Brain-Friendly Exam Preparation

By the end of the workshop, you'll have explored how to:

• Understand memory and learning: Explore retrieval practice, spaced learning, attention and cognitive load, and how these influence effective revision.
• Recognise revision barriers: Identify how stress, executive functions, sensory needs and individual learning differences can affect exam preparation.
• Support psychological safety: Explore ways to help your child discuss difficulties, make mistakes and ask for support without fear of judgement or additional pressure.
• Use evidence-informed revision approaches: Explore practice questions, spaced revision, manageable study sessions and appropriate breaks.
• Develop a realistic revision plan: Create a flexible approach that considers your child's learning needs, wellbeing and exam commitments, including how to manage expectations and pressure.

This workshop may be particularly useful if you:

• Support a child or young person preparing for GCSEs or other exams.
• Want to understand which revision strategies are supported by learning research.
• Notice stress, procrastination or overwhelm around revision.
• Support a neurodivergent learner or a child with additional learning needs.
• Would like to encourage revision while protecting your child's confidence and wellbeing.

No specialist knowledge is needed. The approaches can be adapted to different ages, subjects and learning needs.

Explore how memory and learning work

We'll look at attention, memory, retrieval practice, spaced learning and why some familiar revision habits may be less effective than they seem.

Recognise barriers to revision

We'll consider stress, task initiation, sensory needs, cognitive overload and differences in how young people manage exam preparation.

Reduce pressure and build confidence

We'll explore how parental expectations, conversations about results and responses to mistakes can influence how safe young people feel asking for help.

Try practical revision approaches

Drawing on the MINDI approach, we'll explore practice questions, spacing, manageable sessions, breaks and ways to adapt revision to individual needs.

Make a realistic revision plan

You'll identify ways to support your child in developing a flexible plan that balances exam preparation, other commitments and rest.

• A 90-minute live, interactive online workshop.
• Practical revision examples and optional reflection activities.
• Downloadable revision planning resources.
• Adaptable evidence-informed revision strategies.
• Opportunities to ask questions.
• A follow-up email with resources.

Revision places demands on memory, attention and executive functions. Young people may need to plan their time, manage distractions, retrieve information and cope with uncertainty about their performance.

We'll draw on psychology, neuroscience and learning science to explore approaches such as retrieval practice and spaced learning, alongside the importance of manageable cognitive demands and rest.

We'll also consider psychological safety. Young people need opportunities to ask questions, make mistakes and talk about difficulties without feeling that their worth depends on exam results.

The aim is to help families make informed choices that support effective learning and wellbeing.

Is this only for GCSE parents?
No. The principles can be adapted to different school exams and assessments, including GCSEs.

Does my child need to attend?
No. This workshop is designed for parents and carers.

Is this suitable for parents of neurodivergent learners?
Yes. We'll explore ways to adapt revision support to different learning needs.

Will you provide a revision timetable?
You'll receive planning resources and guidance for developing a flexible revision plan suited to your child's circumstances.

Will this improve my child's exam grades?
We can't guarantee particular results. The workshop focuses on evidence-informed strategies and practical ways to support learning and wellbeing.

Will I need to share information about my child?
No. You can participate without sharing personal or identifying information.

Can I request accessibility adjustments?
Yes. Please share any access needs when booking.

Will I receive resources?
Yes. You'll receive downloadable revision planning resources and a follow-up email.