How to make the most of your year ahead?  

As the summer vacation draws to a close, students are eagerly preparing to return to school. Surely, this transition period provides an opportunity to reflect on the past academic year and set the tone for the year ahead. While you may be thinking about your personal targets in the upcoming academic session, here’s what we offer as key considerations before you get set to rejoin school. Read on.

Reflect on the Past Year:

Before diving into the new academic year, take a moment to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments and challenges. Identify areas for improvement and set goals for personal growth. Use this reflection as a foundation to make positive changes and approach the year with renewed determination.

Set Realistic Targets:

Setting targets is essential for academic progress. Establish both short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). These targets will help maintain focus and provide a roadmap for success throughout the year. So, remember to prioritise goals that align with personal interests and aspirations.

Organise and Complete Pending Assignments:

As students return to school, it is important to complete any pending assignments or summer homework. Create a schedule to manage time effectively and allocate dedicated slots for finishing these tasks. By starting the academic year with a clean slate, you can stay on top of the workload and avoid unnecessary stress.

Embrace a Proactive Approach:

A proactive mindset is crucial to learning. Therefore, take initiative in seeking clarification, participating in class discussions, and engaging with teachers. Ensure to actively participate in extracurricular activities and seek opportunities for holistic development. By taking ownership of your education, you can make the most of your time in school and broaden your horizons.

Foster Effective Communication:

Maintaining open and effective communication with teachers and peers is vital. Therefore, seek guidance when needed, ask questions, and actively participate in classroom discussions. Developing strong relationships with teachers and classmates creates a supportive learning environment and enhances the overall academic experience.

Cultivate Effective Study Habits:

Adopting effective study habits is key to staying organised and managing academic workload. Create a study schedule that allows for regular breaks, ensuring a healthy balance between study and leisure time. Utilise effective study techniques such as summarising notes, active reading, and practicing problem-solving regularly. Engage with study groups or peer collaborations to enhance learning and revision.

Prioritise Well-being:

While academics are important, it is equally crucial to maintain overall well-being. Foster a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in physical activity. Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and pursuing hobbies. Remember, taking care of mental and physical well-being enables one to perform their best.

Sharing his pearls of wisdom for all students, Mr Rudrendra Basak, Principal at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri in Haryana says, “Before returning to school after a well-deserved summer break, students need to first mentally prepare themselves. In the upcoming session, they must actively participate in class, ask questions and seek help when needed for a deeper understanding of their subjects. Besides, embracing a growth mindset, respecting others and promoting empathy and inclusion, will help them in the long run. In addition, they should participate in extracurricular activities as well as focus on building a well-rounded personality.”

Mr Basak also suggests young minds to become digitally responsible citizens and foster a supportive community. “I hope that students have already completed their holiday assignments and are looking forward to the opening of the school,” he says.

Expressing a similar sentiment, Dr Sujeet Eric Masih, Principal at Apeejay School, Saket says, “It will be a fresh start with immense opportunities to bloom and garner your capacities and personality. Make maximum use of the same to become a better version of yourself. Blessings!”

Returning to school after summer vacation can be truly enriching. Embrace the challenges, nurture a growth mindset and strive for continuous improvement. With a positive mindset and a focused approach, we hope this academic year holds immense potential for your personal and academic growth.

Good luck!