Exam Prep: Planning for Success (and Sanity!)
- Cate Taylor
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Exams are on the horizon, and whether you're a student getting ready to sit them or a parent offering support, now is the time to get organised. One of the most important parts of preparing for exams isn’t just revision—it’s planning. A solid plan helps reduce stress, boosts confidence, and makes revision time much more effective. But let’s be honest: most young people won’t do this on their own. They’ll need a bit of help—and probably a bit of encouragement (or cajoling!) to stick with it.
Why Planning Matters
When students don’t know where to start, they often don’t start at all. That’s where a good revision plan makes all the difference. It breaks the workload into manageable chunks and gives a sense of progress. It also builds in time for rest and balance—both vital for success.
Weekly Overviews & Daily Schedules
Begin with a weekly overview of available time. Mark out fixed commitments—such as lessons, clubs or family activities—and then look at where revision can realistically fit in. Next, make a to-do list for that week: subjects, topics, past papers, flashcards—whatever needs tackling. I advise doing this weekly rather than for the entire exam period.
When students have full days available to revise (perhaps during weekends or school holidays), use a daily plan, broken down hour by hour. This gives structure to the day without being too rigid. Be realistic: include breaks, mealtimes and a clear finish point.
Plan the Good Stuff First
This may seem surprising, but it’s absolutely essential: start by planning in exercise and things that make them feel good. Whether it’s a walk, a football match, drawing, baking, or time with friends, these activities help keep motivation and mood high. They’re not a distraction (providing they are time-limited!) —they’re what make revision manageable in the long run.
Concentration Needs Practice
We live in an incredibly distracting world. Concentration is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Start small—perhaps 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break (look up the Pomodoro technique for a simple way to do this). Build up gradually over time.
And yes, many young people will need support to manage their devices. Phones and screens can really get in the way of focused study. You might need to set agreed times where devices are put away—just for short bursts. It’s not always easy, but it really does help.
If You Haven’t Started Yet…
Don’t worry—it’s not too late. The best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is now. Sit down, make a plan, and take that first small step. Progress comes quickly with structure and support.
In Summary:
Help your child put together a weekly plan and daily schedule.
Create a list of tasks, and tick things off to stay motivated.
Plan in exercise and feel-good activities from the start.
Concentration takes practice—limit distractions and support focused time.
If you haven’t started yet, now’s the time.
You’ve got this—and we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
Read another of our posts about exam success here.
Cate is a qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience in teaching and tailored tutoring. She specialises in both online and face-to-face lessons, working with students and adult learners from Hong Kong, the UK, Spain, Switzerland, and France. With a proven track record of helping learners achieve their goals, Cate offers flexible scheduling for adults and international students, including those in Hong Kong, who can take lessons during UK daytime hours. Spaces are limited and we’re taking bookings for the next academic year already, so do get in touch to book a session.
#tutoring #learnlanguages #French #Spanish #tutor # languagetutor
