Revision can be a challenge for anyone, but for students with ADHD, staying focused and organised during GCSE prep can feel especially overwhelming. The key is to use ADHD-friendly revision tips that cater to your unique strengths while tackling potential challenges head-on. Whether you're revising for English Language or Literature, these practical strategies will help you maximise your study sessions and feel more confident as exam day approaches.
1. Structure Study Time with the Pomodoro Technique
One of the most effective ADHD-friendly revision tips is the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks study time into manageable chunks. Here's how it works:
Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task, like annotating a poem or answering a practice question.
When the timer buzzes, reward yourself with a 5-minute break—watch a quick video, grab a snack, or take a short walk.
After completing four Pomodoro cycles (two hours), enjoy a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
This method keeps your brain engaged while preventing burnout. Apps like Focus Booster or Forest can help you stay on track.
2. Create a Distraction-Free Study Space
A cluttered or noisy environment can make it harder to focus. Set up a study space that minimises distractions:
Clear your desk of anything unrelated to your current task.
Use noise-canceling headphones or listen to calming background music (instrumental tracks work best).
Turn off notifications or put your phone on airplane mode.
If you struggle to stay seated, consider studying while standing at a counter or pacing with flashcards.
3. Use Colour and Visual Aids
ADHD brains often respond well to colour and visuals, making revision more engaging:
Highlight notes in different colours for easy reference (e.g., yellow for quotes, blue for analysis, green for context).
Create mind maps to connect themes and characters in your texts.
Use sticky notes to jot down key ideas and move them around to explore connections.
For example, if you're revising Macbeth, you could use a mind map to visually connect Macbeth’s ambition to themes like power and betrayal.
4. Incorporate Movement into Your Study Routine
Sitting still for long periods can feel unbearable, so find ways to include movement:
Pace while you read notes or recite quotes aloud.
Use a stress ball or fidget tool to keep your hands busy while focusing on tasks.
Take movement breaks, like a short walk, between study sessions.
Physical activity can help regulate restlessness and improve your ability to concentrate.
5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large tasks can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps makes them less daunting. For example:
Instead of “revise An Inspector Calls", try “write character notes for Sheila” or “find three quotes about social responsibility”.
Use a checklist to tick off completed steps—it’s satisfying and motivating!
Starting with something small and achievable also helps build momentum.
6. Set Goals and Rewards
Motivation can be tricky, so use rewards to keep yourself on track:
Set a clear goal for each study session, like answering two practice questions or summarizing one chapter.
Treat yourself afterward, whether it’s a favorite snack, 10 minutes of gaming, or a quick scroll through social media.
Turning revision into a game—like earning points for every task completed—can also make it more fun and motivating.
7. Try Multisensory Learning
Engaging multiple senses can improve focus and retention:
Read your notes aloud to yourself or record key points and listen to them while walking.
Write quotes or key ideas on flashcards and physically move them around to explore links.
Use tactile tools like sticky notes or diagrams to make abstract ideas more concrete.
This approach works particularly well for memorising quotes or structuring your answers for English Language exams.
8. Manage Time with ADHD-Friendly Tools
Students with ADHD often struggle with time management, but tools can help:
Use a physical or digital planner to block out study times for each subject.
Set alarms or reminders to transition between tasks.
Apps like Todoist or Notion are great for organizing tasks into simple, actionable lists.
A “done” list of completed tasks can also help you stay motivated by showing your progress.
9. Minimise Open Tabs and Clutter
Having too many resources open—whether on your desk or your screen—can lead to overwhelm:
Only keep the materials you need for your current task in front of you.
Use browser extensions like OneTab to reduce the number of open tabs while researching.
This makes it easier to focus and prevents you from feeling pulled in too many directions.
10. Build a Routine That Works for You
A consistent routine can help reduce decision fatigue and make revision feel more manageable. For example:
Set aside specific times each day for revision, such as 4-6 PM.
Begin each session with a warm-up task, like reviewing yesterday’s notes.
End with a quick reflection or checklist of what you accomplished.
The predictability of a routine makes it easier to get started, even on tough days.
11. Work with Accountability
Having someone to share your goals with can make all the difference:
Study with a friend or share your daily goals with a family member.
Join online study groups or forums for GCSE students.
Accountability partners can help keep you consistent and celebrate your wins along the way.
Final Thoughts on ADHD-friendly revision
Revising for your GCSEs with ADHD doesn’t have to be a struggle. By using these ADHD-friendly revision tips, you can create a study plan that works with your brain, not against it. Remember, the key is to work smarter, not harder—whether that’s breaking tasks into small steps, using colourful visuals, or taking plenty of breaks.
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