Some ideas on how a student should organise their study time.

• Typically, a Leaving Cert student covers seven subjects. Each week devise a six-day timetable and get all seven covered in the course of the week

• A regular daily routine should be established at the beginning of fifth year, starting with two hours per day and building up to between three and four in sixth year

• If assigned homework can be completed in less than the allotted time, or during school hours, don't truncate the routine. Use the time for study

One day a week should be study-free

• Weekend work is best completed early on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, leaving students with a real break and no guilt

• Students should take a break when they come in from school. Take further breaks every 40 minutes to an hour

• TV is draining. At least one study break should involve fresh air and movement

• Start each session with a subject you like, then move to one you dislike

If you hit a wall, write the problem down for your teacher and move on.

• Never read without making short notes - jot down key words and concepts that you can look over at the end of the week. Date all your notes and keep them in order for exam time

• Be prepared to fight with yourself; sticking with the routine is not easy

• Sleep reinforces learning