Show up for yourself every day: short, focused blocks; active recall and spaced practice; past papers; an error log; and consistent sleep. Use the 10 tips below, then copy the checklists and weekly planner.
1) Build a simple routine
Why it works: Consistency beats last-minute cramming.
Steps
Pick a start time (e.g., 16:30 after a snack + 20 min movement).
Work in 25/5 cycles (25 minutes focus + 5 break). Do 3–4 cycles, then a longer break.
Keep a visible weekly plan (see template below).
Protect sleep: 8+ hours most nights.
2) Study smarter with active recall
Why it works: You learn more by testing yourself than by re-reading.
How
Close the book and write or say answers from memory.
Make flashcards (question on one side, short answer on the other).
Try the Feynman method: explain a topic like you’re teaching a Grade 8 learner.
End every session with a 3-question self-quiz.
3) Use spaced practice
Why it works: Revisiting topics over days/weeks locks them in.
How
After first learning, review at 1 day → 3 days → 7 days → 14+ days.
Rotate topics (called interleaving)—e.g., algebra → geometry → data handling.
4) Make notes that work (not just pretty)
Use Cornell notes: cues/questions in the margin, summary at the bottom.
Dual code: pair short words with diagrams/timelines/tables.
Highlight after you understand, not before.
Keep one cheat sheet per chapter: formulas, definitions, “watch-outs.”
5) Master past papers (CAPS/IEB/Cambridge)
Start untimed to learn patterns; then timed to build speed.
Mark with the memo/mark scheme and annotate where marks are awarded.
Build a question bank of common types (e.g., “prove,” “evaluate,” “compare”).
For languages: practise summaries, comprehensions, transactional writing.
For sciences: recreate setups, methods, graphs, units; show working.
6) Fix mistakes with an error log
Why it works: Weak spots become your fastest gains.
How
Use a table with Question → My mistake → Correct method → Trigger/Tip.
Re-do those questions 48 hours later from memory.
Track recurring errors (e.g., sign errors, skipping units) and add a pre-flight checklist (“Read the verb; underline units; estimate first”).
7) Focus fast: devices & distractions
One screen at a time; phone on silent/Do Not Disturb; put it out of reach.
Study near good light and a chair that supports posture.
Use a timer; breaks = water/stretch/steps, not doom-scrolling.
Music? Choose instrumental or none for heavy reading/problem-solving.
8) Team up wisely
Keep groups small (2–4) and time-bound (45–60 min).
Each person brings 3 questions; teach each other; do a 2-minute recap each.
If the group drifts, switch to silent co-study with a timer.
9) Look after your brain & body
Sleep 8–10 hours (teens) for memory consolidation.
Move daily: 20–30 minutes lifts focus and mood.
Fuel simply: water + whole foods; steady meals on exam days.
Short breathing reset before papers: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6 (×4).
10) Plan the exam sprint (4-week outline)
Week 4: Map papers; list topics; gather past papers/notes; set daily two-block minimum.
Week 3: First round of past papers untimed; build the error log; mini-reviews (20–30 min) via spaced practice.
Week 2: Switch to timed practice; focus on weak topics; write one paper per major subject.
Week 1: Light review + sleep; final cheat sheets; pack stationery; practise starts (first 10 minutes strategy).
Weekly planner template (copy/paste)
Mon–Fri (example)
16:30–16:50 Movement/snack
16:50–17:15 Study Block 1 (Topic A)
17:20–17:45 Study Block 2 (Topic B)
18:00–18:25 Study Block 3 (Past paper section)
18:25–18:35 Error-log redo / 3-question quiz
18:40 Pack bag for tomorrow
Saturday (light but focused)
09:00–10:00 Timed practice (subject you find hardest)
10:15–10:45 Review + error log
11:00–11:30 Reading/summary for another subject
Sunday (reset)
30 minutes: check portal/WhatsApp, map the week, choose 3 priorities.
Quick checklists
Daily study checklist
Two to three focused blocks done
One self-quiz or flashcard set
Error-log item re-attempted
Bag packed + tomorrow’s goals set
Devices parked before bed
Past paper checklist
Attempted under realistic conditions
Marked with memo/mark scheme
Why each mark was lost written down
Added to error log + redo scheduled
Exam-day kit
ID/docs (if required), calculators approved
Pens/pencils/ruler, highlighter (if allowed)
Water + simple snack
Arrive early; read verbs and plan answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I study daily?
Aim for 2–3 focused blocks on school days (more near exams), with quality over quantity. Consistency + sleep > midnight cramming.
Do I rewrite notes or use flashcards?
Do both—brief notes per chapter, then flashcards for definitions, formulas, steps and tricky facts. Always finish with a self-test.
How soon should I start past papers?
Early. After you finish a topic, do a targeted section. Move to full papers four weeks before exams.
What if I’m behind?
Prioritise high-yield topics and common question types. Use timed sections, update your error log, and ask a teacher for the one thing to do first.