What makes a successful revision classes? How to make the most of your revision schedule? How do you avoid running yourself and your students into the ground in the process? Students of all ages will never have any difficulty finding advice about how they should go about revision.

The internet is awash with tips about how to prepare for examinations.

Chances are, for Year 11 students at least, the content of assemblies has been exams, exams and exams, since Christmas. But, that's the students.

What about the teachers? Well, there is no silver bullet, fool-proof approach to take.

However, the following guidelines should make sure you give your students the best chance of success. The Age of the Revision Classes There is no doubt that we are firmly ensconced in the age of the revision class.

It's unlikely that this will be a period that will be looked back with fondness in years to come.

What used be something that was arranged because of genuine need has now become virtually an expectation. These days, you can expect to see revision classes running in every subject, in every school and in virtually every classroom.

Saturday morning sessions are fast becoming a norm rather than an exception. The impact that revision classes have is debatable.

But ours is nor to reason why (at least for the purposes of this blog). Today, we are focusing on making sure your revision classes are the best they can be. The definition of insanity We all know the quote, credited to Einstein: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” It's worth bearing this in mind when planning revision classes. Logistics and the context of school always come into play when it comes to revision classes.

It's pointless saying 'a revision class should have no more than 15 students' or 'teach revision classes in a different setting' - if, as might be the case, these things are a complete impossibility in your school. However, the message from the Einstein quote really does need to be adhered to. A revision class should not just be another lesson.

It has to be something a little bit different. Key tips for successful revision sessions The good news is that things don’t have to be that different.

A more relaxed, informal approach to a normal lesson is a good start.

Pizza works a treat too! The normal day-to-day structure of your lessons needn’t be followed necessarily.

Dare to be different! We tell students not to 'cram' revision, so resist the urge to cram too much into a revision class.

Don't overload the students, Things need to be bite-sized and easy to digest - not overfacing. Involve your class in the planning of revision sessions.

Mock exams and your overall knowledge of the students should give you some clear indications about what needs to be covered, and resist the urge to say 'Everything!' Ask the students what they feel least confident on and combine this with your own ideas to inform your planning. Make sessions active rather than passive.

Like all revision, indeed all learning, it’s much better when students are active. Finally, consider where all this is going… exams.

Using revision class time for practising actual questions might not always be the best idea, but it would make an excellent extension activity/homework.