Effective Note-Taking Techniques for GCSE Success

Do you ever feel like you’re writing non-stop during lessons, trying to capture everything the teacher is saying but end up feeling like you’ve learnt nothing? That is why quality note-taking beats the quantity of notes any day. It is important to work smarter, not harder, and find a smart note-taking technique that suits you. This is especially important when it comes to learning GCSE Computer Science – a subject filled with lots of key terms and complex concepts. Without effective note-taking it is hard to recall crucial information needed for the exam. Students should question the value of the notes they’re writing, and ensure they are useful and recorded with active attention. We show students lots of techniques in our FREE revision techniques guide.

Smart note-taking allows students to write down what they have learnt and their ideas during a lesson in an organised, purposeful way. Therefore, it should facilitate fun learning and be less effortful. Essentially, smart notes are when you only capture meaningful information and understanding of a subject, and not just copy everything that is being said/read.

Before Lesson

Preparing ahead of time is just as crucial as using notes after the class. First and foremost, reviewing previous notes is vital for reinforcing learning. After then, make sure you review the syllabus to understand the topic of the upcoming lesson. Before, writing the date and the subject on the top of a page can be helpful. You can also feel more organised by using a ruler to draw a line in the centre of the page and create two columns: one for notes and one for thoughts. Clean space, Clear Mind. It’s important to make room for your own ideas because doing so assists in helping you understand. Everything you do should be done with purpose.

Cornell Method

Onto the different note-taking methods, a good starting point is the Cornell method. This term was coined by Walter Pauk at Cornell University in the USA. There is a note-taking area (right side of the page), a cue/question area (left side of page), and the summary area (Bottom section). In the note-taking section are the main points, these will be discovered during a lesson. These are aspects deemed important for later revision. After the lesson has finished, the cue/question and bottom section is filled in. The cue/question section is where a student will write keywords, questions they may have regarding the content, and cues that are related to all the points made in the notes section. Lastly, all the main points will be concisely placed into a summary, in one’s own words to ensure understanding on the subject.

At Sullivan Tutor Academy, we encourage our students to take ownership of their learning and one of the most effective ways to do that is through the Cornell Note-Taking Method. This structured approach helps students organise their notes clearly, with dedicated space for key questions, summaries, and main content. Not only does it boost focus during lessons, but it also transforms revision into a more active, meaningful process. Whether used for live sessions or self-paced study, the Cornell method supports memory retention and deep understanding – exactly what our students need for GCSE success.

In the future, we’ll share more thoughts on the
Cornell note-taking method specifically

The Outlining Method

Even though at Sullivan Tutor Academy we strongly encourage students to use the Cornell Note-Taking method, we are also aware that one size does not fit all. The Outlining Note-Taking method is one of the more traditional methods – this requires students to form a hierarchical structure in their notes.

It is so simple – write down a main point to the far left of a page, indent right sub-topics, and indent right again with any ideas. Then basically repeat this process with as many many points, sub-topics, and ideas as you like. This is one of the best ways to organise your notes into easy, readable pieces.

Extra Tips

• Listening skills – One could argue that listening for explanations is more crucial than listening for definitions. The key word from an explanation is more likely to stick in your memory than an explanation from a key word
  
• USE YOUR OWN WORDS – This can’t be stressed enough! Only by using your own words can you actively engage your brain, enhance your comprehension, and help with long-term memory retention
  
• Diagrams – if you are a visual learner, it won’t hurt to squeeze a small diagram or mind maps connecting all the dots of a key concept onto your page
  
• Colour-coding – After a lesson, going back over your note and code related points in the same colour
  
• Revisit notes – There’s no point in putting so much effort into your notes if you never revisit them!
  
• Google Docs and Microsoft OneNote – These kinds of tools are useful when it comes to note taking. Google Docs ensure that notes can be viewed on any device, at any time. Microsoft OneNote uses prompts to draft plans, generate ideas, create lists, organise information and much more – all helpful for note-taking

In a Nutshell

While it is important to write something down during a lesson, this may be useless unless you actually test for understanding. Taking smart notes isn’t just about writing things down, it’s about actively engaging with the material, organising your thinking, and building a long-term understanding of complex topics. Whether you’re using structured methods like Cornell Notes, creating a hierarchical structure, or creating visual maps, the key is to treat your notes as a learning tool, not just a memory dump.

For students preparing for GCSEs and beyond, mastering note-taking can make revision easier, homework quicker, and classroom time far more productive.

Encourage your child to experiment with different approaches and find what works for them – because the smartest notes are the ones that help them think, not just remember.

Ready to stop copying and start learning?
Smart note-taking is more than just writing things down – it’s about understanding, remembering, and applying what you’ve learned. If your current revision strategy isn’t working, it’s time to upgrade.

Try the Cornell Note-Taking Method in your next lesson and experience the difference for yourself.
✅ Organised notes
✅ Better focus
✅ Stronger recall at exam time

Want more strategies like this, plus expert-led teaching and feedback?
Book your FREE consultation now and join our all-in-one Computer Science tutoring programme and get ahead for the next school year