Star Performers: ‘Positive school environment improved our learning’

Academic excellence is not achieved overnight. It is built through consistency, discipline, and the willingness to keep improving every day. Three students of Class VIII from Apeejay School, Pitampura (academic year 2025-26): Raghav Goel, Diva Agarwal, and Nitara Kapoor exhibited these qualities throughout the session, balancing academics with personal growth and co-curricular learning.

Their journeys show how confidence, hard work, and the right guidance can together shape remarkable results.

The biggest difference in Raghav’s performance this year was that he stayed focused and consistent throughout the session instead of studying seriously only before examinations. Earlier, he used to prepare under pressure at the last moment, but this year he gave equal importance to regular practice, time management, and revision.

“This approach gave me enough time to understand concepts properly and improve steadily in every subject. One subject that was difficult for me initially was German; the grammar and new concepts in Class VIII felt confusing at first. Gradually, through regular usage, revision, and practice, I became more confident. My German teacher supported me a lot and guided me whenever I faced difficulties. Before exams, I mostly relied on self-made notes, PYQs, and practice assignments, which helped me revise faster and prepare better,” this now Class IX student said.

Diva, now in Class IX, believes that the biggest reason behind her performance this year was consistency. Instead of depending on last-minute studying, she tried to stay disciplined and study regularly throughout the year. This helped her understand concepts better, retain information more easily, and feel more confident during exams.

“I never followed a strict timetable and preferred keeping preparation flexible according to the subjects or topics that needed more attention. This helped me focus more on weaker areas. Exams were stressful at times, but whenever I felt pressure, I reminded myself of the hard work I had put in during the year. Apart from academics, I also learnt to express myself more confidently. Participating in MUNs, dance, music, and Interact Club activities helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and become more confident, creative, and socially aware,” she shared.

Nitara realised that her preparation was improving gradually during the revision tests in February. She had been practising extra questions, and for the first time she noticed that she could solve questions confidently. This made her feel much more prepared for my studies.

“One major change I made this year was shifting from passive reading to active recall. Instead of only rereading chapters, I started writing down answers and even explaining concepts to myself in front of the mirror. This helped me memorise topics better and understand them more clearly. The teachers were also extremely supportive and always explained doubts patiently, no matter how basic they were. Whenever I felt mentally exhausted or unmotivated, I reminded myself of my goals; took short breaks; listened to music; painted; or went for light walks to refresh my mind and stay focused,” the now Class IX student said in conclusion.