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High school is a stage where academic challenges meet personal growth, making mental health a top priority for student success. The transition from primary to high school is a significant milestone that brings new responsibilities, greater independence, and a variety of social changes. While some students adapt smoothly, others may find it difficult to balance schoolwork, family commitments, friendships, and their growing sense of identity — all while navigating major physical and emotional changes.

Drawing on extensive experience working with high school students, experts at Aussie Edu Hub share five essential strategies to help young people cope with stress and anxiety during this important life stage.

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1. Set Realistic Expectations

Both students and parents often have high hopes for the high school experience, but when expectations don’t align, it can create pressure and confusion. Focus on the present and set achievable short- to medium-term goals. This approach helps students feel more in control, bounce back from setbacks, and keep up steady effort during the early years of high school.

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2. Focus on Strengths

Encourage students to use their strengths to boost self-confidence while actively seeking help in areas they find challenging. This support can be academic, social, or simply the encouragement to try new activities that build skills and broaden interests.

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3. Stay Organised and Manage Time Effectively

Strong organisational and time-management skills are essential for maintaining mental wellbeing. Planning each week to include study, relaxation, and recreational activities helps create a healthy balance. Developing these habits early prepares students to handle the increased demands of Years 11 and 12.

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4. Practise Regular Self-Care

Healthy routines are vital for mental health. Teens should aim for around nine hours of quality sleep each night, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and make time for hobbies and social interaction. Limiting screen time and engaging in enjoyable activities can boost mood and overall wellbeing.

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5. Take a Proactive Approach to Coping

It’s best to address stress before it becomes overwhelming. Mindfulness exercises (such as the free Smiling Mind app), journaling, and regular self-check-ins are all helpful strategies. Talking openly with friends, family members, or professionals can ease anxiety and encourage problem-solving. Seeking support early can prevent small concerns from becoming bigger issues.

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Final Thought
High school can be both rewarding and challenging. By setting realistic expectations, playing to strengths, staying organised, prioritising self-care, and taking a proactive approach to mental health, students can develop resilience that benefits them not only in school, but throughout life. At Aussie Edu Hub, we are committed to helping students navigate these years with confidence, balance, and the skills they need for long-term success.

Want to take a more active role in your child’s learning at home? We spoke with expert tutors at Aussie Edu Hub to gather practical tips that can make homework time more productive — and less stressful.

For many parents, the word homework sparks a mix of dread and frustration. It often conjures up visions of being stuck at a desk for hours, trying to recall the details of dark matter while urging your child to focus for “just five more minutes.”

The truth is, helping with homework doesn’t have to mean suffering through endless drills. It can range from establishing a daily routine, to using fun incentives, to simply talking through different problem-solving strategies.

Since launching in 2018, Aussie Edu Hub has worked with thousands of families and learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child is different — they struggle with different subjects, respond to different explanations, and benefit from different teaching styles. What motivates one child might completely overwhelm another.

Here’s what we’ve learned about unlocking a child’s potential at home.

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1. Build a Consistent Routine

Set a specific time and place for homework — whether it’s the dining table at 4 p.m. or the study after dinner. This consistency helps establish good habits, teaches time management, and keeps both parent and child accountable. Choose a workspace free from distractions like electronics or ongoing family chatter. Remember to schedule short breaks and work around your child’s natural rhythms for better focus.

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2. Make Learning Enjoyable

Even the most enthusiastic reader may groan at the mention of geography or trigonometry. But learning can be made enjoyable — even for less-loved subjects. Today’s students are digital natives, so consider using interactive educational apps and websites to keep them engaged.

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3. Discuss Their Challenges

Whether the hurdles are real or perceived, it’s important to identify and address them together. Maintain a positive outlook — setbacks aren’t permanent and can often lead to growth. Talk openly about the areas your child finds difficult, and use that insight to adjust your approach.

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4. Let Them Do the Work

It’s tempting to jump in when you know the answer or to explain a concept until you’ve practically solved the problem for them. But real learning happens when kids think independently and make mistakes. Offer guidance, share suggestions, and encourage them — but let them own the process.

