As parents, we all want our children to “do their best.” But in the 2026 Singapore education landscape, “doing your best” is too vague to be a target. With the removal of rote-memorization topics (like “Cells” in PSLE Science) and the shift toward Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) in Secondary schools, goals need to be more precise than ever.
Since TUITION SOLUTION started in 2014, we’ve found that the most resilient students are those who set SMART Goals. Here is how you can guide your child to set them this year.
A SMART goal turns a wish into a plan. Instead of saying, “I want to be better at Math,” help your child refine it:
S (Specific): “I want to master Word Problems involving Ratio and Percentage.”
M (Measurable): “I will score at least 8/10 in my next topical class test.”
A (Achievable): Ensure the goal is a “stretch” but not impossible. If they are currently at 50%, aiming for 90% in one month might lead to burnout. Aim for 65% first.
R (Relevant): Does this help them get into their desired Secondary school or JC?
T (Time-Bound): “I will achieve this by the end of Term 2.”
In 2026, the Ministry of Education is prioritizing how a student learns. Instead of only setting a goal for the final grade (the outcome), set a Process Goal:
Example: “I will complete two Science open-ended questions using the ‘Claim-Evidence-Reasoning’ framework every Tuesday night.” Process goals are within the student’s control, which reduces exam anxiety and builds confidence.
A big goal like “Get into my dream school” can feel overwhelming. Help your child draw a Goal Ladder.
The Top Rung: The ultimate dream (e.g., Admission to an Integrated Programme school).
The Middle Rungs: Milestone goals (e.g., Passing the Mid-Year Exams with a Merit).
The Bottom Rungs: Daily actions (e.g., Revising Higher Chinese vocabulary for 15 minutes a day).
If your child hits a milestone, celebrate the effort they put in. In a 2026 world where AI and critical thinking are at the forefront, rewarding the habit of goal setting is more valuable than any single test score.
Not sure where to start? Our tutors don’t just teach subjects; they act as academic coaches. We sit down with every student to map out their SMART goals for the semester.