Snapchat 6

Just as the Aussie athletes competing at the recent Olympics, or like the AFL players preparing for the 2016 final series, Year 12 students are also making adjustments to their usual routines in preparation for their ‘main event’ in two months’ time: the VCE exams.

In Mentor Group this week, students were gathered together to form a united plan for laying the groundwork for their upcoming exams. Mrs Dixon showed how easy it is to access VCE past exams from the VCAA website and discussed the value in completing them for each subject. She also discussed the four main points to consider over the next 2 months; forget the excuses- just do it, develop a study routine (managing your time efficiently), manage your stress levels (rest, relaxation, eating and sleeping) and the importance of avoiding distractions.

Mrs Parkes discussed the importance of finding the type of routine that best fits an individual student's life. Preparing an environment that is conducive to solid study was also highlighted. She encouraged students to find a ‘study buddy’ in every subject so that you have a person to check in with about exam preparation progress and to work together to complete and then correct past exam papers. Past students have found this a tough and labour- intensive process, but so worthwhile and ultimately rewarding. Students felt more confident and comfortable when sitting their exams and experienced no nasty surprises!

An important section of this session was when Year 12s heard six of their peers describe their own current practices for exam preparation and revision. These were their main points:

Find what motivates you and give yourself a goal to work towards. You need to have some goal in your sights that encourages you to complete the hours and hours of revision and preparation. It doesn’t matter what it is; it could be getting into university or simply pushing yourself to get the best ATAR possible, but something needs to drive your efforts! Also, hassle teachers with any questions you may have. Use them as a valuable resource and continually access them for past exam papers and other revision resources. START NOW!

Vinisha Ganglani (is currently working up to 4 hours per night on her exam preparations)

I find I am too distracted when I go home so I stay in the Senior Centre each day after school until closing time, at around 6pm. The centre is quiet and I find I can power through a lot of private study. I prioritise each day what needs to be tackled first. There is yummy food on Tuesdays at the tutoring sessions and Mrs Parkes visits regularly with chocolates on other days. When the main section of the Senior Centre gets busy I move into F1- F4 for a quieter space and proceed. Teachers are around a fair bit so if I need assistance, there is always someone there to ask.

Naomi Whalan (who has set her goal of a university degree next year)

I worked out what I valued in my life and at the moment it is my sport and my schooling. I have reduced other activities/commitments to allow me the time to focus on what needs to be completed in the form of exam preparation and also to ensure I don’t get too stressed. I use footy and basketball as my outlets. I have found extra revision has paid off when completing my SACs as I feel more confident going into them. This is how I want to feel going into the exams. I know my time spent revising will be worth it.

Zac Dower (quiet achiever who has planned well to fit exam preparation into his busy schedule)

I begin studying and homework every morning at 5am. I find this time really peaceful and it prepares me for the day ahead. I can get a lot of study, revision and preparation completed as this has become my normal daily routine. This routine suits my lifestyle, as I have many commitments at night, including coaching gymnastics which I enjoy and thus can use as a form of relaxation at the end of a school day.

Amy McGregor (another quiet achiever, who works hard and is very organised in her life)

I felt the pressure to start working in daily study and revision each night in the Senior Centre from both my friends and father. I saw my friends completing it religiously and I didn’t want to feel left out. Now more of my friends have also joined me. I like getting food and it is fun to feel part of a group. My father has also supported me at home, by encouraging me to reduce my work hours and prioritise my education. We have set a goal together and if I meet it, he will reward me. I am keen to make him proud and reach my goal.

Sarah Anil (very enthusiastic study groupie, with a clear goal set)

I have an older sibling who demonstrated how hard work, clear planning, having a goal and making every moment count produces a positive accomplishment of VCE. My goal is clearly set at a university degree and I have already completed numerous Unit 3 exams as part of my preparation for the VCE exams. I found that I needed to revisit Unit 3 as VCAA clearly states the VCE exams will include questions from the entire course and not just what is recently being taught. I work steadily each day, focussing more acutely on 1-2 subjects each night. When I first get home I take a nap, eat my dinner and then feel reinvigorated to power on into the night.

At school, I use my study lessons to discuss subject content with small friendship groups of students who do the same subjects as me. I find this reinforces my understanding of the content. I can learn things from my friends and it also helps me to teach my friends the content that I am more familiar with. I have already sorted out which external companies have written the best trial exam papers and which holiday revision classes I want to attend. I feel confident that I am working towards reaching my goal and achieving the ATAR required for my course.

Lakshay Nayar (very determined student with clear goals and forethought into his planning)

As you can view from the photos attached, it is important for all students to feel supported by their peers, parents and teachers and also to engage in some fun, relaxing school moments (like the College Athletics Day) to balance their school-life experiences and pressures.

As individuals, students should possess the skills to set their educational goals and put a plan together that will help them achieve it. If students are feeling like they require any assistance completing this, they should visit their Year Level Leaders; Jenny Dixon and Carolyn Parkes, Mr Mark Oudshoorn, as Leader of Later Years, or Mr Phil Newnham as the Careers Pathways advisor.