Top Tips : Effective Revision
March 17, 2025
Mr Pearce, Deputy Head of UCAS, Politics Teacher and our Apply Plus programme lead, offers some top tips for the art of revising well.
As we approach Trinity Term and public examinations loom on the horizon, remember that lots of the keys to success are surprisingly simple and manageable. The top tips below come from a wide range of previous pupils who are now off doing brilliant things at university, the workplace, and beyond, but who were once nervously staring at fast-approaching exams just like you are now. Here are their pearls of wisdom on revision …
- Don’t wait until you feel like it: if you wait until you ‘feel like’ revising, it will likely never happen. Set yourself a start time, and then get cracking. As someone once said, “Just do it”. You’ll feel much more like it when you’ve made a start, and the sense of satisfaction and progress kick-starts an upwards progression. More often than not, positive emotions follow positive actions rather than the other way around.
- Make a plan: having all your topics planned out and assigned to particular revision slots on particular days is really useful. This is the only way you can be sure that you have enough time to get through everything, so make a plan and do your best to stick to it. Be kind to yourself too – “no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy”, and precious few pupils stick perfectly to their revision aims: but the very act of making a plan helps you take control and measure your progress as you go along.
- Revise actively! My old biology teacher at school always use to say his number one, most magical, most sophisticated and most earth-shattering revision tip was… “use a pen”. Underwhelmed? So was I. But it’s fundamental: simply ‘reading over’ information is not an effective way to get it to stick in your brain. So use a pen – or whatever other format you’ll use in the real exam – and revise actively! One of the most effective ways to do this is to make a great set of notes on each topic, then make notes on your notes, then condense them down until the whole topic is summarised on a single side of A4. Other great active revision tools include the highly recommended “write, learn, cover, test, check, repeat as required" method, as well as good old flash cards, mind maps, posters and mnemonics. Find what works for you, but always revise actively.
- Sit at a proper desk: I once tried ‘revising’ in the sunshine because it was a nice day. It didn’t work. The temptation to revise on your bed or on the sofa can be strong too, but the only place for really focused work is a proper table or desk. After all, it also replicates the real exam situation better, so it’s a win-win.
- Use a countdown clock: at the start of a work session, set a countdown timer for the amount you intend to do. Start the timer and start working, but STOP the timer whenever you do anything that is not actually revision… making drinks, organising your folder, going to the toilet, and so on. This will focus your work time on productive work more effectively, which, in turn, will also ensure you get better time off; work should be work, rest should be rest, play should be play. The more effectively and efficiently you work, the better your time off will feel too.
- Avoid distractions: we all know the dangers of procrastination, where we put off work until we’ve tidied our room or decorated our revision timetable. Outright distraction is even more dangerous, so you need to be ruthless: turn the music off (unless it truly helps you learn), leave your phone in another room entirely, and bring a supply of snacks and drinks to your desk so you don’t have to make that lengthy trip to the kitchen. And remember, if you find yourself getting distracted, stop the clock, because you’ve stopped working!
- Take short breaks: your brain can’t focus on difficult revision for any more than an hour in one go, possibly even less. Find out what works for you, but 30 minutes solid revision followed by a 5-minute break is often a good pattern.
- Practice papers / questions: this is crucial! You’re spending all this time gaining knowledge, but we all know the painful truth that your beautiful hard-earned knowledge isn’t worth very much if you can’t apply it to the exam questions. Like any great sportsperson, you don’t just need power: you need technique to enable you to get the most out of that power. In exams, knowledge is power, but we need to know exactly what the examiners want us to do with it in the exam. So: practise lots of timed exam questions, and use mark schemes to help you assess how well you did. Ask your teachers to mark them too – it’s the sort of thing we really like because it shows you’re doing all the right things!
- Stay healthy – sleep well, eat well and exercise: it can be tempting to go ‘revision crazy’ around exam time… “I’ll sleep when exams are over!” But revision is a very brain-hungry activity, and your brain is an energy-hungry machine: it needs servicing and maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape. The reality is that the right balance of sleep, healthy eating, exercise, connecting with friends and having some fun become more rather than less important during exams. Did you know that doing exercise makes the knowledge you’ve revised stick in your brain better, even if the exercise comes after the revision session rather than before it? Make these good things happen. You’ll be infinitely more effective at revising if you’re keeping yourself well.
