Trying to revise for A-levels can feel a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to complex topics such as science and maths. However, there are plenty of things you can do to revise more effectively, resulting in less stress and increasing your chances of securing better grades. Let’s explore. 

Create a Manageable Revision Timetable 

A revision timetable comes with a number of benefits, including better time management, increased motivation, and reduced stress. 

If you struggle to get going or feel overwhelmed by the amount of studying you need to do, a timetable can really help. Giving yourself set times to study means you know exactly what you’re doing and when, reducing overwhelm and ensuring you cover all the material. 

Use Visual Aids 

Comprehensive A-level revision notes are essential, but you don’t need to stick to paragraphs of information. If that’s how you learn best then don’t reinvent the wheel, but if you feel like you’d benefit from something more visually stimulating, concept mapping might be a better option. 

Concept mapping includes everything from spider diagrams to tables and allows you to access information easily and in a more visually appealing way. For many people, this helps them to remember things faster and may help you understand each element of a given topic more extensively. 

Remove Distractions 

TVs, game consoles, and social media are all big distractions. And while they all sound more appealing than revising, they can massively limit your productivity. Removing these distractions is critical. 

If possible, create a revision-friendly environment. Use a dedicated desk and remove any TVs and gaming consoles from the room, and keep your phone off or leave it elsewhere. This should help you focus better on the task at hand. 

Take Regular Breaks 

The most important thing to remember is to take regular breaks. Revising for hours on end is unlikely to be effective and may lead to burnout. If you’ve planned your revision schedule effectively, you will have given yourself plenty of revision time before your exams begin, avoiding that last-minute cram and ensuring you still have the time to relax, engage in your favourite hobbies, and socialise with family and friends. 

Revision Shouldn’t Be Overlooked 

Taking the time to understand a subject thoroughly is essential for A-level success. By creating a reasonable revision timetable, leveraging visual aids, removing distractions, and taking regular breaks, you can set yourself up for better grades. 

CONCERNS are mounting over a growing number of school safety incidents across Wales after police enforced the closure of two Cardiff schools this week.

Llanishen High School and Eastern High School were closed on Monday (Mar 16) after South Wales Police received a report on Sunday evening. Officers said the decision was taken as a precaution while enquiries continue.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the report that prompted the closures, but the incident has raised wider questions about the number of schools being forced into lockdown or temporary closure following threats or safety concerns.

The Cardiff case is the latest in a series of incidents affecting schools across Wales over the past year.

Earlier this month, Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradgynlais was placed into lockdown after police received reports of threats of violence sent digitally. A seventeen-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident, which caused alarm among pupils and staff.

In February this year, Milford Haven School in Pembrokeshire went into lockdown after emergency services were called to a serious incident involving a pupil and a weapon. A fifteen-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident.

In another case, Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke was placed in lockdown after threatening messages were received suggesting a pupil may have brought a knife onto the school site. Police attended while staff secured the school.

North Wales has also seen similar concerns. Ysgol y Grango in Wrexham was placed into lockdown after a threat was reported, with police attending while pupils were kept inside classrooms.

Another incident in November 2025 saw Dafen Community Primary School in Llanelli close for the day after online messages warned people would arrive at the school with knives. Police confirmed the closure was a precaution while the threats were investigated.

While many incidents ultimately prove to be hoaxes, rumours or isolated events, education leaders say the rapid spread of messages on social media has created new challenges for schools.

Threats or rumours shared on platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp can circulate quickly among pupils, sometimes triggering widespread concern before school staff have time to verify the information.

The issue has also drawn political attention.

Commenting on the latest Cardiff closures, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education Natasha Asghar MS said: “This is a deeply concerning situation for parents, pupils and staff, and I hope the police can carry out a swift investigation to avoid further disruption to families.

“Teachers and pupils must feel safe in school, and incidents like this raise serious concerns about safety.

“The Welsh Conservatives would restore discipline by introducing automatic exclusions for pupils who carry weapons, helping create a safer environment for students and staff.”

Debate around school safety intensified following the stabbing attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in April 2024, when two teachers and a pupil were seriously injured.

The teenager responsible was later convicted of attempted murder, prompting calls for stronger measures to prevent weapons being brought into schools.

Despite the recent incidents, education leaders stress that schools remain safe environments for the vast majority of pupils. However, the combination of online threats, heightened safeguarding rules and rapid information sharing among students means schools and police are increasingly taking precautionary measures to protect staff and children.

With investigations continuing into the Cardiff closures, parents and teachers across Wales will be watching closely to see whether the incidents represent a worrying trend or a series of isolated cases.

Cover image:

Amman Valley school, in Ammanford, Wales, went into lockdown over a stabbing incident in 2024 (Photo: PA)

THE FIRST phase of a major redevelopment programme at Portfield School in Haverfordwest has been completed, marking a significant step forward in specialist education provision in Pembrokeshire.

The project has been jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, which aims to deliver modern, high-quality learning environments for pupils across Wales.

Developed in partnership with construction firm Morgan Sindall, the scheme has focused on accessibility, sustainability and the creation of spaces tailored to a wide range of learning and therapeutic needs.

Portfield School supports children and young people aged three to nineteen with additional learning needs. The new facilities provide modern, flexible and inclusive spaces designed to support pupils’ development while helping meet growing demand for specialist education provision in the county.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said the new accommodation represented an important step forward for the school community.

She said: “We are delighted with the new provision for our pupils at Portfield School. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring every pupil has access to an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment where they can thrive.

“As Headteacher I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils have transitioned into the new site and adapted so quickly to their new learning environment. I am very excited to be working alongside a dedicated team of staff who share the same passion for inclusive education. Together we will build a school community where every young person can flourish.”

The new building includes specialist facilities such as sensory rooms and improved outdoor areas designed to promote physical activity, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said the development would help support learners with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

She said: “All learners deserve environments that nurture, challenge and support them. I am pleased to support learners with additional learning needs in Pembrokeshire through our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. The specialist spaces will help us meet a wide range of needs and ensure every learner feels valued and able to thrive.”

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey, described the completion of the first phase as an important moment for the school and the wider community.

He said: “This is an exciting moment for the school, the families we support, and the wider community. The new facilities will provide pupils with the high-quality, nurturing environment they deserve, and the first phase brings us closer to delivering the full vision for this exceptional school.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said the company was proud to help deliver the project.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to hand over the new Portfield School SEN facilities. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our Morgan Sindall team, and it has been fantastic to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to bring the project to life.

“The new facilities will make a lasting difference, providing children with a high-quality learning environment that offers the support pupils need to thrive and be inspired.”

Work on the next stage of the redevelopment has already begun. This will include refurbishment of the former Tasker Milward H Block for post-16 pupils, demolition of the existing primary school building, reinstatement works, the construction of a new respite care unit, and refurbishment of Holly House.

The overall scheme represents a long-term investment in specialist education and aims to ensure that children with additional learning needs across Pembrokeshire have access to the support and facilities they require.