As students settle into the new school year, some may be feeling the pressure transitioning from GSCE to A-level, which involves more course reading, more homework, and a more independent learning style. Making academic progressions can be difficult, but with the right routine and support, students can get off to the best start. MyTutor provides a five-point checklist for parents to help their teen become a more autonomous learnerso they can start off the academic year on the right foot.

1. Let them know that it’s OK to make mistakes.
Teens are often worried about making mistakes in front of their peers. They think they’ve got to get things right the first time around. It doesn’t help that in school, when a student gets an answer right straight off the bat, they’re praised for it. At home, there’s lots you can do to help change the way they see mistakes. When they see setbacks as a normal part of learning, they’ll take more chances and have a go on their own.

To start, you can share stories of your own mistakes so that they know it’s OK if they get things wrong. Tell them about the time you forgot about a deadline or made a presentation that put your colleagues to sleep. Let them know the lessons you took from those times. Being open to chats about setbacks helps take the pressure off them and helps them feel more confident to make mistakes and learn from them.

2. Share resources that help them get organised.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when there are loads of helpful resources out there. First thing’s first– they can start by setting goals for the term. And if they’re not sure how to make a plan and stick to it, there are lots of study hacks over on MyTutor’s Instagram account to help them work it out. From note-taking techniques to balancing study time with the Pomodoro technique– they can learn about it all in MyTutor’s revision handbook too. And if they’re always on TikTok– not to worry! They could be learning from tutors who are there to guide them with study tips and even live Q&A sessions where they can ask their study-related questions.

Apps can also be a huge help when it comes to staying on top of their schoolwork. My Study Life can help them get organised, and Forest is a winner for working out the right balance between study and breaks.

3. Remind them of their strengths.
When they’re stepping up a level, the jump (especially from GCSE to A-Levels) can take some getting used to. And there will be bumps along the road while they work out their new routine. To help boost their confidence at this time of change, let them know what they do well. It doesn’t have to be related to school. It can be about the time they looked after their younger sibling or spent a summer learning how to play the guitar. Hearing examples can give them the courage (and confidence) to try out new things.

4. Have chats about their future goals.
Thinking of where they want to go next can give them a real boost in motivation. Ask them about their passions or where they see themselves after finishing school. If they’re up for it, encourage them to set goals– for the term, the year, or even five years from now. Of course they don’t have to have it all figured out, and their plans will probably change! It’s just a chance for them to get excited about the future– and even work towards something that matters to them.

5. Find them support (if they need it).
Sometimes, they just need expert help. If you’ve heard from teachers about how your child’s not the most organised, or if you’ve seen them struggling over homework, it might be time to get support early on. Our tutors, who are students at top UK universities, can help break down tricky topics and give them pointers on how best to study so that they stay on top of their schoolwork.

Being an independent learner becomes more and more important as one moves through their academic career. Learning how to learn isn’t the easiest to work out, but it’s a skill that can be taught. Becoming an independent learner will help your teen feel more confident in school– and beyond, so it’s well worth the effort!