As we reach the end of the autumn term, many of our students are beginning to think about how to carry their learning forward into the new year. This is a busy time of year, and it is easy for revision to feel daunting. For 50 years, Collingham has supported students through exam periods with a combination of academic rigour and pastoral care, and we continue to place great importance on helping students build revision habits that feel manageable and healthy. Our aim is always to support academic progress in a way that protects wellbeing, and the guidance shared by our staff plays a key part in that support.
Revision tips from Paul Caffell
We recently caught up with Paul Caffell, our Head of GCSE, who helps students approach their revision with clarity and balance. His first tip focuses on breaking work into small steps. In Paul’s words:
“Steady progress builds confidence. When you divide your work into clear steps you remove the sense of being overwhelmed and achieve a sense of accomplishment at every step.”
This approach helps students move forward without feeling pressured. Small goals create steady momentum and allow learners to notice their own improvement.
Paul’s second tip encourages students to revise actively rather than passively:
“Active revision makes everything stick. Close your notes, test yourself, talk through an answer or teach a friend. Train your brain to find the knowledge when you need it most.”
Active recall strengthens understanding and builds assurance, and we often see how much more secure students feel when they use these techniques regularly.
His final tip emphasises wellbeing:
“Strong results come from a balanced approach. Your revision schedule should include regular breaks and fresh air. Speak to someone when feeling the pressure.”
This reminder is especially important at this stage of the year. Protecting wellbeing is not separate from good revision; it is part of it. Breaks, fresh air and open conversations help students stay grounded and ready to learn.
How to make the most of this period
We encourage students to apply these principles in simple, practical ways:
- Set one clear goal at the start of each revision session
- Use active methods such as testing yourself or explaining a topic aloud
- Take short breaks after each focused block of work
- Review your progress each evening to build assurance
- Speak with a teacher or a friend if you feel uncertain or under pressure
Why our approach supports students
Our small class sizes allow teachers to identify when someone needs support and to respond quickly. This close attention connects directly with Paul’s emphasis on manageable goals and active engagement. Our focus on wellbeing helps students see revision as a structured process rather than a source of stress, and this approach – combining personalised attention with genuine care – has helped many pupils feel more prepared for the challenges ahead.
A note on our upcoming Christmas revision sessions
Our Christmas revision sessions will take place on 18th and 19th December, offering students focused, one-to-one and small group support in our characteristic nurturing environment. These sessions provide tailored guidance to help students feel more assured and ready for the term ahead.
If your child would benefit from structured revision delivered in our supportive setting, we encourage you to book a place. We know from experience that revision is most effective when it feels supported rather than rushed, and these sessions are a valuable way to build momentum before the new year.
Looking ahead to the new term
As we approach the January restart, we hope students will carry these strategies into the new term and continue to build revision habits that feel sustainable. Steady progress, active learning and care for wellbeing form a strong foundation—principles that have guided Collingham for half a century.
We remain committed to helping every student step into the new term with clarity and purpose, supported by the personalised attention and pastoral care that define our approach to education in the heart of Kensington.
We wish all our pupils a restful break and a healthy start to the year ahead.