Director of Learning and Teaching

Preparing for End-of-Term Exams: Your Support Guide

Simple strategies to help your child feel organised and confident for exams.

This term sees our students preparing and sitting their semester examinations. Our Learning & Teaching team wants to ensure every student feels prepared, confident, and well-supported.  Over the next three newsletter editions, we will be sharing a focused series of practical study skills — one topic at a time — so families can work through these ideas together at home.  This first edition focuses on the foundation of all good exam preparation:  getting organised and building a study plan.

Study Skills Series — Part 1 of 3 | Getting Organised

Research tells us that students who plan their study time consistently outperform those who rely on last-minute cramming — not because they study for longer, but because they study more strategically.  The first and most important step is simply knowing what needs to be covered and when.

How to build a simple study plan at home

Encourage your child to work through these steps with you:

• List every subject and topic that will be assessed.  Students can check their exercise books, assessment notifications, or ask their teacher if they are unsure.
• Count the days available between now and the first exam, and block out any commitments (sport, family events) that can’t move.
• Divide study time fairly, prioritising subjects that feel less confident or carry greater weight.
• Keep sessions short and focused — 30 to 45 minutes with a short break is far more effective than hours of unfocused reading.
• Review and adjust the plan weekly as exams get closer and priorities shift.

What a study plan might look like

Here is an example of a simple two-week study plan for a student with five subjects. Notice how each session is short and focused, weekends allow for catch-up, and Wednesday lunchtime is kept free for Thrive Together peer tutoring:

Of course, every student’s timetable will look different depending on their subjects and exam schedule.  The key is to have a plan written down — even a simple one — rather than leaving it to chance.

Students who would like help getting started are welcome to bring their timetable to Thrive Together (Wednesdays at lunchtime, Silent Study Room), where our Year 12 tutors can help them map out their plan.

Laptops at School | An Update on Expectations

We have noticed some improvement in the way students are using their laptops since our last newsletter, and we appreciate the support families have shown in reinforcing this at home.  There is still room to grow, and we will continue to work with students on getting this right.  Thank you for your patience and your partnership as we do.

Laptops and screens at recess and lunch

We want to be clear about an expectation that applies throughout the school day: students are not to use laptops or other devices to play games during recess or lunch — including in the library.  Break times are an important part of the day, and screen-based gaming does not give students the genuine rest they need before returning to class.

Why breaks away from screens matter

Students spend a significant part of the school day looking at screens for learning, and their eyes and minds need genuine time off.  Break times are when students have the chance to:

• Rest their eyes — looking at screens all day without a break can cause fatigue and discomfort that affects learning in the afternoon

• Recharge mentally after periods of concentrated effort

• Get outside, move around, and stay physically active

• Connect with friends and classmates face-to-face

What’s available in the library

For students who prefer a quieter break indoors, the library is open at recess and lunch. Please note that during recess and lunch, laptops and devices are not to be used for games in the library.  Instead, students are welcome to enjoy:

• Books — a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels

• Board games and card games — a fun, social way to spend break time with friends

• More options to come — we are looking at additional activities and will share these as they become available

Calendar Update | End-of-Term Examinations

We wish to advise families of the following examination schedule for the end of term. Please note a change to the original calendar for Years 7–10.

Please update your family calendars accordingly.  Further details about the examination timetable, including specific subjects and rooms, will be communicated to students and families closer to the date.

Questions about Learning & Teaching?  Contact our Learning & Teaching team via the school office.

Mrs Heather Balkin

Director of Learning and Teaching