What podcasts are there to help me revise?

Do you have favourite podcasts? They can be a reliable source of laughs, gossip, news, and much more, but did you that know that you can also use them to help you with your GCSE revision? 30 September is International Podcast Day, so what better way to celebrate than by delving into a BBC Bitesize podcast to help you with your studies.

Here’s some ways that you can use podcasts for revision.

How can studying in different ways help me?

When you approach a topic in multiple ways, like creating a mind map and reading a textbook chapter, you are engaging in dual coding.

The theory behind why dual coding might work is that it involves using different routes to get information into your head. For example, you might use a diagram alongside a piece of text about cell structure to help you visualise and understand the theory better. This may also make the content more memorable. This might help the content stick in your head better.

Pairing revising by listening to a podcast with another kind of revision works the same way. So, if you've done a big textbook revision session, then popping on a podcast might help you take the information on board.

Can podcasts can help me revise?

You might already listen to something as you study or revise. Dr Catherine Loveday spoke to BBC Bitesize about the benefits classical music could have on your revision. You might use music to help you concentrate or relax you as you study.

But what about podcasts?

You can listen to podcasts wherever, so you can revise key events of Elizabeth I’s reign or a redox reaction as you're brushing your teeth.

Alternatively, you and your friends could create your own podcast episode to help you all revise later on. For example, you could write a podcast script between you that explores the factors leading to WW2. Different revision techniques work different people, so this might be yours!

Where can I find Bitesize podcast revision resources?

Bitesize has podcasts covering a range of GCSE subjects and exam tips, from Physics to English Language.

They also have a handy quick fire questions section underneath the episodes, so you can test your knowledge as you scroll through the episodes!

Remember to take breaks

Though there are benefits varying the way you revise, this doesn’t mean you should cram every hour of the day with revision.

Breaking your studying time into manageable chunks will make revision a lot less daunting.

Revising can be intensive and exhausting. This is why it’s also important to find out what works for you during your breaks and look after yourself.

Self-care is part of building resilience, so it should also be non-negotiable. When we’re overwhelmed or not looking after ourselves properly we tend to not be able to cope when things get tougher.

It might be tempting to cram flashcards on the bus, whilst listening to a podcast, after creating a mind map but this might make you feel more overwhelmed with all those reactions or equations swimming around in your head. So make sure approach revising with podcasts in the same way you would any other kind of revision and take regular breaks.

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.