let’s take a moment to congratulate the champions of our March competition: Suren Fereydoni (GCSE) and Joe McCarthy(A‑level). Both aced their January mocks, used the momentum to fine-tune their revision strategies and have carried that work ethic straight into the summer exam season. Their commitment shows exactly how purposeful practice - plus a dash of friendly competition - can set you up for success.
Joe McCarthy
Suren Fereydoni
Caution: As professional tutors and mentors, our aim is to offer broad guidance beneficial to most students. However, this advice is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We encourage open discussions with educators and guardians for personalised advice, and we remind readers to consider their unique circumstances when applying suggestions from this newsletter.
It’s fourteen days till that first exam and the panic is nibbling at your focus. Tempted to trade sleep for marathon cram-sessions? Don’t. Instead, laser-site the topics that still wobble and fire off timed, high-impact drills. Lock your battle plan by day seven, then pivot to the sneaky stuff that can torpedo performance—eight predictable hours of sleep, blood-sugar-steady meals, seat numbers printed, calculator batteries checked, pens stocked. When the 24-hour countdown hits, silence the “just one more chapter” itch: cramming now only spikes cortisol and jams recall (Roy et al., 2023; Vogel & Schwabe, 2016). Keep it light—quick recall laps, steady hydration, a walk, screens off an hour before lights-out. Students who run revision like this—structured, scheduled, active—regularly outscore equally talented peers (Walck-Shannon et al., 2021). Your edge isn’t more hours; it’s squeezing every last mark out of the hours you already own.
Day 14–11 – Macro mapping: Open past papers and exam‑board specs side‑by‑side. Tick topics you can teach aloud; star the fuzzies. Draft a two‑week plan that hits every star twice and every tick once.
Day 10–8 – Targeted drill: Switch to question‑level practice: write answers under timed conditions, then annotate mark schemes in green for gained and red for leaked points.
Day 7–5 – Pattern spotting: Compile a “repeat offenders” sheet—common questions, equation formats, or Shakespeare motifs. Pin it above your desk.
Day 4–3 – Dry run: Sit a full paper at the exact exam time, in silent conditions, then mark and plug gaps that evening.
Day 2 – Kit check: Sharpen pencils, clear calculator memory, print seat numbers, lay out uniform. Brain space is precious; outsource logistics to the checklist.
Day 1 – Buffer: Nothing new. Light flashcards, healthy dinner, bed by 22:30.
Topic Snapshot – Open your ‘cheat & mistakes’ sheet: can you explain each item without notes? If not, five‑minute micro‑drills only.
Paper Strategy – Review your exam strategy: know the section order, optional questions, and mark weightings so you slash decision time.
Memory Palace Check – Walk through your mnemonic anchors (e.g., journey through your house) ensuring key dates, equations, quotes sit where they should.
Sleep Plan – Aim for eight hours. Set two alarms: phone across the room + cheap analogue backup.
Fuel Prep – Freeze a bottle of water overnight; it’ll thaw slowly and stay cold through the exam. Prep slow‑release snacks for the day ahead (oat bar, banana,…)
Mindset Cue – Write a one‑sentence intention: “I read every question slowly and pick up free marks first.” Stick it to your bedside lamp.
Box Breathing – Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat four cycles; heart rate drops ~10 bpm, anxiety cools.
Brain‑Dump Sheet – Grab scrap paper and empty every swirling thought—formulae, quotes, worries—onto it. This externalises clutter, freeing working memory.
Movement – 20 squats or a brisk stroll changes blood chemistry, delivering glucose and oxygen to the brain
Review past mistakes – Open yesterday’s marked answer and fix one red highlight. Action beats contemplation.
Morning‑Of Game Plan
Wake up at least two hours before the paper to allow cortisol and alertness to stabilise. Eat a balanced breakfast (not cereal which is high in sugar). Aim to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure that there is little chance of you arriving late for your exam. This will also assist with reducing stress, lower heart rate and higher cognitive function during the exam. While waiting, avoid syllabus chat; social stress spreads easily. Instead, visualise the paper’s layout and rehearse your section order. Two minutes before entry attempt the box breathing strategy to maximise oxygen uptake and maintain a clear head. Once inside, write down key equations or quotes on the back of the paper immediately—this sketchpad approach offloads memory so you can focus on reasoning.
Post‑Paper Reset & Next‑Paper Pivot
Celebrate—briefly. Grab water, a walk in fresh air, and a wholesome treat. Do not autopsy errors for more than ten minutes; what’s done is done, no point dwelling on mistakes. Instead, list three things that worked (timing, calculations, calm breathing). Then jot two micro‑adjustments for the next paper—maybe review questions or formula brain‑dump at the start of the paper. Dinner should include complex carbs and magnesium‑rich greens to replenish glycogen and calm the nervous system. Lights out by 22:30. Tomorrow’s win starts with tonight’s reset.
Membership
- Please note that only GCSE and A-level students can become members as there is no membership option available for those not yet studying their GCSEs.
- The membership entails a fixed number of hours taught at a fixed price per month. Any additional hours required will be charged separately at the membership price.
£35ph for GCSE
£43ph for A-level
Previous discounts provided are no longer applied for members
No refunds for cancellation of lessons
Missed lessons can be re-booked within a 2-week grace period - subject to availability
Payments are taken on the same day every month
By agreeing to become a member of Better Life Tuition, you are also agreeing to set up a standing order for the duration of your membership.
A deposit will be required in the case of early termination. This will be returned to you after the final payment is processed.
- Please be aware that for the full academic year, the 9 month option is recommended as the 12 month option includes the summer holidays.
- The amount of deposit required will vary dependant on the duration of the membership and the amount of hours requested.
Mentorship
The Mentorship option is now available exclusively for A-level students. These sessions are designed to last approximately 30 minutes and focus on teaching essential meta-cognitive skills that are vital for both life and academics.
In addition to metacognitive skills, the mentorship will also include:
Personalised book recommendations to enhance learning and personal growth.
Time management skills to help students effectively balance their academic and personal lives.
Basic CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) techniques to support mental well-being and resilience.
Personal Statement & University Applications support to support their application process and increase awareness of options available.
Stress Management support to provide techniques, assistance and guidance to help students to manage their stress levels throughout their journey.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Nader via email or WhatsApp.
Bulk Buys
3 month (12 weeks) invoice = 10% discount
6 month (24 weeks) invoice = 12.5% discount
