How to (not) focus on assessments (so much)

With everything opening up again and exams for year 11’s and year 13’s getting ever-closer, time management and prioritising is going to be a key skill this month.

​Of course, putting things into perspective is important too, both on a global and personal perspective. In this blog, I’ll be talking about things you should be doing to get ready for oncoming assessments, as well keeping up with broader things.

As I’ve said before, knowing which revision techniques and styles suit you best is key. With exams sooner than expected (or even quite unexpected in the first place) it might be necessary to switch up the style a bit. Instead of focusing on making long term, immaculately perfect and lengthy notes, focus on knowing the content and practicing. The neatest revision is often not the best! Given that there is such little time to get through so much content, it really is important to plan your revision and prioritise, strategically, what topics are most important and which you find the hardest. That way, you are more prepared and learn how to use your time effectively. This isn’t an excuse to just cut off the bit you don’t like though, there is still quite some time left so just be aware, and realistic, of how much you can get done.

I know I always mention covid in my blogs and the large scale changes it has caused, but the way that it affects how we study is important to note. After more than a year of keeping in the ‘bubble’ of our houses when a trip to big Tesco feels like a holiday, shops and restaurants are starting to open up. A great revision break to use those unused IDs at the pub which have been getting dusty in a draw… right? I hate to be a party pooper but these next weeks really are important so don’t get too caught up in making the most of everything opening up. Keep that three month long summer in mind!

Now for the second part of the blog. I know what you might be thinking… already? Only two paragraphs on revision for exams which we’ve been working towards for years? Well, that’s sort of the point. Check back on my previous blogs if you want some revision techniques, but I’m sure you’ll be fine! These next assessments won’t be the complete weighting of grades, and it’ll probably be just a matter of getting some revision done. Just remember: time management and prioritising is very important!

Whilst assessments will (unfortunately) be quite common in life, especially if you are choosing the university route, so will a lot of other things… hence the importance of time management. The Icelandic phrase life 'Ad Ganga Med Bok I Maganum' shows us the importance of this idea: life is an unfolding story. We need to be aware of the future and not just these immediate next few weeks of exams. There are so many things we can do to develop social skills, interests and experiences which will help in later life. 

Take this, for example: a sustainability competition open for students. Getting involved is not only important to develop what you are passionate about, but helps enhance different skills, which can never be a bad thing for employability! Green Gown awards have a commitment to sustainability and more eco-friendly approach to institutions, through this competition, they are encouraging others to think of manageable solutions to the climate crisis in higher and further education institutions. Entries are open, and you can find out more here , as well as taking a look at the previous finalist brochures for some inspiration here. 

Ok, so you may be a little confused. Assessments are oncoming, you’ve been told going out to the shops all the time probably isn’t great for revision and I was talking about prioritisation…so what’s all this about social and environmental awareness? Well, first of all, these things are always important and if you can juggle these plates, you can do anything- that it itself is a skill! Don’t forget, these skills of prioritisation and time management don’t just revolve around these months of revision, but for life in general. 

So, it’s important to not get caught up in these summer assessments and look at things from a different angle for a little, however hard that may seem. For me, the great thing about the changes to the exam and assessment method is that they are more spread out and don’t rely solely on one or two papers at the end of a two year course. This allows you to focus on other important things, and gain a wider arsenal of skills which can help shape you into a more well rounded person (Even more than you are already)!

Perspective is not only focusing on exams and grades, but keeping in mind your future career (from post 18 options to general job paths), the skills which you want to achieve and combining this with your responsibility to the planet and people. All seems a bit much, right? Which is why time management and prioritisation is important...see, I told you it would make sense eventually!

Bit of a long blog, I know- just remember to keep perspective of the micro and macro, keeping long term and short term goals in mind. If you're doing summer exams, keep engaging in lessons and completing work. Year 13s: consider university offers and start thinking about firm and insurance choices. Find a timeline for students taking exams this year here.

​See you next month!

Author

ANISHA MINOCHA is a sixth form student from Manchester, hoping to study English Literature and Spanish at university. She is a passionate writer and poet whose work has been published in anthologies, magazines, blogs and won competitions. Contributing to Sink Magazine, she is keen to utilize the voice of young people and share work through her creative writing blog.  As a climate activist, she has combined her love for words and the planet in a performance of spoken word at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 'Letters to the Earth'. She also co-runs Young Friends of the Earth: Manchester and has organised workshops, participated in panels and spoken at Manchester Cathedral.