We asked the 121 Home Tutors team for some top revisions tips over the festive season.

1. Know what you are going back to. The biggest mistake some of our students make is that they have no idea what they are studying for after Christmas. Listen to what your teachers tell you and if you really aren’t sure what exams you are sitting (and therefore what you need to study) then go and ask someone.
2. Make a plan. Once you know which exams you are sitting then don’t go crazy and try and cram all your revision in at once (or ignore it!). Sit down and make a day-to-day plan of what you need to revise and in what order. Little and often works best with plenty of breaks to keep your mind and body fresh.
3. Don’t ignore your problems areas. The temptation can be to revise the easy stuff first and ignore the trickier parts but you should actually tackle the hard subjects and topics first, that way you have plenty of time to go into detail and revisit the areas where you struggle.
4. Read through our blogs for lots of top tips on revision and preparing for exams.
5. Develop revision techniques that work for you. There is no rule that says you have to work at a desk; maybe you’d be better recording notes and then listening to them while you run? Or maybe you’d work better verbally asking a friend questions (and being tested in return)?
6. Make time for fun – it’s important to keep revision going during the holidays (we know, no fun!) but keep some time aside to enjoy friends and family. You’ll return to study refreshed and relaxed.
7. Book in some extra time with your tutor. Most tutors can squeeze in an extra session in the run up to exams to discuss any problem areas and give your confidence a boost. 121 Home Tutors have private tutors across Manchester and Cheshire that can help you with your 11 plus, GCSE’s and A levels. Contact us today

In this blog post we’ll talk about how to tackle exam questions on the day:

• On the morning of the exam don’t try and revise. You need to focus on relaxing rather than stressing yourself out with last minute cramming.
• Set off for school/college in plenty of time and before you leave the house do a final check to ensure you have pens and any other equipment you might need (pencils, calculator etc).
• When you get to where your exam is then listen carefully to the instructions you receive. If you can, sit where you feel most comfortable with some natural light, if you think you might be distracted by outside noise then choose a chair in the middle of the room.
• Be still for just a few minutes, take some deep breaths and focus on the exam paper in front of you. Try not to panic and before you start writing sit and read through the exam paper – this can be one of the most important things you do in an exam. Once you’ve read the paper take a few minutes to plan (this is especially important if you have 2 or 3 essays to write, you can allocate time to each and this will ensure you stay on track). If you can, write some bullet points that will give you a structure to an answer and if you run out of time the exam marker has some indication of what you were thinking.
• If you can’t answer a question then calmly move onto the next one and come back to the unanswered questions at the end.
• Stay positive – if you are in the exam and writing then you are in a better position than if you didn’t turn up. You’ve worked hard all year and if you’ve revised then the information you need is in your head, give it a chance to come out.
• If you’ve really struggled with a question in the exam (or found it impossible to answer) then it’s a good idea to talk to your teacher about it. It may be that it was a particularly hard question or that your attempt was better than you thought.

Everyone at 121 Home Tutors wishes every student out there the best of luck with their exams. If you need help with exam revision and you live in Manchester or Cheshire (we cover from the Heatons to Hale and beyond) then call 121 Home Tutors today.

A great motivational revision film

Top tips from Mr Davies for English

A great list of revision techniques from John Hanson community school -  we particularly like the Walkabout idea.

And finally weird revision tips !

Let 121 Home Tutors know if any of these unusual techniques have helped you. You can also find more on revision techniques here.

If you’d like to work with a tutor who takes a different approach to learning (we cover all subjects, levels in Manchester and Cheshire) contact 121 Home Tutors.

I’m tired after a long term

It’s been a long term and everyone is tired – that’s true. It’s also true that if you’re doing GCSE, A2 or A Levels then this is a high pressure year for you. It’s important to recognise that you’re tired and give yourself a break (even if it’s a short one) to recharge your batteries.

We often recommend our students take the first 2-4 days off. Forget school, forget revision, have fun and then come back refreshed and raring to go. But it’s also about keeping things in perspective – the end of the year and the next step of your life is just a few weeks away and it would be a shame to waste the year and your effort so far because you are tired. Make sure you’ve sat down and planned your revision to include lots of breaks, get enough sleep and eat well – they’ll all help to keep your energy levels up.

