Like any marathon, implementing the study plan devised at the commencement of 5th Year will be critical to the outcome/performance in the examination. While implementing the study plan, parents and students will have had to amend and adjust it in the light of the circumstances prevailing at various stages in the programme. All of that is now history. What matters from now until June 6th is how you utilise your time effectively to maximise your performance on the examination day.

To perform to your potential on the day you must be in good physical and mental health, so plenty of sleep, exercise and eating the proper food are essential. Utilising the next two weeks efficiently is critical to a successful outcome.

Make a study plan now for the next few weeks.

Allocate time to revising each subject area. 

Start a fixed time each day

Rotate the order of the subjects you study each day.

Take short breaks(5 mins max) between subject areas studied

Practice revision of topics by answering questions from past papers, taking particular note of the marks allocated to each section of the question.
 
A frequent error on the part of students is not taking time to read all parts of the question before attempting to answer it. Students often attempt questions because the can answer part (a) which all too frequently carries the least amount of marks, while failing to check that they can answer the part(s) which carry most marks.

Each day students should take at least 30 minutes exercise, a brisk walk, a swim or a short cycle. They will feel reinvigorated after it and it will help to relieve the clutter in the brain!

Students need energy to perform at their best, eating healthy food is essential for concentration and sustained performance in the examination centre. (Mum/Dad, keep the fridge well stocked, students like to graze!)
 
Students also need some ‘down time’, relaxing with friends/family.

Parents should check in with their children at this stressful time and a little TLC goes a long way to relieve stress. If you are concerned about how your young person is coping contact your GP or school/guidance counsellor.
 
In the days prior to the exam do not try to learn new material, concentrate on topics previously studied.
 
Revise, revise, revise!!!

Remain focussed-avoid contact with those who make you stressed.

Check the date and commencement of each examination you are undertaking. Tape your exam timetable somewhere prominent in the kitchen.

When sitting exams which contain an Aural component, if you leave the examination hall before the end of the exam please check the time you must return for the aural and arrive back at the centre 5minutes before the time.

At the commencement of each exam read the examination paper thoroughly prior to commencing any work, go to the back of your answer script and jot down words/notes associated with the questions you plan to answer.

When answering questions be sure not to exceed the allotted time you have allocated to answering all the required questions.

Read over you answers at the conclusion of each examination. Remember attempt marks are awarded. Do not leave the examination centre early.

Bring the appropriate materials required for each examination; pens, pencils, erasure, calculator (where permitted)etc.

Always arrive at the examination centre in good time to allow you to relax and focus on the task ahead.

Good Luck! 

Preparation for Examinations On Behalf of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors
 
Summary
  • At this stage keep calm and be consistent, organised and systematic in your approach to your revision.
  • Believe in yourself that you can achieve your potential. Know that you have the necessary willpower to take the steps to get you through the exams.
  • A healthy balanced diet...no junk food...avoids caffeine and stimulants which interfere with memory retention, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol etc.......
  • Take plenty of exercise, relaxation and fresh air......
  • Minimum eight hours sleep; try relaxing for at least an hour before going to bed....
  • Parents...please encourage your son / daughter to give up that evening/weekend job; at this stage time for relaxation is more important....!
  • Beware of new material in the final weeks of term .Towards the end of the year, you should be aiming to consolidate existing knowledge and build on this foundation rather than trying to learn new material. Once the course has been covered to your satisfaction and you have a reasonable choice of questions in the exam, you are best advised to consolidate your main choices rather than chasing after new material for options which you are unlikely to take in the exam.
  • “Active” revision...looking at notes and books does not work! Brainstorm, practise question outlines, practise topic summaries........’practice makes perfect’
  • Familiarise yourself with the structure of exam papers and develop exam “know-how”,
  • Practice for the exam “skill”, i.e. getting the essential information down in the required time
  • Talk to your Guidance Counsellor. Listen to the advice of your subject teachers...
  • Do not miss school in the last few days of term when important revision and exam preparation is being undertaken in class....you need the support of fellow students and of teachers
  • Evening before the exams.....do a short revision of the next day’s paper...main headings only...learn nothing new......a warm bath or shower and early to bed
  • Most important! Believe in yourself and have confidence....you have done your bit!