- Balance is key: here’s the equation: rest without work is less fulfilling, less rewarding and less fun. Work without rest is less productive, less effective, and more stressful. All performers, from Olympic athletes on the track to world-class musicians on the stage, know that no success comes without serious hard work, but also that appropriate rest is essential for growth and strength. If it’s good enough for them…
- Not all of these suggestions will suit everyone, but the most important thing for everyone to remember is that you need to be organised, balanced and disciplined when it comes to revision. After all, revision lasts just a little while – but the qualifications you stand to achieve last a lifetime. Make the most of revision time, and we look forward to seeing your smile on results day. And if you need us before then, reach out – to your tutor, your teachers, your Head of House, or the Wellbeing Team: we’re all here to help!
The first 3 groups travelled up for their Gold Practice expedition on Tuesday. They undertook some first aid refresher training and a navigating walk. On Wednesday they set off on their first day's walk, accompanied by a staff member for the first half to help them work as a team. The weather is warm with a cooling breeze. On day 2 they were met with the challenge of Kinder Scout. Two groups met having spent the night at different campsites. We carried water up to ensure they can top up and keep hydrated. Gold practice expedition 1 and all groups impressed with their navigation, time-keeping and high spirits. The groups all met at Mam Tor in passing, filling water-bottles and exchanging stories. The last day for the first 3 groups went well. They had to leave their campsites at 07:30 and walk back to the initial campsite. They cleaned and dried tents and trangia before handing them back in. The second 2 Groups arrived in god time, give the opportunity for a group photo. Very many thanks to Keith and Mike who drove the school coach up for their last time. Also a big thank you to Tom White (teacher) and Emily White (ON) for giving their time to help with the first practice. After a short break for lunch, Mr Bluett and Mr Gregor Macgregor recommenced by taking the new groups on their training walk before some First Aid refresher training. On Sunday they undertook their first day's walk, initially accompanied, to their next campsite. Both groups did well, making good time and arriving in high spirits.
TOPSTITCH is a group of local textile artists . The exhibition represents a years work exploring the theme of Horizons using textile stitch and mixed media. Themes include climate change and the local landscapes as well as personal journeys. Members of the group will be available each day at the gallery. Work will be for sale as well as cards and small items You can find out more about TOPstitch at www.topstitchnorwich.wordpress.com Our guest exhibitor is Debbie Lyddon Debbie is an artist based in North Norfolk whose inspiration comes from being out in the natural world – from walking, noticing, collecting, being curious and learning. She makes mixed media cloths, sculptures, installations and drawings which originate from thoughts and memories that are a consequence of experiencing place and paying attention. 4 — 15 August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)
Another year, another fantastic Norfolk Summer School! What an absolute privilege to welcome 138 Year 12 students from 20 schools across the region, for three days of enriching academic activity in Cathedral Close. It was exciting to see so many young people come together from so many different settings but with one common purpose: to supercharge their journey to higher education. Attendees enjoyed expert-led subject tutorials, one-to-one clinics, and practice interviews, as well as talks on personal statements, student finance, the Oxbridge teaching system, degree apprenticeships, and studying in London. Perhaps most of all, though, they enjoyed the meeting of minds as they explored the subjects they love in the company of academic kindred spirits. The week was delivered by an impressive team: subject specialists from Norwich School (staff and alumni), medical students, law specialists, and the outreach lead from the University of East Anglia, and interview coaches from AVIVA. With keynote addresses from Nigel Cushion (Nelson's Spirit), Dr Gabriel Astorga (2025 Future Presenter Award winner at the Amplify X New Voice Awards), and Martin Schmierer (Norwich City Councillor and Lord Mayor, 2018–19), students left inspired and empowered to take their next steps. On behalf of the Partnerships Team at Norwich School and the 138 brilliant young people, we extend enormous thanks to the following sponsors who so generously make the Norfolk Summer School possible: Alderman Norman’s Foundation, Norwich Freemen’s Charity, R. C. Snelling Charitable Trust, Jarrolds, Norwich School, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, The Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, Norfolk Cambridge Society, and Old Norvicensians Mark Schofield (ON 75–85) and John Walton (ON 54–65). Here's to next Summer!
