How to smash your GCSEs with HappyStudy
This isn't a feature list. It's a blueprint for using this site to actually improve your grades.
Quick Start (60 seconds)
- 1
Go to Subjects
Pick your GCSE subject, read the key facts for your weakest topic. Takes 3 minutes.
- 2
Try Exam Mode
See your daily revision plan based on exam dates. Start with "Today's Session."
- 3
Use Quick Recall for 5 minutes
Swipe through flashcards for one topic. Mark what you got wrong. We'll resurface them.
The Four Core GCSE Tools
Exam Mode
Your daily revision plan
What it does: Tells you exactly what to revise today based on your exam dates and weak topics.
How to use it:
- •Open "Today's Session" every morning
- •Spend 30-45 minutes on the recommended topics
- •Check the countdown to stay motivated
Quick Recall
Spaced repetition flashcards
What it does: Flashcards that adapt to your weak spots using spaced repetition.
How to use it:
- •Do 5-10 minutes before bed (best for memory)
- •Flip the card, be honest if you didn't know it
- •Focus on one deck per session for better retention
Exam Tips
Command words & mark schemes
What it does: Teaches you exam technique—how to structure answers, use time, and decode mark schemes.
How to use it:
- •Read the full guide for each subject once
- •Bookmark "Common Mistakes" and review before mocks
- •Print the "Last-Minute Tips" for the night before exams
Subjects & Checklists
Spec coverage tracker
What it does: Every AQA spec point with traffic-light confidence tracking.
How to use it:
- •Start with the spec checklist to audit what you know
- •Read "Key Facts" for red/amber topics first
- •Use "Common Questions" to practice applying knowledge
Proven Study Workflows
🌅 Morning Routine (30 minutes)
- 1.Check Exam Mode "Today's Session" — see what needs revising
- 2.Read Key Facts for the recommended topic (10 mins)
- 3.Do Quick Recall flashcards for that topic (10 mins)
- 4.Mark any flashcards you got wrong—you'll see them again tomorrow
🌙 Evening Deep Work (60-90 minutes)
- 1.Pick one subject from Papers page
- 2.Do a past paper section (15-20 marks) under timed conditions
- 3.Mark it using the mark scheme—be harsh on yourself
- 4.For any wrong answers, go back to Subjects → Key Facts for that topic
- 5.Before bed: 5 mins of Quick Recall on what you just revised
⚡ Week Before Exams (Panic Mode)
- •Day 7-5: Read all Exam Tips for your subjects. Practice timing with past papers.
- •Day 4-2: Quick Recall flashcards only. Focus on your red/amber topics.
- •Day 1: Read "Last-Minute Tips" and "Common Mistakes." Sleep 8 hours.
Track Your Progress
XP & Streaks
Earn XP for every lesson, flashcard session, and topic completed.
Goal: Maintain a 7-day streak. Consistency beats cramming.
Dashboard
See your revision stats, weak topics, and time spent per subject.
Tip: Check it weekly to rebalance subjects.
Planner
Set custom revision goals and track completion.
Tip: Plan one week at a time, not the whole year.
Beyond GCSE
📚 Latymer Homework
If you go to Latymer School, you can access school-specific homework and past papers.
Go to Latymer Section🎓 Other Study Levels
KS1, KS2, KS3 lessons still exist under "Explore → Study Levels" but GCSE is the priority.
Browse Study LevelsAI Assistants
Specialist AI tutors for different subjects. Ask questions, get explanations.
Try AI AssistantsHidden Features & Pro Tips
- ★Papers page has mark schemes: Click any paper to see the breakdown by question.
- ★Checklists are editable: Click red/amber/green to track your confidence per spec point.
- ★Exam Mode updates daily: It recalculates priorities based on your exam dates and weak topics.
- ★Quick Recall adapts to you: Mark cards as "weak" and they'll appear more frequently.
- ★Exam Tips have examples: Every command word includes a worked example—use them to understand what examiners want.
- ★Sign in for progress tracking: Your XP, streaks, and checklist progress sync across devices.
Common Questions
Do I need to sign in to use the site?
No. All GCSE content is free and works without an account. Sign in only if you want progress tracking, XP, and streaks.
Is this only for AQA exam board?
Yes, currently all GCSE content is AQA-specific. We focused on one board to keep quality high rather than covering all boards superficially.
How often should I use Exam Mode vs Quick Recall?
Exam Mode: Daily, for 30-45 minutes of focused revision.
Quick Recall: 5-10 minutes, ideally twice a day (morning + before bed).
Can I download content for offline use?
Not yet, but it's on the roadmap. For now, bookmark key pages or screenshot "Last-Minute Tips" for exam day.
What if I find a mistake in the content?
Please contact us with the page URL and the issue. We review and fix errors within 24 hours.
Ready to start?
The best time to start revising was yesterday. The second best time is right now.