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End of Term 3:

Study Skills for Year 11 and 12 – Getting into a Routine

As we gear up to enter Term 4, many of our Year 11s and 12s are shifting into high gear in preparation for their final SACs and their exams. However, some might not have quite worked out a study routine that they are able to stick to. Here are some tips for those trying to nail down a routine:

  • Try not to put either too much or too little into your routine. You should have structure without it being overwhelming
  • Work backwards when planning your routine – first map out your classes, then mealtimes and bedtimes, then extracurricular activities (work, sport, social catchups), and then finally fill the gaps with study time. This will make you more likely to stick to your routine since you’ve already allocated time to everything else
  • When you study, block your access to social media using apps like Opal, Freedom, and Forest, to keep you on task
  • Incorporate breaks into your study time. Try taking a ten-minute break for every fifty minutes of study, then a twenty-minute break after doing two fifty-minute study blocks

However, it’s all well and good to have a study routine, but what if you can’t make yourself study in the first place? If this is you, you might be dealing with procrastination. Everyone procrastinates in some part of their live, and everyone does it for different reasons. Here are some of these common reasons people procrastinate and potential solutions:

  • You’re too tired – remember to take regular study breaks, prioritise getting enough sleep, and make time to recharge your social battery with friends
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work – break down your study tasks into small steps, and focus on just making a start rather than worrying about getting everything done at once
  • You’re worried about making mistakes or failing – remember that done is better than perfect, and remember to ask your teachers questions about what you don’t understand
  • You just aren’t motivated – use the ten-minute rule. Just study for ten minutes, then either stop or keep going when the time’s up (you’ll often find that you can keep going!). Don’t forget to reward yourself after studying

If you’re a Year 11 or 12 student and want support with building up your study skills, come to Study Skills 101 in A2 at lunchtimes on Tuesday and Thursday of Week 9!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imogen Weisser

Student Wellbeing Officer

Apply now for VCE Summer Tutoring!

Prepare for the academic year and beyond with VCE Summer Tutoring! We deliver inclusive and valuable academic support to VCE students, no matter their background.

 

At our program from 5-16 January 2026, students can:

 

  • Engage in academic classes and 1-1 tutoring from passionate tutors
  • Join a community of like-minded students as they tackle fun activities
  • Learn more about University study from supportive older peers

 

Students can apply at the link below before 1 October 2025: https://forms.gle/EE6TELgW18KNX5kb7

 

Bursaries and travel subsidies are available to students who would otherwise be unable to access the program.

 

For more information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Leap 

Education Support