Norwich Lower School is proud to announce that the Little Roots allotment has been named a winner in the Bees’ Needs Champions Awards 2026, a national recognition scheme led by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The Little Roots allotment has received one of the 2026 Bees’ Needs Champion Awards in recognition of its commitment to supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity through practical environmental action. The prestigious award celebrates organisations that are making a positive difference for bees and other pollinating insects by creating and protecting habitats, raising awareness, and encouraging community involvement. Recognised in the Communities category, Little Roots was commended for its efforts to create pollinator-friendly spaces and enrich local habitats. Through initiatives such as wildflower planting, habitat creation and the addition of a pond, the Little Roots allotment is helping to create an environment that not only enriching for people, but for wildlife too. The Bees’ Needs Champion Awards celebrate the work of organisations across the country that are taking action to support pollinators. Protecting pollinators is essential for maintaining a healthy environment, supporting biodiversity and ensuring thriving green spaces for future generations. Commenting on the award, Mr Worton and Mrs Morgan said: “Protecting our pollinators is essential for a healthy environment and thriving communities. Through our biodiversity initiatives, we are helping to safeguard important habitats while creating greener, more vibrant spaces that pupils and wildlife can enjoy. We are delighted to receive this national recognition for our efforts.” The awards were presented on 14th July, at RHS Wisley, to tie in with Bees’ Needs week. Mr and Mrs Boothby were presented with the award by Mary Creagh MP, the Defra Minister for Nature. The Norwich Lower School gardeners have also recently been recognised in two separate gardening competitions at the recent Royal Norfolk Show. Lower One and Upper One were thrilled to be awarded a gold medal for outstanding exhibit in the School Gardening competition; their entry featured a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor’s garden, created in celebration of 160 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth. In the School Growing competition over forty pupils eagerly took part, nurturing their basil, calendula and radish plants at home with care and commitment in the weeks leading up to the Show. The best examples from each category were then selected and taken to the Showground, where they were judged against entries from other schools. Norwich School pupils were delighted to win all three categories which they entered. Mrs Morgan said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their creativity, perseverance and teamwork and we are delighted to celebrate winning four gold medals at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show! Outdoor learning and gardening skills are interwoven throughout the Lower School curriculum, and our successes at both the Bees’ Needs Champions awards and the Norfolk Show are a testament to this.”
We were thrilled to welcome back to Norwich School on 09 June 2026 Professor Peter Mirfield, highly respected Emeritus Professor of Law at Jesus College, Oxford University. Pulling on his many years of experience, Professor Mirfield delivered, for a fourth successive year, a practical and very informative session on the academic subject of Law to a group of the school’s budding Lower 6 lawyers organised by Development Director, Mr Pearson, and Deputy Head of UCAS, Mr Pearce. The intent of the session was to offer inspiration, and to help our Sixth Formers make informed choices for their studies beyond Norwich School. Following lunch in the new Upper King Street refectory with pupils to break the ice, his tutorial kicked off with an introduction to this popular academic subject and included examples of the necessary critical rigour and skills required to study this subject. This was enlightening, as Law is not a subject taught at school and always requires an informed leap of faith by those committing to study this subject at tertiary level. Subsequently, Professor Mirfield led an in-depth discussion on a celebrated and particularly contentious legal case that went to Appeal (Fagan v Metropolitan Police Commissioner) and concluded with thought-provoking worked examples relating to the Theft Act 1968. As with previous years, analysis provoked lively discussion and mature insights from those in the room. Professor Mirfield was characteristically patient and lucid in his explanations. Now in his mid-seventies, and having just recently retired from all formal teaching at Oxford, this session at Norwich School marked the very final act of his illustrious fifty-year career of teaching Law. This was marked by warm applause from our appreciative young audience. The school wishes Peter well in retirement and we look forward to on-going social interactions with Peter and his wife Jean as their 37 year association with the school continues in different guises.
