What is the best way to prepare history revision notes?

First, it is key to remember that revision and exam preparation does not have to be reserved for the last few months before the exam. Revision notes work best when they are continuously consolidated throughout the year and then as you become more familiar with the information, you can begin to simplify your notes. All revision notes should start with the exam criteria and assessment objectives. For history, most historical events/topics can be compartmentalised into themes and main characters. Using formatted tables on Microsoft word, create three columns with the headings: theme/individual, content and analysis/evaluation. Content will primarily focus on the information you need for the exam i.e. what happened, when, why and how. Analysis/evaluation will focus on understanding how the theme/individual fits within a wider historical context and where you can really engage with the historical facts. This is a perfect place for historiographical analysis (loosely, the history of history and why we think in certain ways).