The summer holidays offer a golden opportunity for students preparing for the OC and Selective High School Placement Tests to get ahead in their studies. With the big exam scheduled in May, this period is crucial for honing exam strategies and reducing the academic pressure of the upcoming school year. However, without regular guidance from teachers, students may struggle to stay motivated. Here are practical steps parents can take to help their children use this time effectively.
Building Strong Foundations Through Theory
A solid understanding of theory forms the basis of exam success. For students with time before their exams, the holidays are ideal for learning new concepts and deepening their understanding of previously covered material. While most students should already be familiar with the core topics of their upcoming tests, learning additional material can provide an extra edge and reduce the risk of encountering unfamiliar questions.
Parents can create a study plan focusing on weekly learning goals. For instance, identify question types in Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills that your child hasn’t encountered yet and work on applying theoretical knowledge to these questions. Vocabulary building is equally important for the Reading and Writing sections. Encourage your child to learn 5 to 10 new words weekly, explore their synonyms, and practice using them in sentences to reinforce contextual understanding.
Practicing Repeatedly Through Timed Drills
Timed drills bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application under exam conditions. These exercises help students improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. For example, parents can time their child while they complete worksheets on specific concepts, such as calculating the area of a triangle. Repeated practice with a focus on reducing completion time fosters familiarity with the material and helps students recognize patterns, eliminate incorrect options, and approach questions efficiently.
Simulating Exam Conditions with Trial Tests
Trial tests under realistic exam conditions are an essential step in exam preparation. While students lacking a strong theoretical foundation may find this step challenging, it is the most effective way to build test-taking skills. Trial papers familiarize students with the exam format, improve time management, and reduce anxiety by simulating the actual test environment.
Conduct trial tests in a distraction-free setting with the same time limits as the real exam. Afterward, review the results to identify areas where marks were lost. Common issues, such as lack of focus, careless mistakes, or difficulty with specific concepts, can be addressed with targeted strategies. For example, building focus can begin with short timed drills, gradually increasing duration to match the length of the exam.
Benefits of Trial Tests
Students who practice extensively with trial papers enter the exam with confidence, as the test feels like just another familiar exercise. These papers help them develop critical skills, including:
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Time management
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Error checking
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Eliminating incorrect options
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Making informed guesses
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Finding shortcuts for problem-solving
By addressing avoidable mistakes and reinforcing strengths, trial tests ensure consistency and build self-assurance in students.
Additional Support
For parents looking for structured resources, Testwise offers online trial test packs for Selective 2025 students, complete with timed exams, instant marking, and detailed explanations.
By focusing on theory, practice, and exam simulation during the summer holidays, students can confidently approach their exams and excel in their academic journey.