As a Year 11 student in England, the word “exams” probably pops up in conversations daily — whether it’s in lessons, assemblies, or even at home. The GCSEs are a significant milestone, and the way you prepare for them can shape your experience of Year 11 and the results you achieve. One question I often hear from students and parents alike is: “When should I start thinking seriously about exams? Is January too early?”
The short answer: It’s never too early to start thinking about your exams, but how you think about them and what you do matters greatly. Let’s break it down.
The importance of early planning
Starting in January might seem premature, but in reality, it’s a great time to begin a structured approach to your studies. By this point, you’ll have completed much of the syllabus in your subjects, so revision can start to make sense as you build on your knowledge. However, thinking about exams doesn’t mean jumping into stressful, endless study sessions. Instead, focus on setting up systems that will help you feel in control when exam season arrives.
Wellbeing: balance is key
January is an excellent time to begin gently incorporating exam preparation into your routine while maintaining a healthy balance between school, home life, and relaxation. Overworking or rushing into intense revision can lead to burnout—a state of mental and physical exhaustion that can harm your performance.
Here are a few ways to keep wellbeing at the forefront:
- Set realistic goals: Start with small, manageable targets, such as revising one or two subjects per week.
- Schedule breaks: Build time into your week for hobbies, exercise, and downtime. Taking care of your physical and mental health is just as important as studying.
- Talk about stress: Share how you’re feeling with teachers, friends, or family. Bottling up anxiety can make it worse, but opening up can lighten the load.
Managing stress and anxiety
Exams are inherently stressful, but starting early gives you the time to take control. One key to reducing anxiety is to tackle it head-on with preparation. Here’s how you can ease the pressure:
- Break it down: Create a revision timetable that spreads your subjects over several months. Instead of cramming in May, you’ll feel calm knowing you’ve already covered most topics.
- Stay organised: Keep track of what you’ve revised and what still needs work. Use colour-coded notes, apps, or even a simple checklist.
- Focus on the positives: Remind yourself of what you do know rather than fixating on gaps in your knowledge. Celebrate small wins!
January is perfect for positive thinking
Mindset plays a huge role in your success. By January, you’ve probably faced mock exams and received feedback. Use this as an opportunity to grow. Instead of seeing January as a time for panic, see it as a fresh start.
- Reflect on your progress: What went well in the mocks? Where can you improve?
- Set your intentions: Write down three things you’d like to achieve by Easter. This could be mastering a tricky maths topic or improving your essay-writing speed in English.
- Visualise success: Picture yourself walking out of your last exam in June, knowing you gave it your best effort. That image can be incredibly motivating.
Revision methods that work
Everyone revises differently, so January is an ideal time to test out what works best for you. Here are a few tried-and-tested methods:
- Active recall: Test yourself regularly, whether through flashcards, quizzes, or past papers. Retrieving information strengthens your memory.
- Spaced repetition: Revisit topics at regular intervals to keep them fresh in your mind.
- Teach someone else: Explaining a topic to a friend or family member helps reinforce your understanding.
- Create visual aids: Mind maps, charts, or diagrams can simplify complex topics and make them easier to remember.
Remember to mix up your methods to keep things interesting. Variety helps prevent revision from feeling monotonous.
When is too late?
One of the main advantages of starting in January is that you avoid the pitfalls of last-minute cramming. Waiting until April or May can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. While everyone works differently, starting early gives you the freedom to pace yourself, take breaks, and avoid unnecessary stress.
January isn’t too early to start thinking about your Year 11 exams—in fact, it’s a perfect time to begin preparing in a calm, measured way, approaching revision with confidence and maintain your wellbeing along the way.
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By Ryan Lockett, director of studies at TLC LIVE.