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Mrs Chilton
Head of Teaching and Learning

Preparing for end of year examinations

As we begin the final term, there is likely a sense of anticipation amongst the girls about the upcoming examination period, including the first round of HSC assessment tasks for Year 11 students beginning their HSC courses. At times, there can be an unhelpful emphasis placed on examinations, which can undermine student performance and self-worth.

We encourage girls to approach their study for examinations with the perspective of ‘showing what they know’ rather than trying to achieve a particular mark or rank. Putting too much store in a particular result can undermine student confidence and future performance. We know that results ebb and flow throughout a student’s schooling journey. Our focus is on the learning and growth, and examinations are just a tool for measuring this.

There are a few ways girls can prepare well for end of year examinations:

  • Chunking study: Girls should try to break down their study into manageable chunks over the weeks leading up to their examinations, not cramming for a subject the day or night before. When they are fatiguing studying for one subject, they should switch to another subject. Smaller, regular chunks of study will help student knowledge to take root in their long-term memory and prevent burnout.
  • Sleep: Compromising sleep will undermine student results. We encourage the girls to ensure they are getting ample sleep during the examination period, to ensure they are able to effectively demonstrate their understanding.
  • Completing set revision tasks: Students study most effectively when they complete the revision tasks that are set by their teachers. At times, girls can spend time writing extensive (beautifully highlighted and organised) notes that summarise their class work but are not tailored to the final examination. Girls should focus on the tasks that their teachers set to prepare most effectively.

We wish the girls well for the upcoming examination period, particularly our Year 12 cohort beginning their HSC today. It is our prayer that they can keep these exams in perspective and demonstrate how they have grown in knowledge and understanding this year.

Our ultimate hope for the girls at Meriden is captured in Proverbs 3:5-6: that wherever they are at on their educational journey they trust in the Lord with all their heart; and lean not on their own understanding. In all their ways acknowledge him, and that he will make their paths straight.