Senior School Parent Information Evening

Term 1, 2014

Preparing for exams

What is Study?

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• “When can I get time to study with all this homework”

• What is homework and what is study?

• Often teachers will give ‘homework’ which is actually designed to be a part of the process to consolidate what was covered in class that day

Effective Study

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• Regular and ongoing throughout the year• Well organised• Uses effective techniques• Personalised• Analytical• Relates closely to the Course outline

Know the content and expectations

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• Course outline

• Examiners reports

• SCSA Website

Preparing for study

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• Equipment

• Construct notes with examples

• Set up your desk and room as though you were sitting exams

• Seek help from your teacher if you don’t understand something

• Be positive

Study Timetable

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• Should include all other commitments

• Flexible

• Realistic

• 2 to 3 hours per Course per week

• On the ‘fridge’ for all to see

Study Timetable – sample 2

Study technique: Study Log

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• Tool to track study and areas of difficulty within a course

• One for each examinable course

• Shows the specific sections of the Course have been studied

• Shows how frequently study has been undertaken

How to use a Study Log

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• Write in the date and aspect of the course being studied

• Tick (√) next to it when you are confident that you know the material

• Cross (x) when you don’t. Keep crossing for each session spent until you understand and then can tick

How to use a Study Log - sample

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Attempts Material Studied Date Completed

1st April Objective 2 – Naming the parts of the human skeleton √

2nd April Objective 3 – Naming the major types of joints in the human skeleton.

√

4th April Objective 4 – Understand the role that the human skeleton plays in the production of red blood cells.

X√

7th April Objective 5 – Describe the role of the skeleton in the functioning of antagonistic muscle sets.

XX√

10th April Objective 6 – Explain how the structure of the bones, joints and muscles work together to enable movement of the human body.

XXX√

Study techniques

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• Note taking

• Summarising

• Testing yourself

• Use past exams

• Incorporate learning style

Mind Mapping

Study Groups

Aim for Improvement

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• Acknowledge what you have achieved

• What do I need to do to improve my performance? • Notes• Revision• Study technique• Use of class time

Exam Stress

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• Pressure– Self– Others: family, friends, competition– Achieving your destination: getting into

university or uncertainty about your destination

• Lack of preparation– Poor study habits, organisation, time

management

• Negative “self-talk”

Strategies to manage Stress

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• Keep normal routines and take breaks• Reasonable bed time• Eating regularly, a balanced diet and

drink water• Cut back on coffee and other stimulants• Avoid alcohol and drugs• Make time for fun and exercise but resist

too many commitments

Strategies to manage stress

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• Reflect on how you express your feelings- Positive “self-talk”- Journal- Networks

• Relaxation - Relax before bed - Meditation/breathing exercises

Difficulty managing stress

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• If stress is having a significant impact :- Discuss this with the school (Senior School Coordinator, Deputy, School Psychologist, Chaplain, Nurse)- Make an appointment with your GP

• These problems are unlikely to go away on their own; the causes need to be addressed and sometimes treated

Mobile Phones and ICT

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• Mobile phones, Facebook etc. can be a distraction

• No role in study

• Study should reflect exam conditions

Parent support

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• Be supportive, constructive and encouraging

• Be informed (communicate with teachers)

• Use your own experience – you probably know more than you may think

• Be engaged – study timetables, study logs, monitor the use of technology

Parent support

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• Help set short, medium and long term goals and review them

• Rewards work – for a short time

• specifically related to the achievement of set goals

• A clear career plan can clarify the reason for studying

Friday Period 1- Private Study & Guest Speakers

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• Option to work quietly in the Library- self managed

• Access to teachers- English, Maths and

Social Sciences

• Scheduled Guest speakers from Universities, TAFE and relevant organisations