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5. Ask for Help When You Need It

Parents wear many hats, but “expert in every subject” doesn’t have to be one of them. If certain topics aren’t your strength, seek out people who can help. Enlisting an expert tutor ensures your child receives accurate guidance while you avoid late-night battles with Shakespeare’s sonnets or advanced calculus.

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Aussie Edu Hub connects families with skilled tutors who can provide tailored, one-on-one support in Maths, English, and more. With the right help, homework becomes less of a battleground and more of an opportunity for growth and confidence.

Trying to teach a reluctant child trigonometry is enough to test anyone’s patience. Here are some tips for keeping calm when homework time pushes your limits.

If the internet’s endless supply of parenting memes is anything to go by, guiding kids through schoolwork is no easy feat. Children have a knack for testing boundaries and stretching our patience to the breaking point, especially when homework is involved.

The struggle is real, parents — and you are definitely not alone.

Below is a list of the most common homework frustrations parents face, along with some strategies to avoid turning homework into a battle.

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1. Repeating Instructions Over and Over

Kids seem to have a built-in filter for parental instructions. Even when they look like they’re paying attention, they may not be taking in a single word. You can spend time carefully explaining a maths problem or reading task only to realise they’ve absorbed nothing.

What not to do:
Stay calm. When we get angry or accusatory — even when our point is valid — kids quickly go on the defensive, tune out, and ignore the message entirely. Avoid asking why they weren’t listening; it will only escalate your frustration.

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2. Refusing to Recall an Answer They Clearly Know

You’ve gone over eight examples, repeated the reading passage three times, and provided notes and reminders. Still, they “can’t” recall the protagonist’s name, the multiplication rule, or the capital of Germany — even though you literally just told them.

What not to do:
Avoid saying they’ve wasted your time. While they may ignore much of what you say, negative comments can stick with them for years. Instead, try positive reinforcement: “I know you remember this — take a moment to think about it…”

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3. Forgetting or Losing Essential Materials

Few things are more frustrating than a child leaving their textbook, notebook, or calculator at school on the night they need it most. You’ve worked hard to teach planning skills, yet here you are scrambling to find a calculator app 40 minutes after homework should have started.

What not to do:
Resist the urge to lecture about responsibility — at least this time. It might be better to let them face the consequences by turning up at school without the completed work. This way, the lesson comes from their teacher, not you.

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Getting Extra Support

If homework time is still a source of tension, an experienced tutor can step in to ease the burden. Children often listen and respond differently when guidance comes from someone who isn’t a parent.

Aussie Edu Hub offers personalised tutoring that can help manage these challenges, boost confidence, and make learning less stressful at home. With one-to-one support, students stay on track — and parents can enjoy a calmer, more productive homework routine.

Is your child feeling stressed about school tests or academic performance? From NAPLAN to Year 12 final exams, students today face increasing academic pressure. This guide shares six practical tips to help your child build resilience, reduce anxiety, and stay motivated in learning — with expert advice from Aussie Edu Hub.

Understanding the Pressure

For many families, the pursuit of academic excellence and the demands of standardised testing can become a major source of stress. In Australia, children face high-stakes assessments such as NAPLAN, selective school entry exams, and Year 12 final examinations. The competition for entry into top schools and universities continues to grow, and as a result, many students feel the weight of expectation — sometimes to the point of feeling overwhelmed.

Why Test-Related Anxiety Happens

Exams like NAPLAN (Years 3, 5, 7, and 9), Opportunity Class, Year 12 assessments, and ATAR scoring are designed to measure skills and knowledge — but they can also trigger anxiety. Common causes include:

• Fear of failure – Worrying about disappointing parents or affecting future opportunities.
• Comparison with peers – Measuring results against friends or publicised class rankings can harm confidence.
• Pressure from parents and teachers – Support is important, but excessive focus on marks can make children feel their worth depends on results.
• Exam format challenges – Difficulties with time management, test strategies, or simply sitting a high-pressure exam.

