What do you think should be included in a good practice routine. At the moment I seem to just tinkle away at a few tunes I'm trying to learn and maybe run through some scales/arps/aural training if I have an exam coming up, but I am getting more and more into careful and accurate playing. What do you think should be included in a practice routine?

I have a march exam so have put all learning of random pieces on hold. Right now I do 14 random scales a day, a bit of aural and loads of sightreading. I concentrate on one piece a day, and if I get all that done, then I play random stuff!

I have a scale rota for grade 8 which covers everything over 4 days at around half an hour a day (assuming that you have already learnt them).
I never look at it as being the huge number of scales which some people calculate, I see it as scales/arpeggios on 8 starting notes plus a few extras.

Decide what work you need to get done in a week. Scales, exercise and pieces.
Decide how much time you a) have to practice and have the stamina to practice. The timetable thte work so it gets done.

Along with a teacher fing out what you need to concentrate on. They will be able to advise.

Always be very self anylitical when you practice. 20mins spent on two bars can reap dividends, likewise slow practice of a whole fugue to help work out the voicing is also invaluable.

Stick you your timetable and don't be sidetracked.