How to revise for your GCSE/IGCSE Maths exam

Preparing for GCSE exams can be a stressful time for students and parents. Try to stay positive and be prepared to work hard - it will pay off. Here are my five top tips for students revising for their mocks and final exams.

Plan your revision

It takes time to build the skills, understanding and fluency needed for the exam so start early. Make a list of all the topics that you need to study and draw up a schedule. Plan for regular practice and allow time to revisit topics. Aim to spend more time on the topics you find hardest despite any temptation to avoid them!

Deepen understanding

The better your understanding is, the easier it is to recall what you’ve learnt. Take the time to understand any steps and procedures you use. Ask a teacher for help if you’re stuck. With a solid understanding of key concepts, you will also be able tackle problem solving questions involving a range of skills.

Exam paper practice

Exam practice is the only way to revise for Maths! Start by answering exam questions by topic and then move on to completing exam papers under timed conditions. This will help build your confidence with not only the subject material but the types of questions you are likely to face in the exam.

Learn from your mistakes

Try not to be discouraged when you get a question wrong as this is a great opportunity to learn. Correcting your work pushes on your learning by addressing any gaps in knowledge, uncovering misconceptions and improving your exam technique. So always do your corrections and follow up on any topics or exam techniques requiring further work.

Memorise key formulae

Draw up a list of formulae that you will need to memorise for the exam. You could make a poster and pin it up at home or make flashcards to help.

Best of luck!