This far into the year I’ve just lost my motivation

First of all reread the tips above about being tired. Then we’ll admit something. Revision can be boring (shush – don’t tell your teachers). And it’s especially boring if you do it all day, everyday, in exactly the same way. How about mixing things up – using different techniques such as mindmaps, games, revision cards or getting someone to ask you questions. There’s also a whole world of other people revising on the internet and you can use forums and social networking to get hints and tips. Our final tip in this section is to focus on the big picture – imagine yourself opening your exam results or getting that university place or one day landing your perfect job. You’ll be amazed motivating positive thinking can be.

The exams still seem quite far off and I’m not worried

We hear this a lot and yes it can be hard to sit down and revise when exams seem weeks or months off. But think about it – it’s taken you months or years to learn a subject so why would you be able to revise it in just a few days? The clearest way to see this is to write down everything (and we mean everything) you need to revise – each subject, each topic, each chapter. Then figure out how much you could do in a day (for example, how long will it take you to read a chapter, make notes, revise the notes until you know them). Then calculate the number of days until your exam. Suddenly becoming clear? Don’t panic because you’ve now got a revision plan.

The exams seem really close and I’m panicking and it’s stopping me working

Being frozen with fear is really common. Many of our students panic at the prospect of all the work they have to do. Stop. Take a breath. Most people panic because they don’t really know what they need to revise and they don’t have a plan. Get the information you need – ask your teacher exactly what you need to revise, check the syllabus to ensure you’re covering the topics you need. Then follow our steps for making a revision plan:

1.       Break down what you need to revise in manageable chunks (1-2 hours)

2.       Plan each day until your exam with revision time and break times.

3.       If you think you have too much to learn or not enough time talk to your parents, friends or teachers – they can help you prioritise.

4.       Start – with something, anything. Pick up one book, read it and make notes.

If you’d like to know how you deal with the most common revision problems then check out the first part of our blog – Please help me revise.

If you’re struggling with revision for exams and you’re looking for a tutor in Manchester or Cheshire (we cover areas including Stretford, Didsbury and Hale) then contact 121 Home Tutors.

-          My friends seem to have everything under control and want me to go out

-          I’m going on holiday and I don’t want to revise

-          It’s great now the weather’s getting better and I don’t want to be stuck indoors

-          I’m tired after a long term

-          This far into the year I’ve just lost my motivation

-          The exams still seem quite far off and I’m not worried

-          The exams seem really close and I’m panicking and it’s stopping me working

Because these are the most common problems (or excuses!) we hear at 121 Home Tutors we thought we’d tackle each one.

My friends seem to have everything under control and want me to go out

Chances are they aren’t being wholly truthful with you and are just as scared as you. Maybe they are burying their hand in the sand a bit? If you need to revise then you need to stand strong – but there’s no reason you can’t plan your social life into your revision schedule, in fact breaks are incredibly important. Or how about suggesting a study group with friends?

I’m going on holiday and I don’t want to revise

We’ll admit things get a bit tricky when a holiday is planned with friends or family. It’s ok to have some time off, the trick is not to let things slide so much you end up having two weeks off and then trying to cram all the work into the weekend before you go back to school. Think about setting a small amount of time aside each day (how about an hour in the evening when everyone is winding down?) or schedule time off in your plan and then stick to it.

It’s great now the weather’s getting better and I don’t want to be stuck indoors

There’s no rule which says you have to revise indoors or at a desk. Grab your books or laptop and find yourself a sunny spot in the garden or park. Taking any form of exercise will help to keep you mentally fresh so ensure you’ve got outside breaks planned into your revision days. Remember you don’t have to be stuck to a book the whole time, you could put notes on your ipod and listen while you walk or invest in downloads from itunes. If you need more maths revision tips have a look here.

If you’d like to know how you deal with the most common revision problems then watch out for the second part of the Please help me revise blog.

If you’re struggling with revision for exams and you’re looking for a tutor in Manchester or Cheshire (we cover areas including Stretford, Didsbury and Hale) then contact 121 Home Tutors.

Maths is one of our most requested subjects for private tutoring in Manchester and South Manchester. We have private Maths tutors that start at primary level and go right up to AS, A2 and A Level but most of tutors work with secondary level students who are fast approaching their GCSEs .

So here are our private tutors’ top seven tips for GCSE Maths revision:

1.      Our number one top tip is to know exactly what you need to revise. Carefully check the syllabus and know the topics you need to revise. If you are unsure then ask your teacher. It’s also a good idea to ask your teacher if you need to learn any formulas or if they’ll be printed on the exam paper.

2.      Start with the basics first. Once you know what you need to revise then tackle the basic topics first. Maths builds on basics and as you move up in school you’ll find the basics you’ve learnt are integrated with each other and across topics.  Try breaking harder problems into smaller sections rather than trying to tackle the whole thing in one go. This means you’ll devote the most time to the trickiest parts and not get overwhelmed when you get close to the exam.

