This week, Year 11 students have begun their end-of-year examinations, and in Week 3 of Term 4, Year 10 will sit their first examination block alongside Year 12 as they complete their HSC examinations. There is much chatter amongst the girls about examination season!

While examinations are undoubtedly important tools for understanding student progress, the girls can become hyper-focused on examinations and results, and this can create undue stress that may undermine their overall performance. Preparation and a clear-headed perspective are important for students, and for us as parents too, as the girls approach examination blocks.

Tips to Prepare Well

Here are some tips for preparing well for examinations that we communicate regularly to the girls:

• Attend school in the lead-up to examinations so that learning gaps can be addressed and opportunities to reinforce understanding are not missed.
• Use class time to engage in retrieval practice and seek teacher feedback, as this is more effective than studying alone at home.
• Try different approaches to your study routine, avoid comparing study hours or methods with others, and remember that there is no one-size-fits-all model for effective study.
• At the beginning of the examination, write down key information committed to memory, such as essay plans, quotations or formulas. This can help reduce stress and free up the brain to focus on the complexity of the questions.
• Use reading time carefully. Read all instructions, check how many questions need to be answered, and identify command terms such as “explain”, “analyse” or “evaluate”.
• Start with a question you feel confident about. This can help build momentum and settle nerves before moving to more challenging sections.
• Keep an eye on the time and move on when needed. It is better to attempt all sections than to spend too long perfecting one response and leave another unfinished.
• If you feel anxious, pause briefly, take a few slow breaths and return to the question one step at a time. A short reset can help you think more clearly and avoid rushing
• Use any remaining time to check your work. Look for unanswered questions, missed pages, unclear wording, missing evidence, calculation errors or places where a response can be made more precise.
• Rest effectively during study breaks and after examinations. Take regular device-free breaks, include physical activity where possible, and maintain consistent sleep routines.
• Avoid late-night cramming, as it can lead to burnout over the examination period.

We are praying that the girls can communicate their knowledge and understanding to the best of their ability during this period, and that they will not be anxious, but that their hearts will be guarded by the peace of God that transcends all understanding. – Philippians 4:6–7