How to Revise Alevel Politics...When the time is ticking

you've enjoyed the hot weather too much, and now the time is ticking...will you be able to learn ALL this content within two weeks? I'm here to tell you, it is possible. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and put in the work.

Tip #1 - Strategise

Before undergoing any form of revision, you need to be clear on what it is you're going to revise, and what kind of content you're covering. Get out your syllabus! This is going to be the directory for your studying going forward.

Tip #2 - Prioritise

With your syllabus infront of you, get out some highlighters. Choose three colours and make a key, one colour for high priority, one colour for medium priority, and one colour for low priority. High priority content will be content you have little to no understanding of. Content that you look at that triggers question marks to pop up in your brain instead of answers. With this content you're going to need to be diving into this immediately and clarifying what exactly it is, examples, and how it's going to fit into an essay. Medium priority content is content you understand, but needs a little more time and appreciation. Low priority content is content you could recite, hanging upside down or from the top of a rollercoaster.

Tip #3 - Tackling the High Priority Content

If you have time, dive headfirst into the textbook or classnotes. You're going to really have to clarify this content to get the grips with it. Work with your learning style, if it's audible, then listen to a politics podcast that breaks this topic down. If it's visual, watch an Alan History Nerd video that summarises the topic. If it's through teaching others, read over your notes and explain the topic to a friend, a family member, or even your dog! If you're really stretched for time prioritse ticking off these main aspects:

definitions within the topic

explanations/how things work

examples and case studies

once you've clarified these things, make a start with looking at the essay questions that have come up in the past and start devising your essay plans!

Tip #4 - Tackling Medium Priority Content

This is content you've got...but need a refresher. Start by doing a blurt diagram. Set a timer and then write everything you know about this topic, it could be anything from key words, to examples, to essay questions etc. Once the timer runs out, take a look at what you've got, and then, from the syllabus or your class notes, what you've missed out. In terms of catching up/refreshing, I always watched Youtube videos breaking down the concepts or topics. Often I found re-reading the entire textbook wasn't helpful especially with content I already knew or understood, where as youtube videos such as those made by Mr Patel Politics or Alan History Nerd helped to just catch my mind up to what i'd missed/rejog my memory. Once you've filled the gaps, make sure to start making essay plans.

Tip #5 -Tackling Low Priority Content

Make sure you have your evidence locked in. Remember, in my linktree there is a doc full of our communal a-level politics examples which will help you out. Once you've got your evidence, make your essay plans for the low priority topics, and even do some timed essay practise. These will help you especially if you struggle with timing in the exam.

The exam approaching can be daunting, but you ALWAYS have time to advance your studies and prepare! Good luck <3