Essential Online Revision Resources for GCSEs and A-levels

As exam season approaches, countless students along with their families focus on GCSEs and A-levels. For many teens, immersing themselves in past exam papers can often seem less appealing than indulging in online games or scrolling through TikTok.

As a parent navigating revision over the Easter break, managing screen time can be challenging, especially since many of the most valuable educational resources are available online. These range from YouTube tutorials to informative podcasts. It’s reasonable to question your child’s use of headphones while they seem to be multitasking with music, but what if they are actually studying for a German exam or listening to a podcast about historical events?

Today’s educational expectations, particularly at the GCSE level, appear to be more structured compared to guidance offered to previous generations. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, achieving good grades relied more on applying facts creatively, whereas many contemporary tutorial platforms dissect past papers with meticulous detail.

Students who discover these online resources often regard UK educators as modern-day heroes, illustrated by the enthusiastic comments on their free lesson videos. Many young learners express how these resources have significantly improved their grades or provided emotional support during difficult times.

This exam season can be a challenging time for families, especially for students struggling with specific subjects or feeling overwhelmed by their educational journey. This curated list of podcasts and video resources aims to support learning in a more engaging and less conventional manner, such as with humorous historical animations or audio versions of required readings that students can listen to while outdoors.

While these resources are beneficial, they should serve as supplements to authentic learning. Examiners are keen to identify originality and fresh insights in students’ responses. Meanwhile, parents play a vital role in maintaining motivation and ensuring students are fed and supported throughout the revision process.

If you have further resources to recommend or strategies for surviving exam season, feel free to share in the comments below. For inquiries regarding managing exam anxiety, sleep, and more, you can reach out via email.

Top Revision Resources

BBC Bitesize

While streaming services may attract teens’ attention, none match the BBC’s mission to educate alongside entertainment. BBC Bitesize offers a plethora of resources aligned with various examination boards, including extensive video content, quizzes, and valuable organizational tips for revision schedules. Key subjects, including music and the arts, are well covered, and access to additional BBC productions enhances the learning experience. Visit bbc.co.uk/bitesize/learn

Quizlet

Quizlet is an excellent tool for creating and using flashcards. Students can design their own cards or tap into a comprehensive library. The mobile app is especially favored among language learners for vocabulary practice. Explore further at quizlet.com/gb

Freesciencelessons

With over 700 engaging video tutorials led by Dr. Shaun Donnelly, this resource provides comprehensive coverage of GCSE and A-level science. The videos are well-regarded for their clarity and thoroughness and complement available workbooks. Learn more at freesciencelessons.co.uk

Seneca Learning

This platform, often accessible through schools, supports students with gamified learning experiences and progress tracking. It serves best as a complement to traditional revision methods. For more, check senecalearning.com

Physics and Maths Tutor

This resource offers more than just physics and maths past papers, extending to core subjects as well and providing online crash courses during holiday breaks. Experience it at physicsandmathstutor.com

BBC Sounds: Time to Study

This audio series includes dedicated podcasts covering GCSE topics in English literature, history, and science. Students can enhance their understanding of key texts, like Macbeth, through dramatic adaptations, as well as access history-focused podcasts that span various themes and periods. Visit bbc.co.uk/sounds

In Our Time Archive

For accessible yet profound explorations of numerous subjects, this BBC Radio 4 podcast provides more than 1,000 episodes, offering insights into historical figures and events that support student learning. This valuable resource is available online and includes suggested readings. More information at bbc.co.uk

A-Z Core Revision Subjects

Art

Art UK serves as an excellent educational resource, providing access to curriculum-specific materials that cultivate interest in art across the UK. Explore more at artuk.org/learn/learning-resources

Students can also benefit from BBC Bitesize for comprehensive learning across subjects. Visit bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Computing Science

Craig’n’Dave is a digital platform boasting a wide array of free resources for GCSE, IGCSE, and A-level computing students. Featuring user-friendly designs, the site complements the resources available through BBC Bitesize. More at craigndave.org

Isaac Computer Science offers valuable resources matched with booster courses that assist students in navigating the curriculum. Find out more at isaaccomputerscience.org

English

Teachers like the dynamic Salles, known for his engaging video analyses of primary GCSE texts, are having a significant impact, evidenced by his broad subscriber base. View his content at youtube.com/@MrSallesTeachesEnglish

Meanwhile, Mr Bruff shares essential insights through his video tutorials and text analyses for a global audience at youtube.com/@mrbruff

The Secret Life of Books podcast offers literature enthusiasts a chance to revisit classics. With in-depth discussions and expert guests, this podcast is enlightening and engaging for readers. For details, visit secretlifeofbooks.org.

Additionally, students can benefit from audio adaptations of classic literature on platforms like BBC iPlayer, where notable performances bring texts to life. Access this at bbc.co.uk/iplayer

Geography

Geography educators like “Mr B” publish informative content tailored for AQA exam preparation. Engage with his tutorials at youtube.com/c/MrBowater

Also, Geography Case Studies offers tailored tutorials that help students enhance their performance. Check it out at youtube.com/@GeographyCaseStudies

Complementing these resources, the Royal Geographical Society provides extensive materials for different educational stages.

History

The Rest Is History podcast offers a wide array of episodes that align with history syllabi, covering critical periods and events in an engaging manner. More details about this resource can be found at bbc.co.uk/sounds

OverSimplified provides entertaining animated history lessons which are educational yet humorous. Dive into this at youtube.com/@OverSimplified

Epic History delivers animated series that vividly narrate significant historical events. Explore their informative material at youtube.com/@EpichistoryTv

Languages

Language learners can utilize BBC Bitesize for a wealth of lessons, and Spanish language learners may find additional resources through BBC Mundo. Check bbc.com/mundo for more.

Many podcasts also provide dynamic language practice through immersive listening experiences, such as Coffee Break and Easy languages.

Maths

Corbettmaths is highly regarded among students and offers a range of materials to enhance maths learning. Access its resources at corbettmaths.com

Jack Brown provides comprehensive video tutorials that cater to a range of educational needs through his platform at tlmaths.com

Also, consider utilizing resources from BBC Bitesize and physicsandmathstutor.com for additional support.

Religious Studies and Philosophy

Truetube is a distinguished educational tool that explores major world religions and key philosophical concepts. Visit truetube.co.uk for more.

For concise explanations of philosophical schools and theories, the Philosophy Bites podcast is recommended, along with content available at BBC Bitesize.