A Teddington tutor has shared revision tips for the upcoming summer exams.

She said: "Whilst it's already March and exams start in May, students should really have started their revision six months ago, but that does not mean that it is too late to start now."

Jyoti says that for those who have not yet started their revision, the best thing to do is make a plan.

"They should break their revision into manageable chunks, and write down their most reachable goals," she said.

Jyoti added that students should also focus on what they think their "weakest point is" and if "they're lacking behind in any subjects".

She said: "So, I think rather than avoiding these subjects, it's better to pick up on them right now and spend some more time on those subjects rather than the subjects you already know."

The tutor explained that a good way to revise the subjects students struggle with most is work on past papers and set a timer to ensure they finish the past papers in the required exam time.

"They can then work out how many questions they are able to attempt and if there are any specific topics they need to focus on," she said.

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 As the centre manager at First Class Learning, Teddington, Jyoti says she can help students wishing to use her facilities now in the subjects they are struggling with and with practicing past papers.

She added: "But I also think they should ask for support from their teachers. They are always welcome to join my tuition, but with the start of the exam period only being two months away, it might be better to ask their teachers for help.

" But I think they still can join my tuition, and we can quickly cover topics they are struggling in and past papers, so that at least if they have not done anything, they can still reach a grade C or B."

The tutor recommends that students "mix up" their revision style and not just spend their time reading notes.

She suggests creating flashcards or mind maps.

"I may sound like an old-school teacher, but I'm a big advocate for using a pen and paper for revision as this is better for memorising things," Jyoti said.

She also pointed out that there are various online resources for students to use and advises they use them.

As per managing stress, Jyoti suggests that parents avoid putting too much pressure on their children to achieve the highest grades, something she sees many of her students' parents do

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"I think parents should avoid having too high expectations and putting too much pressure on your kids as this is a hard time for them," she said.

Jyoti added that now is a good time for kids to pick up a hobby too.

She said: "If you're into painting, do that, and try take some time to relax as well rather than just studying all the time.

"And if you like swimming, just go for a swim, especially as the weather is improving, or if you're involved in dancing, go for it. Join a dance class so that you get that one hour or half an hour off from studying and this will help you to de-stress. I think no one will tell you that."

The tutor explained that getting outdoors is also "really important", especially as we now live in a media-obsessed world.

She advises students to avoid using social media because, in her experience, a quick scroll on social media apps like Instagram can easily lead to half an hour or even an hour of scrolling.

 Jyoti added that scrolling through social media sites can also add more stress for students because "people post everything on social media these days, including their revision updates, "so when you start looking at different people's posts, you might compare yourself to your friends and become more stressed".

She said: "I think don't get stressed over what your friends are doing and what you're missing out on. Just focus on yourself rather than your friends.

"And if you need help or are feeling stressed, I'd suggest talking to your teachers or parents or go outside and get some fresh air rather than spending time on social media or watching TV."

First Class Learning, Teddington offers Maths and English tuition to children aged four – 16.

Unlike many tuition services, it ensures each child receives individual attention and personalised programmes.

Each child completes an initial assessment in both subjects, helping Jyoti identify their strengths, address gaps in knowledge, and build independence and focus.

Lessons are then tailored to the individual and progress is only made once the child fully understands a topic.

Jyoti explained: "It's very personalised teaching. And although it's not one-to-one, it's a very, very small group so that all kids can learn.

"When I first meet a child, we do an assessment to see what level the child is in, because if a kid is in a very advanced level, we don't have to start from scratch with that kid unlike we may have to do with others. So, we start from where the level of the child is, whether it's English or Maths and that applies to all the kids."

She added that the assessments are free and that she will then create a personalised plan for each individual child following the assessment. The children will also be placed into groups based on their age and academic level.

Jyoti holds her tuition classes at Teddington's Sacred Heart Primary School on Saturdays.

You can find out more about First Class Learning, Teddington here.

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