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The countdown is on until the HSC starts, with exams scheduled to run from October 16 to November 7. So as your study load intensifies, here’s our essential HSC toolkit to see you through preparation for the HSC.
Successful study is partly about creating the right environment, so now is a good time to set yourself up to get in the zone. If you haven’t already identified your preferred study area, this is the opportunity to find a space within your home that is comfortable, away from distractions like TV and general household noise, but is large enough to accommodate your needs.
Take the time to establish this area as a place that’s inviting but serves the study process well, and consider all the further equipment needs you are likely to require, so you have them readily at hand.
Essential equipment you will need includes:
· Internet access
· Notebooks
· Highlighters
· Ruler
· Calculator
· Pens (of varying colours)
· Pencils
· Post-it notes
Right about now you should know exactly the date your exams are to be conducted, so work backwards devising a study schedule to meet your needs. You can view the HSC exam timetable in detail here.
Have this somewhere prominent with lists of what you need to get through and cover by when, breaking tasks down into manageable chunks. This is a good time to identify any areas where you may require additional assistance and seek out help from friends, your teachers or professional tutors.
Ensure your timetable factors in relaxation, time for socialising, and time to just hang out. Good study practice is about knowing when to pull back and walk away from the task.
Adequate sleep is an essential study tool, with studies indicating fatigue lowers your ability to retain information, heightens your stress even and leaves you prone to illness. A minimum of eight hours sleep should be your goal.
That means strictly adhering to your study schedule to make sure you’re not compelled to cram prior to exams.
Meanwhile, a sleep routine where you retire at a similar time each night, helps your body relax. If you have trouble relaxing prior to sleep, establish a nightly wind down regimen that may include a bath, relaxed reading or even meditation to soothe your body and mind to sleep.
Then step away from electronic devices, set your phone to silent and eliminate artificial light within your bedroom for the hours you need to be sleeping.
Your diet will play a major role in how effectively you retain information, and you can read more about food for study here. In the interim, ensure you have healthy snacks at hand, drink lots of water and lower your intake of sugary or fatty snacks.
Providing healthy snacks is a great way for parents to facilitate the study process, so together with your child, devise a shopping list of snacks that will assist as they prepare to hit the books.
Exercise should be an important element of your study routine. Not only will it release those lovely endorphins that make life seem that much brighter, but it also allows you to take a breather, enables more effective study and keeps your immune system at its peak.
We’re not talking excessive exercise here but a mind-clearing walk, jog or casual trip to the gym that gives you respite and fresh take on that study routine.
Yes, the HSC is important but not so critical it should affect your mental wellbeing. Keep it in perspective that these are just exams and not a gauge of who you are.
If you’re feeling irritated, emotional or stressed out, it’s time to take a breather. Have a hot shower and focus on relaxation to break the cycle of stress.
Great tools for relaxation include adequate sleep, meditation, exercise, positive visualisation and socialising. Resist the urge to get caught up in the “drama” of the HSC, by keeping things in perspective. There’s immense power in a positive mental attitude, including visualising success within an exam.
If you find you’re really struggling or finding the process overwhelming, seek help from your parents, teachers, school counsellor or professionals.
And remember, thousands have sat the HSC before you, thousands will sit it in the years to come, and many successful individuals went on to achieve great things despite not attaining the results they desired.
Chalkwall specialises in assisting senior students in preparation for the HSC. We understand that success in the final years of school goes beyond memorising and extends to confidence, mental wellbeing and a healthy study regime.
You can learn more about tutoring services here, or contact us for further advice.
