Want to know the secret to BECE success?
Over the past five years, The Chalk Talk Foundation’s BECE Relief Project has supported over 2,000 students preparing for their Basic Education Certificate Examination. Our pass rate? 98% with 67% scoring aggregate 12 or better.
How do we do it?
It’s not magic. It’s not luck. It’s proven study strategies that work strategies we’re sharing with you today, completely free.
Whether you’re a student preparing for BECE, a parent supporting your child, or a teacher looking for effective techniques, these 10 tips will transform study sessions from frustrating to productive.
Let’s dive in.
TIP #1: Start Early, Study Consistently
The Problem: Too many students wait until weeks before BECE to start serious studying. By then, it’s panic mode—cramming, stress, and overwhelm.
The Solution: Start preparing at least 6 months before your exam. Study consistently every day rather than in long, irregular bursts.
Why It Works: Your brain retains information better through spaced repetition (learning over time) than massed practice (cramming). When you study consistently:
- Information moves from short-term to long-term memory
- You have time to identify and address weak areas
- Stress decreases because you’re not rushing
- Confidence builds gradually
How to Implement:
- Start: January (for September BECE)
- Schedule: 1-2 hours daily (Monday-Saturday)
- Focus: Quality over quantity
- Rest: Sundays off (your brain needs recovery!)
Real Result: “I used to cram the night before tests and forget everything the next week. When I started studying 30 minutes every day starting in March, I actually understood the material. By August, I was confident and ready. I scored aggregate 8!” — Kofi, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #2: Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Problem: Sitting for hours trying to study leads to:
- Mental fatigue
- Decreased focus
- Poor retention
- Frustration and burnout
The Solution: The Pomodoro Technique: Study in focused 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks.
How It Works:
- Set timer for 25 minutes
- Study with ZERO distractions
- When timer goes off, take a 5-minute break (stand, stretch, snack)
- Repeat 4 times
- After 4 “pomodoros,” take a longer 15-30 minute break
Why It’s Effective:
- Maintains high focus during study time
- Prevents mental fatigue
- Makes studying feel manageable (just 25 minutes!)
- Breaks prevent burnout
- Increases overall productivity
How to Implement:
- Use your phone timer (put phone in airplane mode!)
- OR: Download free Pomodoro apps
- During breaks: No social media! Walk, drink water, stretch
- Track: How many pomodoros can you complete daily?
Real Result: “I couldn’t focus for more than 10 minutes before. The Pomodoro method changed everything. Knowing I only had to focus for 25 minutes made it easier. Soon I was doing 6-8 pomodoros per day—that’s 3-4 hours of actual focused studying!” — Ama, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #3: Active Recall Over Passive Reading
The Problem: Most students study by:
- Re-reading notes repeatedly
- Highlighting textbooks
- Copying information
These feel productive but are actually passive learning—low retention, low understanding.
The Solution: Active Recall: Force your brain to retrieve information without looking.
How to Practice Active Recall:
Method 1: Question Yourself After reading a section, close the book. Ask yourself:
- What did I just learn?
- Can I explain this in my own words?
- What are the key points?
Method 2: Flashcards
- Front: Question or term
- Back: Answer or definition
- Test yourself repeatedly
- Focus on cards you get wrong
Method 3: Teach Someone Explain concepts to a friend, sibling, or even your pet! If you can teach it, you understand it.
Method 4: Practice Tests Do past BECE questions without looking at answers. Check afterward and review mistakes.
Why It Works:
- Strengthens memory pathways
- Identifies what you actually don’t know
- Builds exam confidence
- Much more effective than passive re-reading
How to Implement:
- After every study session: Write 5 questions about what you learned
- Next day: Answer those questions before moving forward
- Weekly: Take a full practice test
Real Result: “I used to read my notes 10 times and still forget. When I started testing myself instead, I remembered so much more! Practice tests showed me exactly what I didn’t know, so I could focus my studying there.” — Kwame, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #4: Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization
The Problem: Memorizing without understanding leads to:
- Forgetting quickly
- Inability to apply knowledge
- Panic when exam questions are worded differently
- Struggle with problem-solving questions
The Solution: Prioritize understanding concepts deeply, then memorization becomes easier.
How to Build Understanding:
Ask “Why?” and “How?” Don’t just memorize that plants need sunlight. Understand WHY (photosynthesis) and HOW (chlorophyll converts light to energy).
