7 Steps to set Mid-Year Exam Goals

Parents can be helpful to their kids to achieve academic, sports and social successes at school, by helping them set good goals before exam time arrives. Here are 7 simple steps to help you prepare and guide your child to academic success…

Step 1 – Find a ‘no distractions’ workplace - Find a suitable space in the home where there are no televisions, phones or other electronic devices that could interrupt your child. Explain to them that setting realistic goals are important for academic success at school and in sports, social life and family. It can also help to ease stress and anxiety, boost their concentration, and make it easier to work towards something achievable.
Step 2 – Build on the past - You can help your child obtain a better result in this term by asking your child a few questions about the past school term like,

1. What made you most proud in the last 3 months?

2. What possibly disappointed you in the last 3 months?

3. What went well and what could have gone better?

4. Who was a good influence on you and who wasn’t?

5. If you could do anything over, would you change anything?

Step 3 – Determine the future - Now ask your child a few questions about what the year ahead looks like for them,

1. What are you aiming for? – name at least three things…

2. What dreams would you like to fulfil?

3. What are the possible fears and frustrations you have going into the exams?

4. What is one thing you would like to do better this term?

5. What support do you need in order to achieve these things?

6. Who would help influence you in a positive way this term?

7. Would some good private tuition help you in any subjects?

Step 4 – Set the goals - Now choose a few realistic goals to work towards this term – perhaps a school subject and a sport to start with? Get your child to create a vision board to put in the area they work every day – they should read these every day aloud. Also, try to set an example by having your own goals that you are working towards, this can also help keep your child motivated.
Step 5 - Set S.M.A.R.T goals - Using the SMART method brings structure and accountability, which in turn brings vague ideas into well rounded statements of intent…

S is for Specific… I am going to achieve 70% for Maths in term 2

M is for Measurable... Look at the past terms report and be specific with target

A is for Attainable... Build in opportunities for success in order to achieve the 70%

R is for Realistic... Have a results based goal that you are working towards

T is for Timously... Having a timeline will keep you focused for the end result

Step 6 - Break goals down - into small bite sizes – a SMART sheet template can be found on Google. Think realistically, by setting smaller goals that can be achieved - this way your child stays engaged and achieves more in the long run. Check in with your child at least once a week around their weekly goals.
Step 7 - Celebrate your child’s success - When your child achieves their goals, give them credit for their accomplishments and efforts. The celebration should be meaningful to your child, to ensure that they have a goal filled term 3 and 4 worth celebrating. Positive attitudes around goal setting is important, or your child may feel it’s a chore, so try not nag them. If your child misses their goal, don’t penalise them - rather encourage them to find a way to move forward and regroup their thoughts.

We hope these 7 steps to set mid-year exam academic goals have been helpful to you. Remember, through our expert tuition, we at Edu Core Solutions can assist with all areas of schooling, so contact us to help you to ensure your child reaches their full potential!

https://www.educoresolutions.co.za/