3.      Don’t be afraid to use revision guides and GCSE revision books (make sure you pick the right one for your syllabus). There’s also lots of great information on websites like BBC bitesize. Finally don’t forget your textbooks, teachers and if you have one, your private Maths tutor.

4.      Past papers. If you can get hold of them (ask your teacher) then these can really help focus your mind on the sort of questions you might have to tackle in an exam. As your revision moves on try completing a past paper in a set time frame to give you an idea of how you’ll cope on the actual day.

5.      If you struggle to sit down and stare at papers for hours then try a revision study group or try mental maths.

6.      Start early. Revision is really hard if you are rushing or stressed. Plan your revision out, including breaks.

7.      If you are struggling ask for help. If something just isn’t sticking during revision then ask a friend, parent or call in a private tutor. They can help you work through any barriers.

If you need a tutoring to help you with Maths or Maths revision in Manchester or South Manchester (we cover all areas including Altrincham and Hale) then call or email 121 Home Tutors today.

Basic numeracy underpins everything we do – from our weekly shop to paying bills but children often find it boring and switch off. Lots of parents approach us for private maths tuition when their child is in primary school. Quite often they’re already struggling with the basics; complain they find maths ‘boring’ or lack confidence.  If we can make maths fun with private tuition at this stage then most children find maths in the classroom more enjoyable.

One of the advantages of private tuition is that we aren’t constrained by the ‘rules’ of the classroom and we can devote one to one time to very specific areas of maths. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring, after all that wouldn’t be much fun for the student or private tutor!

So how can we ditch the dullness and make maths more fun? Here are three top techniques our private maths tutors recommend:

1.      Begin with fun. It can be really easy to forget that starting in the right way is often the key to engaging a child in learning. Maths starts with counting – so liven it up. Ask your child to count different types of houses or signs when you are in the car. At home count using unusual objects (food is always good).

2.      Make it real. Children are much more likely to be interested in something if they see how it relates to their life. Take them to the supermarket and look at prices, get them to help you count out money at the till.

3.      Games are good. There are loads of number and maths games that you can play with your child which will help them improve their maths – suduko is a great example (and there is even a family play version Kakuzu).

The great thing about working with 121 Home Tutors is that we offer specifically matched maths private tutors right on your doorstep across Manchester and Cheshire, so whether you live in Didsbury, Altrincham or Stockport we can find the right maths tutor to fit your needs. Just drop us a line for more details.

Here are our top ten tips for keeping on top of things during the holidays:

1.       Get organised. Don’t leave revision until the last minute, sit down and make a plan including frequent small chunks of revision rather than one large chunk of panicky cramming. Make sure this plan is realistic (leaving time for breaks and mince pies!).

2.       Know when your exams are. This way you can prioritise the exams come first and ensure you don’t miss anything. Make sure you plan in extra time for weaker subjects or those where you need a good grade.

3.       What do you need to learn? Your time is best spent on things that will be on the exam so check you know the exam board and syllabus you are taking for each subject. The syllabus is often a good revision guide as it lists all the stuff you’ll be tested on. If you are going to use revision guides, find the right one for your syllabus and learning style, not just the one all your mates have.

4.       Do you actually understand what you have to learn? If there is a particular topic or subject you are struggling with then before you fight through it, it could be a good idea to chat it through with a teacher, friend or parent. Don’t be afraid to ask and if you can’t find the help you need then consider a tutor who can give you hints and tips on revision as well as helping with tricky subjects.

5.       How do you learn best? Try out different techniques to find the one that’s right for you. Try mind maps, writing notes, highlighters and pictures. Listening to revision CDs could work for you or Questions and Answer sessions (working with a friend could be perfect for you).

6.       Keep testing. Past exam papers are a great way to see if you can apply what you are revising. These papers give you an idea of the types of questions you might face in an exam and if you can also get hold of the marking scheme you can see the right answers and how examiners award marks.

7.       Take care of yourself. If your body isn’t healthy then your mind won’t work properly. There are some key things you need to do, drink plenty and sleep (not too much, not too little). Eat plenty of ‘brain’ foods like fish and nuts and try to choose healthy snacks such as fruit. Ensure you have relaxation time as part of your study plan.

8.       The night before. Make sure you get to bed early and have prepared what you need for the next day (pens, pencils, ruler, and calculator). Do not spend all night revising as this will just make you too tired for the exam the next day.

