GCSE biology exams start in May, with A level biology following in June. AS level is mid June, and A2 level towards the end. Revision should be well under way. I am often asked "what is the best way to revise?" and my answer is always "in the best way that suits you!".

My personal preference is to make mind-maps or spider-diagrams, using a combination of my own notes and textbooks. I also am a fan of past papers, and use my books to check up on information I'm not sure of. Some students like flashcards, my daughter used them extensively and she hates my mind-maps. Some students can read the same piece in a book several times and retain the information, others (like myself) need to make notes. There is no one revision strategy that is guaranteed to work for everyone. I had one biomedical science student a few years ago who read her University (she attended part-time) notes onto a cassette tape and then played them in the car while driving to and fro her place of work. It worked for her but that wouldn't have worked for me.

One piece of advice I will give - now is not the time to try out a brand new technique. If you have a tried and trusted method of working that has got you through previous exams in style - then stick with it. Also remember that staying calm helps, and concentrate on the topics you do know as well as those that you don't!

I will try very hard to fit extra sessions of tuition into my week for those of you that are asking, but those sessions will have to be during the school day. I know that several of you are about to go on study leave, so the earlier you speak to me, the more likely I am to be able to do what it is you want.