Often there is a lot of hype and pressure for students about Year 12. Whilst it is the final year of their education at Kildare and it is important, it is worth remembering that students are far more than their ATAR score.
Entering Year 12 will be a nervous and challenging time for our students. They would have heard the stories about the late nights completing assignments or studying for tests, the workload throughout the year as well as the events. The formal, the friendships and the all-important graduation events at the end of the year!
As our students complete Year 12 there are ways that we can help them. Below are some hints and tips to support our families and your daughters throughout Year 12 that has been put together by our counsellor Heather Hanks.
Health / Fitness / Eating and Sleeping
- Encourage healthy eating and regular meals
- Exercise helps the body prepare for study and stimulates the brain
- Around 9.5 hours a night sleep (naps can be useful to help make this up)
- Help establish a sleep routine
- Look for changes in overall emotions, sleeping or eating habits and consult the college counsellor or your GP if concerned
Guidance / Encouragement
- Guide, support, encourage and give positive feedback where ever possible…
- “I can see how hard you are working, well done”
- “you have everything you need to do well, have faith in yourself”
- “I think you need a break – let me make you a cup of tea”
- “I love the way you’re persisting even if it is hard”
- “your decisions are the ones that matter the most right now”
- Take her efforts and attempts seriously and make sure she knows you have noticed them
- Encourage her to have belief in herself
Space
- Create an effective workplace in the house
- Consider the physical conditions of the study area (lighting, temperature, clear space, big enough table or desk)
Balance
- Weekly planners can be of assistance
- Part-time work is still possible but consider capping at 10 hours / week
- Factor in social time with family and friends
- Responsibilities around the house can be a helpful study break
Organisation
- Afternoon and early evening are best for study. At this time the brain is functioning more sharply
- Discuss ways to eliminate distractions – each student is an individual and will respond differently to social media, music and others around the home study area
- Encourage to schedule regular study breaks of 15 minutes approximately every hour
It is hard to avoid the impression that the final Year 12 mark matters immensely. But remember, there are many pathways to where they want to go.
If you would like further information Youth Beyond Blue have several fact sheets for both parents and students available on their website. Just search “Surviving Year 12”
If at any time you feel concerned about your daughter’s progress please make contact with their PC teacher, subject teacher or myself.