Use Analogies Relate new concepts to things you already understand. Example: Digestive system is like a food processing factory—each organ has a specific job in breaking down food.
Draw Diagrams Visual learning aids understanding.
- Draw and label the water cycle
- Sketch the human circulatory system
- Map out cause-and-effect relationships
Connect to Real Life How does this apply to your life? Math word problems aren’t just exercises—they’re real situations you might encounter.
Why It Works:
- Deep understanding creates stronger memory
- You can answer questions even if worded differently
- Problem-solving becomes easier
- Knowledge transfers to other subjects
How to Implement:
- For every concept: Ask “Why does this work?”
- If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it yet
- Use YouTube videos for concepts you struggle with
- Study groups: Discuss and explain to each other
Real Result: “I used to memorize formulas without understanding. During exams, I’d panic and forget. When I started understanding WHY formulas work, I could remember them easily and even figure them out if I forgot!” — Abena, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #5: Prioritize Past Questions
The Problem: Students study everything equally, wasting time on topics unlikely to appear while neglecting common exam areas.
The Solution: Use past BECE questions to guide your studying.
Why Past Questions Matter:
- Show exam format and question styles
- Reveal frequently tested topics
- Build familiarity with time pressure
- Identify your weak areas
- Reduce exam day anxiety (you’ve seen similar questions!)
How to Use Past Questions Effectively:
Step 1: Gather Resources
- Get past 5 years of BECE questions (available free from WAEC website or our foundation)
- Organize by subject and topic
Step 2: Analyze Patterns
- Which topics appear every year?
- What question types are common (multiple choice, essay, problem-solving)?
- How are questions typically worded?
Step 3: Practice Under Exam Conditions
- Set timer (match actual exam time)
- No notes, no help
- Complete entire paper
- Mark yourself honestly
Step 4: Review Thoroughly
- Don’t just check answers—understand WHY
- For wrong answers: Re-study that topic
- For correct answers: Confirm you truly understood
Step 5: Repeat
- Do each past paper at least twice
- Focus extra practice on weak subjects
- Track your scores—are you improving?
How to Implement:
- Start: 3 months before BECE
- Schedule: One full past paper per week
- Review: Spend as much time reviewing as taking the test
- Track: Keep a log of scores to monitor progress
Real Result: “Past questions were my secret weapon. I noticed trigonometry appeared every year, so I practiced it extra. Sure enough, it was on my BECE—and I got it right! Past questions showed me exactly what to expect.” — Emmanuel, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #6: Create a Study Schedule (And Stick to It)
The Problem: Studying randomly leads to:
- Some subjects neglected
- Inconsistent effort
- Last-minute panic
- Unclear progress
The Solution: Create a structured study schedule that covers all subjects systematically.
How to Build Your Schedule:
Step 1: List All Subjects
- Mathematics
- English
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
- (Plus any additional subjects)
Step 2: Assess Your Strengths
- Strong subjects: Need maintenance study
- Weak subjects: Need intensive focus
Step 3: Allocate Time Typical distribution:
- Weak subjects: 40% of time
- Medium subjects: 35% of time
- Strong subjects: 25% of time (don’t neglect them!)
Step 4: Create Weekly Plan
Example Schedule (2 hours/day):
Monday: Math (1 hour) + Science (1 hour)
Tuesday: English (1 hour) + Social Studies (1 hour)
Wednesday: Math (1 hour) + Science (1 hour)
Thursday: English (1 hour) + Social Studies (1 hour)
Friday: Math (1 hour) + Weak subject practice (1 hour)
Saturday: Past questions practice (2 hours)
Sunday: Rest + review week’s notes (30 min)
Step 5: Build in Flexibility
- Miss a day? Don’t panic—adjust next day
- Feeling overwhelmed? Take a break (mental health matters!)
- Mastered a topic early? Move to another
How to Implement:
- Write it down (phone calendar, planner, or wall poster)
- Set daily reminders
- Track completion (check off each session)
- Review weekly: What worked? What needs adjustment?
Real Result: “Before my schedule, I’d just study whatever I felt like. Some weeks I’d do only Math, then realize I hadn’t touched English in 2 weeks! My schedule ensured I covered everything systematically. I felt so much more prepared.” — Adjoa, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #7: Form a Study Group
The Problem: Studying alone can be:
- Isolating and demotivating
- Limited to your own understanding
- Boring and hard to sustain
The Solution: Join or form a study group with serious students.
