Exams this year? Here’s how to make the most of the next few months (and how Tassomai can help!)
How parents can prepare their children for GCSE success this summer
As 2025 begins, GCSE exams may still feel far off, but time will move quickly, and having a plan for the next six months is key. Between now and the end of the Spring term is all about strategy - the better you can prepare, the more effective your child’s revision will be.
Tassomai is pre-programmed with the exact exam timetable, so that the quick-and-easy revision quizzes in the run-up to the exams emphasise the earlier exams (while making sure everything is ticking over)… and then as the exams start to happen, Tassomai filters their material out so that the focus shifts to what’s next. It’s a very good revision organiser.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you support your child, with actionable advice and ways that Tassomai can make the journey smoother.
The new year is an opportunity for students to reset, reflect on progress so far and begin building effective routines. In January, it can be difficult knowing where to start, but there are some practical ways you can help your child to identify their weaker areas. Past papers and specification documents from the relevant exam boards are a great resource once you have a solid knowledge base, and if your child’s using Tassomai there are tools within the program to help.
What students can do:
Focus on identifying weaker areas early. Students who’ve completed Tassomai regularly can use The Tassomai Tree to see a visual representation of their strengths and gaps across subjects.
Set realistic, manageable goals, such as completing Daily Goals on Tassomai. Tackling a little every day ensures knowledge builds consistently. Students can also join in our BIG January Challenge and have the chance of winning prizes for doing their Daily Goals.
How parents can help:
Encourage a structured study plan, starting small but steady. You can read our GCSE Survival Guide for parents to get tips on how to do this.
Parents with children at a Tassomai school can join Tassomai’s free Parent Club, our community for parents keen to engage with their children’s learning, offering insights, webinars and resources to support successful study.
Make a list of all of the topics and questions that your child needs to improve upon, and right away, you have the beginnings of a revision plan.
By February, students should be in the habit of consistent study, with a focus on reinforcing their understanding. During the February half term, identify the areas that need most work so that those areas can get sorted and the revision period can be all about practising to perfection.
What students can do:
Attend Tassomai’s Live Lessons to deepen their knowledge of tricky topics and exam strategies for English, maths and science. These start on the 15th January and run weekly until the February Half Term. We’ll then host a Live Lesson each day of Half Term. These are open to all students, even those that don’t use Tassomai. Simply register for free on our website.
Continue using Tassomai alongside schoolwork for regular low-stress revision, which boosts retention and consolidates knowledge.
How parents can help:
Check in on progress through your weekly Progress Report email (which has a link that takes you straight into your Parent dashboard. These provide clear updates on activity and improvement.
Help students build balance: regular breaks, exercise and sleep are as important as study.
Get as many practice questions and papers as possible, but don’t worry about doing them yet, instead use them to help work out what they know. Your child should look through them and highlight them to say “I can do this”, “I’m not confident” or “I have no idea about how to do this”.
As exams draw closer, revision should become more targeted and rigorous in March.
What students can do:
Start practising past exam questions to familiarise themselves with exam formats and timings.
Make the most of Mai, Tassomai’s AI-powered tutor, for instant support with questions or tricky topics. Mai can help keep learning effective and focused. Did you know that students can ask Mai anything, so long as it relates to their quiz questions?
How parents can help:
Help your child to make the most of teachers while there’s still time. Go to them with a specific request - teachers will find it much easier to help if you help your child to identify topics or questions where they need help in advance.
Use specification documents to really dig deep. Your child can go through the document with coloured highlighters and put a mark by each statement to indicate their confidence in their ability or knowledge on each. This is a very thorough but fairly simple way to identify where they need to focus.
The Easter break in April is the final opportunity for students to fill any knowledge gaps before exam season starts.
What students can do:
Review weak areas highlighted by the Tassomai Tree and dedicate time to strengthen these. Stick to daily Tassomai quizzes to keep information fresh while avoiding burnout.
Join our free Easter Live Lessons which will focus on exam technique, methods and questions which could come up.
How parents can help:
Help create a revision timetable for the break, balancing intensive sessions with time to recharge.
Use Parent Club resources, like this recent webinar with YoungMinds, to explore proven techniques for effective revision, nutrition and balancing mental health and wellness.
Make a space for revision. A room or a corner of a room that can be made comfortable, free from distractions and dedicated solely to revision for the next couple of months, along with the consistency, really helps. Obviously not everyone has this space at home - but often schools will let students stay behind a bit later to study, or you might be able to find space in the local library with fewer distractions.
In May, the GCSE exams begin and the focus shifts to maintaining confidence, routine and wellbeing.
What students can do:
Use Mai as a quick resource for last-minute questions about any topics they’re struggling with. Tassomai’s daily quizzes are ideal for light, focused revision between exams and for reinforcing knowledge.
Try not to overdo it! Prioritise sleep, hydration and nutritious meals to stay sharp during exam days.
How parents can help:
Keep home calm and positive, and reduce pressure and focus on encouragement.
Support healthy habits and routines, such as arriving early for exams and taking time to unwind after a big day.
By mid-June, exams will be complete, and students can finally relax after months of hard work.
What students can do:
Reflect on their efforts and celebrate their progress, regardless of results.
Enjoy a well-earned rest!
How parents can help:
Congratulate your child for their commitment and resilience.
Use the summer to reflect on the GCSE experience - Tassomai’s data can show how consistent revision made a difference.
The Tassomai Advantage
Tassomai supports students and parents throughout the GCSE journey with powerful tools like Daily Goals, The Tree and Mai. For parents, the Parent Club offers insights, advice and the confidence that you’re doing all you can to help your child succeed.
With the right planning and consistent effort, the next six months can be a productive and positive experience. Start small, stay steady and remember - Tassomai is here to help every step of the way.
New to Tassomai? Find out more about Tassomai and how we can support your family at www.tassomai.com/families