As GCSE and A-level season approaches, many parents wonder how best to support their child’s revision. Some 15-17 year olds thrive on independent study, while others find it difficult to stay focused at home. If you feel your child would benefit from a structured revision environment with expert guidance, our Easter Study Camp could be the perfect solution.
Regardless of what you decide to do, here are five key parental tips when it comes to revision:
It’s natural to hope for a dramatic shift in your child’s approach to studying, but lasting change takes time. If they’re not naturally early risers, don’t expect them to wake up at dawn for a pre-study jog and a full morning of revision. Instead, work with their existing habits. Help them identify when they feel most focused and build a routine around that.
Quality matters more than quantity. A beautifully crafted revision timetable packed with long study hours doesn’t guarantee success. Encourage your child to focus on confidence, not just clocking up hours. If they’re struggling with a particular subject, sitting at a desk for hours on end won’t fix it - interactive revision guides, teacher support, or structured study sessions can be far more effective.
Highlighting notes and reading textbooks isn’t enough. Revision should be active - using flashcards, teaching concepts to someone else, or making mind maps and mnemonics. The process of engaging with the material helps cement knowledge far more effectively than simply reading through notes.
Everyone’s revision pattern is different, so try to accommodate their best study times. If they work well on a Sunday afternoon, avoid scheduling family outings then. Encourage breaks that involve movement - getting fresh air or doing something active helps reset the brain and maintain concentration.
The way we studied years ago isn’t necessarily how teenagers study today. They’ve grown up in a digital world with different learning styles and distractions. Embrace their preferred methods; whether it’s using online resources, study groups or digital flashcards.
There’s no magic formula for revision but structure, support and expert guidance can make all the difference. If your child would benefit from dedicated study time away from home distractions, please do check out our Easter Study Camp, which offers a focused learning environment with professional supervision to keep them on track.
For more details on how we’d help your child prepare effectively for their exams, click HERE.