Why Study Groups Work:
1. Peer Teaching
- Teaching others reinforces your own learning
- Hearing explanations from peers (who recently learned) can be clearer
- Different perspectives deepen understanding
2. Motivation
- Accountability keeps you consistent
- Group energy makes studying more enjoyable
- Healthy competition pushes everyone higher
3. Resource Sharing
- Share notes, past questions, study materials
- Pool knowledge (your strong subject + their strong subject = everyone benefits)
- Divide research tasks
4. Problem-Solving
- Stuck on a problem? Groupmates might know
- Discuss difficult concepts together
- Brainstorm approaches to tough questions
How to Make Study Groups Effective:
Do:
- Keep groups small (3-5 students max)
- Set clear agenda for each session
- Choose focused, serious students
- Rotate who leads/teaches each topic
- Meet regularly (same time, same place)
Don’t:
- Let it become social hour (stay focused!)
- Include students who don’t contribute
- Meet too frequently (2-3 times/week max)
- Study only in groups (also need solo study time)
How to Implement:
- Recruit: Find 2-4 classmates with similar goals
- Schedule: Weekly sessions, 1-2 hours each
- Location: Library, someone’s home, school classroom
- Structure:
- 10 min: Review last session
- 40 min: Focus topic (rotate teaching)
- 30 min: Practice problems together
- 10 min: Plan next session
Real Result: “My study group saved me! I struggled with Science, but one groupmate explained it so clearly. I helped them with Math. We quizzed each other, competed in a fun way, and all of us passed with great scores!” — Yaw, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #8: Take Care of Your Body
The Problem: Students often sacrifice:
- Sleep (“I’ll study all night!”)
- Exercise (“No time!”)
- Nutrition (“I’ll eat later!”)
Result? Poor health = poor studying = poor results.
The Solution: Treat your body like an athlete treats theirs—fuel it well for peak performance.
Why Physical Health Impacts Studying:
Sleep:
- Brain consolidates learning during sleep
- Poor sleep = poor concentration, poor memory
- Recommendation: 8-9 hours nightly
Nutrition:
- Brain needs fuel to function
- Healthy eating = sustained energy and focus
- Junk food = energy crashes, brain fog
Exercise:
- Increases blood flow to brain
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves mood and motivation
- Recommendation: 30 min daily movement
Water:
- Even mild dehydration impairs cognitive function
- Recommendation: 6-8 glasses daily
How to Implement:
Sleep Hygiene:
- Consistent bedtime and wake time
- No screens 1 hour before bed
- Cool, dark, quiet room
- No all-night study sessions!
Brain-Boosting Foods:
- Breakfast: Oats, eggs, fruits
- Snacks: Nuts, yogurt, fruits
- Lunch/Dinner: Balanced meals (protein, vegetables, whole grains)
- Limit: Sugar, fried foods, excessive caffeine
Daily Movement:
- Morning: 15 min walk or jog
- Study breaks: Stretch, dance, jumping jacks
- After school: Play football, skip rope, bike
Hydration:
- Keep water bottle at study desk
- Drink glass of water during each study break
- Limit sugary drinks
Real Result: “I used to stay up until 2 AM studying, survive on bread and tea, and never exercise. I was always tired and couldn’t focus. When I started sleeping properly, eating breakfast, and taking walks, I had so much more energy! My grades improved immediately.” — Akua, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #9: Manage Test Anxiety
The Problem: Even well-prepared students can panic during exams:
- Mind goes blank
- Can’t remember studied material
- Physical symptoms (racing heart, shaking, nausea)
- Time mismanagement
The Solution: Learn anxiety management techniques.
Why Anxiety Happens: Stress triggers “fight or flight” response. Your body prioritizes survival over thinking clearly—not helpful during exams!
Pre-Exam Anxiety Reduction:
Weeks Before:
- Prepare thoroughly (confidence reduces anxiety!)
- Practice past papers under exam conditions
- Visualize success (imagine yourself calm, answering confidently)
- Talk to someone (parent, teacher, counselor) about fears
Night Before:
- Review lightly (no cramming!)
- Prepare everything (pens, ID, calculator, etc.)
- Relax: Gentle activity, early bedtime
- Positive self-talk: “I’ve prepared well. I can do this.”
Exam Day:
- Eat balanced breakfast
- Arrive early (rushing increases anxiety)
- Avoid anxious classmates
- Brief review only (no new material!)
