John Monash Science School

Sally Cheah-Johnson

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

We are now in the middle of Term 2 and for our students, workload is gaining momentum as students approach the preparation time for the end of Semester 1 exams.  I would like to take this opportunity to share some ‘tips’ and strategies with you in regards to supporting our students:

It is often stated that when a young person is completing senior years of schooling, everyone in the family is doing Year 11 or 12.

Andrew Fuller (Adolescent Psychologist) states that parents have a vital role in helping their teenager:

  • Manage time;
  • Manage energy;
  • Manage stress;
  • Managing to get everything in at the right time and in the right place.

In addition, he makes a very valid point that parents/care-providers also need to manage themselves.

Parents need to be involved with their teenager but at the same time be very aware of times when their involvement might not be accepted.

It comes of no surprise that regular planned times for study and preparation throughout the year creates better results.  In Andrew Fuller’s words “short regular sprints of learning are more effective than long study marathons”.

 

Constructing a Schedule

A negotiated schedule is not only beneficial but can also be bonding for those involved.

Factors to consider in a Study Schedule:

  1. Balance – making sure that there are ample opportunities to play sport, pursue artistic activities (drama, art etc.) and spend time with family and friends;
  2. Routine – smart study habits need to be practised regularly and do not develop automatically;
  3. Study friendly home-environment – help to eliminate distractions and provide conditions that help concentration;

Scheduled study time – mapping out an ideal week:

  1. Times for sleeping (at least eight hours a night);
  2. Times for unwinding and relaxing;
  3. The best times for study;
  4. The best time of the week for consolidating notes and extending memory;
  5. Time to catch up with friends;
  6. Required school hours; and
  7. Time for part-time work (less than 10 hours a week);

Study sessions should never be longer than 50 minutes, with a 10 minute break between study sessions.

It is often good to talk with your teenager about things such as how to handle invitations around exam times, any family commitments that are expected and how often you should remind them of the schedule when they don’t seem to be following it.

 

Important Points to Remember

DO

DON’T

  • Guide, support and encourage
  • Encourage healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep
  • Take your teenager’s efforts seriously
  • Create an effective work space in the house if your teenager can’t study in their room
  • Take a whole family approach to support
  • Give positive feedback whenever possible
  • Encourage study breaks when necessary
  • Keep an eye on his or her emotional health – look for changes in sleeping or eating habits, and see your GP if you are worried
  • Let them know that you’re there when he or she needs you
  • Encourage your teenager to believe in themself, find out what study techniques work best for them, and make sure they ask for help if they need it.
  • Nag
  • Overload your teenager with domestic chores or extra tuition.
  • Tell your teenager to work harder or he or she will fail
  • Part Time Employment – Refrain from working 2 weeks prior to the exams
  • Family Celebrations – Understand that your teenager may not be able to partake in all celebrations

 

Managing Exam Stress

Along with the Study Schedule there are some simple ways to help your teenager manage the stress of their exams. A little stress can be a good thing but feelings of losing control and being overwhelmed are detrimental.

  1. Good Nutrition.  Eating enough protein can help with learning, memory and mood, and retaining information for the long term.  The brain also needs energy and nutrients to repair and maintain brain cells.  Complex carbohydrates – found in wholeg