There’s about a month to go and you don’t know where to start. You could draw up a big, colourful schedule, but what you need most of all is a clear task for tomorrow. This A-level revision programme gives you a 30-day structure, with room to make corrections and take a breather.
It is designed to be tailored to your course, the curriculum for your academic year and your commitments. If you still have classes, reduce the number of study blocks. If you have days off, only add more work if you can still ensure you review your work carefully and get enough rest.
Prepare your subjects before Day 1
Let’s call your top-priority subject ‘A’, taking into account its weighting and the level of difficulty you face. Let’s call your second priority ‘B’ and another important subject ‘C’. The other subjects will be included in the rotation: languages, philosophy and specialised subjects, depending on your course.
A typical day might consist of a main session lasting 45 to 50 minutes, a break, followed by a shorter session for marking or revision. For a full subject, set aside the official duration of the exam. These short sessions are no substitute for a proper mock exam.
Spaced revision and retrieval tests are supported by research. [1] The timetable below is an original organisational proposal, not a scientifically validated day-by-day plan.
Days 1 to 7: rediscover your points of support
Day 1: Make a list of the chapters based on your lecture notes and the syllabus. Mark them as «understood», «weak» or «needs revising». Gather together some relevant past papers.
Day 2: Subject A. Do a quick self-assessment without checking your answers, and go over any basics you’ve missed.
Day 3: Topic B. Work on a key concept and a simple exercise. Briefly revise the basics from Day 2.
Day 4: Subject C. Explain a concept without referring to the lesson notes, then check your answer. Also practise a question from another subject in your course.
Day 5: Go back to A with a different exercise. Make a note of any mistakes that crop up again.
Day 6: Complete a written assignment in a foreign language or philosophy, depending on your course. Plan to mark it or compare it against the expected criteria.
Day 7: a brief review. Choose the following three priorities and make sure you keep a good chunk of the day free.
Days 8 to 14: consolidate without starting from scratch
Day 8: Topic B. Revisit a problem from Day 3, then try a variation.
Day 9: Subject A. Work through a second chapter and revise the first one at the end of the lesson.
Day 10: Subject C. Analyse a text or solve a problem, depending on the subject. Briefly revise another subject from the syllabus.
Day 11: Language or Philosophy. Write an outline, a paragraph or a detailed answer in line with the exam paper.
Day 12: B, then go back over two previous mistakes. Ask for help if you still can’t explain them.
Day 13: Mix together a few questions already covered in A and C. Try to recognise the method without knowing which chapter it comes from in advance.
Day 14: review and room for improvement. Complete one key priority, then lighten the load.
Days 15 to 21: go through the past papers
Day 15: Answer question A under exam conditions if you have enough time. Otherwise, write a clearly defined extract.
Day 16: Marking A’s work. Go over the concepts that explain the mistakes, without moving straight on to another topic.
Day 17: Paper B or a representative extract, with a set time limit.
Day 18: Marking of B’s work and a revision of a topic we haven’t covered as much this week.
Day 19: C-level training and written work in language or philosophy.
Day 20: Go through the questions you got wrong on days 15 and 17 again, without checking the answers. Make a note of what you’re still struggling with.
Day 21: Rest and a light review. Adjust the final week to suit your actual needs.
Days 22 to 28: consolidate what you’ve learnt and gradually slow down
Day 22: final long run in the discipline that needs it most. If you’re tired, replace it with a targeted training session.
Day 23: Correct this simulation. Draw up a short list of points to watch out for.
Day 24: Recall the key formulas, definitions and procedures without looking them up, then check your answers.
Day 25: Do a short writing or document analysis session. Get back to a subject you’ve neglected for too long.
Day 26: Go over some familiar mistakes using straightforward exercises. Avoid tackling a whole new set of questions.
Day 27: Check your exam notification, timetable, travel arrangements and permitted equipment. The information [2] Official messages take precedence over shared messages.
Day 28: A light revision session and some free time. Stick to your usual sleep routine.
Days 29 and 30: now available
Day 29: Have a look at your short notes and get your things ready. You can finish early: there’s no need for the evening to turn into a final marathon.
Day 30: If it’s the day before, just keep a few familiar reminders to hand. If it’s the day of the exam, follow the timetable set out in your exam notification. Read the instructions and plan how to allocate your time before you start.
If you fall behind
Don’t automatically double up on the next day. Stick to your priorities, cut back on secondary tasks and set aside time for corrections. A schedule is there to guide you, not to punish you.
If you’re still struggling with a particular topic, contact Elite Academy, stating your course and the relevant chapter. Asking for a clear explanation may help you make the most of the next session.
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→ See also: National Baccalaureate exams: weightings, papers – everything you need to know · Past Baccalaureate exam papers with answers: how to use them effectively · The Pomodoro Technique adapted for A-level revision
