The ‘O’ Levels: How to Achieve Your Goals

Achieving your goals of doing well for your O level examinations may not be as daunting as you think. There are steps you can take, and help that you can depend on. If you develop good habits and achieve consistency, there are hardly any limits to what you can achieve with your life!

Goal Setting

Take some time to sit down and really think through the goals you plan to achieve. It is often useful to start with the end in mind, e.g. planning on studying marine biology in a university overseas or getting into a JC of your choice. These are end goals that will help you to see the bigger picture, and keep you motivated. You can then set out individual goals for each of your subjects. Finally, work on the plan to attain each of these goals. It can involve reading one book a month to improve on your English or working on one question type for a particular topic every day for Math. Break down the steps to attain your bigger goals into very small, attainable goals.

Managing Expectations

Figure out which subjects you need more help for, and which ones you can handle by yourself. If you have been consistently failing or obtaining a C5/C6 in a subject, it is unrealistic to set a goal of getting an A1 by the next exam. Work your way up to a better grade slowly but surely. Remember, consistency is key.

Don’t compare yourself to others; focus on your own progress and improvement, setting realistic expectations that align with your abilities and efforts.

Honing Study Habits

Your study habits are the most important element of your exam preparation. Every student learns differently, so stick to what works for you. You might be a morning person or a night owl, someone who can only work with colour coded notes or with copious amounts of coffee. Try out any of the tips below:

• Minimise or remove all distractions from your study space (this includes putting your phone on work/study mode or leaving it outside your room)
• Take breaks – try out any interval that works for you e.g. 40 minutes study time with 10 minute breaks or 25 minutes study time with 5 minute breaks.
• Study in a conducive space – ensure it is quiet, cool enough and distraction free.
• Set a study goal for each session, and ensure that you meet it to the best of your ability. This will give you a sense of accomplishment.
• Reward yourself! Rewards can be anything which give you a feeling of contentment and spur you on to keep studying!
• Ask for help: Grinding away during study sessions without progress can be discouraging. Try out tuition sessions at https://curio.sg/programmes/
• Study with a group of like-minded friends. You can keep each other motivated as well as help one another with more challenging topics.

Achieving your goals may seem like a daunting task, especially if there are subjects you are struggling with. Speak to your parents, teachers and tutors and get some tailor made advice. Start early and stick to a solid plan. You’ve got this.