Surrey Homes | SH109 | February 2024 | Education Supplement inside

The Priceless Education Supplement
How to
Revise
Reed’s School is a leading independent school in Cobham,
which continues to evolve its approach to teaching, particularly
the essential skills needed to learn, retain, and apply
information independently. We asked them how it’s done
istockphoto.com/ istrejman, olnik_y & Bohdan Bevz
Build a realistic timetable
Include free time and other commitments –
use Hermann Ebbinghaus’ spaced revision
curve to revisit notes from
previous sessions.
Manage your
time efficiently
Use timer apps and
look up the Pomodoro
Technique which helps
gauge how efficient
revision methods are.
Try out different
techniques to see what
works for you
Literary technique mnemonics; mind palaces;
the Feynman technique; mind mapping;
flashcards (brainscape and quizlet apps);
colours (post it notes, highlighter pens).
Remember the key is to move information
from your short-term memory to your longterm
memory to make it easier to access in
the stress of an exam situation.
Prepare your
body and mind
Start the day with a
nutritious breakfast (try to
include foods that improve
brain function); stay hydrated;
ensure night routines are
healthy (no blue light exposure
60 minutes before bedtime
etc); factor in exercise during
the day to help improve
memory and
cognitive performance.
Beat the urge to procrastinate
Focus, set realistic time frames and
then get on with it!
Space to learn
The school library has been reimagined
to enhance 21st century learning
Reed’s School knows that developing good
study skills allows pupils to improve their
academic performance, manage their time
more efficiently, and reduce anxiety levels.
These skills are also transferable to life after
school, at work, and in achieving personal
goals, making them significant attributes
to acquire for lifelong success. The Head of
Library at Reed’s, Cathy Horton, refined
these essential skills in her prior role in the
Academic Support department. She also
has repurposed the Library into an area that
teaches pupils how to learn by bringing it
into the 21st century with spaces to work
collaboratively and independently and a host
of digital resources alongside the traditional
printed ones.
Pupils have a range of learning approaches
to use, signposted in a programme called
‘Revision Hacks’, producing a set of cards
that are clear, concise, colourful and easy
to use. They’re available in printed format
as well as via an app, which all pupils have
on their iPads. Pupils also have a dedicated
lesson each week, Study Skills, to fully
immerse themselves in finding out which of
the different 25 skills work for them.
An exhibition space at the back of the
Library reinforces these skills and makes
them relatable for pupils. reeds.surrey.sch.uk
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