Year 11
Preparing for Exams
As exam season approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
Success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about planning, balance, and support.
This page is designed to provide practical advice and encouragement for both students and parents, helping you create a calm, focused environment where learning can thrive. From revision strategies to wellbeing tips, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Remember :
Success comes from consistent effort, active engagement, and small daily improvements
“1% better every day”
This guide provides strategies and tools to help students effectively prepare for exams. It covers:
How Learning Works
Explains the roles of working memory and long-term memory, and why active thinking during revision is essential.The Forgetting Curve
Introduces Ebbinghaus’ research on memory decay and emphasizes the importance of spaced repetition and retrieval practice to retain information.The Revision Cycle
Outlines five key stages: Plan, Make, Learn, Test, Apply, Review.Plan: Use planners and confidence ratings to organize time.
Make: Create active revision resources (mind maps, flashcards, sketchnotes, etc.).
Learn: Practice until knowledge is secure.
Test: Self-quizzing and peer testing.
Apply: Answer exam-style questions under timed conditions.
Active Revision Techniques
Practical Tools & Activities
Just click on the image to find out more !
Year 11 - Exam Success evening - copy of slides from the evening are available here
Our Subject Countdown plans guide students step-by-step through their revision, helping them stay organised and focused in the lead-up to summer exams. Each week, students receive clear advice on what to study, ensuring steady progress and confidence on exam day.
Click the subject name below to get the Countdown Plan for that subject
Why Regular School Attendance Matters for Exam Success
Year 11 is a crucial year, and every lesson counts. Attending school regularly isn’t just about being present—it’s about staying on track with learning, building confidence, and giving yourself the best chance to succeed in your exams. Research shows that even a few missed days can make a big difference to your grades. For parents, supporting good attendance means helping your child stay engaged and prepared for the challenges ahead. Together, consistent attendance can turn effort into achievement.
Its not just us saying it !!
Attending school consistently through Year 11 is one of the most powerful predictors of exam success:
Near-perfect attendance boosts GCSE odds. Pupils with 95–100% attendance are 1.9× more likely to achieve a Grade 5 or above in English and Maths compared to those with 90–95%—missing just 10 days can halve that chance. [teachingtimes.com], [schoolsweek.co.uk]
Every extra month matters. Students who miss fewer than 2% of lessons score, on average, 1 whole grade higher across subjects than those missing between 5–10%—a stark difference in educational outcomes. [ffteducati...lab.org.uk]
Clear academic impact. For GCSEs, increasing attendance by just 5% can raise the probability of achieving expected grades by 10% or more. [teachingtimes.com]ot just us saying this !
Long-term habit formation. Consistent Year 11 attendance reinforces learning routines and resilience just when revision depth is crucial. Early absences often lead to gaps that are challenging to bridge. [learningmole.com], [files.eric.ed.gov]
Parents/Carers need support too!
Supporting your child through Year 11 exams can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that parents/carers need care and guidance as well. From managing stress at home to understanding revision strategies, we’re here to help you feel confident and informed. Explore practical tips, resources, and advice designed to make this journey easier for both you and your child.
Here are some links to exam preparation and revision guidance
Parentkind – 2025 Exam Guide for Parents
A comprehensive PDF covering GCSE/AS/A-Level exams, including revision tips, stress management strategies, understanding grading, and available support. Exam Guide for ParentsCloudLearn – Parents' Guide to GCSEs
Practical advice on exam structure, study habits, motivations, and managing stress during revision CloudlearnEducate Excellence – Supporting Your Child’s GCSE Journey
Explains GCSE curriculum, assessment methods, and effective parental support tips EdicateSaveMyExams – How to Help Your Child Revise for GCSEs
Parent-focused strategies: creating timetables, recognizing stress, offering calm encouragement, and knowing when to back off. Save My ExamsYoungMinds – Exam Time & Exam Stress (Parents’ Guide)
Tips for spotting anxiety, fostering supportive home routines, talking to schools about mental health, and addressing family-wide impactsMentally Healthy Schools – Tips for Managing Exam Stress
Signposts practical resources for families and schools, focusing on wellbeing strategies and stress awareness. Mentally Healthy Schools