“Where do I start?”: Revising New Spec

How is it that time already!! With a whirlwind new spec approaching the finish line, impending final exams and just not enough time to feel in control, it all feels a little too much!

I receive a lot of emails asking for advice and help with revision. In short there is no quick fix or easy answer. Revision is hard work and takes a long time. I often describe revising like going to the gym (it’s about as fun!!), you need to go to the gym consistently, regularly and with a healthy approach, in order to change your physical fitness. This is exactly the same for your brain, you need to revise regularly and consistently and follow a healthy approach – regular breaks, plenty of sleep, no distractions etc.

So here is some advice that might help:

What to revise?:

This might seem a really silly question but the answer of all 32 topics is just so daunting it needs to be broken down into more manageable chunks:

- - Learning key words
  - Answering short content based questions
  - Planning potential essay answers (e.g. “An argument based on reason is more reliable than an argument based on senses.” Discuss or ‘Critically compare Plato’s Form of the Good and Aristotle’s Prime Mover’ or “Evolution logically explains design without the need of God.” Discuss)
  - Making textbook/ wider reading notes
  - Analyzing the spec requirements

These cover all the main elements needed. If students know their key words and spec requirements = C grade, if they can plan potential answers this will help ease the pressure off the exam and if they do a little wider reading this will support higher grades.

Where to start my revision?:

On A3 paper (do a separate sheet for Philosophy, Ethics and DCT) – fold into 3 columns and label: Good to go I know, Sort of know, Panic: No clue.

Using OCR spec requirements found on the OCR website (or in Revision Packs under ‘Must Learn Information’ – purchased below) write each bullet point on a post it note and stick it in the relevant column. This will show you where to start your revision.

e.g.

Then using text books, research and write notes in ‘Text Book Notes’ section (Revision Packs) starting with ‘Panic: No clue’ areas.

Revision Activities and Ideas:

Why not try?:

- Scrabble Quiz: Good for testing recall of key words, names, books etc. (pick a random letter and write as many words covered so far in that unit – e.g Philosophy starting with that letter. Note: it works excellently in groups.
- Content check: test your recall of key information by asking a friend or parent to test you on your class notes (or power points). Check out Assessing the Obvious: Key Knowledge Tests which might help too.
- Study the Mark Schemes: Familiarise yourself with the examiners words and their expectations
- Re-draft any old essays based on feedback given and MS
- Five Paragraph Planning: Create a table (similar to this one). Plan 3-5 paragraph themes for each topic (which cover all the main elements covered in the topic). This will create the structure for your exam answers that can be adapted towards the question. Note: It is always hard when you first see your exam questions. This will help you remember the key elements that you can then adapt to the specific question asked. Don’t forget – one size does not fit all (in other words: one essay structure does not work for all essay questions!)
- Write lots of Essay Plans: Answering the following as part of your plans:
  1. What quote would you use in the introduction to catch the examiners attention/ engage with the topic area?
  2. Which key names/ arguments will you use?
  3. How will you link these points to the question?
  4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each name/ argument?
  5. How will you further criticise/ support/ defend against this initial evaluation?
- You need to still justify whether the philosopher/ argument is strong/ weak, convincing/ not convincing, logical/ illogical etc. – so decide your perspective before you start to plan!

Revision Support:

Check out this Revision Podcast where I go through Religious Language (using the ppt found on YouTube) whilst a student makes notes on a coverall sheet:

Check out this Tips from a Tired Teacher Preview on How to Revise:

To continue watching this Top Tips video as well as having access to all 30 revision podcasts and Mark with Me’s then join I Think Therefore I Teach’s exclusive membership on the Home page.

For more revision support check out “Oh no I need to revise!” Top Revision Tips, Revision ‘Secret’ Weapon: The Coverall! and Blank Sheet Summary.

There are a lot of revision resources designed for the new spec in the shop, including Revision Packs, Key Knowledge Tests and Activities. Just click on the image below to be transferred: