The ATAR year at school brings a whirlwind of emotions with it. Students are excited and anxious for a new beginning as well as nostalgic about their last days at school. Behind the torrent of feelings, the stress of exams is paramount in itself. We have compiled a perfect list of ways for you to help your child be well-prepared for a successful year 12.  

Study Plan

A structured study plan is all that a student needs to fare well in their high school exams. Especially, when it is followed consistently. The benefits of the study plan are multifold. Dividing the syllabus into chunks increases students’ grasping capacity and productivity. It provides an outline to memorise and revise the curriculum effectively. A solid study plan carves out a pathway to optimal exam preparation and ensures that the process remains free from stress. Here’s a guide on how to prepare for year 12:

  • Set a goal First and foremost, decide on a clear and broad range of goal scores, with your child. Make sure they are achievable according to your child’s capabilities. Discuss and evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. Focus on post-school plans to gauge the importance of each section of the syllabus. For instance, if your child wants to pursue a bachelors in chemistry from the University of Sydney, find the minimum grade requirement for the course and set it as their goal score. In this manner, the student will have a concrete aim for their ATAR score.
  • Chart the final year out Once you both have decided on the desired score, it’s time to examine the year ahead. Span out your child’s study schedule throughout the academic days and holidays. Divide the goals into weekly and monthly segments. For example, set a number of weeks aside for each subject and another month for its consequent revision.
  • Fix daily routines Schedule study and break hours for each day. Maintain a healthy balance between both and let your child enjoy their remaining days with fellow year 12 students. A daily routine keeps the child on track without overwhelming them. It makes the child consistent and punctual in their efforts. Daily studying and practice further ensure enhanced learning and memory. Don’t forget to leave some slots of the day free from any schedule as leisure time works well for unwinding.
  • Method of Studying Another essential aspect of a study plan is to determine how to study for year 12. The method of learning and revising varies for each child. While some learn through flashcards, quizzes, and mind maps, others prefer more traditional means of studying. Let your child explore and follow the method that suits them the best. In addition, you can find a tutor to teach your child through the techniques they prefer.
  • Perfect study room Pick a clean and distraction-free corner in the house for your child’s study room. Keep the room bright, airy, and noise-free to maintain a stimulating learning environment. Keep all their notes, resources, stationery, and other learning tools near their study table for easy access. This will help the student focus solely on studying without wasting time. If your child prefers, you can take them to a library or a friend’s place for group study sessions.
  • Secure additional help If you are unable to guide your child academically, find an expert for the job. Plan extra sessions with their teachers or hire a tutor. With undivided attention and a personalised learning plan, they can easily comprehend and rehearse the syllabus. A tutor can hone their academic skills, clarify their concepts, as well as help them revise and prepare for the exams. Moreover, they significantly improve the child’s confidence and academic performance. You can find a tutor befitting your child’s needs through our extensive database at Ezy Math Tutoring.
  • Mock examinations Add extra time to their timetable for weekly and monthly exams. Make sure the student practices plenty of mock tests before the exam time. Make use of School Assessed Coursework (SACs) to mimic the real test environment.  ATAR students get a feel of the actual test and can learn to stay calm and collected through it. With consistent practice, they become adept at completing the whole test within the allocated time limit. Correct their tests according to the school assessment framework.
  • Research future options Have in-depth discussions and research with your child over the best move forward, once the school’s over. It can ease the student’s worries about the future as well as help them enjoy the present. Help them explore their passion and competencies to pick the perfect course for college. Schedule some hours each week specifically to discuss their future options.
  • Follow Religiously Consistently following a plan is the key to success, whether it’s an academic aim or a life goal. Moreover, punctuality is a great virtue to add to your child’s skill set. Make sure they stay organized and follow the study plan to the t. Finishing a task every day will enhance their self-esteem and instil a habit of studying regularly. However, leave room for errors and missteps along the way. Don’t fret over a missed study session and reassure them as well that it’s fine once in a while. Let the student get back on the study routine right after it.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Keep these additional guidelines handy for effective preparation.

  • Make sure your child isn’t cramming information all at once. Rather teach them how to space their study sessions for better understanding and recall. For instance, guide them to adopt the Pomodoro technique which seems to work wonders for increased retention.
  • Keep a check on students’ stress levels. Make sure they feel at ease while asking for your help, sharing their worries, or taking a break instead of getting anxious all alone.
  • For the vacation period, either ensure your child diligently follows the study plan or hire a tutor to help them have a structured routine.
  • Add in fun extracurricular activities in the routine to keep them physically and mentally fit. Spending time with family or friends and indulging in some personal hobbies is a great stress buster. Allow regular breaks for a short amount of time to avoid burnout.

Now that you know how to get ready for year 12, it’s time to create the perfect study plan for your child. It’s crucial to remember that while these exams hold great importance in a student’s life, it’s still just an exam. It won’t dictate their life and should never affect their mental health adversely. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter if they score school H3 or pass with a high distinction or H1. Don’t overburden your child with hefty expectations, instead support their results regardlessly. Instil a positive attitude towards the exam in yourself and your child. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, find the best tutor to teach your child with Ezy Math Tutoring. Help your child study smart and excel in their year 12 with flying colours! Â