Many students create study plans that look great on paper but fall apart by Wednesday. The key to a weekly study plan that actually works isn’t studying more, it’s studying smarter.

Start by listing all your commitments for the week: school hours, sport, work, and downtime. A realistic plan always includes breaks. Trying to study every spare minute usually leads to burnout, not better results. Once you see your available time, decide short, focused study blocks (30–60 minutes) instead of long sessions that are hard to stick to.

Next, prioritise subjects based on difficulty, not preference. It’s tempting to revise what you’re already good at, but real improvement comes from tackling challenging topics early in the week when your energy is higher. Assign specific tasks to each session, such as “complete 10 algebra questions” or “plan English essay paragraph,” rather than vague goals like “study maths.”

Review is just as important as learning new content. Schedule quick revision sessions to revisit material from earlier in the week. This strengthens memory and prevents last-minute cramming before tests.

Including tutoring within your weekly plan can make a big difference. A tutoring session helps you identify gaps you may not notice on your own and provides clear explanations before confusion builds up. When tutoring happens during the week — not just before exams — students can bring questions from class, practise new skills straight away, and then reinforce them in their independent study sessions.

Finally, keep your plan flexible. If something doesn’t work, adjust it. A study plan should support learning, not add stress. With consistency, structure, and the right support, a weekly study plan can turn schoolwork from overwhelming into manageable — and even motivating.

Gabrielle Tran