The Impact of Academic Pressure

School-related stress can lead to:

• Heightened anxiety and burnout, affecting both mental health and motivation
• A fear of making mistakes, which can limit creativity and curiosity
• Loss of confidence if a student struggles to meet expectations
• Reduced engagement, where learning feels like a chore instead of an exploration

Six Ways to Help Your Child Manage Exam Stress

1. Focus on Learning, Not Just Results
   Encourage your child to see exams as a way to learn and grow rather than as a final verdict on their intelligence. Ask reflective questions like, “What did you learn from this test?” or “What would you do differently next time?” and celebrate improvements, no matter how small.
2. Teach Coping Strategies
   Acknowledge that nervousness is normal, but help them develop healthy ways to manage it:
   • Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises
   • Short, focused study sessions with breaks
   • Regular physical activity
   • A healthy diet and good sleep before exams
3. Encourage Consistent Study Habits
   Support your child in creating a realistic study calendar. Promote effective techniques like summarising notes, making flashcards, and practising with past papers. If they struggle in a subject, personalised tutoring from Aussie Edu Hub can help close knowledge gaps before they widen.
4. Remind Them Tests Aren’t Everything
   One exam does not define a student’s future. Schools consider multiple assessments, classwork, and projects — and there are many alternative pathways to university and careers that don’t rely solely on ATAR scores.
5. Manage Your Own Expectations
   Children pick up on parental stress. Focus on effort, persistence, and improvement rather than perfection. Avoid comparing them with siblings or classmates and remind them that skills improve with practice.
6. Seek Extra Support When Needed
   • Tutoring – Personalised learning builds confidence in challenging areas.
   • School counsellors – A good resource if anxiety is affecting wellbeing.
   • Teacher communication – Stay informed about your child’s progress and needs.

A Healthier Approach to Academic Success

Standardised tests are a long-standing part of Australia’s education system, but they should never undermine a student’s confidence or sense of potential. By teaching children how to manage stress, build resilience, and develop effective study habits, you’re equipping them with skills for both academic success and lifelong learning.

At Aussie Edu Hub, we provide one-on-one online tutoring to help students prepare for NAPLAN, Year 12 exams, and other assessments. Our expert tutors focus on building confidence while strengthening skills in Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. If you want to help your child feel ready and supported, explore how Aussie Edu Hub can guide them towards academic success without unnecessary stress.

About the Author, Mark Rohald
Mark is a former university lecturer with over 30 years of experience in education. He has founded multiple private and publicly listed education companies and served on the boards of more than 25 educational organisations. Mark is also a Director and the Executive Deputy Chairman of Aussie Edu Hub.

Aussie Edu Hub is enhancing school-based education through personalised, one-to-one learning powered by technology. Our belief in the potential of adaptive learning may be ambitious, but it is rapidly becoming a reality. Today, we’re proud to announce a $20 million Series A funding round, bringing our total investment to $31 million to date.

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Harnessing the Power of Technology

Technology and analytics are at the heart of our ability to deliver tailored learning experiences and quickly adjust when a specific approach isn’t working for a student.

“Each morning, I review sessions from the previous day with our education team, incorporating feedback from both students and tutors,” says Samuels. “Our analytics provide a detailed ‘lesson map’ showing exactly what was covered, how far each student has progressed in their program, the pace of learning, and their level of mastery. This review may also involve watching recorded lessons to give tutors feedback, guide parents, and—most importantly—ensure students have the support they need to progress.”

“Even after more than 30 years in education, including leadership roles where I observed countless teachers and students, I’ve never before had this level of insight into the learning process.”

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What’s Next for Aussie Edu Hub?

This funding highlights the vital role of tutoring and educational technology in boosting the success and confidence of Australian students.

Mark Rohald explains, “The investment will help us further develop our learning platform and analytics tools so we can better understand how children learn and personalise the experience for each student.

“We’re expanding our curriculum to create richer, more interactive, and more engaging lessons. We’re also partnering with universities to unlock more opportunities for educational research.

“Most importantly, this funding gives us an unprecedented opportunity to ensure all Australian students can access high-quality tutoring whenever and however they need it.”

