There’s nothing quite like the feeling of starting something fresh. As the year-end holiday in Singapore draws to close, a new academic year is well underway. Just the thought of all the wonderful possibilities that new beginnings and fresh starts bring is enough to send ripples of excitement.
It doesn’t matter how your grades were the year before – that’s all the past now. All that matters now is starting off on the right foot towards your future academic endeavours.
For students looking to start the year on a clean slate, a positive mindset is your best weapon – alongside preparing ahead that is. Ready to slay the academic year? We’ve got your back.
Here are some simple things you can do to get back into the swing of things.
Evaluate and set goals
Every step forward is precious for Singaporean students striving to get the most out of their education. To make great strides towards success, it’s important to set realistic short-term and long-term goals. Setting goals is a powerful thing, which can help to guide focuses, sustain momentum, and trigger better academic behaviours – but it’s often underestimated.
Before putting together a list of study plans and kicking off your assignments, you need to first undertake a self-evaluation on your academic performance based on the previous year. Once you identify the gaps and understand what you need to address, then it’s time to formulate a plan of attack based on small daily goals and weekly or monthly achievements. Pro tip: Focus on the aspects that you have control over rather than bogging down on things you can’t change.
Don’t be shy about reaching out to your part time tuition teachers either – that’s what they are here for!
Re-organise your study space
There’s no right place to study, only the best conditions that can promote effective studying. Perhaps, now is the time to build an effective study space for yourself – one that works best for you!
If you have a designated study desk, ensure that it’s organised and place your materials within easy reach. Why? Because with a cluttered desk, it’s easy to let your mind wander – especially if you are vulnerable to distractions. An organised space with all the necessary tools and supplies in place, on the other hand, promotes comfort, alertness and concentration.
On top of that, do ensure that your study tables and chairs lend themselves to a proper ergonomic position for hours of comfortable revision.
Treat yourself to new stationery and study supplies
Let’s all agree that Singaporeans are obsessed with stationery and study supplies. From glossy pencils and washi tapes to scented erasers and pastel highlighters, there’s just something so enticing about these school supplies that get us feeling as if we are lost in heaven.
One should never dismiss the power of aesthetic-pleasing stationery. With them, daily tuition assignments become more enjoyable, and as a result, we tend to put more effort into these tasks and do the little steps well. So what better time is there to treat yourself to new stationery and study supplies than now?
Talk it out
We all need a little help sometimes. If you’re finding it difficult to kickstart the new academic year, don’t stick your head in the sand just yet. Try speaking to your parents or part time tuition teacher, whoever you are more comfortable with. Allow them to offer you new perspectives or help you develop a plan to alleviate your worries.
Get a head start on tuition assignments
Being a Singaporean student who’s afraid to lose out isn’t always a bad thing, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get ahead. If you’re feeling anxious about school work and new syllabus, don’t let yourself get frozen in anxiety. Instead, begin familiarising yourself with new subjects through tuition assignments or introductory materials. This way, you can relate better when classes commence.