The last 30 days before IGCSEs can feel like a mix of: "I've forgotten everything," "There's no time," and "Maybe I should just watch one more YouTube video..."
Relax. You can make big improvements in the final month if you stop random studying and switch to checklist-based revision.
In this guide:
- The 30-day game plan (three key phases)
- Core rules for effective last-month studying
- Subject-specific checklists for Maths, Sciences, English, and more
- Daily and weekly rhythm to maximize efficiency
1. The 30-Day Game Plan (Big Picture)
Days 30–21: "Organise and Cover"
- Final pass through all topics
- Fix remaining gaps in understanding
- Start doing short past paper sections daily
Days 20–8: "Practice and Pressure-Test"
- Switch focus to timed past papers
- Learn exam technique and time management
- Target weak topics directly
Days 7–1: "Sharpen and Protect"
- No major new topics
- Light but high-quality revision
- Focus on sleep and mental freshness
2. Core Rules for the Last 30 Days
1
Past papers > new notes
60-70% of your time should be on questions and papers, not reading.
2
Mark every paper properly
Use official mark schemes and note what kind of answers get full marks.
3
Mistake Book = your best friend
One notebook where you track mistakes and review them daily.
4
Plan by exam date, not by mood
Focus on the earliest exams first.
3. Maths: Last 30 Days Checklist
Days 30–21 (Organise & Cover)
- Print or list all topics from the syllabus
- Mark each as Green (OK) / Amber (meh) / Red (weak)
- For Red topics: Re-watch explanations and do 10–20 targeted questions
- Start doing half-papers 2–3 times a week
Days 20–8 (Practice & Pressure-Test)
- Do 2–3 full past papers per week
- Mark with mark scheme and highlight weak areas
- Spend extra time on Algebra, Graphs, and Trigonometry
Days 7–1 (Sharpen & Protect)
- Re-write key formulas from memory
- Do 1 shorter paper or 30–40 marks every other day
- Revise common traps and mistakes
- Day before: Light revision only
4. Sciences: Last 30 Days Checklist
Physics
Days 30–21
- Review core areas: motion, forces, energy, electricity, waves
- For weak topics: read notes + do 5-10 questions
Days 20–8
- 1 full paper per week, timed
- Focus on calculations and graph questions
- Practice clear, full-sentence explanations
Chemistry
Days 30–21
- Organize notes by topic (atomic structure, bonding, etc.)
- Redraw key diagrams from memory
Days 20–8
- 1-2 full papers per week
- Practice balancing equations and ionic equations
- Explain trends using particle theory
Biology
Days 30–21
- Group topics (cells, transport, respiration, etc.)
- Redraw key processes from memory
Days 20–8
- 1 full paper per week
- Practice definition-style answers
- Focus on processes and experimental questions
5. English Language & Literature: Last 30 Days
English Language
Days 30–21
- Clarify paper formats
- Weekly: 1 reading, 1 directed writing, 1 composition
- Build toolkit of phrases
Days 20–8
- Timed practice (reading + writing)
- Analyze command words
- Practice planning essays (5-min plan → 25-min write)
English Literature
Days 30–21
- One-page summary for each text
- Re-read key scenes and annotate
- Identify 5-10 key quotations
Days 20–8
- 2-3 practice essays per week
- Use clear PEE/PEEL structure
- Practice unseen analysis
6. Daily & Weekly Rhythm for the Last 30 Days
On School Days
- 45-60 mins: Focus on next exam
- 30-45 mins: Past-paper practice for another subject
- Review Mistake Book (10-15 mins)
On Weekends / Study Leave
- Block 1: Full or half past paper (60-75 mins)
- Block 2: Marking + Mistake Book + weak topics (60-75 mins)
- Block 3: Another subject focus (60-75 mins)
- Short breaks (5-10 mins) between blocks
Key Reminders
- Take one lighter half-day every 7-10 days to avoid burnout
- Prioritize sleep (7-8 hours) and proper meals
- Stay hydrated and take short movement breaks
- Use active recall and spaced repetition for memorization