The Christmas holidays are about balance. It’s important for GCSE and A level students to prepare for January mocks, while, of course, still enjoying the celebrations. For primary students, maintaining momentum up to the 7+, 8+ or 11+ exams, is key. We have put together our tips to help students’ make progress during the Christmas break and achieve top results.
Our five top tips:
1. Sit down with your child at the beginning of the holidays to chat about what needs to be achieved by when
By devising a timetable, you can indicate when the exam dates are and plan how to use their time effectively up to these dates. Drawing attention to the end-date will give students a goal to work towards and make the revision period seem more achievable.
2. Identify 3 effective revision strategies
Using varied learning techniques will help to keep students engaged. In between completing timed papers, verbal testing and quizzes are interactive ways to identify any gaps in subject knowledge.
Writing lengthy revision notes can often be unproductive and time consuming, so it is important that students try more creative methods to revise. For example, younger students could try using song and dance to recite times tables.
3. Use festive learning activities!
Alternatively, at Christmas, letting them take charge in some festive baking will enable them to practise their Maths skills. Reading a Christmas story and discussing the characters and plot will test their comprehension and literacy ability.
4. Create a detailed revision schedule
For many students, unstructured revision time can be daunting. A revision schedule will help to structure your child’s days and ensure they cover all subjects and subject areas over the holidays.
Equally, scheduling in breaks and other activities is very important. In particular, activities outside the house will provide a change of scene, therefore separating the working and non-working environment and mindset. This gives students downtime to re-energise, as well as a reward for their hard work earlier in the day.
5. Use positive feedback to reward hard work
Praise helps to reinforce positive learning behaviours. Rather than promising an expensive gift, reward your child with verbal praise, explain why they are working and what they are working towards. This helps to develop an intrinsic motivation and resilience.