are lots of ways to get help when you need it:

make time with your teacher or someone you trust
share how you’re feeling with a friend or someone you care about
speak to other young people anonymously on the message boards
talk to one of our counsellors.

Asking questions can help make things easier in the future and show you that you’re not the only one feeling this way.

Asking an adult for help

Get tips on starting a difficult conversation.