Deputy Principal's Report: Preparing for a Successful Start to the New School Year

Organisation is a vital skill for students in their senior years. Year 11 students in particular may be feeling the pressure of their senior studies with their first round of assessment tasks rapidly approaching. 

Check in with your child on their study routines and organisation systems:

• Do they have a calendar up, mapping out upcoming tasks?

• Do they have a good set up for studying? For instance, a dedicated desk with a comfortable chair and good lighting.

• Do they have a study schedule? Year 11 students should be allocating time for study every day school day.

• When studying for a test, do they organize their materials first and then begin active reviewing by topic?

• When working on an assessment, do they dedicate enough time to the writing process? (Planning, drafting, self reflection, feedback and editing)

Below is a sample study timetable. Encourage your child to create one that balances out their commitments. When studying for a subject (as opposed to completing homework), they should be:

• Organise notes into topic areas (Cornell note making method or similar - main points and important definitions)

• Summarise key information

• Use writing as a tool for learning. Handwriting strengthens our memory and learning pathways.  

• Use visual tools like concept maps and flow charts.

• Create flash cards to test yourself.

• Create a glossary for important vocabulary to strengthen your arguments/responses.

• Record audio notes that you can listen to while traveling to school.

• Complete practice questions.