Senior School

Year 10: Building the Habits That Matter 

Article by Faye Minic, Year 10 Level Leader 

With the end of term fast approaching, our Year 10 students have reached an important point in their schooling. There is now just one semester until they begin VCE, and conversations about pathways, subject selections and prerequisites have been echoing throughout the corridors. It is an exciting, and for many, slightly daunting time. With so many decisions and new expectations on the horizon, it is natural for students to experience some uncertainty, particularly as their workload and responsibilities begin to increase. 

In our Pastoral Care sessions throughout the term, students have been exploring different problem solving strategies and ways to manage stress as they continue their journey and decision making through Senior School. We have also been encouraging students to reflect on the habits they are developing now, recognising that the skills they build in Year 10 will help make the transition into VCE a smoother and more confident one. 

So, what are some of the habits that will help our students make this transition successfully? 

Taking responsibility 

Encouraging students to communicate with their teachers themselves, ask questions and seek help when they need it is an important part of developing independence. Students have a vast array of support services at their disposal, and their Homegroup teacher, as their first point of call, is always a good place to start if they are feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to go for help. 

Managing time 

With an increasing workload, the use of the College diary becomes an important tool in staying organised. Helping your child break larger tasks into manageable steps and establish realistic study routines around their extracurricular commitments will also set them up for success. The Senior School Handbook outlines the roles, responsibilities and homework expectations for Senior School students and is a useful resource as students begin preparing for this transition. 

Looking after wellbeing 

Understanding that activities that genuinely support wellbeing are an important part of maintaining a sustainable routine is another key habit. Getting enough sleep, spending time with family and friends away from study, participating in extracurricular activities and making time for things they genuinely enjoy can all help students maintain balance as their responsibilities increase. 

Making mistakes and learning from them 

Year 10 is a great time for students to develop independence, try new things and learn from their mistakes. Not every decision will be the right one, and not every task will go according to plan, and that is okay. Learning how to reflect, adjust and try again is an important part of preparing students for the increased independence they will experience in Senior School. 

Developing strong habits now, knowing when to ask for help and learning to take increasing responsibility for their own learning will help our students approach the next stage with greater confidence. 

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

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