National 5 & Higher RMPS: Your Complete Exam Preparation Guide

Part 1: How to Revise (Effectively!)

There are countless studies on the best ways to revise. The major trick? Finding a way that actually works for you.

All the research agrees on one thing: simply reading over your notes is not effective. You gain nothing from it apart from looking like you are revising. You need to do something active with the information.

1. Find Your Revision Style

If you don’t know what works for you yet, start here. I’ve built interactive quizzes to help you identify your ideal study methods based on your habits:

2. Generate Active Tasks

Instead of just staring at a textbook, use active recall. To take the guesswork out of what you should do next, I’ve created automated task generators that will give you a specific, random revision activity to complete:

3. The Ultimate Method: Past Papers & Essays

The simplest and most effective method for exam prep is practising SQA past papers. Work through a paper without notes, mark it strictly, and then rewrite the perfect answers. To make this easier, I’ve built tools to help you tackle the hardest parts of the exam:

4. Bookmark the Hubs

For all your course notes, summaries, and complete guides, make sure you have your specific course hub bookmarked for easy access during study leave:

Part 2: Planning & Goal Setting

The first place to start is planning. Create a study plan, and deliberately schedule time for “fun” activities too. It is all about balance.

Chunk It Up: The To-Do List

I write to-do lists all the time. Break everything up into simple, manageable tasks. For example, instead of writing “Revise RMPS”, write:

Answer the 20-marker from the 2022 RMPS paper.
Put the washing away.
Complete one non-calculator Maths paper.
Text John back.

Make SMART Revision Goals

A massive to-do list can feel overwhelming. SMART goals keep you focused and stop you from sitting at your desk for two hours achieving nothing. Before you sit down to study, make sure your goal meets these criteria:

Specific: What exactly are you going to revise? (e.g., “The 4 Noble Truths,” not just “Buddhism”).
Measured: How will you know it’s done? (e.g., “Finish a past paper,” “Complete a mind map”).
Achievable: Can you actually do this in one sitting?
Realistic: Do you have the resources to do this right now? Don’t stress—if not, change the goal.
Time Limit: Give yourself a deadline (e.g., “Write a 10-mark essay in 20 minutes”).

Part 3: Looking After Yourself

Exam season can get you down, and if you don’t look after yourself, it can make you unwell. Revision is important, but your health is paramount.

Here are my top tips for surviving the season:

1. Exercise (Yes, really)

It might be the last thing you want to do, but it really helps. It acts as mindfulness—you are focusing on the movement and sweating out the bad vibes. Whether it’s a 30-minute run, a walk with the dog, or 5-a-side with your pals, please take time to step away from the desk.

2. Eat Properly

When you are stressed, you might want to eat your body weight in Pringles and Creme Eggs. It’s great to treat yourself, but you need to give your brain good fuel. Eat breakfast every day (especially before exams!) and try not to fuel yourself entirely on caffeine.

3. Take a Break

Don’t feel guilty if you need a break. Factor in some downtime to relax. If you feel like you need to relax but also feel guilty for not studying… there are so many documentaries on YouTube and Netflix that basically count as revision!

4. Talk to People

If you feel like it’s all getting too much, talk to someone. It might be your pals, your family, your Guidance teacher, or your subject teachers. Do not suffer in silence. There’s always a solution, and teachers are happy to talk things through, listen to your rants, and help wherever possible.

Where Can I Get Extra Help?

If you need extra help, speak to your teachers. They can point you in the direction of subject-specific help or take some time to go through tricky concepts with you. Please do not leave it until the last minute though! If something is bugging you, speak up now.

Speak to your Guidance teacher as well. Just because you are on study leave does not mean the school stops supporting you. We are always here for you.

Talk to the people in your class—you are all in this together, and you can do it!

GOOD LUCK!