Rosie B, Lower 6, reports on her experience of Gala Night 2026 below! This year, roughly 800 people filled the Lower School Close to watch Gala Night: one of the closing events of the Gather Festival. Pupils from both the senior and lower school took the pieces they had done across the year in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza! The night was kicked off by a flashmob, choreographed to Never Forget by Take That. Followed by two of the senior school choirs G-Force and The Close Shaves which had the whole crowd snapping their fingers and clapping along. As well as incredible and exiting dance routines from The Lower School, Junior Dance Company and Boys Dance to songs like Best of Both Worlds and Rocketman. Many more performances followed, medleys from the cast of Oliver! Jr and High School Musical J r were loved by the audience, these musicals from earlier in the Gather festival were dynamic and heart-warming and it was lovely to see these talented casts perform them one last time. Other highlights included the Norwich School Diamonds Cheer Team, coming off the back of winning 3rd place in a national competition, an electrifying taster for Bandfest later in the week, the Lower School Choir and more routines from the Senior Dance Company and Musical Theatre Night - and that’s before the interval! Particular spotlight needs to be paid to the Upper 3 musical medley from Matilda , not only did the cast perform an incredible selection of songs (the future of musical theatre at NS is bright!) they were also joined by some of our Upper 6 leavers (Ben G, Will C, Rachel D, Lana K, Rosie P and Sophie M) for an extremely emotional rendition of When I Grow Up which the Lower 6 also performed at their final assembly- there wasn’t a dry-eye in sight! During the interval there were selections from Jazz Night. Afterwards we enjoyed more dances like Traitors by the Lower School Dance Company and the Upper 6 Leavers dance: Miss Celie’s Pants and The Party! by the Senior Dance Company. Lily Mei M sang a ballad to Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and the night was finished with a revival of November’s fantastic Senior Musical; the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar returned one last time to delight the audience with some of the best tracks of the show. Stars of the musical like Louis B, Ben G, Isla B, Will C and so many more, all gave it their all one last time to end this amazing night with an absolutely show-stopping performance!
The Summer Term has been one of the most successful in recent years for Norwich School Boat Club, with pupils competing with distinction at regional, national and international-level events while achieving several historic milestones for the club. The term began with Bedford Regatta, where 55 rowers raced in 17 crews across 14 events. For many of our J14 athletes, this was their first experience of side-by-side regatta racing, and they embraced the challenge superbly. Five crews reached the semi-finals and four progressed to finals, with the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad winning the Open Quad event. The Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four, the J14 Girls’ Quad and the Senior Boys’ 2nd crew also produced outstanding performances, while our coxes demonstrated excellent skill navigating Bedford’s demanding course. At the National Schools’ Regatta on the 2012 Olympic course at Dorney Lake, Norwich School enjoyed some of its strongest performances to date. The J14 Girls’ Octo finished 11th overall, while several J14 Boys Octo were 13th and the J15 boys and girls Coxed Fours were 15th and 13threpectively. The Senior Boys’ 2nd Quad finished an impressive 8th nationally, and both the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad and Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four reached Championship A Finals, each finishing 8th in the country—the highest Championship placing ever achieved by these crews. Success continued at Star Regatta, where 18 crews reached nine finals and secured four victories. Highlights included wins for the J14 Girls’ Double, the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad, the Senior Boys’ Double and the J17 Double, alongside several closely contested finals demonstrating the strength and depth of the squad. The Senior Girls made club history at Henley Women’s Regatta by becoming the first Norwich School sweep crew ever to qualify for the event. After an impressive victory in their opening race, they pushed the eventual National Schools’ champions, Wallingford Rowing Club, all the way in a thrilling quarter-final. At Peterborough Junior Regatta, our younger athletes also impressed, with Edward H and Tilek MQ winning silver in the J14 Double. Another landmark achievement came at Henley Royal Regatta, where the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad became the first Norwich School quad to compete at this prestigious event. Drawn against Canadian champions Ridley College, they produced one of the closest races of the regatta, losing by just one foot after an outstanding performance that earned widespread praise. Finally, congratulations go to Ellie T, James H and Nicholas C for their outstanding progress through the GB Under-19 trial process. Ellie, the first Norwich School girl to progress through the trials process, has the Race-offs on Wednesday, while James and Nicholas advanced to Final Crew Formation following exceptional performances throughout the season. These achievements reflect the commitment, resilience and teamwork shown by every member of the Boat Club. The progress made this year provides an excellent foundation for the future, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of a truly memorable season.
