Preparing for Prelims

Prelims can be a stressful time for both pupils and parents, but a little planning and support can make a huge difference. Whether your child is in primary or secondary school, helping them prepare effectively now sets them up for confidence and success later.

1️⃣ Create a study plan
A timetable is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to manage exam preparation. Break revision into manageable chunks, alternating subjects and allowing regular breaks. Encourage your child to include time for exercise and rest – the brain works best when it’s well-rested!

2️⃣ Practise past papers
Familiarity with the types of questions your child will face can reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Encourage them to complete timed past papers, then review the answers together. Celebrate successes and gently work through areas that need more focus.

3️⃣ Support a productive study environment
A quiet, well-lit space free from distractions helps children focus. Ensure all necessary materials – pens, paper, calculators, dictionaries – are close at hand. Some pupils prefer background music, while others need silence; allow your child to find what works best.

4️⃣ Encourage active learning techniques
Reading notes is useful but active recall and summarising information in their own words helps children retain knowledge far more effectively. Mind maps, flashcards and teaching someone else are excellent strategies to reinforce learning.

5️⃣ Keep wellbeing at the forefront
Finally, remember that wellbeing is key. Encourage regular sleep, healthy meals and short breaks. A positive mindset can make a huge difference to exam performance.

By supporting your child with these strategies, you’re giving them the tools to approach prelims with confidence, resilience and a clear plan. Remember if you feel your child could benefit from more input or additional sessions from their tutor, get in touch to let us know. 

At My Primary and Secondary Tutor we provide expert one-to-one and group tuition for pupils across Scotland, the wider UK and online, supporting children from P1 to S6 and Key Stage 1 to GCSE. Our experienced fully qualified teachers are specialists in both the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and the English National Curriculum, helping pupils who are struggling, have gaps in learning or want to build confidence across a wide range of subjects. We offer tailored support in English, maths, history, geography, physics, modern studies, accounting, economics, business, IT and our unique Emotions First programme designed to nurture children’s emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress. Parents trust our team of tutors to deliver high-quality professional tuition that meets every learner’s needs. Find out more and book a session by emailing karen@myprimaryandsecondarytutor.com or completing our contact us form.