As Term 4 begins, many Year 11 students are transitioning into Year 12 and facing the reality of HSC preparation. With the weight of exams ahead, some students might feel a mix of motivation and intimidation. A common challenge at this stage is procrastination—putting off tasks until the last minute due to overwhelm, lack of direction, or even the misconception that there’s “plenty of time” to study later. For tutors working with new HSC students, the focus on breaking procrastination habits early is crucial for setting them up for a productive year.
One of the most effective strategies to combat procrastination is goal setting. Setting clear, attainable goals for each subject gives students a direction and a sense of purpose. Encourage students to break down large tasks into manageable steps. For instance, instead of “study for the English exam,” a more focused goal could be “outline three themes from Module B text and gather quotes.” This approach allows students to celebrate small wins and stay motivated.
Accountability is another powerful tool in the tutoring arsenal. Regularly check in with students on their progress to keep them on track. Discussing what they accomplished each week reinforces responsibility and highlights their achievements, even if they’re small steps. Tutors can help students build a simple study plan, aiming for consistency rather than cramming. This habit of steady, planned study also helps reduce stress and build confidence as the HSC year progresses.
Lastly, teaching time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where students study in short, focused intervals with breaks in between, can help make study sessions feel less daunting. It breaks the cycle of lengthy, unstructured study time that often leads to distraction and procrastination. Even practicing time-limited exercises, like answering past HSC questions in set timeframes, can gradually build students’ focus and pacing.
By addressing procrastination head-on with structured strategies, tutors can help HSC students build effective study habits. Establishing these early can transform their approach to Year 12, making the HSC journey feel achievable and even empowering.
Freddie Le Vay
