Naomi Bartholomew-Millar is a Head of Faculty at Polam Hall, part of the Woodard Trust, bringing extensive leadership experience from her previous roles as Assistant Head and Sixth Form Leader. She has successfully led multiple DfE-funded school improvement initiatives across the region, collaborating with both senior leaders and classroom teachers to drive positive change.
Throughout her career, Naomi has maintained an unwavering commitment to helping students overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
The genesis of an idea
Every teacher knows the familiar scene: students nodding in agreement about the importance of revision, yet struggling with where to begin. This was precisely the challenge we faced last year when several students approached us, acknowledging their need to revise but feeling lost in the process. Rather than letting this concern linger, we decided to transform it into an opportunity – and thus, Revision Fest was born.
Our vision was simple: create an environment where revision isn’t viewed as a daunting mountain to climb, but rather as a series of manageable steps. We wanted to build a stronger partnership between parents, students, and teachers while demonstrating that effective revision can be both structured and enjoyable.
Building on success: this year’s enhanced format
Following last year’s tremendous success, we’ve expanded the initiative to include both Year 10 and 11 students. The school will be transformed into themed zones, each serving a specific purpose in the revision journey. This zonal approach allows students and parents to explore different aspects of effective study habits at their own pace, collecting stamps along the way for a prize draw.
Key zones include:
The Career Connection Corner
College representatives share valuable insights about course requirements and post 16 study opportunities, while local employers discuss the skills and qualifications they seek in potential employees. This direct interaction helps students understand the tangible link between their current studies and future opportunities, providing additional motivation for their revision efforts.
The Technical Tools Territory
Here, we address a common challenge faced by both students and parents – the overwhelming array of online revision platforms. Through live demonstrations, our staff guide parents through the most effective digital resources, focusing not just on what’s available, but crucially on HOW to use these tools effectively. Parents particularly appreciate the dedicated explanations about productive screen time, helping them distinguish between meaningful digital revision and mere browsing. This practical approach ensures that time spent on devices translates into genuine learning opportunities.
The Wellbeing Workshop
This zone acknowledges that effective revision isn’t just about academic techniques – it’s about maintaining a healthy mind and body. Our support services team is on hand to discuss strategies for managing academic pressure, while our food technology teacher provides practical guidance on brain-boosting foods, complete with tasty samples and recipes to take home.
The Practical Planning Station
This is at the heart of Revision Fest, where the focus shifts to creating structured approaches to revision. Students are encouraged in this zone to investigate revision techniques and practical approaches including the creation of a revision timetable which is manageable and useful!
Making it engaging
To maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm, we’ve incorporated several exciting elements:
- Food (always a crowd-pleaser!)
- Photo booth for memorable moments
- Spot prizes throughout the event
- Prize draw for students who visit all zones
- Local businesses showcasing prom packages (keeping that end goal in sight!)
Beyond the event: a whole-school approach
Perhaps the most exciting development this year is our two-week whole-school focus on revision following the event. This extension ensures that the momentum isn’t lost and includes:
- Students creating structured revision timetables for upcoming mocks
- All subjects incorporating revision techniques demonstrated at Revision Fest
- Consistent approach across departments
- Regular check-ins and support
The power of community
The success of Revision Fest stands as a testament to the strength of our school community. At its heart are our dedicated staff members who voluntarily give their time and expertise to support student success. Their commitment is matched by the generous support of our parents’ association, making many interactive elements possible. We’re also fortunate to have partners like Educake, whose sponsorship provides both resources and treats. Most crucially, it’s the enthusiastic engagement of our students that brings the whole event to life, creating a buzz of excitement around revision.
Impact and outcomes
The festival approach to revision has several benefits:
- Demystifies the revision process
- Provides practical, hands-on experience with various revision techniques
- Empowers parents to better support their children
- Makes revision more approachable and less intimidating
Looking forward
As we continue to develop and refine this initiative, we’re seeing a cultural shift in how our school community approaches revision. Students are more confident, parents feel better equipped to offer support, and teachers can reference shared experiences and techniques throughout the academic year.
The success of Revision Fest demonstrates that when we think creatively about academic challenges and involve the whole school community, we can transform potentially stressful experiences into engaging, productive, and even enjoyable ones.