This capital raise is a strong endorsement of our vision for the future of school education and confirms market research showing that more students and parents in Australia are seeking tutoring for improved academic results and greater confidence.

With state education budgets under political pressure—leading to larger class sizes and under-resourced schools—parents and students are turning to trusted tutoring solutions for quality, personalised learning.

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A Truly Personalised Learning Experience

We connect students with expert private tutors through our online platform. Using features such as live video and audio, a virtual whiteboard, and digital lesson materials, we create highly customised learning experiences that align with what students are covering at school while addressing their unique learning needs in real time.

“As a former head of department and school administrator, I know how crowded timetables and curricula are,” says Aussie Edu Hub Chief Learning Officer Dr. Selina Samuels. “Teachers are burdened with more administrative work, leaving them less time for one-on-one interaction with students.

“Students are also limited by the schools and facilities in their immediate area. While technology is often discussed in education, there’s still a widespread concern—among both teachers and parents—that many tools in classrooms are more about keeping students busy than truly enhancing their learning.”

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The Vision Behind Aussie Edu Hub

When Mark Rohald founded Aussie Edu Hub in 2018, his goal was to take the traditional classroom model and elevate it with advanced technology, expertly developed lesson content, and a network of skilled tutors from across Australia. The online approach removes geographical barriers, making quality learning accessible no matter where students live.

An entrepreneur passionate about education and technology, Rohald has successfully built learning-focused businesses across four continents.

“The classroom model is over a century old—a factory-style approach,” says Rohald, who also serves as CEO. “It’s nearly impossible for one teacher to adapt lessons to every child’s needs, prior knowledge, and interests. Aussie Edu Hub supplements and enhances school learning by partnering with parents and students to support each child’s individual learning journey.”

At Aussie Edu Hub, we can say – with the same confidence tutoring gives your child – that every lesson we run meets the highest educational standards. But how do we make sure of that? It comes down to a carefully structured quality-control process.

Every week, we deliver thousands of one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions. With 1,450 expert tutors, lesson materials tailored to every state’s curriculum, and more than 17,000 students with unique learning needs, keeping quality consistent is no small task. That’s why our dedicated technology and quality-assurance teams work tirelessly behind the scenes.

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Step 1: Capturing and Analysing Every Detail

All tutoring sessions take place on our interactive digital whiteboard – a modern upgrade to the traditional classroom board – where tutors and students can write, draw, share notes, and work through problems together in real time.

Every interaction, whether it’s a diagram on the board or a conversation between tutor and student, is recorded as data. And there’s a lot of it.

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Step 2: AI-Powered Monitoring and Reviews

All session data is stored in the Aussie Edu Hub Data Centre, where our AI technology instantly:

• Reviews and analyses the lesson content covered
• Tracks how long tasks take to complete
• Monitors student performance based on correct and incorrect answers

If anything unusual pops up, our system immediately flags it for our quality-assurance team. They then replay the session to see exactly what happened and why.

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Step 3: Feedback for Continuous Improvement

Once a session is reviewed, we reach out to the tutor with personalised notes to help them refine their approach. Over time, this ongoing feedback loop not only boosts lesson quality but also helps us understand student learning patterns, enabling tutors to adapt their teaching for each individual.

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With thousands of lessons running every week, this process ensures we are, in effect, “present” in every session. It allows us to uphold our high educational standards, safeguard student wellbeing, and deliver a personalised learning experience that makes a lasting impact.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already shaping your child’s world — from smart devices to educational platforms. Understanding why it’s important to teach kids about AI is crucial for unlocking creativity, building problem-solving skills, and preparing them for future careers. Early exposure, such as through Aussie Edu Hub, can have a lasting impact on their development.

AI is transforming the way children live, work, and learn. Today’s kids are growing up surrounded by AI in their everyday experiences, from smart devices and educational platforms to video games, making them active participants in an AI-driven world.

AI refers to systems that perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, like pattern recognition, language understanding, and decision-making. As technology advances, AI becomes more integrated into children’s daily lives, improving their user experience.

