1. Study Smart The idea is to study smarter not harder/longer!

2. Attend Classes • Avoid (where at all possible) making appointments during the school day. • The whole course is covered in class time…if you’re not there when will you cover it??

3. Know the exam layout • Find out what’s on the syllabus. • Referring back to this will allow you to see your progress while also helping to keep you in track. • You must know the exam format, layout, marking system and expectations. • Time per question in the exam.

4. Have a study plan • Consistent • Realistic (balance each subject) • This is a two year course not 100m sprint. • Repetition (practice makes perfect!) • Extra work…have it graded/correct it yourselves/correct each others. • Time yourself.

5. Study Area • Same place all the time (helps to kick mind into gear). • Distractions…phone off! • Light • Heat • Chair

6. Short and often • Do not try to overload your brain. • Short study periods more effective than long; a) frequent repetition is the key to building your memory, b) if you leave a long period between study periods you may forget much of what you have studied.

7. Start on time • Stop procrastinating • Every minute counts…you will not get this year back again!

8. Study when wide awake • Majority work most efficiently during daylight hours. • 1hr in the day = 1.5hrs at night. • Use your time wisely. • You accomplish more when you are alert.

9. Set goals for each subject • Why? Because you will accomplish more, faster if you set specific goals. • Example; 30mins to read history text. • If you start reading without a purpose you may only get 9 pages read, but if you set a target to get 15 pages read in the time you probably will.

10. Start assignments as soon as they are given. • If you take nothing else away from this talk bar this then you will have learned a lot. • Do not allow homework/study/tasks to build up. • Deal with everything as it arises; that way you are less likely to get stressed out. • The quality of all your work is important and needs attention.

11. Most difficult first • You are most alert when you first sit down to study thus in better shape to tackle the tough stuff. • You will feel better once it’s done. • Helps you to avoid spending all of your time on easier/favourite subjects.

12. Review your notes regularly • Take good notes • Review them regularly (80% long term memory) • 1st review Same day (reduce to key words) • 2nd review Later the same week • 3rd review 1 week later • 4th review 2-3 weeks later • 5th review Monthly

13. Take breaks • 10mins for every 50mins study or 5mins for every 25mins study. • Don’t study through breaks they rejuvenate you for the next session.

14. Vary your work • Alternate between, reading, note taking, doing homework, doing exam questions, correcting, mind mapping etc. • Do not allow yourself to become bored.

15. Problem solve • When doing maths/science type work if you get stuck on a particular problem do not spend the rest of the night on it. • Ask for help (someone at home, friend or ask the Teacher the next day). • Do as much as you can around it.

16. Reward yourself • Be nice to yourself! • When you achieve a goal/target reward yourself. • This system gives you an added incentive to reach your goals.

17. Keep on top of it • Falling behind can happen for many reasons. • If it happens to you, you may need to look at the following; • Improving your study skills • Look at your time management skills • Curb your social life for a while • Whatever the problem might be there are people here to help you; Form Teacher, Subject Teachers Guidance Counsellor School Chaplain Learning Support Teacher