Independent study
Whether ill-health is keeping you away from school, you find it easier to learn in your own style and environment, or you’re struggling with homework, here are some pieces of advice and useful resources that will help you study independently.
Making a plan/schedule:
Revision planners are aimed at students preparing for exams, but you can also use them to schedule your independent study
Adapt app – there are some premium features, but the revision planner can be used for free.
Revision timetable maker – a free design-your-own revision planner.
Tutor the Nation – free tutoring for state-school pupils. Note that students are usually nominated by their school.
Learning resources:
Khan Academy (mostly STEM)
Physics and Maths Tutor (covers a range of subjects, not just STEM, at GCSE and A-Level)
Maths Made Easy (KS1, KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level STEM subjects)
These are all (at least partly) free!
For specific resources, try searching your course e.g. ‘Edexcel GCSE Maths resources’ on a search engine, Youtube or app store
Past Papers – go to whichever exam board you’re sitting:
As well as practising past questions and marking them with mark schemes, you can use examiner reports for an insight into what the examiners are looking for and how they judged examples of past work.
Stuck on a particular question/topic? School-students can email your teachers; be specific: which question, where are you stuck? If you’re not in school, or can’t ask a teacher at the weekend – try posting in The Student Room, where there is a network of students who will try to help.
Struggling for motivation?
We all have times when we struggle to feel motivated, especially with the pressure of exams. Some tips to regain focus and motivation include:
- Take a break! Your brain won’t retain the information if it’s completely exhausted, so take a break, get some fresh air, try to avoid looking at screens if your work is also on a screen.
- Tick off the tasks you’ve completed each day, and as you work your way through a revision plan or study guide, recognise the progress you’re making.
- Remind yourself what you’re working towards. If you’re thinking of a particular career or university, think about the requirements and how your grades might help you get there.
- Try a different way of learning. Making up new lyrics to a Taylor Swift song to memorise the limestone cycle is still a way to memorise the limestone cycle. (Okay bad example, I have no idea if that works)
- Reward yourself. Whether it’s a piece of cake for after a mock paper, or a day out with friends after exams finish, you deserve a treat!
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.