Academic burnout occurs when children experience excessive pressure over short periods, typically in preparation for selective exams. This often leads to diminishing returns, reduced motivation, and poorer long-term academic outcomes.
💬 "We overestimate what we can do in the short term and underestimate what we can do in the long term."
Excessive focus on trial tests without proper learning between assessments can lead to burnout, stagnation, and demotivation. Trial tests are assessment tools, not learning tools.
Use trial tests occasionally to benchmark progress. Always review mistakes and follow up with targeted practice.
In early stages (Year 3–4), build core skills with fun, meaningful learning. Save trial tests for identifying gaps, not tracking weekly scores.
Many parents begin with extraordinarily high expectations that gradually diminish as children face challenges. A better approach is to start with modest expectations and raise them as children grow in ability.
🧠 "The number one killer of dreams is high expectations—especially when a child is very young. It's not healthy, it's not fair, and in my opinion, it's just really poor parenting."
🏋️ Think of academic preparation like weight training: you wouldn’t try lifting 100kg on your first gym visit. Start light and build up strength gradually.
Rather than short bursts of cramming, a gradual approach starting from Year 2 or 3 allows for natural development without stress.
Research shows IQ growth follows patterns, with early years offering the best chances for cognitive gains. These windows shrink over time.
Children's long-term learning paths are shaped by age 12. The earlier the start, the easier it is to build strong academic outcomes.
"Most kids at age 12, you can already see the trajectory of their future. Every year after that, gains in IQ become slower and harder."
Children mirror their parents' actions. Academic and behavioural success is closely tied to how parents lead by example.
"Children copy what you do, not what you say. Your routines, discipline, and effort are more powerful than any speech."
"I’ve never seen a brilliant child with a disengaged parent. Children rarely exceed the standard set at home."
💬 No tutor will care more than you do. A coach sees your child for a few hours a week — you shape them every day.
When children hit a "plateau" and scores stop rising, it often means it's time to switch strategies, not double the pressure.
"If your child’s score stays the same every week, don’t panic. It means it’s time to spend more time learning — not just testing."
Education doesn’t stop after selective entry. Peaking too early can lead to burnout in high school. Sustainable preparation supports success long after exams are over.
Many selective top scorers with unsustainable study habits end up getting 97-98 ATARs instead of 99+ in Year 12 — not because of intelligence, but because of burnout.
Sustainable learners develop not only knowledge, but also self-management and problem-solving skills that benefit them in university, work, and life.
It’s not just about one test — it’s about building learners who are curious, resilient, and adaptable in an ever-changing world.
"I’ve seen so many students get into top schools in Year 6, only to burn out by Year 8 or 9. Real success is being able to keep growing — not just peaking once."
A strong academic journey blends early habits, gradual growth, reasonable expectations, and parent involvement. Success isn’t just about getting into a selective school — it’s about becoming a lifelong learner.
Last-minute cramming, too many trial tests, and overwhelming expectations.
Failure as learning, slow and steady growth, and building habits over time.
Children mirror what parents do — not what they say.
"We overestimate what we can do in the short term and underestimate what we can do in the long term. Start early, build strong, and think ahead."