Here at Hebburn Comprehensive School, we regard effective revision strategies as pivotal to our pupils’ success. In order to achieve this, we focus on three main revision techniques which can be effectively and efficiently applied across the curriculum. These are evidence-based, research-led techniques which allow pupils to build condensed, concise and robust revision materials as they progress through topics within each subject. The techniques are:
- Revision cards using the Leitner Method
- Cornell Notes
- 10 Topic Timer
Alongside these methods and throughout their time at Hebburn, we teach pupils the importance of revision through the latest scientific principles of Cognitive Load Theory. Pupils are taught the limits of short term memory and the importance of revision in order to build and develop schema within long term memory. This, alongside consistent recall activities at the start of lessons, ensures the retrieval of information is fundamental in our revision strategy.
Outside of school hours, pupils have access to a range of digital revision platforms which teachers can tailor-make for each pupil. Daily after-school revision sessions are also available throughout the academic year and during school holidays.
Intervention
Intervention is an extra support provided to our students outside of the regular classroom setting, in order to assist them to attain their full potential. This is completed on a bespoke level at Hebburn with students attending sessions through invitation only to plug pre identified learning gaps.
As we aspire to be the best we can be at Hebburn, we offer the opportunity for Year 11 students to attend extra learning sessions, across all subjects within our curricula, using a variety of methods, including: small group targeted after school intervention, to full year group “Pizza evenings”. Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation indicates that, on average, students make two additional months’ progress per year from extended school sessions and in particular through the targeted use of after school programmes.
Our ‘Turn 20’ initiative is an after-school programme designed for Year 11 students to enhance their chances of success in their final examinations. These take place from 3-4pm on various evening throughout the week and are based upon feedback from staff, students and assessments taken throughout the academic year.