1. Keep it short and targeted
Now’s the time for high-impact, low-effort revision that really works. With exams fast approaching, it’s important to break down topics into smaller, more manageable chunks. Focusing on bite-sized, targeted revision makes sure that students can make progress without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content they need to cover.
Encourage quick wins like grammar flash quizzes, times tables warm-ups, or past paper question starters. These activities don’t take long but provide instant feedback and reinforce key concepts, enabling pupils to feel accomplished with minimal stress. For GCSE students, you could try mini whiteboard tasks to quickly assess their understanding or five-minute topic drills that cover a focused area of the syllabus.
The goal is to keep the pressure off while still keeping minds engaged. Short bursts of revision are far easier to digest and often lead to better retention because they enable pupils to focus on one thing at a time.
2. Use retrieval practice
Retrieval is one of the most powerful tools in the revision toolkit - and it’s still just as effective in the final run-up to exams. Encouraging your pupils to actively recall information from memory (rather than simply re-reading their notes) strengthens their long-term retention, and boosts their ability to apply what they know under pressure. It also helps to identify any gaps in knowledge, giving both you and your students a clear idea of where to focus.
This doesn’t need to take up a whole lesson. In fact, retrieval practice works best in short, frequent bursts. Try incorporating techniques like:
- Brain dumps at the start of a lesson, where pupils write down everything they can remember about a topic
- Quick quizzes without using notes - these can be verbal, multiple choice, or a few short written questions
- “Teach it to a partner” tasks, where students explain a concept in their own words to someone else
These techniques are ideal for both primary and secondary learners, and they’re especially helpful for subjects that rely on key terminology, processes, or timelines. Plus, retrieval practice makes the most of those spare five minutes at the start or end of a lesson, helping keep revision momentum going without adding extra pressure.
3. Celebrate effort, not just results
With exams in full swing, the pressure on your students can be overwhelming. In these final stages, it's essential to focus on the grades pupils are achieving as well as the effort they're putting in. Exam stress often takes its toll, and many students may feel discouraged if they don't immediately see results. By praising persistence, focus, and resilience, you can help to reinforce a positive mindset and remind your pupils that their hard work is just as important as the outcomes they achieve.
Focusing on effort creates a supportive classroom environment where pupils feel recognised for their dedication, not just their performance. A simple acknowledgement, such as "I noticed how hard you worked on that task" or "You've clearly revised this topic well", can make a huge difference, especially for those students who may not always perform at the top but are quietly putting in their best efforts under pressure!
4. Keep routines in place
During the exam period, a calm, familiar routine can be one of the most effective ways to support your students. When pupils know what to expect from your lesson structure, they’re far more likely to feel settled, focused, and in control - even when the pressure of exams is looming over them. Routines help to create a sense of stability and normality, which can reduce anxiety and allow students to concentrate on their revision.
Where possible, try to stick to your usual classroom rhythm. This doesn’t mean avoiding any exam-specific revision, but it does mean resisting the urge to completely shake up your teaching approach by introducing too many new resources or unfamiliar formats. The consistency of your routine provides a reassuring sense of structure that can make all the difference during this intense time.
If you’ve been using tools like personalised exercise books, revision journals, or any other materials consistently throughout the year, now is the perfect time to encourage students to revisit them. It’s a great confidence boost for pupils to reflect on their progress and see how far they’ve come in their learning journey.
5. Encourage independence and self-checks
At this stage, it’s all about reinforcing autonomy. Encourage your students to take charge of their revision with simple strategies like self-marking past paper questions to spot areas for improvement, highlighting topics they’re unsure about, and using a traffic light system to prioritise their time.
The goal is not to introduce anything new, but to give your pupils the tools and trust to guide themselves through these final stages. Encouraging self-checks boosts their confidence and prepares them for independent learning, helping them make the most of their remaining revision time both at school and at home.
It's natural for revision to shift gears during exam season, but that doesn't mean it has to stop completely. Whether it's a well-timed recap, a supportive comment, or a calm environment to work in, every little bit still counts and can make all the difference.
And if you're looking for ways to support that last push, we've got a range of personalised revision tools - from exercise books and homework diaries to reading records and more, all with rapid turnover to help students stay on top of their learning. Got any questions about our products? Just give us a ring on 01254 686 500 and we'll be happy to help!
