Anyone else almost done with Year 11 exams and just realised what that means? Yep, we are starting year 12! In fact, I’m going to be in year 12 in t-minus-2 weeks and to say I’m unprepared is an understatement.
Actually, scratch that…I WAS unprepared before writing this. After researching it, writing it and living it, I’m now exchanging my “oh sh*t!” for a “sh*t yeah!”
So here are the five things I’m doing before starting year 12 that have calmed me down completely. I hope they help you too!
1. Set up a designated study space
Whether it’s in your bedroom, in the lounge room or on the back deck. Designate yourself a study space (with a desk) that has everything you need and not too many distractions. Studying in the same spot everyday is a good way to associate the spot with focus and study to trick your brain into studying even when you would rather be doing absolutely anything else!
More top tips for better study here.
2. Organise/declutter your desktop
This is a big one! Organise, declutter and rearrange your desktop to create a clean digital space to organise your school work. You could also tidy up your Google drive, documents and your downloads. Work out a system of filing that you know you can stick to, and… stick to it! That way you won’t waste precious study time trying to find your documents.
You might also like to remove major distractions from your computer (for me, that’s Netflix and social media). This will mean you also have more storage on your laptop.
3. Use the NESA website
On the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) website you can download your syllabus ahead of time so you know what to expect, look forward to or even begin studying for… You know, to take some of the weight of learning new things off your chest going into the last school year. Plus you can access tons of resources including past papers, material and even sample work! If you haven’t been there to have a look around before, make it a priority now you’re starting year 12.
4. Get a calendar and put in any key dates you already know
Most schools have a school calendar that you can access so you can see key dates such as the first day of school, exam times and when you can drop subjects. It’s also important to note key dates of your own, like when assignments are due and after-school activities. Check that nothing clashes with your school timetable.
Also remember, while a digital calendar is handy to have on your phone, writing things down on a physical calendar may help you keep track of things better. Stick it up in a prominent spot in your room so you are literally looking at it every single day. Write down everything.
This will help too: The best study soundtrack to help you concentrate
5. Talk to current or past year 12 students
Some people may have the luxury of having a sibling or friends who have just survived year 12 (me!) to talk to. Or you can use the last couple weeks that the current year 12s be at school to make some new friends to ask all your burning questions of. Ask them what they wished they knew when they were starting year 12, or even if they’ve got any survival tips for the year. Pick their brains about study strategies, teacher handling and stress management. Find out everything you can because they have literally just lived the year you are about to face, so they can help you more than anyone.
Are you starting year 12 soon? How are you feeling?
Feature image by michaeljung/Deposit Photos; desk by Denys Striyeshyn on Unsplash; calendar by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash