Strong home learning habits are one of the most effective ways students can improve their GCSE outcomes. Regular completion of homework helps to reinforce learning from lessons, strengthen knowledge over time, and develop the independent study skills needed for success in examinations. By dedicating time each week to reviewing classwork, completing assignments, and practising key skills, students build confidence and identify any areas that may require further support before their final exams.
In addition to home learning at Maritime, our after school revision and intervention sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to receive targeted support from subject specialists. These sessions are designed to address misconceptions, strengthen exam technique, and provide additional practice on GCSE content. Students who attend regularly benefit from structured revision, personalised guidance, and increased exposure to examination style questions, helping them maximise their potential and achieve the very best outcomes in their GCSE studies. We strongly encourage both students and parents to support attendance at these sessions as part of a successful preparation programme.
Cornell Note Taking is a highly effective study method that helps students organize information, identify key ideas, and review learning more efficiently. Notes are divided into three sections: Notes, Key Questions/Keywords, and a Summary. This structure encourages students to actively engage with their learning rather than simply copying information.
For students, Cornell Notes make revision easier by helping them recall information, test their understanding, and identify areas that need further practice. For parents, encouraging the use of Cornell Notes at home can support independent study habits, improve retention of key knowledge, and build confidence ahead of assessments and examinations. Spending just a few minutes reviewing and summarizing notes after each lesson can lead to stronger progress and long term success.
When we teach something, the information goes first into the working memory and then, in the right conditions, it passes into the long term memory. Once here, memories can be retrieved back into the short term memory when we want to think about that particular thing. However, things are lost in the process.
The working memory is has very limited capacity and is easily overwhelmed. By contrast, the capacity of the long term memory is vast. If we want to remember stuff for the long term, we need to make the most of this huge capacity. The aim of all learning should be to improve long term learning.
