Thousands of year 11 and 12 students to sit exams over next two weeks
EXAMS have started across the state for thousands of senior secondary students. Here are some tips to avoid freaking out.
Tasmania
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THOUSANDS of Tasmanian senior secondary students will be filing into exam halls around the state from today as this year’s examination period gets under way.
More than 7300 year 11 and 12 students — including more than 150 at 16 of the high schools that have recently extended to year 12 — are undertaking one or more of the 55 externally assessed accredited courses.
The assessments include written examinations, folios, and oral presentations.
Rosny College year 12 student Olivia Prenter has handed in her folio for English writing and has three exams — for health studies, legal studies, and English literature.
Ms Prenter, 18, is a self-confessed “stress-head” when it comes to exams.
“I find it hard not to stress,” she said.
But Ms Prenter, who hopes to study English and history at university, has some strategies she said helped her cope with exams.
“I do try and do intervals of study so I’ll write down a plan and stick to it ... I contact my teachers so much just to make sure I’m clarifying things.”
Taking time out is also important, she said.
“Even if it’s just 15 minutes to have a cup of coffee or a tea, or calling a friend and having a chat.”
Guilford Young College principal Craig Deayton said while some anxiety and anticipation was natural and could be helpful, it should not dominate.
“Not just at exam time but throughout the year, so much is invested in successful exam results and the risk is that the anxiety produced is not only really debilitating but actually takes away from performance and learning,” Mr Deayton said.
He said there were students who were relying on a high university admission ranking — known as an ATAR — to be accepted at interstate universities or certain courses, but these students were in the minority.
And while he is encouraging his students to be well prepared for exams, he is also urging them not to lose focus.
“Very few options for further study at university or TAFE or indeed any pathway are closed because of less-than-ideal exam results ... We don’t want to give [our students] the impression that they get one roll of the dice and if they fail it’s all over.”
St Mary’s College student counsellor Andrea Maver said she encouraged students to tackle the exam period with a positive attitude.
“I encourage students to believe in themselves, to use positive self-talk and to look after their physical body,” Ms Maver said.
She said a routine including regular sleep, nutritious meals, fresh air and exercise, and break times was important for students preparing for exams.
She also warned students not to be distracted by social media during study times.
Ms Maver said she noticed a heightened anxiety among students at exam time.
“They worry that they will get questions for which they are not prepared, or one that is left field
or trickily worded,” she said.
“They worry that they will not have enough time or that they are not well enough prepared. “They often go into an exam worried that they may not get the result they need to pursue their career choice.
“Some students worry simply that they are just not good at exams.”
Two Hobart students who received top ATARs, said preparation was the key to their success.
Lewis Johnson, who finished year 12 at Hobart College in 2015, said his preparation gave him confidence on exam days.
“Putting lots of effort in was the most important thing,” he said.
He said he had two exams on the same day when he was in year 11.
“It ... really reiterated to me as long as I put the effort in [beforehand] there’s nothing more I can expect of myself.”
Connie Beswick, who finished year 12 at The Friends’ School in 2014, said getting enough sleep, having a study space that suited her, and taking regular breaks also helped her prepare for exams.
“Having a schedule is really important [and] not focusing on the one subject — unless you’ve only got one to go — it’s really important to have a go at everything and not focus on one thing.”
Ms Beswick also said it helped to be organised on exam day.
“Have plenty of pens or pencils — you can never have too many,” she said.
Students who have registered will receive their results via email on December 19.
Hard copy results and certificates will be mailed on December 19.
EXAM TIPS
FOR STUDENTS
Be organised — make a study timetable, plan breaks. Talk to friends.
There a very few options for further study at university or TAFE or indeed any pathway are closed because of less-than-ideal exam results
You don’t just get one roll of the dice and if you fail it’s all over.
Believe in yourself. Be positive.
Get regular sleep. Eat well and exercise.
Don’t be too distracted by social media.
Work hard, so that you can be confident you are going in as prepared as you can be.
Don’t be too worried about a particularly tricky question — chances are everyone will find some questions tricky.
On exam days, be organised and take in plenty of back up pens or pencils.
PARENTS
Try not to nag about study.
Reduce stress around the house, go for easy options around meal times and don’t sweat the small stuff like tidiness.
Encourage, encourage, encourage. Make cups of coffee, feed snacks, offer to go for a walk with your studying student.
Consider making a calendar with a daily treat which is a visual reminder of how the study period is passing. Give them something to look forward to after exams.
Clear your own calendar so you can support your studying child.
Make sure you talk to your children about normal things.
Keep a sense of humour to lighten the mood.
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