The objective of this unit is to help students to manage their time effectively, particularly when preparing for examinations.

This is a short and focused unit that looks at the importance of planning the use of time to balance work, rest and play, particularly in the period immediately before examinations. Specific topics covered include creating a study timetable and a revision calendar.

Students are encouraged through the activities to consider why a balanced, long-term approach to study and play is important to achieving good results. There is reassurance here that time should be made for activities other than work, and that a good study calendar should include fun events as well as study time.

A model timetable is followed by a series of activities that place the student in a fictional but realistic setting in the run-up to an exam. They are guided through a number of questions that allow them to make decisions about how and in what way they would spend their time within the constraints of the situation.

Extension

• Use this unit to complement others in this series, in particular on 'Revision' and 'Exam preparation'.
• Give students opportunities to practise these skills regularly by giving them blank copies of timetables and revision calendars in the run-up to examinations. Encourage students to look at each others' timetables and discuss the relative merits.