We all know that students get stressed out by revision. They have a lot of important exams to study for, a dwindling amount of time, and – often – they are left to their own devices.
There’s no question that they need help during this difficult time. So, once you have prepared them with revision strategies in the classroom, you can also offer them a number of very useful tools to get them through it.
The following 12 tools, apps and books will help your students get organised, stay focused, and get their revision done and dusted.
Revision books
1. Target Series
From English, maths and modern foreign languages, to science and humanities, the Target Series of revision workbooks (for both AQA and Pearson Edexcel exams), offers a wide range of resources for students. Engaging, focused and organised so that students make the most of their revision time, these books are a top recommendation. Find the Target Series here and try free samples
2. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Mathematics A Revision Guide
Maths can often be a tricky subject to study for. Luckily for those students preparing for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Mathematics A, our revision guide is here to help!
With it’s simple layout, exam-style practice questions and helpful tips, these resources offer students comprehensive revision support. There’s even an app (see below) so students can maximise their revision time straight for their mobile phones. Find out more and download free samples at Pearson Global Schools
Revision apps
3. Pearson Revise
Our maths revision guide comes with its own mobile app. It is easy to use, highlights key learning points and exam tips, and allows you to create your own revision cards.
What’s more, there’s a variety of content including multiple-choice questions, formulae sheets, and solution videos. Student’s can even add notes, annotations and bookmarks for topics they want to revisit.
To access, download the Pearson Revise app from the store, if you don’t have one – create an account, and enter the code you can find inside the Revision Guide book. Download on Apple or Android
4. Pomodoro Technique App
The world really is full of distractions – and it’s very easy for students to let their minds wander when they’re trying to get through their revision. The Pomodoro Chrome extension (or Android or iPhone app) helps students to focus on their revision by chunking it into time periods of around 25 mins, with long and short breaks in between. Download on Apple or Android
5. GCSE Exam Countdown
As you might expect, this free app offers a countdown to exams and other deadlines. If your students struggle with organisation, encourage them to try this out. It’s colourful, easy to use and will help keep them on track – no matter how many subjects they are studying for. Download on Apple or Android
6. XMind
Mind maps are excellent revision tools that help students to connect ideas, be creative, visualise concepts and better remember key details. XMind is a free app with a nice feel – if your students prefer working on their phones or tablets, we recommend they try this out. Be aware it also offers in-app purchases. Download on Apple and Android
Online resources
7. Past Papers
Nothing will help your students become more familiar with the format of their exams than old question papers. Use the search function on our website to get instant access to a large library of past exam papers and mark schemes. They’re available free to teachers and students, although only teachers can access the most recent papers sat within the past 9 months.
Simply choose the qualification your students are studying for (e.g. International GCSE), pick a subject, click on the year, and then download the question paper in PDF format. Find Past Papers online
8. BBC Bitesize
We’re sure your students will find the online BBC Bitesize series useful. As the name suggests, it organizes subjects into smaller “bites” – helping them revise subjects with a multimedia approach, and allowing them to test themselves. Check out BBC Bitesize
9. Quizlet
Quizlet is a fun, competitive and interesting way to revise. You can play games, create flashcards for your students, and they can make their own resources or even use other people’s. By following the steps learn, match and test, students will make their revision a little easier and more fun. Find Quizlet (also available on Apple and Android)
10. Spark Notes
Spark Notes is a favourite among students revising English Literature. Providing summaries in text and video formats, it also lets students compare older texts (like Shakespeare or Chaucer) with modern interpretations to help them better understand the content. Find Spark Notes
11. S-Cool
Is it cool or is it school? We’re not sure, but S-Cool lets students search by topic, find the information they need easily and even create their own downloadable revision resources. It also offers a revision guide, showing students what is essential to know and includes a revision secrets section that helps students deal with stress, organisation and other revision pressures. Check out S-Cool
12. Gojimo
Offering free content for International GCSE and GCSE revision, Gojimo provides tests on different subjects – so students can see how they’re doing. Whether they get their answers right or wrong, the Gojimo gives students feedback and advice for future study and the chance to review their answers. Try Gojimo
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