Why You Need a Revision Timetable
Structure prevents panic. When children can see exactly what they need to do each day, the mountain of revision shrinks into manageable steps. A timetable removes the daily "what should we do today?" decision — which is often where procrastination starts.
Research consistently shows that consistent short sessions beat last-minute cramming. Fifteen minutes of focused maths every other day is far more effective than two hours the night before a test.
Perhaps most importantly, children feel in control when they can see the plan. That sense of control is one of the best antidotes to exam anxiety.
How Much Revision Per Day?
- School days: 15–20 minutes is plenty. Your child has already been learning all day.
- Weekends: Up to 30 minutes, ideally in the morning when concentration is highest.
- Maximum: Never more than 45 minutes in a single session, even for keen children.
- Breaks: Build in a short break every 15–20 minutes. A drink, a stretch, a quick chat.
Sample Weekly Timetable
Colour key: purple = maths, green = reading, orange = GPS
Month-by-Month Plan
January – February
Focus on understanding. Identify knowledge gaps across maths, reading, and GPS. Revisit topics your child finds tricky. Keep sessions short and stress-free.
March
Increase intensity gradually. Move to topic-specific practice. Start timing some sessions so your child gets used to working under mild time pressure.
April
Begin full mock tests at weekends. Practise time management across all papers. Review mistakes together — they are the best learning tool.
May (pre-SATs)
Wind down. Light revision only. Focus on confidence, rest, and routine. Your child already knows more than they think.
Tips for Sticking to the Timetable
- Put it on the fridge. A visible timetable feels real. Let your child tick off each session.
- Build in rewards. After a full week of sessions, celebrate — a film night, extra screen time, a treat.
- Let them choose the order. Giving children some control over which subject to do first increases buy-in.
- Flexibility is fine. Missed Wednesday? Do it Thursday instead. A timetable is a guide, not a prison sentence.
Adapting for Your Child
No two children are the same. If your child is strong in maths, spend less time there and shift a session to reading or GPS. If spelling is a weak spot, swap one of the maths slots for an extra spelling session.
The best timetable is a personalised one. Use the sample above as a starting point and adjust it after the first week based on what your child actually needs.
How SATs Arcade Fits In
SATs Arcade is designed to slot straight into a revision timetable. Built-in daily question limits prevent burnout, so your child cannot over-revise even if they want to. Progress tracking shows exactly what has been covered and where the gaps remain.
Each session takes 10–20 minutes — perfect for a weekday slot. And because it feels like a game, most children actually look forward to it. Pair it with our printable revision checklist and the interactive revision planner for a complete system.
Try SATs Arcade free →