During Exam Anxiety Management:
If You Panic:
- Stop. Breathe: Deep breath in (4 counts), hold (4 counts), out (4 counts). Repeat 3 times.
- Ground Yourself: Press feet firmly on floor. Notice 5 things you can see. This brings you to present.
- Positive Affirmation: “I am prepared. I can do this. One question at a time.”
- Start Easy: Skip hard question temporarily. Build confidence with easier ones first.
- Keep Perspective: One question doesn’t define you. Do your best on what you can.
Time Management:
- Read all instructions carefully
- Budget time per section
- If stuck, move on (come back if time allows)
- Leave 10 min at end for review
How to Implement:
- Practice: Do breathing exercises daily (not just during exams)
- Simulate: Create exam-like pressure during practice tests
- Support: Talk to our counselors if anxiety is severe
Real Result: “I used to panic so badly during exams that I’d forget everything I studied. Learning breathing techniques and starting with easier questions changed everything. I stayed calm, managed my time, and performed my best.” — Kojo, 2024 BECE Relief Student
TIP #10: Believe in Yourself
The Problem: Self-doubt undermines preparation:
- “I’m not smart enough”
- “I’ll probably fail anyway”
- “Everyone else is better than me”
These thoughts become self-fulfilling prophecies.
The Solution: Cultivate a growth mindset and genuine self-belief.
Why Mindset Matters:
Fixed Mindset: “I’m just not good at Math.” (Gives up easily)
Growth Mindset: “I’m not good at Math YET, but I can improve with practice.” (Persists through challenges)
Research shows: Mindset predicts success more than initial ability.
How to Build Self-Belief:
1. Celebrate Small Wins
- Understood a difficult concept? Celebrate!
- Improved your practice test score? Recognize progress!
- Stayed consistent all week? Pat yourself on back!
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Negative: “I’m terrible at English.” Reframe: “English is challenging for me, but I’m improving every day.”
Negative: “I failed this practice test.” Reframe: “This practice test showed me what I need to study more.”
3. Remember Past Successes You’ve overcome challenges before:
- Learned to read and write
- Passed previous exams
- Solved problems you once thought impossible
You can do hard things. BECE is just the next challenge.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity
- Supportive friends and family
- Encouraging teachers and mentors
- Success stories from students like you
- Limit time with negative, discouraging people
5. Use Positive Affirmations Daily (especially before studying and exams):
- “I am capable and prepared.”
- “I learn from mistakes and keep improving.”
- “I will do my best, and my best is enough.”
- “I believe in myself and my potential.”
The Power of “Yet”: Add “yet” to negative statements:
- “I don’t understand this… YET.”
- “I’m not where I want to be… YET.”
- “I haven’t mastered this… YET.”
“Yet” implies growth, possibility, future success.
How to Implement:
- Morning routine: Say 3 positive affirmations
- After setbacks: Practice reframing
- Weekly: Reflect on progress and wins
- Surround yourself: Motivational quotes, supportive people
Real Result: “I almost didn’t register for BECE Relief because I didn’t think I was smart enough. But the team believed in me, and slowly I started believing in myself. That confidence carried me through studying and exams. I proved to myself I CAN do hard things!” — Efua, 2024 BECE Relief Student
BONUS TIP #11: Get Support When You Need It
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone:
If you’re struggling:
- Ask teachers for extra help
- Join programs like BECE Relief
- Work with a tutor
- Talk to a counselor about stress
- Reach out to foundations like ours
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Every successful person had support along the way. You deserve support too.
Putting It All Together:
Your BECE Success Formula:
✅ Start early + study consistently
✅ Use Pomodoro Technique for focused study
✅ Practice active recall (test yourself!)
✅ Understand deeply, not just memorize
✅ Master past questions
✅ Follow a structured schedule
✅ Join a study group
✅ Take care of your body (sleep, food, exercise)
✅ Manage test anxiety
✅ Believe in yourself
✅ Get support when needed
Do these things consistently, and success will follow.
Need More Support?
Join Our BECE Relief Project:
We provide:
- Free intensive revision classes
- Study materials and past questions
- Mock examinations
- Counseling and mentorship
- Nutritional support
- Exam day assistance
Registration: thechalktalkfoundation.com/bece-relief Contact: +233 (0) 241 432 201
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Your Turn:
Which tip will you implement first? What study strategies work for you? Share in comments below!
Remember: You can do this. We believe in you. Now believe in yourself and get to work!
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