There is a minimum number of hours you need to dedicate daily to achieve top grades in A-level Biology. Firstly, is crucial to understand that this "magic number" refers to active revision time. Merely staring at your book, revision notes, or laptop does not count toward this number. Here are some activities that do not qualify as revision time and should not be included in your record of completed revision hours for the day. Bear in mind that some of these activities might seem useful, but no matter how beneficial they may feel, they are not considered part of your revision hours.
Copying out your revision notes
Writing your notes more neatly
Rewriting your notes to ensure there are no crossing outs or amendments.
Petting your dog
Watching your cat sit on the windowsill
Checking how many minutes you've been revising (set an alarm for this instead)
Making a drink
Making a snack
Checking to see what that noise was outside/upstairs
Looking at a notification on your phone
Checking to see if your alarm is still working
Reorganising your books
Tidying your room
Organising your sock drawer to enhance your focus
Volunteering to help out with chores around the house
Going to the shop to get some milk for your coffee
Going back to the shop because you desperately need some chocolate
Going to the toilet - yes, you need to go, but it doesn't count as revision so don't take your phone with you and start scrolling
Planning what you will do on your break.
Planning and rewriting your revision schedule
It is important to remember that while some of these might be necessary, they should not be included within your designated revision time. Does this mean cannot take breaks? Certainly not; breaks are essential, but they must be planned and incorporated into your daily schedule.
Assuming you are studying three subjects, the average recommended time for active revision is four hours per subject per day. This does not have to be done in one block. Fifteen minutes in the morning, answering exam questions while waiting for the shower to become free, can significantly contribute to your revision for the day.
Next, consider all the potentially "wasted" time throughout the day, such as commuting. The average student in the UK spends 25 minutes commuting each way. That amounts to 50 minutes of potential revision time. How much time do you spend travelling, and how can you make active use of this time?
Double your productivity by getting help from an experienced examiner. A tutor with a vast amount of experience of the A level exam you are studying combined with years of being an outstanding teacher means your one hour of "revision" time spent working with the tutor is the equivalent of 2.5 hours studying by yourself. Enhanced by your next hour working on the extra specific work set by the tutor means your next hour is also doubled.
With just a few adjustments, we have already incorporated over an hour of revision without extensive planning. Consider how efficient you can make your day with a bit of forethought.
But remember...this forethought does not contribute towards your magic number!
Claire