The recent flurry of calls and enquiries following Year 11 mocks and exam results has highlighted something important: it’s never too early to get extra support if there’s a concern about your teenager’s progress.
As parents, it’s natural to want the best for your child. But let’s be honest—teenagers can be unreliable at assessing how well they’re really doing. Often, they overestimate how much they’ll improve before exams. If you think there might be an issue, it’s better to act now rather than leave it too late.
Encourage your child to start tutoring early, even if it’s just to “please you.” It doesn’t mean they’ll need tutoring all the way until exam day. Starting early and finishing once they’re back on track is much better than scrambling for help when time is running out.
If you're an adult preparing for exams, you're in charge! You'll probably be juggling extra responsibilities like work, so starting early is even more important. Carve out that time for revision and the earlier the better.
Top Tips for Exam Success
The recipe for success isn’t a mystery—it’s about good habits and consistent effort. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help your teenager get on top of their learning:
Attend school and lessons
Being present and engaged in the classroom is the first step. Teachers are experts in their subject and know what’s needed to succeed—listening to them matters.
Do the homework
Homework isn’t just extra work; it’s planned to reinforce what’s been taught. Skipping it is like skipping steps on a ladder.
Revise early and consistently
Revision shouldn’t start a few weeks before exams. Prepare for all assessments, even small ones, from the very start.
How to Revise Effectively
Not all revision methods are equal. The key is to focus on active learning rather than just reading through notes. Here’s how to make revision count:
Summarise notes
Whether it’s from classwork, textbooks, or revision guides, creating summaries helps simplify the material and focus on key points.
Retrieval practice
Testing yourself is one of the best ways to learn. It could be high-tech, like using a quiz app, or as simple as covering up notes and trying to recall the information.
Know the examiners’ expectations
Understanding what the examiners are looking for and hitting all the assessment objectives is crucial. This can make the difference between a grade boundary.
Practice papers
Practice makes permanent. Familiarising yourself with the exam style and time constraints helps build confidence and reduces anxiety on the big day.
The bottom line? It’s always better to start early. Whether it’s extra tutoring or revision, acting now can make a world of difference. Small, consistent efforts add up and ensure students are confident and prepared when exams arrive.
If you are a language student, you may like to read our latest blog about essential verbs.
Are you based in Hong Kong and looking for an experienced tutor for IB or iGCSE? Are you an adult looking for French and Spanish lessons during the day?
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
Comentários