SMART Spaces - spaced learning revision programme: an education endowment foundation efficacy trial
This study tests whether a revision programme called SMART Spaces helps Year 11 pupils in England achieve better results in their GCSE double award chemistry exams. Scientists know that leaving time gaps between study sessions can help the brain store and recall facts more easily. In this trial, 125 secondary schools are randomly divided into two groups. One group carries on with their normal revision lessons. In the other group, teachers deliver six special chemistry lessons over two weeks. Each lesson breaks revision into short 12-minute slots with 10-minute active breaks, such as juggling, followed by sleep overnight before repeating the content. Researchers compare GCSE chemistry results and past Key Stage 2 scores between both groups to see if this revision style makes a real difference. The study involves no medical risks and takes place entirely in regular classrooms.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Preparing for GCSE science exams can often feel stressful, with a huge number of facts and ideas to memorise in a short space of time. The SMART Spaces study explores whether changing how revision lessons are structured can help Year 11 pupils remember chemistry facts more easily and perform better in their final exams.
The programme is based on findings from brain science and psychology. These findings show that our brains store information much better when learning is spaced out over time, rather than crammed all at once. Instead of long lectures, SMART Spaces lessons are broken down into quick, focused 12-minute revision chunks. Between these chunks, pupils take 10-minute breaks to do simple physical tasks, such as juggling. The same topics are then revisited across the week after a night of sleep.
Researchers want to see if this spaced approach helps students not only recall facts, but also apply what they know to solve harder chemistry problems. By working with 125 secondary schools across England, the study aims to find practical, evidence-based teaching techniques that could help pupils across the country succeed in their science exams.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether spaced revision sessions improve Year 11 GCSE chemistry grades.
- Open to Year 11 pupils in England studying AQA double award science.
- Uses short 12-minute revision blocks separated by 10-minute active breaks like juggling.
- Takes place entirely in school during regular lessons with no medical procedures.
- Compares 125 schools split between the SMART Spaces method and normal revision.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for 15- to 16-year-old pupils in Year 11 who are studying AQA double award (also known as combined) GCSE science in secondary schools in England during the 2018/19 school year.
Participation is organised through entire schools rather than individual pupils. If a school agreed to join the study, eligible science classes within that school took part as a group.
Pupils could not take part if they were not enrolled in the AQA double award science course, or if their school was already taking part in another science research study funded by the Education Endowment Foundation.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are in Year 11 at a secondary school in England.
- You are studying AQA double award (combined) GCSE science.
- Your school has signed up to take part in the study.
- Your school is not taking part in another science trial funded by the same organisation.
What does participation involve?
Taking part happens entirely during normal school hours, with no extra travel, clinic visits, or medications required. Secondary schools are placed by chance into one of two groups. In the comparison group, pupils continue with their normal revision lessons. In the SMART Spaces group, teachers receive training to deliver six special revision lessons spread over two weeks. Each lesson covers chemistry topics in three 12-minute slots, separated by 10-minute spaces where pupils do fun movement activities like juggling. Lessons are repeated across the week with a night of sleep in between. Researchers then collect pupils' earlier Key Stage 2 test scores and their final GCSE chemistry exam grades to see if the programme improved overall learning.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- UCL Institute of EducationApproximateLondon, England
- Queen’s University BelfastApproximateBelfast, Northern Ireland
- Hallam Teaching School AllianceCity onlySheffield, England
Common questions
Is this a medical clinical trial?
No. While it uses scientific trial methods, it is an educational study looking at classroom revision techniques based on brain science.
Do pupils have to take any tests outside of school?
No. All revision takes place in normal lessons, and the only tests used are the standard GCSE exams and previous Key Stage 2 results.
Why do pupils do activities like juggling during the breaks?
Research suggests that quick physical activities give the brain a chance to rest and process what was just taught before the next study block begins.
What happens if a school is in the standard revision group?
Pupils in this group continue with their school's usual revision lessons. This is essential so researchers can make a fair comparison between the two methods.
Will this study affect a pupil's official GCSE qualification?
No. All pupils sit their normal AQA GCSE examinations at the end of the year, and their official grades are awarded in the usual way.
How to find out more
Nicola Bretscher
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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