At AKS, we are dedicated to ensuring every student feels confident and prepared as they approach their GCSE, A-Level, or end-of-year examinations. As part of our commitment to academic excellence and student wellbeing, we recently hosted a series of Revision and Study Skills Workshops for students in Years 8 to 10, timed to support their preparation ahead of the summer exam season.
Led by Dr Chris Jessop (Assistant Head – Teaching & Learning) and supported by Allan McKeown (Senior Deputy Head), the workshops form part of our wider strategy to embed effective, sustainable learning habits across all year groups.
Allan McKeown emphasised the importance of these skills:
“Effective revision programmes and strategies are crucial for our students as they lay the foundation for academic success, build confidence, and develop lifelong learning habits. By mastering these skills early, students are better prepared to tackle future challenges with resilience and determination. In an ever-changing society with so many potential distractions, the ability and self-discipline to focus has never been more important.”
To complement the workshops, each student received a bespoke AKS Revision and Study Skills Guide - a comprehensive, interactive resource based on current educational research. Recognising that every learner is different, the guide includes a wide range of strategies to suit individual learning styles, promoting a flexible, personalised approach to revision.
Key features of the guide include:
· A subject-by-subject list of topics for the June examinations
· Advice on managing workload and structuring revision time effectively
· Practical guidance on memory techniques, note-taking, and time management
· Checklists to track progress and build a sense of achievement
Importantly, the resource is not designed to add pressure, but rather to empower students by giving them the clarity, confidence, and structure they need to revise with purpose and direction. A short video summarising the workshops, presented by Dr Jessop can be viewed here: 2025 Study Skills overview
Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. One Year 9 parent commented:
“The revision and study skills session for Year 9 has really helped my son plan his revision and the different techniques he will use. The note-taking advice was very useful and he now understands more about what he has to do. The accompanying booklets are a great resource to act as a checklist - we are very grateful that the school has put this in place to support the pupils.”
As we move closer to the examination period, AKS remains focused on equipping students not only with academic knowledge but also with the mindset and skills they need to succeed independently. Through consistent support, structured guidance, and an emphasis on wellbeing, we continue to help each student achieve their personal best