How much time should I spend on Atom each week?

There isn’t one perfect number - it depends on the time of year and what else you’ve got going on. But as a rough guide:

Term time: around 1–2 hours a day
School holidays: up to 4 hours a day
Study leave: no more than 8 hours total
Revision sessions: keep them to 30–45 minutes at a time with proper breaks

Start Earlier Than You Think

Don’t wait until the final months of Year 11. In Year 10, build revision into your normal routine. If you finish homework early, use that spare time to recap recent topics, make flashcards, or create quick summaries. Small, regular review now makes Year 11 much less stressful.

Holidays and Study Leave

Breaks are still important during the holidays. Revising for up to four hours is plenty. Easter before exams can feel intense, but burning out won’t help.

On study leave, you can increase revision time since you’re not in lessons, but don’t treat it like a 12-hour workday. Cap it at around eight hours and build in real breaks, especially after exams.

Make It Personal

Everyone learns differently. Some people like quiet desk study. Others focus better by walking while listening to notes, being tested by someone else, or switching between tasks. Experiment and find what keeps you engaged.

Also, spend more time on the subjects you find hardest, not just the ones you enjoy most.

Set Clear Priorities

Use mock results and future plans to guide your focus. If you need a certain grade for sixth form or a college course, give that subject extra attention.

Fit revision around clubs, sports, and family time. If weekdays are busy, plan ahead so you’re not cramming at the weekend.

Work Smarter

Short, focused bursts work better than long, distracted sessions. Try 25–30 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break. Move around, get fresh air, or stretch before starting again.

Use the practice questions and past papers on Atom GCSE to test yourself. They show you what you actually know and what needs more work.