Trial exams are fast approaching, which means for many HSC students they are starting to feel the pressure. While it can be tempting to focus on how much content a student needs to learn, successful preparation is less about studying longer and more about studying smarter.
The first step is to create a realistic study plan now that will help in the long-term. Rather than spending hours on one subject, a student should break their time into manageable sessions and rotatate between subjects, trying to focus on the weaker subjects first. Specifically, prioritise areas where they feel least confident and set specific goals for each study session. For example, instead of saying I am going to study for 12 hours today on the subject of English, aim to chunk a study session by completing one past paper. This is because realistically it is very difficult to study for 12 hours as you will easily lose concentration.
Past papers are one of the most valuable revision tools available. They help students become familiar with different question styles, identify common themes and helps with time management. Try completing sections under exam conditions and reviewing the marking criteria to understand how to attain the desired marks.
Active revision is also essential. Simply re-reading notes often creates a false sense of confidence. Instead, students should test themself regularly using flashcards, practice questions, essay plans and dicussing your understanding of content with others. The more a student actively recall information, the more likely they are to remember it when it comes to the exam.
Equally important is looking after wellbeing. Students should get consistent sleep and implement healthy habits as this will significantly improve concentration and memory of content. While students may feel productive to study late into the night, it can in fact hinder academic performance.
Preparation does not require perfection. Trial exams are not the finish line and students still have the HSC to go. Starting now, staying organised and telling our students to trust the work they put in can make a significant impact.
Annie Bulkeley