Learning & Teaching News
VCE Exams: Using you Holidays Effectively
With the school holidays approaching, this is a good time for VCE students and families to start thinking about the final exam period, with the English exam on Tuesday, 27 October.
I remind my Year 12 English students that holidays are important for students to rest and recharge, but they are also a valuable opportunity to begin preparing for exams in a calm and organised way. However it is vital to start with a plan to help students make the most of this time. There are also important opportunities for parents and students to have honest and open conversations about the examination period and how families can provide support.
For Parents: Start the Conversation About Stress
Some exam stress is normal. It can help students focus and recognise that something is important. However, too much stress can affect sleep, concentration, motivation and general wellbeing.
It is recommended that parents support students by listening, keeping expectations realistic and helping them maintain balance, rather than constantly reminding them to study.
Over the next week and during the holidays, it may be worth having a simple conversation:
How are you feeling about exams?
What subjects are you most confident about?
What are you worried about?
Is there anything we can do to help?
Parents should also be aware of changes in sleep, mood, eating habits, motivation or behaviour that continue over time. Being informed about exam stress makes it easier to recognise when a student might need some extra support.
It is important to remember that it is impossible to remove all stress, but it is possible to help students manage it.
For further support in helping your son or daughter manage stress, use the following link: Reach Out.
For Students: Make a Holiday Study Plan
A great way to tackle stress is to have a study schedule and a plan. However, the holidays should not mean studying all day, every day. Instead, use the break to create a realistic study plan.
Start by listing your subjects and asking:
What do I already know well?
Where are the gaps?
What topics do I need to revise?
Which practice exams or questions should I complete?
When will I study, and when will I take a break?
Rather than writing “Study English”, make the task specific:
Complete one practice Section C.
Revise one Biology topic and test myself.
Complete 20 Maths questions.
Plan two essay responses.
A good holiday plan should include study, but it should also include sleep, exercise, friends, family and time away from schoolwork.
Although the following resource is aimed at university students, it can be easily adapted to create a personalised VCE study plan: (Click here for Study Planner)
It allows students to include study alongside other activities and commitments, which can help create a more realistic and balanced plan.
The goal of the holidays is to return to school feeling rested, but also organised, having completed a range of practice exams and revision tasks, and ready to hit the ground running for the final exam period.
We wish all our VCE students the very best as they head into the final stage of the year.
Use the holidays well, look after yourself, and return ready to finish strongly.
David Fini
Middle Years Curriculum Leader - Cranbourne Campus