As A Level students across the country prepare for exams, Kate Russell of St David’s College is encouraging young people to focus not only on academic achievement, but also on their wellbeing throughout revision season.
Having grown up within the St David’s community, with parents who taught at the school, and now raising her own family there alongside Headmaster Andy Russell, Kate understands the importance of creating a supportive environment where students can truly thrive.
Her five top revision tips focus on:
• Creating structure and routine
• Prioritising fresh air and physical activity
• Maintaining good nutrition and hydration
• Finding calm spaces for focused study
• Talking openly and seeking support when needed
“At St David’s, we firmly believe wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand,” says Kate. “Exams are important, but so is happiness, confidence and emotional resilience. When students feel supported and balanced, they are far more likely to achieve their full potential.”
At St David’s College, students benefit from continuous support from teachers and staff who help guide, encourage and care for them throughout their educational journey.
Website Blog: Kate Russell’s 5 Top Tips for A Level Revision Success
At St David’s College, we want our students to achieve the very best exam results they can, but just as importantly, we want them to look after themselves while they do it. A Levels can feel intense, even daunting for some and while hard work matters, so does balance, wellbeing and knowing when to pause and reset.
Having grown up at the school myself, with parents who taught here, and having married the now Headmaster and raising our own two children within the St David’s community, I’ve seen first-hand how important support, encouragement and routine are in helping young people thrive.
So, to put perspective on exam season and hopefully extend St David’s way to other students and their parents that may need some guidance, I have created my five top tips for staying healthy, focused and positive during revision season.
1. Create Structure in Your Day
Having a routine helps reduce anxiety and keeps revision manageable. Plan realistic study sessions, regular breaks and time to properly switch off in the evening.
Students work best when there’s balance and consistency, rather than long periods of pressure and exhaustion. So spread out study periods to short intervals; an hour in the morning after breakfast, two hours after lunch and then an hour after dinner. Sometimes this structure can be more productive than a block of several hours.
Write up the schedule and leave it in your bedroom, the kitchen or wherever you know you will see it on a daily basis.
2. Get Fresh Air and Move Your Body
Your brain needs oxygen to work at its best. Something as simple as a walk outside, playing sport, bouncing on a trampoline, dancing and singing to music, or just practising deep breathing can completely reset your focus and energy.
Physical movement is incredibly important during revision — students often return to their work more refreshed, calm and productive afterwards.
3. Fuel Your Brain Properly
It’s tempting to survive on caffeine and snacks during exams, but good nutrition and hydration make a real difference to concentration and energy levels.
Regular meals, healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water all help students stay focused for longer and feel more balanced emotionally too. Make sure you have healthy snacks at hand such as nuts, fruit, veg sticks and the odd bit of dark chocolate.
4. Find a Quiet Space to Focus
The right environment can transform revision. A calm, quiet space without distractions helps students absorb information more effectively and work more confidently. If home gets busy and difficult to concentrate, go to your local library or a quiet café. If you can invest in a pair of headphones to dull distractions.
You don’t have to study alone, take along some of your friends and encourage them to do the same.
5. Don’t Keep Stress to Yourself
One of the most important things students can remember is that they don’t have to manage pressure alone.
Talking to somebody — whether that’s a teacher, parent, friend or tutor — can really help relieve stress and put things into perspective. Alongside studying, students also need time to laugh, exercise, socialise and relax.
We firmly believe wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand at St David’s.
Closing Quote — Kate Russell
“At St David’s, we’re passionate about helping young people become fulfilled, successful and well-balanced individuals. Exams are important, but so is happiness, confidence and emotional wellbeing. When students feel supported and cared for, they are far more likely to achieve their full potential.”
