WITH GCSE exams now in full swing, students are busy swotting up on subjects from maths to music. At Freman College in Buntingford, the school has come up with a range of methods to ensure that students revise as productively as possible. Assistant head M

WITH GCSE exams now in full swing, students are busy swotting up on subjects from maths to music.

At Freman College in Buntingford, the school has come up with a range of methods to ensure that students revise as productively as possible.

Assistant head Mike New said: "We want to give our students the best possible preparation before these important exams.

"Lisa Jones, who is another assistant head here, arranged a meeting with parents earlier this term to get them up to speed on what their children should be revising and ways in which they can help them.

"We've also produced booklets for students and parents, detailing revision techniques and useful topics and resources for each subject.

"All subject teachers actually finished teaching the syllabus around three or four weeks ago, meaning there has been plenty of time for in-class revision."

The school's revision booklet suggests several study aids, including drawing a mind map, the use of flash cards, and even recording key facts to listen to on an MP3 player.

Students at Freman say they find a variety of techniques effective.

Year 11 pupil Ruth Simmons said: "I find the school website really useful.

"Other than that, I tend to make notes, and make sure that I've got some calming acoustic music on, although my mum doesn't think this helps!"

"Music is really good," agrees Tom Noble.

"Without it I find it gets too quiet and my mind wanders on to other things.

"You have to make sure you take plenty of breaks too."

Matt Eggington said: "There are lots of good websites, but you have to make sure you pick the right one for your syllabus and the level of exam your taking.

"I also go over what I've learned several times to make sure it sticks in my head.

"There's no point just reading a revision guide, then not looking at it again, because you forget most of the information straight away."

Mr New said the school continued to prepare students right up until the last minute.

"We have asked pupils to arrive at school 20 minutes before each exam so they can meet their teachers and classmates and discuss any final questions they may have," he said.

"One subject tutor has even brought in breakfast cereal to make sure her students weren't going into exams hungry.