Student Wellbeing
Developing Effective Study Skills: The Key to Academic Success
Welcome back, students! As we embark on another exciting term filled with opportunities for growth and learning, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with the tools necessary for success. One of the most essential tools being effective study skills – a common reason for students accessing our College Counselling for the first time recently.
Developing strong study skills isn’t just about getting good grades, it’s about understanding and retaining information, managing time effectively, and preparing ourselves for future challenges, both in education and beyond.
In this article, we're sharing our top tips for developing effective skills to help you maximise your study.
Organise Your Time
Create a study schedule - Allocate specific times for studying each subject – this helps in balancing workload and prevents the need for last minute ‘cramming’.
Record what needs to be done and by when - Use your College diary to track what homework/study you need to do each day and then once it’s done, cross that task of your list – this can be very satisfying.
Set goals - Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals – this makes studying less overwhelming and keeps you motivated.
Extracurricular activities - Ensure your schedule is not too busy with extracurricular activities - your education and study needs to be the priority.
Create a Suitable Study Environment
Minimise distractions - Find a quiet place with good lighting and minimal interruptions and keep this area tidy.
Use technology wisely - While technology can be a great tool, ensure it does not become a distraction – consider switching off your phone whilst studying.
Sudy at our College Resource Centre & Library - If your home environment is too noisy or disruptive, you're always welcome to complete your homework/study on Campus before or after school.
Develop Effective Study Habits
Active learning - Engage actively with the material – take notes, ask questions and summarise key points to reinforce your understanding.
Review regularly - Don’t wait until the night before your test or assessment! Review your notes regularly to reinforce what you're learning and identify areas that need further attention.
Utilise Your Resources
Teachers, peers and mentors- We're all here to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, mentors or peers when you’re stuck, as collaboration can deepen your understanding of the subject.
Online resources - Explore educational websites, videos, and online forums that can provide additional explanations and practice exercises.
Take Care Of Yourself
Healthy habits - We can't stress the importance of this! Make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. A healthy body supports a healthy mind and enhances your ability to concentrate and retain information.
Remember, developing effective study skills is a journey that requires dedication and practice. By implementing these tips consistently, you’ll not only improve your academic performance but also build valuable skills that will serve you well throughout your time at St Bede’s College and beyond.
If you have any questions or need further guidance on study skills, feel free to reach out to your teachers or our College Counselling team.
Happy Studying!
Scott Cadby
PACFA Reg. Clinical (21605)
BA (Psych) MPsychotherapyCouns
Wellbeing Coordinator
Experiencing School Refusal?
School refusal and avoidance is a challenge that some families face. The Victorian Parents Council (VRC) recognises the significant impact of school attendance issues and is convening an expert panel to explore solutions for affected families.
A distinguished panel will discuss pathways and educational alternatives to support students with school attendance challenges, including School Refusal, School Can’t and School Avoidance. The panel includes parents, educators, psychologists, researchers, and government agencies.
Tuesday 6 August,7pm
College Safeguarding Statement
St Bede’s College strives to be a place of safety, and we believe safeguarding is a shared responsibility of all, for all. We are resolutely committed to our moral, legal, and mission-driven responsibility to ensure that all College staff, including employees, Board members, committee members, contractors, volunteers, and clergy, act in a manner that promotes the inherent dignity of each of our students and their fundamental right to be respected, heard, and nurtured in a safe school environment. All College staff must uphold and demonstrate through their actions and interactions the duty of care we have towards all children, young people, and adults at risk. Accordingly, a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse or safety violations is expected and enforced.