After the September break, most students are gearing up for their major exam of the year – the year-end exams. With only 1 to 2 months left, many parents are wondering how best to support their child’s revision during this critical period. Should your child be re-reading their textbooks, focusing on practice papers, or seeking help for topics they struggle with?
As a tuition centre in Singapore with over 10 years of experience, we’ve helped many students prepare for their exams – even those who join us just two months before the exams. Many of our students have seen remarkable improvements, jumping multiple grades in a short span of time. How do we help them achieve this? Here are some of our tried-and-tested strategies for last-minute exam revision.
Personalise a Study Plan
Every student has different needs, abilities, and weaknesses. For a revision plan to work as effectively as possible, it should take these into account and be highly targeted to the student’s current status. Oftentimes, it is easier to consult your child’s teacher or tutor to better understand your child’s academic progress and get recommendations on what steps to take.
At Future Academy, our tutors will observe and assess each student in order to understand the areas they need more help with. This ensures we can focus our time and attention on what can deliver the best results for each student, instead of implementing a one-size-fits-all solution. Our small class size allows us to dedicate sufficient time to students individually, alongside group teaching sessions and activities.
Prioritise High-Weightage Topics
When time is limited, focus on topics that carry the most weight in the exams. For example, in upper secondary math, this might include Differentiation and Trigonometry, while Organic Chemistry is often a major topic in JC Chemistry Tuition. At Future Academy, we target topics that are critical for exam success and where students commonly struggle. For less significant topics, we may cover them more briefly or address them during one-on-one consultations, allowing students to raise specific concerns.
Focus on Quick Wins
A fast way to improve exam performance is by addressing ‘easy fixes’. These include improving time management during the exam, refining how answers are presented, or focusing on small changes that prevent loss of marks due to incomplete answers or poor presentation. That is why in our O Level Math Tuition classes at Future Academy, we do not just focus on revising content, but also teach students answering skills and techniques using the marking schemes of mock papers. By fine-tuning their exam technique, students can secure crucial marks that can make a significant difference to their final grade.
Practice Timed Papers
There’s a big difference between doing topical practices and completing a full exam paper. A timed mock exam simulates the actual exam conditions, giving students the chance to practice retrieving information quickly, connecting topics, and managing stress. Here at Future Academy, we provide carefully selected practice papers to help students refine their time management and boost their concentration throughout the exam.
Get Expert Feedback
Self-revision has its limitations, as students might miss their own mistakes or not recognise their weaknesses. An experienced tutor, on the other hand, can quickly identify common errors and suggest targeted solutions. If your child feels stuck despite their efforts, they might have blind spots that only a skilled teacher can point out. At Future Academy, our dedicated tutors provide personalised feedback, helping students stretch beyond their current abilities and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
Effective last-minute revision is about focusing on what truly matters. By setting realistic goals, prioritising high-scoring topics, practising under exam conditions, and seeking feedback from experienced tutors, your child or teen can make the most of the time they have left before the exams. At Future Academy, we’re here to guide students through these crucial weeks, providing expert tuition and support to help them achieve their best.