Christmas break revision tips to boost your exam success

Christmas is here—time for hot cocoa, holiday movies, and... exam prep? Okay, maybe studying doesn’t scream festive fun, but your Christmas break is the perfect chance to catch up and boost your mock exam success.

With the right balance, you can relax and still stay on top of your game. Ready to make this holiday count? Let’s look into some easy tips to help you make the most of your Christmas break.

Create a study timetable

The key to effective revision is a solid timetable. Start by setting clear, realistic goals. Break your syllabus into smaller sections, like chapters or topics, to make it less overwhelming. Be honest about how much you can achieve in a day, and allow extra time for unexpected delays. Adjust your goals as you progress.

Next, create a weekly schedule. Divide your day into focused blocks, like one- or two-hour sessions, with breaks in between. Plan tough tasks for when your energy is highest, like mornings, and save lighter work for later. A balanced plan keeps you productive without burning out.

Here’s a template you can use to create your weekly schedule:

Downloadable Weekly Planner by MyEdSpace

Downloadable PDF of MyEdSpace weekly planner: click here for a downloadable version.

Create a study-friendly space.

Your study space plays a big role in how well you focus and retain information. Choose a quiet spot with minimal interruptions, like a corner of your room or a library. Keep it tidy—only essentials like textbooks and stationery should be on your desk.

Avoid distractions by silencing your phone or using apps to block non-study sites. If you’re using a device, stick to academic tasks.

Personalise your space with small touches like a plant or motivational quote, but keep it simple. A clean, focused setup makes all the difference!

Prioritise

To revise effectively, focus on what is most important and urgent. Start by identifying the subjects or topics you struggle with the most. Work on these first, as they usually need more time and effort. However, don’t ignore your stronger areas—set aside some time to review them to keep a balanced approach.

Divide your syllabus into high-priority and low-priority sections. High-priority topics include frequently tested topics, which carry more weight in the exam or are particularly challenging for you. Use past exam papers and your teacher's guidance to identify these areas. Low-priority topics, while less critical, should still be included in your schedule to ensure full coverage.

Get out of the house

Christmas at home can be pretty hectic, with family, friends, and all the festive chaos. If it’s tough to focus, why not head to a coffee shop or library? It’s quieter, less distracting, and perfect for getting in the zone.

Even an hour or two away can make a difference. The change of scenery will help you clear your head and concentrate better. Plus, it’s a good excuse to grab your favourite coffee or enjoy some quiet time!

Give yourself rest

When you’re studying hard, it’s easy to forget how important it is to rest. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of laziness—your brain needs to recharge. Studying non-stop can lead to burnout and make it harder to focus.

Make sure you schedule regular breaks throughout your study sessions. Even a 10-15 minute break every hour can work wonders. Use this time to relax, stretch, grab a snack, or even take a short walk. Doing so will help keep you refreshed and focused for longer periods.

Also, don't underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow your brain to absorb what you’ve learned. A well-rested mind is more efficient and better at retaining information, so make rest a priority!

Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself is a great way to stay motivated while studying. After hitting a study goal or completing a challenging task, treat yourself to something that feels like a reward. It could be something simple like watching an episode of your favourite show, enjoying a sweet snack, or taking a break with a fun activity.

One idea for a fun reward could be heading out to do something active and exciting, like ice skating! It's a fantastic way to relax, have fun, and clear your mind after a solid study session. Not only will it give you a refreshing break, but it’ll also boost your mood and energy, making you ready to dive back into your work.

Want to know more about the benefits of ice skating? Check out our article on Fun Winter Activities for Kids: Ice Skating!

Get the family involved

There’s no rule saying revision has to be a solo activity, especially during the festive Christmas season. Why not get the family involved too? They can quiz you with note cards, proofread your essays, or just keep bringing you festive snacks and hot drinks to keep you going.

Getting the family on board with your study routine can make a big difference, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. Let them know what you’re working on and the goals you’re aiming for.

Use smart revision techniques

Here are five smart revision techniques that can boost your productivity and help you retain information more effectively:

Active Recall & Spaced Repetition

Active recall is all about actively retrieving information from your memory rather than just reviewing or highlighting your notes. You can use flashcards, self-quizzing, or summarise what you’ve learned without looking at your notes. This cognitive effort helps to strengthen the neural connections associated with the information.

Spaced repetition builds on this by reviewing information at increasing intervals. This technique takes advantage of the spacing effect, which helps you retain information better over time. Combining active recall with spaced repetition is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term memory.

The Learn-Write-Watch Technique

This technique breaks your study sessions into three distinct modes:

Learn: Start by reading or studying the topic at hand.
Write: Then, summarise what you’ve learned or answer practice questions. Writing reinforces your understanding.

Watch: Finish with visual learning, such as watching educational videos or tutorials.

Switching between these different modes keeps your study sessions fresh, engaging, and more productive by preventing burnout and mental fatigue.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique that organises information around a central theme. You create a map with branches radiating out to represent subtopics and related details. This approach is ideal for visual learners and helps in remembering complex ideas. The connections between different pieces of information improve recall, and seeing the whole subject at once can give you a clearer understanding.

Teaching someone else

Explaining the material to someone else is a powerful way to solidify your knowledge. Teaching forces you to break down complex information into simple terms, helping you understand the material better. By doing this, you also test your knowledge and prepare for questions you might not have considered, deepening your understanding.

The Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro Technique helps maintain productivity by using short, focused intervals of work followed by short breaks. This method combats burnout and helps sustain concentration by giving your brain time to rest between sessions. By breaking your revision into chunks, you stay focused during study time and refreshed during your breaks, improving your efficiency in the long run.

Get the help you need over the Christmas holidays

We get it—the holidays are for relaxing, but if you’re preparing for exams next year, now’s the time to stay ahead. At MyEdSpace, we make studying easier and more fun, even during the busiest seasons.

Our lessons are packed with interactive and engaging content for subjects like Maths, Science, and English. Whether you need a quick concept recap or help with problem areas, we've got your back.

This Christmas, make the most of your time without giving up the festive vibe. Sign up with MyEdSpace and get ready to ace those exams with confidence!