9.       On the day. Arrive in plenty of time. Check you have a pen/pencil. Calmly read the questions and if you don’t know an answer don’t panic. Instead move on, answer the next question and come back to any you struggled with.

10.    If you need help with revision and exam technique we have private tutors across Manchester and Cheshire that can help you with your 11 plus, GCSE’s and A levels. Contact us today

So if your child has never taken an exam how can you help them prepare?

• Get the balance right. You need to help your child revise the subjects enough that they do well in the exam without getting them so stressed about it that it affects their physical or emotional well being.

• Have a plan. Sit with your child and come up with a revision plan, it’s a good idea to figure out how they best learn. Your child’s teacher will have told them what they need to learn so it’s a matter of breaking it down into manageable chunks. Check with the school what exams you child will be taking and when.

• Take breaks. There is a point where we all switch off from learning or revision and our brain stops taking in information, learn to recognise when that is for your child and build in frequent breaks for food, drink or just relaxation.

• Flash cards. One idea that works for some children is to create notes or flash cards as they revise each chapter or topic, in this way they can easily see the main points and not get overloaded with information. This is also a good way to review the major topics as the exam gets nearer.

• Remember to stop. Don’t push your child to revise until minutes before the exam. It’s especially important the night before that they get a good night’s sleep and they can’t do this if their brain is in overdrive.  It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s not the end of the world if they don’t pass, there are always resits.

• Past papers. It will really help both you and your child if you can see what kind of questions have been asked in the past. Ask your child’s teacher if these are available.

• Don’t avoid the hard bits. If it looks like your child has a problem in a particular area then don’t avoid it. Maybe try a different technique such as drawing out the problem or talking it through. One way to tackle tricky areas is to have one on one tutoring, where they can focus on a particular area and gain confidence.

• Eat well. Children who eat a good breakfast perform better at school. During revision periods and on the day of the exam keep them going with a nutritious breakfast such as cereal and make sure they are getting all their essentials vitamins and minerals.

If you think your child needs some one to one help preparing for exams then we can help. If you’re based in the Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow and Cheshire areas and would like to discuss exam tuition options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 121 Home Tutors.

Don’t panic!
Slightly disappointing results at GCSE aren’t the end of the world, especially if they are in subjects other than English, Maths or in the subjects not being taken to A Level. However, not doing as well as expected can be demoralising (especially if friends got straight A* grades!) and can be an indicator of an underlying problem that might cause greater difficulties at A Level.

As such, disappointments at GCSE and poor grades can be good indicators of problems that need fixing in the long term. Dropping a couple of grades in a subject that isn’t going to be continued at A Level is probably nothing much to worry about – unless that subject happens to be English or Maths.

Take action on Maths and English
The most immediate problems to face are if GCSE results in Maths or English (not English Literature) are poor. Colleges and Universities usually require at least ‘C’ in both subjects at GCSE for admission. Likewise, most employers want to see at least two Cs for anything except manual work. In practice, as a result of the grade inflation of the past few years, the cut off ‘respectable’ grade is a B – if a grade B  at GCSE in one of these subjects was narrowly missed you might seriously consider an appeal or a resit.

If either Maths or English have been ‘failed’ (strictly speaking, even an E or F is a ‘pass’ at GCSE, though nobody pretends that a grade below C is worth much, especially in English) they should be resat. School (and/or new sixth form college) will advise on this.

Check A Level eligibility
Dropping GCSE grades can have an effect on the subjects that can be taken to A Level (see here for tips on which A levels to choose). Many state schools and FE colleges ask for at least a C grade at GCSE in a particular subject before acceptance on to the A Level course (often higher for more traditional A Levels such as Maths and English). Grammar and independent schools will often require at least an A grade at GCSE before acceptance on to courses. However, it varies dramatically by school and by year.

If the grade has fallen below the notional standard for a particular subject but you/your child still wants to take it at A Level, the whole thing will have to be discussed with the relevant subject teachers. This might be easier if staying in the same school, as there will be existing relationships in place with staff who will know your personality and capabilities well – on the other hand, that could also work against you!

One way or another, an unexpected dip at GCSE indicates that not all is as it should be, and going into A Level you/your child could benefit from extra help. It could be that subject understanding wasn’t as it should be – or that the required effort and level of revision wasn’t put in but at 121 Home Tutors we have tutors that are used to working with A level students and with students who haven’t performed as well as they might – get in touch with us today (email or call 01625 531 360) for a no-obligation chat about how we can help with studies if you live in the Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

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