As students enter the final stage of lower secondary school, increasing academic pressure and upcoming transition exams require them to adjust their study approaches to achieve the best results. Instead of relying on reminders, students gradually become more proactive in planning and managing their study time.
In the Pathway to Success series, let’s meet Le Minh An (9H1), a student who is steadily shaping his own learning methods during this important period leading up to the transition exams.
From studying based on inspiration to studying with clear goals
Before entering Grade 9, Minh An’s learning was largely driven by personal interest. He spent more time on subjects he enjoyed, while others were often postponed. Although this approach helped maintain motivation, it did not ensure balance or long-term effectiveness.
As the transition exam approached, Minh An began to reassess his study methods. Setting clear goals helped him realize that every subject plays an important role in the overall outcome. From there, he proactively adjusted how he allocated his time.
“Because the transition exam is an important stage, I changed my approach and started spending time more evenly on all key subjects.”
This shift not only made his learning more structured, but also helped him develop goal-oriented study habits—a crucial transition from studying based on inspiration to studying with clear direction.
Instead of following a rigid timetable, Minh An chose a flexible time management approach that fits his actual learning pace. During busy periods with multiple tests, he prioritizes subjects with closer deadlines; during more stable periods, he distributes time evenly across subjects to maintain consistency.
In addition, Minh An uses digital tools to set reminders and track his study schedule instead of manual note-taking. Choosing a method that suits him allows him to maintain long-term habits without feeling pressured or constrained.
Throughout this process, teachers play not only the role of knowledge providers but also guides in organizing learning, tracking progress, and making timely adjustments. Their close support has helped Minh An gradually develop effective time management skills.
Continuous improvement through reflection and adjustment
While building his own study plan, Minh An also experienced moments when he did not fully achieve his set goals. However, instead of ignoring them, he actively reflected on the reasons and adjusted his approach accordingly.
“I think you need to practice consistently to build habits and skills.”
At the same time, teachers closely monitor his learning process, provide timely feedback, and encourage persistence. This supportive learning environment helps Minh An feel comfortable experimenting and making mistakes—allowing him to gradually refine and develop his own effective study method.
These changes in study methods have brought positive progress for Minh An, especially in subjects that were not previously his strengths. With a clear plan and effective time allocation, he is now able to approach knowledge more deeply and maintain steady improvement.
After consistent effort and adjustments, Minh An has achieved several notable accomplishments:
- Gold Medal (National Level) – Hong Kong International Computational Olympiad (HKICO) 2024–2025
- Second Prize – City-level Excellent Student Competition in Informatics (2024–2025)
- Third Prize – City-level Excellent Student Competition in Informatics (2025–2026)
- High Distinction Award – Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge (2025–2026)
- Excellent Student Title for multiple consecutive years
These achievements are not only the result of his personal effort, but also reflect the continuous support from teachers in guiding, nurturing, and creating opportunities for him to develop his strengths.
Not stopping at what he has accomplished, Minh An continues to set higher goals, aiming to apply to specialized high schools as a way to push his limits further and pursue his passion more deeply.
Personalizing the learning journey at Hanoi Adelaide School
Minh An’s story shows that effective learning does not come from a one-size-fits-all method, but from the process of understanding oneself and continuously adjusting learning strategies accordingly.
“Start planning and organizing your study schedule effectively. Don’t be afraid—one day, we will all reach our goals.”
At Hanoi Adelaide School, the Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) is designed based on each student’s abilities, goals, and individual direction. With the support of teachers and families, students gradually develop essential skills such as self-directed learning, time management, and personal strength development.
This foundation plays a crucial role in helping students confidently approach transition exams and prepare for their long-term academic journeys ahead.
Hanoi Adelaide School
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
