Revision minus the stress - is it really possible?

From 16 upwards, top-performers are likely to spend each of the next 5 years from Easter onwards revising for 'critical exams' and it's not just the youngsters who feel the pain.

Revision can be equally stressful for parents; that's why, when it comes to exams, prior preparation and planning is the greatest stress-buster of all.

Plan ahead

While parents believe revision should begin 7 months before exams and pupils seven days, the reality is that seven weeks is about right - though this flexes a little, depending on the number and nature of the exams being sat.

Take charge

Try to get your teen to take charge - they may of course need a nudge to do that. They should:

• Be familiar with the examination timetable.
• Know the times and dates of each examination.
• Construct a revision plan and stick to it.

Have fun

When devising, or helping your teen devise, a timetable, make sure time is built in for regular commitments plus any planned events, trips or family occasions. Even if there is nothing exciting on the agenda be realistic; revising all day and all night is counter-productive. It is essential to build in other things, eg sport, cinema trips, socialising, even face-book time!

A lot or a little?

Revise often; do some revision every day even if, on occasions, only a little.

Take a break

Breaks are essential. Even hardy academics need a short-break every hour or so; make sure there is time to do some other activity, even if it's only making a cup of tea.

Texts and tests

When planning revision, revision guides and specifications from any past papers are all helpful. If you feel notes are lacking (particularly for younger children) it may be time to double check with school as to what should be there - or even purchase a revision guide . Looking at exam specifications (these are available on-line for major exam board subjects) is a great way to identify the topics and areas that require revision. If there are different papers for a subject make sure they know what's examined, in which paper and when. Get your teen to write down how much time they think they will need, to revise for each paper. Make sure they allocate more time for subjects they find harder...and leave some slack...

Write a plan/timetable

• The plan should take into account the examination timetable.
• It is helpful to divide the plan into 'periods' rather like lessons.
• Once the number of hours per subject have been identified, it is advisable to work backwards from the exam time-table and put in key revision sessions, in each subject, close ...