Assistant Principal 

 Dear families and students,

I would like to wish all students in senior school a restful break, though I also wanted to give students some suggestions regarding successful study techniques as school exams are beginning over the break and into term four.

 For students completing unit three and four there will be opportunity to revise and prepare for their approaching indicative exams and final VCE examinations. 

 Effective preparation involves a combination of strategies. These can include compiling comprehensive revision notes, completing summaries for key knowledge from the VCE study designs and completing practice exam papers from previous years. I would encourage students to construct a study timetable to ensure time is spent productively and that there is room for some relaxation and down time as well. There will be a couple of weeks early in term three for students to receive feedback on their indictive exams and any additional exam papers they have managed to complete during the break.

Some general strategies include:

Practice active learning: by writing information out, speaking concepts aloud, or teaching them to someone else.

Test yourself continuously: on past topics before opening your notes to strengthen long-term recall. Create cue cards with questions to test your understanding.

Switch up your subjects: Mix different topics in shorter sessions instead of spending hours on just one subject to boost focus and retention. 

 Avoid passive re reading: Re-reading textbooks or class notes does not build active memory; instead, summarize notes daily and do practice questions.

 Use class notes: Structure your notes to match your VCE syllabus or study design dot points.

Colour code these in relation to how well you believe you can demonstrate your understanding. Green highlighter for those you can easily recall and explain, Orange for those you are yet to master fully and red, these are the ones you do not understand.

 Plan your study around these, dedicating most preparation to those highlighted red and orange. 

 Eliminate distractions: Keep your phone in another room. 

 Take scheduled breaks: Try working with total focus for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, where you can take a walk outside or a sip of water and some stretches.

Maintain balance: Schedule time for exercise, hobbies, and friends to avoid burnout and to manage stress.

These strategies are useful for year 11 students getting ready to prepare for their end of year exams. These will be occurring in week five of next term.

Stay well, stay safe and enjoy the warmer weather over the break. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the start of term three.