Starting as early as possible is the best road to take when preparing for the most important secondary school exam – the HSC. Hence, year 11 is essential for creating a strong structure in preparation for the HSC. Nonetheless, it isn’t too late if you are in year 12. Establishing the following tips in your school and personal routine could help you achieve your goal, or even exceed your expectations.
Resilience and commitment:
What got me through the two most challenging years of high school was resilience and commitment. Putting a goal for yourself and committing to it is extremely significant to achieving your best. Rather than making one large goal, take baby steps which will slowly allow you to reach closer to your final goal. Achieving each small step will also give a boost in your confidence and self-esteem. Put a large piece of paper on your wall saying 95.95 ATAR or whatever your goal is. This can help remind you to stay on track. You can also stick motivational quotes around your room to keep you going.
If you got mark that you are not satisfied with, remember that everyone must fail to succeed. Noone is perfect. Learn and reflect from your mistakes. What do you think hindered your mark? Try and find solutions to these obstacles and eventually you will be able to overcome them. Believe in yourself, and you could achieve more than you expect.
Stress and time management:
You are not the only one who is guilty of procrastination. It is human nature. However, over-procrastination can lead to stress, cramming and sleepless nights which can disrupt lifestyle in the long run. To prevent this, make a timetable or a checklist to do every day. Like I previously mentioned, make your goals easy to accomplish. Rather than making your objective to ‘finish essay’, write ‘plan essay’ or ‘write introduction and paragraph 1’. Ticking off each box gives you a sense of achievement which will improve your self confidence. Slowly, you will get closer and eventually reach to your greater target.
Remember to also not spend all your time in front of your computer or locked in your room. Breaks are essential to help relieve your brain. Rather than continuously face the computer for 2hours straight, take a 10 minute break every 2 or even 1 hour. Stand up and stretch or walk around. Staring at the computer for too long can tire the eyes as well as the brain. From experience, you will start working slower and feel sluggish. By refreshing your brain, you will be able to perform your best which is where the best results are produced.
However, remember that do not only be focused on study and school. Remember to balance your studying lifestyle with your social life and health. I encourage you to participate in extra curricular activities as a break from the busy school life, as well as occassionally go out with friends. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep as much as possible.
Another factor that many dismiss, is exercise. Exercise does not have to mean jogging or running every day. A short 20-30 minutes walk can improve your overall performance, while also decrease problems such as stress.
Doing your best at school and at home:
Here are some tips that I utilised in my senior years of highschool to assist me in doing my best:
Concentration: Sit infront of the class to prevent yourself from being distracted.
Ask questions: Ask as many questions as possible. If you are unsure, ask the teacher. Also, try and make yourself a likeable student to them. (Everyone is biased, it’s our nature.)
If you believe that your friends are a distraction to you during class, try and keep a distance from them. You can socialise with them during the breaks. Alternatively, you can sit infront of the class with them, and they should improve their behaviour.
Use study periods wisely.
Don’t expect teachers to spoon feed you information. If you don’t understand a concept you have learnt, always ask the teacher for more information. They are the best source, as they are the people ultimately teaching and marking you. You can also research on internet.
Write your own notes. Don’t just use someone else’s notes, add them to yours. Writing your own notes helps you revise, as well as memorise.
Start studying or preparing for an exam at 1-2 weeks before the exam. It may seem far away but time passes quickly. Finalise your notes and do practice papers or questions a few days before the exam.
Put notes on the wall (or around the house!).
By putting all (or most) of these factors into consideration, you will be on your way to achieving your best. Not only will this pave way for a successful result in the HSC, these are useful for your future at University and even in the workforce. Make yourself (and your parents) proud!
Tutors Field Australia (www.tutorsfield.com.au) is a great communal website with the ease of accessibility to locate qualified tutors to fit your specific needs. It is beneficial in allowing a close engagement and insight into the tutor’s personal experience, such as through their written articles.
Resilience and commitment:
What got me through the two most challenging years of high school was resilience and commitment. Putting a goal for yourself and committing to it is extremely significant to achieving your best. Rather than making one large goal, take baby steps which will slowly allow you to reach closer to your final goal. Achieving each small step will also give a boost in your confidence and self-esteem. Put a large piece of paper on your wall saying 95.95 ATAR or whatever your goal is. This can help remind you to stay on track. You can also stick motivational quotes around your room to keep you going.
If you got mark that you are not satisfied with, remember that everyone must fail to succeed. Noone is perfect. Learn and reflect from your mistakes. What do you think hindered your mark? Try and find solutions to these obstacles and eventually you will be able to overcome them. Believe in yourself, and you could achieve more than you expect.
Stress and time management:
You are not the only one who is guilty of procrastination. It is human nature. However, over-procrastination can lead to stress, cramming and sleepless nights which can disrupt lifestyle in the long run. To prevent this, make a timetable or a checklist to do every day. Like I previously mentioned, make your goals easy to accomplish. Rather than making your objective to ‘finish essay’, write ‘plan essay’ or ‘write introduction and paragraph 1’. Ticking off each box gives you a sense of achievement which will improve your self confidence. Slowly, you will get closer and eventually reach to your greater target.
Remember to also not spend all your time in front of your computer or locked in your room. Breaks are essential to help relieve your brain. Rather than continuously face the computer for 2hours straight, take a 10 minute break every 2 or even 1 hour. Stand up and stretch or walk around. Staring at the computer for too long can tire the eyes as well as the brain. From experience, you will start working slower and feel sluggish. By refreshing your brain, you will be able to perform your best which is where the best results are produced.
However, remember that do not only be focused on study and school. Remember to balance your studying lifestyle with your social life and health. I encourage you to participate in extra curricular activities as a break from the busy school life, as well as occassionally go out with friends. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep as much as possible.
Another factor that many dismiss, is exercise. Exercise does not have to mean jogging or running every day. A short 20-30 minutes walk can improve your overall performance, while also decrease problems such as stress.
Doing your best at school and at home:
Here are some tips that I utilised in my senior years of highschool to assist me in doing my best:
Concentration: Sit infront of the class to prevent yourself from being distracted.
Ask questions: Ask as many questions as possible. If you are unsure, ask the teacher. Also, try and make yourself a likeable student to them. (Everyone is biased, it’s our nature.)
If you believe that your friends are a distraction to you during class, try and keep a distance from them. You can socialise with them during the breaks. Alternatively, you can sit infront of the class with them, and they should improve their behaviour.
Use study periods wisely.
Don’t expect teachers to spoon feed you information. If you don’t understand a concept you have learnt, always ask the teacher for more information. They are the best source, as they are the people ultimately teaching and marking you. You can also research on internet.
Write your own notes. Don’t just use someone else’s notes, add them to yours. Writing your own notes helps you revise, as well as memorise.
Start studying or preparing for an exam at 1-2 weeks before the exam. It may seem far away but time passes quickly. Finalise your notes and do practice papers or questions a few days before the exam.
Put notes on the wall (or around the house!).
By putting all (or most) of these factors into consideration, you will be on your way to achieving your best. Not only will this pave way for a successful result in the HSC, these are useful for your future at University and even in the workforce. Make yourself (and your parents) proud!
Tutors Field Australia (www.tutorsfield.com.au) is a great communal website with the ease of accessibility to locate qualified tutors to fit your specific needs. It is beneficial in allowing a close engagement and insight into the tutor’s personal experience, such as through their written articles.
