The start of a new school year feels like opening a brand-new chapter of your life. This is your chance to set new goals, focus on what you truly want to achieve, and create a plan to make it happen. You have a fresh start, filled with possibilities and exciting opportunities. If last year didn’t go exactly as you’d hoped, now is the perfect time to try again.
If you’re looking to improve your grades, stay on top of homework, or just manage your time a little better, creating a study schedule that works for you can make all the difference. So, whether you’re just starting secondary school or getting closer to your GCSEs, let’s make this year your best one yet! With a little planning, you can avoid last-minute stress and set yourself up for a smoother, more productive year ahead.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” While it might sound a bit dramatic, there’s a lot of truth to it! Planning helps you stay on top of your tasks and goals for the year, whether it’s homework, coursework, or revision for exams. When you have a clear plan, you know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it. This not only helps you to manage your time better, but also reduces the chances of forgetting important deadlines or feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of work. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in helping you feel more calm, confident, and in control.
Now you might be thinking, ‘I’ve got plenty of time to do that’ and guess what? Right now, you do! So, make the most of this time and get ahead. Procrastination is something many students struggle with. While it might feel good to delay your work in the moment, it often leads to unnecessary stress and panic later on. As time passes, you’ll have more and more on your plate, and if you’re not sure how to manage this, things can get a bit overwhelming. Instead of burying your head in the sand, let’s get organised. Start preparing early so you can break things down into manageable chunks.
We’re all guilty of throwing together a schedule and giving up after a week. Much like New Year’s resolutions, what we say at the start of an academic year is all well and good until we try to implement it. But with a few steps, you can build a routine that works for you.
First, make a list of everything you need to do. This includes homework, projects, revision, and even after-school activities or hobbies. Don’t forget the little things such as the time it takes you to travel, or get ready in the morning, you might even want to leave room for a solid 8-hour sleep each night!
Knowing exactly what you need to manage will help you create a realistic plan, but it’s important to be flexible. Things might come up, so remember that it’s okay to adjust things if needed.
Once you know what you need to do, it’s time to set some goals. Then, prioritise your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. What do you want to achieve this term? Maybe it’s improving your grades, making new friends, or simply staying on top of your homework.
For example, if you are you good at English but bad at Maths, plan more time to study maths in your in your schedule. If you want to meet more people, leave space in your schedule for attending a new club. Be specific about what you want to achieve and think realistically about the steps you can take to get closer to your goal.
Grab a planner or open up your favourite Calander app. Tools like time-blocking are great for creating a study schedule. Once you’ve added the essentials, you will be able to spot gaps in your routine. Find any 15 to 60-minute slots available and schedule some study sessions. Decide when you’ll work on each task and how much time you’ll dedicate to it. Be sure to spread your tasks out evenly throughout the week, so you’re not cramming everything into one day.
Top Tip: If you have a subject you are struggling with, schedule revision session for them around times that you feel the most alert! This will help you focus and remember more information.
School is an important aspect of your life, but not everything should revolve around it. Being realistic is key to creating a schedule you’ll actually stick to. Think about your interests, hobbies and daily routines. Do you like to spend an hour or so before bed to chatting with friends online, do you play any games, or have a show you like to watch? Make sure you allow yourself the time to do just that! Your schedule shouldn’t be an inconvenience, it’s here to help you.
If you’re planning to have a study session, make sure to add short breaks throughout to give your brain a rest. Whether it’s a quick walk, a snack, or just some time to relax, breaks will help you stay focused.
After you’ve followed your study schedule for a week or two, take a moment to reflect on whether it’s working for you. Are you able to stick to it? Do you feel like it’s helping or are you feeling overwhelmed? If it’s not working out, don’t be afraid to tweak it. A good study schedule is one that fits your needs and helps you stay on track without adding unnecessary pressure.
Once you’ve got your study schedule in place, you’ll find it much easier to stay on top of your work. And when you’re more organised, you’ll have more free time to do the things you love. Remember, the goal is to make your life simpler, not more stressful. So, keep your schedule flexible, listen to what works for you, and don’t be afraid to make changes along the way. No matter what your goals for the new year are, we’ve got lots of free resources to help with motivation, resilience, smartening your study, and focusing on your future. So, open the Student Toolbox and see what you can find!
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