Hayley Markham, co-founder of our STEM initiative, Aussie Edu Hub, is a passionate advocate for incorporating tech education into the lives of young learners. She believes that early exposure to AI can ignite creativity and innovation, empowering kids to harness the potential of technology.

5 Reasons Why Kids Should Learn AI

1. AI Shapes Future Careers: AI skills are becoming increasingly important. Early exposure to AI gives kids a head start in preparing for careers in technology, healthcare, and other fields, making them well-equipped for future job markets.
2. Encourages Creativity: AI allows children to think creatively and solve real-world problems in innovative ways, helping them turn their imaginative ideas into reality.
3. Teaches Problem-Solving: AI presents complex challenges, teaching kids to approach problems logically and develop innovative solutions.
4. Makes Learning Fun: Through hands-on AI activities, kids can learn in a playful, engaging environment that keeps them curious and motivated.
5. Develops Tech Literacy for Daily Life: With AI integrated into everyday devices, understanding how AI works enables children to better navigate the tech-driven world and make informed decisions.

Preparing for the Future

As AI continues to advance, it’s essential for parents and educators to support children in navigating this new landscape. Providing resources, encouraging discussions, and fostering a supportive learning environment are key. Since 2013, Aussie Edu Hub has inspired over 200,000 children across Australia and the UK to unleash their creativity through technology. At Aussie Edu Hub, we offer exciting, hands-on AI projects that give kids the practical skills and confidence they need to succeed in an AI-powered world.

NAPLAN – the standardised test loved by some and dreaded by others – will now take place on March 15, two months earlier than in previous years. But what impact will this have on students? Dr Selina Samuels from Aussie Edu Hub shares her insights.

With just weeks to go until NAPLAN 2023, many students may be feeling more anxious. However, Dr Samuels, Chief Learning Officer at Aussie Edu Hub, believes the earlier date is actually a positive step.

“The benefit is that teachers now have more time throughout the year to use the data gathered to address students’ needs and support them in improving where necessary,” she explained. “This makes the tests more relevant both as a diagnostic tool and a benchmark.”

Another major change for NAPLAN 2023 is that the triennial NAP sample assessments for Years 6 and 10 in science, civics and citizenship, and digital literacy will move from Term 3 to Term 2. In addition, new annual assessments in these subjects for these year groups will be introduced as optional tests for any school or system, rolled out over the next three years.

“The NAP sample assessments are designed to set benchmarks in critical and fast-growing areas of knowledge nationwide,” Dr Samuels said. “They provide a clear picture of what is being taught and highlight areas that require more attention and resources. Including these subjects alongside literacy and numeracy in NAPLAN reflects their importance in preparing students for the future.”

One of the main challenges with NAPLAN, according to Dr Samuels, is ensuring students do not go into the exams unprepared. “Stress and anxiety often come from a lack of preparation, especially for younger students,” she noted.

She recommends giving students ample time to consolidate the literacy and numeracy skills tested in NAPLAN, ideally starting preparation a few weeks in advance. NAPLAN is not just about testing—it’s about mastering the foundational skills needed for further learning. Familiarity with the test structure can also help students perform at their best.

Dr Samuels advises students to work with past NAPLAN papers to practise navigating multiple-choice questions, structuring and editing written responses, and breaking down complex maths problems. “The format can be unfamiliar, so practising with similar questions is the best way to reduce anxiety and build confidence. At Aussie Edu Hub, we ensure students get plenty of practice with NAPLAN-style questions, combined with feedback. Our aim is to strengthen literacy and numeracy for life, not just for the test.”

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How to Prepare for NAPLAN Effectively

• Ask your child’s teachers about the school’s approach to NAPLAN preparation. For Years 5, 7, and 9, review past results to identify which literacy or numeracy skills need attention.
• Identify learning gaps and build essential skills such as time management, reading multi-step questions carefully, and planning responses.
• Get familiar with NAPLAN-style questions to reduce uncertainty before the test.
• Encourage students to look for quick wins in multiple-choice sections and avoid getting stuck on a single question for too long. Promote a growth mindset and see NAPLAN as an opportunity to demonstrate progress rather than a pass-or-fail test.
• Follow up if results show unexpected weaknesses. The more you understand your child’s current level, the better you can support them to catch up, keep up, or excel.

