We know. Exam time isn't the most highly anticipated event on the student calendar, it is perhaps for some the most dreaded! But there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Exams are a learning experience.
   
   In Middle School the main reason we conduct exams is so we can guide the students towards effective revision techniques and to give them the opportunity to learn from the experience of exams. In Senior School, the process of preparing for and sitting exams is a valuable learning experience for preparation for higher stake exams in Years 11 and 12 (and beyond). We encourage you as parents to support students by assisting them in their preparation for exams but also minimise the pressure you place on students in the lead up to exams.
   
2. It only makes up a percentage of a students overall grade.
   
   We know that a student is much more than how they perform on any given day. That is why there are a variety of ways that we assess a students learning such as essays, group assessments, speeches, projects and more. A mark on an exam is just one indicator of achievement.
   
3. There's good stress, and bad stress. Don't let exams become bad stress.
   
   We know that a little stress is actually good for us. It helps motivate us to succeed, it helps with cognitive functioning and it can help develop resilience and in the short term it may even help build immunity. However, our exams should not fall into the bad stress category where it impairs our students’ function, makes them physically ill or has an adverse impact on mental health. If this is the case, we ask you to speak with your child and teachers so we can help them manage their expectations and learn stress management strategies that are essential to life.

Our Year 7 and 10 students have dedicated Study Skills lessons timetabled where they learn different study techniques, how to develop their own study technique that suits their learning and how to organise their time.

One way this is happening is through the Study Skills Handbook. As a school, we have subscribed to this online learning platform and students have participated in some of these lessons in class. We have now placed this on our website so all students and parents can access the lessons and activities that demonstrate a variety of ways to enhance study. There is a particularly useful section for parents with tips on motivating students, setting up a good routine and organising a study space.

We hope you take advantage of the advice and ideas that are presented in this website.

The Study Skills Handbook can be accessed by logging into www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and using the log-in credentials that have been emailed to parents.