This year's Sports Day got off to a fantastic start with a series of section-based activities designed to encourage teamwork, resilience and mass participation. Pupils competed enthusiastically in the Mile Relay, Tug of War Championship and Hybrid Fitness Challenge, creating an exciting atmosphere from the very beginning of the day. It was incredible to see the Lower Close filled with a sea of house colours, as every team demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and school spirit. The smiles, laughter and encouragement shared throughout the morning perfectly captured the spirit of the event. In the afternoon, attention turned to the traditional track and field competitions, alongside a range of much-loved "Old School Sports Day" activities. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with several long-standing school records being broken. The Senior Girls produced a series of outstanding performances: Minnie Aset a new 200m record with a time of 30.87 seconds. Kat DM broke the 400m record, finishing in 1:07.52. In a remarkable 800m race, both Bea G (2:35) and Minnie A(2:36) finished inside the previous school record. The 1500m also saw Minnie A setting a new record of 5:38, closely followed by Bea G in 5:39, with both athletes bettering the previous record. In the Inter Girls competition, Jennifer Mardle established a new shot put record with an impressive throw of 11.61m and had a discus throw of 32.20m. The Junior Girls also celebrated a record-breaking performance as Rosie Brew set a new javelin record with a throw of 26.09m. Congratulations to all of our pupils for their enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship throughout the day. Whether competing for records, representing their house, or simply taking part, every student contributed to making Sports Day 2026 a tremendous success. A huge thank you also goes to the staff, officials and supporters whose help made the event possible. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by everyone, showcasing the talent, determination and community spirit that make our school so special.
The second half of term has seen some excellent cricket results, with comprehensive performances from many of our squads across both the Framlingham College and RHS fixture blocks. The Inter A girls enjoyed another successful National Cup campaign, which came to an end against Ipswich. They will now host Gresham's in the County Final in September after the original fixture was postponed due to extreme heat. Meanwhile, the U12A boys were crowned County Champions following a clinical display in the final. Our annual MCC and Old Norvicensian (ON) fixtures once again provided plenty of entertainment, with the boys recording their first victory over the ONs in five years while the girls played the 2nd ON match since its introduction last year. The 1st XI girls continued their outstanding cup run with a superb National Cup quarter-final victory over Berkhamsted, securing their place at the School sports magazine National Finals Day in Southampton. Their remarkable journey concluded with a semi-final defeat to Repton, followed by the third-place play-off against Bradfield College. It has been a truly exceptional season, and we are incredibly proud of the team and everything they have achieved. Bella B and Keiran C were deservedly named Girls' and Boys' Players of the Year respectively, recognising their outstanding performances for the 1st XI throughout the season. Our annual House Cricket Festival also provided some excellent cricket and fantastic enthusiasm from both the Junior and Inter pupils. Repton emerged as Inter House champions, while Seagrim and Nelson shared the Junior House trophy. Our boys and girls continue to excel through their involvement in the Norfolk County age-group programme, and we wish them every success as they look ahead to a busy and exciting summer of cricket. As the season draws to a close, we would also like to pay tribute to our Upper 6 cricketers as they leave Norwich School. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and dedication to the school cricket programme over the years. Your contribution has been immense, and the standards, leadership and example you have set for the younger players will leave a lasting legacy. We wish you every success in the next chapter of your cricketing and academic journeys.
Well done to everyone on getting to this point, the final service of the year, and welcome to our guests, the parents and carers of our U6 cohort. The procession at the end of the service through the great West Doors sees our leavers move from pupils to alumni, an occasion which requires both of the key ingredients in Norwich School’s magic recipe: people and place. It is a joy to have everyone with us in order to mark this significant point of transition (that’s the people part) and I cannot think of a more spectacular setting than this place, our Cathedral Church. Not only does it enable us to hear glorious music such as our opening anthem in these surroundings, but it also cements the building in the lives of these young people. The transition today works because the U6 have been walking through and past the West Doors for years. Our anthem later is locus iste by Bruckner, with the words: locus iste a deo factus est, inaestimabile sacramentum, irreprehensibilis est, a translation of which is “This place was made by God; a priceless sacrament, it is without reproach”. Enjoy that music when it comes and if I lose your attention with my words before then, at least there is plenty of architectural eye-candy for you to absorb. It is inevitable at this point of the school year that we look both backwards and forwards. We reflect on the year that has passed and anticipate what is to come during the summer holiday; indeed, I hope the L4, U4 and L5 watching on screens from the presbytery behind the organ are still there and have not already started their break. To facilitate this natural reflection, the members of the Upper 6 will come forwards to reprise a song they sang last week at Gala Night with members of another leaving cohort, the Lower School Upper 3. They are going to sing When I Grow Up by Tim Minchin from the musical, Matilda. Upper 6 sang this song in Gala because Matilda was the Lower School musical this year. I could not resist a pleasing personal piece of symmetry: we have sung When I Grow Up once before in final assembly, at the end of my first year in 2012 when I had just seen the show with my family. I have now been here for 15 years and this will be the last in which I will be both Head and parent.
