The Leaving Cert can be one of the most demanding periods in our lives. With six or more subjects to cover, students can often find themselves feeling stressed out. But fear not! We’ve put together some top tips to help you through the next couple of months.
Stay Positive
Positivity is key to a good Leaving Cert. When you’re struggling to bring yourself to study, just remind yourself of how far you’ve come. The last few years have been leading up to the Leaving Cert and in just a few more months you’ll be at the finish line. If that’s not enough to get you through, just think about all the fun you’ll have at NCI next year when you’re a student.
Get to know the Marking Scheme
One of the biggest mistakes students make when sitting the Leaving Cert is not being familiar with the marking scheme. This aspect is usually the difference between those who achieve really high grades and those that don’t. By familiarising yourself with the marking scheme for each paper, you can then allocate your time accordingly to each section, which will assist you in achieving maximum results.
Mnemonics are your Friend
A Mnemonic is a revision method designed to aid your memory. Mnemonics are sets of letters or associations that help you to recall something. For example for those of you studying Biology, the Mnemonic L.O.R.D is an easy way to remember that the heart is Left Oxygenated and Right Deoxygenated. Mnemonics are a great learning tool and can really help when trying to recall difficult lists and phrases.
Attend a Revision Session
Revision sessions are a great asset when sitting the Leaving Cert. A crash course in English or Maths can be the difference between a C3 and a C1. NCI hold Free Revision Courses every year in Maths and English and are a great way to familiarise yourself with the course content.
Practice Makes Perfect
Active study is key. Writing out your own notes and practicing past exam questions is a lot more effective than simply flicking through your book. The more you write the answers out, the more you're likely to remember them on the day. So get that notepad out and start writing!
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