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If you’d like, I can also create a condensed, PR-focused version that promotes Aussie Edu Hub more strongly while still keeping the educational value. That way it works as both an article and a soft advertisement.

Beat the “Summer Slide” with these holiday learning strategies.

Research confirms that the “summer slide” is real—a significant loss of learning over the long break. When students return to school in the new year, they often find they’ve lost progress. This is especially challenging for those moving to a new school or entering a different stage—like transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7—where they must adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, new teachers, and more complex content.

For younger learners, this learning gap can be even wider since their foundational skills aren’t fully secure and need consistent reinforcement. Studies show that the negative effects of the summer break can be reduced with targeted cognitive engagement through structured learning programs and activities. That’s why Aussie Edu Hub, like many other educational providers, offers summer intensive courses.

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Why Summer Tutoring Works

Summer tutoring offers a range of benefits. Senior students preparing for high-stakes assessments can use the break for structured revision and to get ahead with new material, helping them maintain focus and momentum. They can ask questions and get personalised help without waiting for term to resume.

Ambitious learners can work ahead of their peers, increasing their chances of securing places in advanced classes. Meanwhile, students who struggled during the year can use summer tutoring to revisit concepts at a slower, more manageable pace. For all students, investing a little time in learning over the break can make the year ahead far less stressful.

Research also suggests that instead of recreating the traditional classroom—which children often need a break from—individualised tutoring programs, such as those at Aussie Edu Hub, are more effective. These sessions fit naturally into the relaxed pace of the summer and complement rather than compete with holiday fun—beach days, pool visits, active play, and plenty of rest.

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Balancing Rest and Learning

We often talk about the importance of balance in a child’s life. Term time can feel hectic and pressured, while holidays—especially summer—can seem slow or dull. Without guidance, children may retreat into endless screen time.

Dr. Joanne Orlando, an international authority on family and digital lifestyles, suggests that parents should focus less on counting every minute of screen use and more on encouraging educational engagement through technology. Using part of children’s holiday screen time for learning can build skills, spark creativity, and add balance to their days.

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My Top 4 Tips to Prevent the Summer Slide

1. Enrol in summer tutoring programs for Maths and English to stop learning loss and prepare for the new school year.
2. Choose a flexible, convenient tutoring service—like Aussie Edu Hub—that fits around your holiday schedule.
3. Encourage technology for learning as well as play, making it a purposeful part of screen time.
4. Make reading a holiday habit, as it’s key to maintaining literacy skills.

Most students experience some loss in maths skills over the summer. Literacy skills also decline, especially when reading isn’t prioritised. It’s simple: if you don’t practise, you forget. Years ago, when kids read all summer, this wasn’t such an issue. Now, with phones replacing books, the problem is becoming increasingly clear.

Is your child feeling overwhelmed by exams or school pressures? From NAPLAN to Year 12 exams, students today are dealing with a lot of stress. This article shares six expert tips to help your child build resilience, ease anxiety, and stay engaged with their studies – all with guidance from Aussie Edu Hub.

How to Help Your Child Cope with Exams and School Pressure

By Mark Rohald, co-founder of Aussie Edu Hub

For many parents, standardised tests and the chase for academic excellence can create extra stress for their child – and the whole family. In Australia, kids face numerous high-pressure tests like NAPLAN, Year 12 final exams, and selective school assessments. The pressure to do well in these exams can cause anxiety, self-doubt, and a negative attitude towards learning.

Gaining entry to top schools and universities is becoming more competitive, which means more students feel the strain to perform well, with some even reaching breaking point. But don’t worry! As a parent, you can support your child in managing these pressures and help them succeed academically.

Why Do Students Experience Test Anxiety?

