How to Revise for your GCSE History Exam

Are you trying to tackle revision, but don’t know where to start?

Below are some general tips that apply to all exam boards on where to start with your GCSE History revision.

1. Leave the exam papers alone, for now!

   1. At the moment attempt a whole exam paper for a topic you have not completely covered may be a little overwhelming and it means closer to the exam, you will have less unseen papers to work with.

   2. In other words save some for later.

   3. Do focus on exam technique though. Can you recall facts in timed conditions? Can you recite vocabulary that is crucial to your syllabus? Could you draw an accurate timeline for the entire period? Can you compare the significance of two events? If not that you still have work to do before you touch those exam papers.

      
      

2. Mind maps to the maximum

   1. Put the topic in the middle. For example, Nazi Germany would be in the middle of the page with four quadrants around it to ensure I can compartmentalise the information into the relevant time periods.

      
      

3. Flash cards and vocab tests

   1. Keep testing yourself. Even at the start of a new topic, take 5 minutes whilst your brushing your teeth or travelling on a bus or in a car to test yourself. Make some flash cards- they will prove helpful to build the pile up now rather than trying to create 100 flash cards in one month.

      
      

4. Study with others

   1. Working with students of different capabilities ensures that you are truly testing your knowledge. Help those who may not be as confident as you, by teaching a friend who is less capable you not only help another person out but you will also help your memory retain key facts by presenting them aloud. Further, if you work with someone who is more confident on certain areas, you can quiz them on their knowledge- it works both ways!

5. Schedule your revision

   1. Take some time schedule your revision so you know when you will be revising history, what topic, and for how long.

   2. Revision without no direction is ineffective and ultimately quite overwhelming.

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