Timetables, teachers & triumphs – lessons from toppers

Each academic journey is unique, shaped by dedication, challenges, and the people who support us. Three students of Class VI-F from the academic year 2024-25 at Apeejay School, Noida, share their reflections on their results and the path that led them to success.

Meet Pishal Arora, Aishi Dutta Choudhary, and Prisha Singh.

Pishal, who was incredibly thrilled with her 99%, shared that her hard work and the constant motivation from her mother paid off. “My study strategy throughout the year wasn’t very complex. I kept myself motivated and focused on understanding subjects deeply rather than just memorising things. For example, when I studied Science, I focused on understanding the core of the topic, and from there, I could derive the answers myself,” she opined.

While initially, she struggled with Mathematics, she took two extra classes offered by the school. “I didn’t have any tuition, so these classes were a boon. In Science, I faced some difficulties too, but I was fortunate to have my elder brother’s support,” she stated.

Aishi, who scored 95.33%, shared, “I made sure to study and revise a little every day rather than leaving things for the last minute. Of course, it wasn’t always easy, especially when everyone else was out playing, but I ensured that academics never took a back seat,” she said and added that she also participated in sports like volleyball and sometimes basketball. Besides sports, she enjoys singing and drawing.

Math has usually been the most challenging subject for her. “However, I’ve been lucky to have amazing support from my teacher. She helped me a lot, especially by instantly clearing doubts in class and ensuring every student understood the concept thoroughly,” she said and added that her parents have also played a big role in her success. “They are my first teachers and have always ensured that I practise regularly and revise my subjects daily.”

Prisha, who scored 96.4%, said, “My study strategy was based on writing and practising what I had learnt in class. I found it helpful to write things down and create real-world examples to understand topics better. On a regular day, I used to study for about 4 to 5 hours. But as the exams got closer, I increased my study time to 6 to 7 hours a day. The subject I found most difficult was English grammar. However, the school teachers supported me a lot.”

The transition from Class V to VI was a bit stressful because the syllabus increased significantly. During this time, her mother provided significant assistance by creating a study timetable. “In my free time, I love playing outdoor games like football, badminton, and table tennis. I also enjoy reading storybooks. Some of my favourite authors are Roald Dahl and Sudha Murthy, and I have read many of their books,” she added.