Mocks – Tips and tricks

Mock season is evidently in full swing as the corridors hush, the year 11’s and 13s graft in the exam halls and nothing can be heard but a rouge cough or pen falling of a desk. These times can be challenging and stressful for pupils, so this article will hopefully provide some guidance on how to avoid exhaustion and burnout while also mentioning some revision tips.

Ways to maintain work – rest balance during mocks:

Allocate adequate rest periods
Stay hydrated, at least 2.5 litres daily is recommended!
Try and do some phsycial activity, such as a walk or a round of tennis
Socialise and catch up with friends
Eat balanced and sustaining meals, alongside some (needed and very well deserved ) sweet treats
Chunk work into sections that are manageable and not overwhelming

Personally I found that going out for an evening stroll alone or with friends to be very useful through my mocks and GCSE’s. Walking helps with self-regulation but also acts a rest period for your hard – working mind allowing it to rest. Also, I recommend listening to music of walks ( in particular “Scouting for girls”) to put you in a good mood that sets you up for some good, productive revision.

When revising it’s best to be in a space with minimal distractions, lots of natural light and a clear area to work on. These conditions are optimal to stay on task, and active revision is key for the best results. This includes doing past paper questions, quizzes, blurting, using apps like gizmo or doing knowledge checks. All of these methods are engaging and will build long term memory which is beneficial for exams later on in the year. And while some people find that having music on or being near devices is distracting others may not, because everyone is different and so are our habits.

So, experiment and find what works best for you because that’s what this time is all about. Trying, getting things wrong (or right) and learning from these experiences. This valuable information can then be taken into our real exams and help to achieve the best possible results.

I hope that my tips have been useful and good luck to all the students in mocks!