Student Wellbeing

Mid-Year Exams & Stress Management: Staying on Track in Term 2

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, many secondary students across Victoria are preparing for mid-year exams, semester assessments, or ongoing VCE SACs and VCAL project tasks. While it's not the final stretch just yet, this term is crucial for building strong habits and staying on top of your workload without burning out.

Whether you're in Year 9 sitting your first formal exams, or in Year 10, 11 or 12 juggling multiple subjects and commitments, these practical tips will help you prepare, perform and stay well during this busy period of the year.

Get Organised Early

Use this mid-year checkpoint to review how you're tracking. Are your notes up to date? Are you across all your subjects' expectations? Plot out a study plan for the next few weeks using your year level exam schedule or SAC dates.

Know What You're Being Assessed on and Make the Most of Revision Lessons

Pay attention in revision classes and ask your teachers what will be assessed and clarify any areas of uncertainty early. Students should also ask their teachers for study tips and tricks if required.

Study Smart, Not Just Hard

Break your revision into smaller goals (e.g. “summarise one chapter” or “complete two practice questions”).
Use active recall methods like flashcards, voice recordings, or teaching a concept to a friend or family member.
Focus on practice questions and feedback from previous assessments to target areas for improvement.
Use spaced repetition, don’t cram! Reviewing content multiple times over several days helps with long-term retention. Use apps like Anki or Quizlet, or rotate topics every few days in your planner.
Practice under exam conditions - time yourself strictly, use old VCAA or school-provided exams (where provided or possible) and sit in a quiet space, with no phone or music to get ready for the ‘real thing’.

Create a Study Routine

Find the best time and place for you to complete study each day and stick to this, and avoid leaving revision to the last minute. Build consistent habits now that you can refine before Term 4. Even 30–45 minutes of focused study after school can make a big difference – you can then build on this to ensure that you’re completing the expected amount of homework/study each day for your respective year level.

Reflect and Adapt Regularly

Regularly, ask yourself:

What went well in my study sessions recently?
What do I need to adjust next week?
Am I balancing revision with rest?

No matter how strong your study plan is, it's important to remember that productivity isn’t about working non-stop, it’s about working effectively. Taking breaks, getting enough rest, and making time for the things you enjoy aren’t just ‘nice extras’, they’re essential to staying focused and avoiding burnout. The most successful students are the ones who treat their wellbeing as part of their study strategy and have an overall balance in their life.

So, as you prepare for assessments, make sure you’re looking after yourself just as well as you’re looking after your study and exam preparation.

Balance Study with Wellbeing

Mid-year assessments can sneak up on students, so it’s important to stay grounded.

Stick to a healthy sleep routine (aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night).
Eat nourishing meals – avoid caffeine, too much sugar or energy drinks, particularly in the evenings as they can negatively impact sleep.
Move or exercise daily, even if it’s just a quick walk or sport after school.

Know the Signs of Stress

Stress is common and healthy to a degree; however too much stress can affect focus, sleep, and your overall mood. Look out for:

Trouble sleeping or constant tiredness
Feeling overwhelmed or unusually irritable
Avoiding schoolwork due to feeling overwhelmed or fear of failure

Use Support Networks

School Staff: Your teachers, year level/house coordinator, and team of school counsellors are here to help – don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone or all of these supports.
External Support: Reach out to services like headspace, Kids Helpline, or eheadspace for free, confidential mental health support.
Talk it Out: Sometimes the best way to ease stress is a chat with a friend, parent or trusted adult.

Try Mindfulness Techniques

Log into The Resilience Project student portal to access guided mediations or brain break offerings OR use Apps like Smiling Mind which also offer free guided meditations tailored for students. Even five minutes a day can help you reset and refocus.

Term 2 isn’t just a checkpoint, it’s a chance to build good habits, get feedback, and learn what works for you. By managing your time well and caring for your wellbeing now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a stronger, more confident second half of the year.

Good luck!

The Benefits Of Counselling

What College Counselling Offers

Our service is a confidential, professional and inclusive resource for all students from Years 7 to 12, across both campuses. College Counselling is tailored to each specific student and can be offered one-on-one or in a group context. Support can also last from a ‘one-off’ session to weekly/ongoing appointments.It is designed to provide support for a range of issues, including but not limited to:

Managing stress and academic pressures
Building self-esteem and resilience
Navigating friendships and social dynamics
Coping with family changes or personal challenges
Addressing feelings of anxiety or sadness, and many more

How Students Can Access Counselling

Self-referring to the Wellbeing Coordinator counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au
Drop-in to our Wellbeing Office at our Mentone Campus (near the Chapel gardens)
Requesting a referral from their Homeroom/Tutor Group teacher, Year Level/House Coordinator on their behalf
Requesting a referral from their Parent/Guardian on their behalf (either via counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or 9582 5999)

How Families Can Support

As parents/guardian, your role in your child’s wellbeing is invaluable. Some ways you can assist your child include:

Helping them establish a balanced routine that includes time for study, relaxation, and hobbies
Encouraging healthy sleep habits and a nutritious diet to support their overall wellbeing
Being attentive to changes in their behaviour or mood, and gently ask how they are feeling if and when you notice any changes
Promoting positive self-talk and help them set realistic goals for themselves
Modelling healthy coping strategies, such as managing stress or problem-solving constructively
Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence
Encouraging open conversations about their feelings and experiences – but accept and understand if and when they may not want to open up to you (if this is the case encourage them to seek help elsewhere)
Encouraging and reassuring them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness
Staying informed about the services and resources the school offers

Student Wellbeing Online Parent Sessions

The recent Parent and Carer sessions for The Common Ground are available for you to view online at your convenience via the links below

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities - Years 10 to 12

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities- Years 7 to 9

We appreciate every family collaboration and commitment with our College to support our students to do their personal best.