6 Revision Methods That Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)
- Rofeeah
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
When it comes to GCSE exam prep, most students think they’re revising the right way—until the results come in. The truth is, not all revision is good revision. Some popular methods are actually a waste of time, and worse, they give you a false sense of progress. Let’s break down 6 common revision methods that don’t really work—and more importantly, what you should do instead if you want to pass your GCSEs with confidence.
1. Just Reading Your Notes Over and Over
It feels safe, right? You sit there, highlighter in hand, rereading your class notes. The problem? It tricks your brain into thinking you’re learning, but you’re really not doing much to test your understanding.
Instead: Use active recall. Close your notes and try to write or say everything you remember. Then check what you got right and wrong. It’s harder—but way more effective.
2. Rewriting Everything Without Thinking
Some students rewrite their notes again and again hoping it will “stick.” But if you’re copying things without actually processing the meaning, you’re just wasting time.
Instead: Summarise your notes in your own words, using mind maps or flashcards. Make connections between topics. This helps your brain actually understand and remember.
3. Cramming the Night Before
Cramming might give you a short-term boost, but it causes stress, sleep loss, and shallow learning. Plus, most of the info you “learn” disappears by morning.
Instead: Space out your revision. Start early and spread your study sessions across weeks. Use short, focused study blocks (like 25 minutes) followed by breaks. This helps long-term memory and reduces burnout.
4. Only Revising Your Favourite Subjects
It’s tempting to focus on the subjects you enjoy or already understand. But GCSEs cover all your subjects, not just the fun ones.
Instead, Make a balanced timetable that gives more time to your weaker areas. Tackling your problem subjects early gives you more time to improve before the exams.
5. Multitasking While Revising
Listening to news, chatting with friends, or switching between subjects while studying may feel productive, but it actually breaks your focus and slows learning.
Instead, Turn off distractions. Focus on one topic at a time in a quiet space. You’ll get more done in less time and retain more information.
6. Relying Only on Past Papers Without Understanding
Past papers are useful—but if you don’t understand the topic, doing question after question won’t help you much. You’ll just keep making the same mistakes.
Instead: Use past papers after you’ve learned the topic. Go through the mark schemes carefully. Learn why an answer is right or wrong, and ask for help if you’re stuck.
So, What’s the Smart Way to Revise?
The smart way to revise isn’t about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. You need a plan, the right techniques, and, sometimes, the right guidance to get you there. And that’s where our GCSE Exam Prep Classes come in.
We’ve designed a powerful revision programme that focuses on memory-building techniques, smarter study habits, and topic-by-topic guidance for all major subjects. Our expert teachers walk students through past papers, exam strategies, and practical revision that actually sticks.
Want better results? Don’t wait. Register for our GCSE Exam Prep today and start revising the right way. We’ll help you use your memory to get ahead—no more guesswork, no more wasted time. Just real learning that leads to real results.
Final Thought
It’s easy to fall into revision traps, especially when you feel the pressure of exams. But now that you know what doesn’t work—and what to do instead—you’re already ahead of the game. Remember: smart revision beats long revision. Make every minute count. And if you want the right support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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