7 Things to do when Revising for the 11 Plus

As soon as you find out you’re going to be taking the 11 Plus exam at your chosen school it is important to get into a steady routine and habit. Remember, if you develop the skill you can answer any question. That’s why it is important to have enough practice to make sure you are familiar with the topic and ways of answering a question. Your committing to a year long learning process, for most people, that is why you do not over-commit yourself otherwise you risk burning out before you even sit the exam!

A good and balanced routine will make learning and practising the 11 Plus material easier and minimise stress as much as possible. Your mind is ready to absorb knowledge and processes (ways of doing things), so take advantage of this by constantly exposing yourself to the eleven plus material whether that is explanations, breakdowns, tutorials and even practice papers. Sooner or later it will click, but before we go into techniques and methods, lets break down what this routine should look like:

1. Starting Early

The earlier you start revising, the more time you have for everything, which includes breaks and rewards. Do not leave everything till the last minute or else you will rush, stress and not have enough time for breaks and sleep which is just as important too!

2. Staying Organised

Try and create a revision timetable, even if you do not stick to it 100%, at least you have some organisation. You do not have to be too optimistic either, be realistic but have a timetable so you can manage your revision, eating, breaks, sleeping, playing etc efficiently.

3. Keeping A Nice Tidy Space

Clean your room and desk space. This can help clear your mind and make it easier for you to revise as there is less visual clutter around you which makes it easier for your brain to process all this new information you are learning and revising!

4. Eat, Energy and Fuel

You need to incorporate good healthy food in your day to day whilst you revise. You cannot revise constantly without any fuel or energy. The more you revise, the more your brain is being used, and if it gets overworked, it will start to shut down or not work properly. So eat well and constantly and this will give you consistent energy boosts and fuel for your revision.

5. Getting Enough Sleep

You need to sleep properly, on time and for about 8 hours. Sleep gives your body and most importantly mind and brain a rest. By resting, it gives you enough energy to re start when you get back to revision as opposed to being lethargic and tired.

6. Removing Distractions

Put away any phones, iPad’s, laptops, television, games or anything that can be distracting to you. The more distractions you have around you, the less time you spend revising and also the less capacity you have in your brain to focus on your revision solely.

7. Having Rewards and Breaks

Do not overwork or over revise as this can be mentally and physically draining.You should still include breaks and rewards for yourself in between revision which can help rest your brain from overwhelming information. So the moment you go back to revision, your brain can stimulate and activate itself again ready to revise more efficiently!