♡ Exam Advice ♡

Hello all.

Today I thought we could discuss issues surrounding Exams.

Now, I know that it's now coming up that time of year that all students either in High School, College, Sixth Form or University become a massive ball of stress. Well, fear no more students, I am here with some fairly decent (ish) advice you will hopefully find a little bit useful.

I am Ellie, and I am just about 17 years old. I, like you still belong to the education system. I study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production at College. Prepare for the irony.. My course doesn't actually involve any formal exams; only coursework. Before you begin throwing things at me such as 'But how the hizzly heck does she know about exams if she doesn't have to do any?' This time last year, I was under some intense pressure myself about GCSE exams. With the end of school looming, I was a huge ball of worry and over thought things way too much.

That's why I want to give those of you who do have exams some advice on how to cope with the ever mounting pressure you might feel like you are under.

Number one. Please don't freak out. Stay calm. With it feeling like there are a hundred and one things being thrown at you from all directions, it's very hard to stay focused. If you get yourself in a muddle, it's just going to feel worse. The best thing you can do is stay relaxed and calm. Obviously not too calm - you still need to work hard.

Number two. Stay organised. This was a big mistake I made in Year 11. Organise both your time and revision materials wisely. It's going to be hard juggling both work and play and getting a good mixture of both, but it is doable. (Also make sure you get enough sleep!!!!!) If you get given any sort of revision materials to help you, make sure you keep them filed and organised neatly. My best advice would be to purchase either a folder or storage facility with many compartments, or a folder for each subject you are taking an exam in. Trust me - A clean and organised structure will help to keep your mind clean and organised.

Number three. Keep focused and persistent. I know from experience that it is very easy to get distracted. The best thing to do is switch off all internet connected devices and keep them as far from you as possible. (As cliched as it sounds, it's really not that hard and is definitely worth it.) It will stop you from getting distracted and get down to some good ole' revision. Plug in your headphones, listen to some of your jams. (Nothing wrong with rocking out to some 5 Seconds of Summer whilst revising maths; or Rihanna whilst revising science.) Also, when it comes to revising, be persistent. You have to do it regularly! (not great but worth it.)

Number four. Get enough sleep. I can't stress this enough. You really do need at least about 8 and a half hours of sleep every night to keep your brain functioning how it's supposed to. You will revise and take in information a lot better at school and home if you're not struggling to keep your eyes open. Eat a good healthy breakfast every morning, and drink plenty of water. This will ensure your brain is Beyonce instead of Kelly Rowland!

Number five. REVISE! I can't stress to you how much I wish I'd revised more when I had the chance! The day you walk out of that school with your results slip in your hand knowing you did the best you could, trust me you will feel so much better for it! It may seem like a lot of stress and work at the time, but when you get to what I like to call the 'eternal summer' between leaving school and starting further education, you will have all the time in the world to sit on tumblr for 12 hours and finish a TV season from start to finish in a day.

PLEASE take my advice on board. These sorts of things sound like a drag coming from teachers, I know they do. They may seem like they are pushing you too hard but they are doing it for a reason! Listen to them. I have only just left school myself and believe me, what they are forcing onto you may be stressful but it's very right.

Feel free to leave a comment or tweet me @ellieontoast if you have any questions!

Good luck.

Love,

x