SATS the month before

Starting off

First of all, find a good place to work. It must be quiet and uncluttered - even if it means camping out at the library or your gran's house a few nights a week.

Draw up a revision timetable - it's crucial.

Here's how

Do plan it carefully (who wants to tackle their worst subject on a Friday night?).

Do allow yourself time off.

Do divide your time into subjects. Be realistic - you know where your strengths and weaknesses are, so allot time accordingly .Don't plan to spend all night on one subject. An hour per subject is fine. Don't spend hours colouring it in or creating a computer artwork - you may need to update it after a week!

Revision Guides can be useful. Get a recommendation for your subject from your teacher. One per subject is plenty, though.

Don't just copy out your notes. Jot ideas onto postcards. Draw diagrams too - they're easier to remember in the heat of the exam.

Read your notes onto a cassette - then play it walking down the street, in the shower...

Put key words and phrases on sticky notes around the house, so you'll see them often.

Don't go it alone! They say a problem shared is a problem halved. So, get friends and family on board: put a copy of your revision timetable up in the kitchen. Get your family to test you.

Revision with a buddy is great - you can share ideas and help each other. Two brains are better than one!