Exams like NAPLAN (for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9), Opportunity Classes, Year 12 final exams, and achieving an ATAR (for university entry) are meant to assess knowledge and skills. However, they can also lead to unexpected stress and anxiety. Here’s why:

• Fear of failure: Many students worry that poor results will let their parents down or close off future opportunities.
• Comparing with friends: Kids often compare their scores with friends, or teachers may display class-wide results, which can lead to embarrassment and a loss of confidence.
• Pressure from parents and teachers: While it’s great to encourage kids to do their best, too much focus on results can make children feel like their worth is only tied to their grades.
• The exam format and expectations: Some students struggle with exam techniques, managing time, or even just the thought of sitting through a high-pressure test.

How Do School and Academic Pressures Affect Students?

Many parents are worried about how their child’s academic results might affect future educational opportunities, and today’s societal expectations often make this worse. This pressure can show up in several ways:

• Increased anxiety and stress – High expectations can lead to burnout, which harms both mental health and motivation.
• Avoiding mistakes – Some students become fixated on not making errors instead of developing a genuine passion for learning.
• Loss of confidence – When students struggle with a subject or fail to meet academic expectations, they can begin to question their own abilities.
• Reduced interest in learning – External pressure can turn schoolwork into a chore, instead of keeping it as something fun and curious.

What Can You Do to Help Your Child Manage Anxiety and Academic Pressure?

As a parent, your goal should be to help your child build resilience and keep their self-confidence intact, so they can reach their academic potential without feeling stressed out. Here are six tips to help you do just that:

1. Shift the focus from grades to learning: Encourage your child to see exams as a learning experience rather than a measure of their intelligence or future success. Instead of asking, “What score did you get?”, try asking, “What did you learn from this test?” “What would you do differently next time?” and “What’s the area you improved the most in?” Celebrating small wins helps them develop a growth mindset.
2. Manage stress and teach coping strategies: Explain that it’s okay to feel nervous about exams, but they’re not the end of the world. Help your child develop coping techniques such as:
   • Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises
   • Breaking study sessions into shorter, focused blocks of time
   • Staying active with regular exercise to manage stress
   • Eating well and getting enough sleep before exams
3. Develop effective study habits: Encourage regular, manageable study sessions instead of cramming the night before. Help your child:
   • Create a study plan with regular breaks
   • Use study techniques like summarising notes, using flashcards, and reviewing past exam papers
   • If your child is struggling with a particular subject, personalised one-on-one tutoring (like the kind offered by Aussie Edu Hub) can help close any knowledge gaps before they become bigger issues.
4. Explain that exams aren’t everything: Remind your child that one test doesn’t define their abilities or future. Schools consider multiple factors in determining final grades – not just exam results. There are also alternative paths to university and career options that don’t rely solely on an ATAR score.
5. Manage your own stress and expectations: Children are very good at picking up on their parents’ stress and expectations. While it’s natural to want the best for your child, try to:
   • Focus on encouraging effort rather than perfection
   • Reinforce the idea that intelligence is not fixed – skills improve with time and practice
   • Avoid comparing your child to siblings or classmates
6. Seek extra support when needed: If your child is experiencing significant anxiety or academic struggles, consider professional help:
   • Tutoring services: Personalised tutoring can help your child feel more confident in challenging subjects.
   • School counsellors: If anxiety is affecting their well-being, speaking to a professional can help.
   • Parent-teacher communication: Keep in regular contact with your child’s teachers to understand how they’re doing and where they may need extra help.

A Healthy Approach to Success

Standardised tests are an important part of our school system, and this isn’t likely to change anytime soon. However, these tests should not have a negative impact on a child’s self-esteem or future potential. By helping your child understand the purpose of these tests, manage stress, build resilience, and develop solid study habits, you’re giving them the tools to succeed in life-long learning.

At Aussie Edu Hub, we offer personalised one-on-one online tutoring to help students prepare for NAPLAN, Year 12 exams, and other assessments, all with a focus on reducing student stress. Our expert tutors provide tailored support in Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. If you’re looking for ways to support your child, find out how Aussie Edu Hub can help with exam preparation and academic success.

About the author, Mark Rohald:

Mark is a former university lecturer with over 30 years of experience in education. He’s founded several private and publicly listed education companies and served on the boards of over 25 educational organisations. Mark is also a Director and the Executive Deputy Chairman of Aussie Edu Hub.