From the Acting Director of Teaching and Learning K–12

Preparing for exams: Supporting Year 10–12 students and families 

As we approach the mid‑year assessment period, students in Years 10–12 will soon be entering an important phase of their academic journey. Establishing strong routines now will help them feel confident, organised and ready to perform at their best. 

Key Exam Dates for 2026 

Year 10 Mid-Year Exams: 9–15 June 

Year 10 End-of-Year Exams: 3–9 December 

Year 11/12 Mid-Year Exams: 19–26 June 

TASC 11/12 End‑of‑Year Exams: 

• Timetable released: 28 August 
• Exams: 9–19 November 
• Please note that TASC exams cannot be moved for any reason. 

Building effective study habits 

Effective study habits centre on consistency, focus and balance. Establishing a regular study routine with short, purposeful sessions helps maintain motivation and prevents last‑minute cramming. Making use of revision strategies, such as practice questions, summarising key ideas and teaching concepts to someone else, strengthens understanding and long‑term recall. It’s also important for students to plan their study by subject so they can target areas needing improvement rather than revisiting only what feels comfortable. Alongside academic preparation, maintaining a healthy balance of sleep, nutrition, movement and downtime supports concentration, memory and overall wellbeing, helping students approach exams with clarity and confidence. 

In the days before exams 

As exams approach, students should shift from learning new content to refining what they already know. Timed practice helps them become familiar with working under exam‑like conditions, improving pacing and reducing anxiety. It is also important to organise materials early by checking equipment, confirming exam locations and ensuring everything is ready to avoid last‑minute stress. Maintaining a positive mindset and prioritising wellbeing through calm routines, reduced screen time the night before and a good night’s sleep can help to make a difference to focus and performance on the day. 

Parent guide: Supporting exam readiness 

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping students navigate exam periods with confidence. Creating a supportive environment with a quiet, organised study space helps students stay focused, while gently encouraging a consistent routine allows them to build strong study habits without feeling pressured. Promoting wellbeing through regular breaks, healthy meals and sufficient sleep supports concentration and resilience. A calm, positive presence at home also sets the emotional tone; reassurance can ease stress and build confidence. Offering practical support, such as helping with transport, checking equipment and ensuring students arrive prepared, reduces unnecessary pressure and allows students to focus fully on doing their best. 

School TV also offers great tips and advice for healthy study habits and exam stress. 

Once again, I would like to highlight the ‘team approach’ that St Mary’s values. Together, our goal is to ensure every student feels supported, confident and well‑prepared as they move into this important phase of the academic year. With strong routines at home and at school, we hope that students can approach their exams with clarity, resilience and a sense of pride in their efforts.