The Year 10s have settled in well to the Senior College and we have all appreciated the friendly interactions during our first week of school. Our pastoral sessions in Term 1 will focus on self-development and will provide students with a personal skill set that not only supports their academic learning but their general wellbeing. The importance of gratitude will be a focus for discussions this week, as well as preparing for the Melbourne City Experience camp that occurs from Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 February. A comprehensive booklet will be distributed to students prior to the camp. It is important that the medical/consent form be returned to the Senior College Reception by Monday 12 February. Copies of all the camp documents can be found at: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/14707/
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Thank you to all families for supporting our Information Evening and the presentation from Elevate Education. All of our Year 10 students will be involved in two seminars from Elevate Education called ‘Study Sensei’ and ‘Ace your Exams’ to assist them with their academic studies. A copy of my PowerPoint can be accessed from: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/17921/ and the key content from the student seminars includes:
A Balanced Life
It is important for students to pursue their interests in sport, hobbies or music to provide a break from study and enhance fitness and wellbeing.
Assisting Memory
Use a combination of approaches including auditory, visual and kinaesthetic
Tip: Short and regular revision assists material being stored in long-term memory rather than one long session the night before a test or examination!
Difference between Homework and Study
Homework is directed and set by the teacher whereas study includes regular independent work including note taking, extra reading and practice questions that are marked/discussed by the teacher or checked against solutions.
Tip: Complete study for even 15 – 20 minutes before homework.
Time Management
- Aim to create a one-week study/homework timetable that is completed at the start of the week using either electronic or printed options.
- Break large tasks into distinct parts to gain a sense of achievement and to avoid leaving assignments to the last minute.
- Enter such activities as sports training or a favourite TV show in first and then plan study time followed by homework.
Tip: Print out this timetable and keep in a visible location.
Note Taking
- Keep a separate revision folder with loose-leaf paper or a card system rather than a notebook.
- Avoid re-writing notes, add colour and use techniques such as keywords or concept diagrams to help with connections between the material.
- Add examples or evidence from wider reading progressively throughout a topic.
- Make study notes ideally each week to avoid last minute summarising and failure to complete practice questions. High performing Year 12 students are doing practice papers or additional reading during the September holidays whereas a large proportion of the state are doing their summary notes!
Managing Distractions
- Management of social media could include effective group study chat sessions but also the use of Apps such as ‘Self Control’ or ‘Focus Me’.
- Turn off mobile phones and access to social media while studying.
- Try and work for 30 minutes (study) to 1 hour (homework) blocks.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and include regular exercise to assist concentration.
Motivation
- Importance of intrinsic motivation from within and the value of setting future goals.
- Getting motivated and avoiding procrastination are linked and related to goal setting and should include some reward plan.
- Students should seek assistance and use their support network including family, friends and teachers.
- Do the difficult or least favourite work first for homework.
Final Message: Focus on the here and now, for each day and in each lesson by taking small steps to improve rather than worrying about a final result at the end of the year. This may include changing a seating position in class to assist concentration, asking a question to clarify understanding, repeating a test question that was answered incorrectly and submitting to the teacher or using our school diary to help plan the stages to complete an assignment.
by Heather Ruckert, Year 10 Co-ordinator
