So, it’s the start of the holidays and you either haven’t finished your HSC study notes for Trials or haven’t started making any?
Don’t panic! If you manage to allocate and manage your time well, it’s entirely possible to get your HSC study notes done!
We’ve got a 5 step guide to getting you caught up on your HSC study notes!
So,what are you waiting for? Let’s jump right in!
Step 1: Relax and recuperate
Step 2: Set specific goals for each subject
Step 3: Allocate your time
Step 4: Get started
Step 5: Keep things in perspective
Step 1: Relax and recuperate
Before doing any form of productivity, catch up on sleep!
Waking up early for school and studying late into the night during the term can seriously take a toll on your health.
The average teenager only sleeps 6.5 – 7.5 hours a night when in reality, they actually need 8 – 10 hours of sleep daily!
So, before you get stuck into your study, catch up on your sleep! you can sleep in, but not so much that it puts your body clock out of whack.
For the first few days of the holidays, just relax. Don’t do any work, focus on you with some self-care. Watch that movie you’ve wanted to watch for ages. Go get a massage from an actual masseuse. Binge on your favourite food.
You need to be mentally prepared for the torture you will be inflicting upon yourself in the following weeks!
Step 2: Set specific goals for each subject
In order to be productive and actually get work done these holidays, you need to know exactly what work needs to be done.
After catching up on sleep and returning to maximum capacity, note down every task that needs to be completed.
Have your teachers assigned work over the holidays? Do you have an assessment task due first week back? If so, write it down.
Now, categorise your tasks into either 1st priority or 2nd priority.
1st Priority
1st priority tasks include assessments that are due first or second week back of term. This may be an exam or hand in assignments.
You want to get these tasks done and out of the way over the holidays so that you have time to work through your 2nd priority tasks.
2nd Priority
2nd priority tasks usually consist of things that you’ve been meaning to do during the term but haven’t had the time to get around to doing.
This may include creating study notes, revisiting that past exam paper or catching up on some study for topics you don’t understand.
Now, grab every syllabus dot point sheet for every topic of every subject. Be honest with yourself and note down points that need consolidation and extra work on. These will be priority #2.
You might find that you need to revise everything, so you need to be able to decide which areas need the most work during the holidays.
Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if you don’t understand a topic! It’s better to be aware of the things you need to work on rather than stressing in the halls of the exam room.
Step 3: Allocate your time
Print out a two week schedule.
Allocate 1st and 2nd priorities across the two weeks keeping in mind other commitments (work, parties, family functions, gym etc.)
Don’t overestimate your abilities and say you’re going to relearn the entire Crime section of Legal Studies in 1 day!
The best way to allocate your time over the holidays before Trials is setting up each day like a school day.
Give yourself a bit of a sleep in and start studying from 10am. Take a break at 12:30 for lunch, then work from 1:30 to 4pm.
You’d be surprised how much easier studying becomes when you split your time into 2 study sessions!
Try to study for 2 subjects a day, with 1 in the morning session and 1 in the afternoon session. Studying for the same subject all day can really do your head in and you’ll find you’re not focusing well on it anymore.
If you need more support on how to set up a routine to study for Trials, check out this article!
Step 4: Get started
It sucks, I know. You’re sick of school, you don’t care about what you’re revising anymore and you just want to Netflix all day, everyday, for the rest of your days.
Just keep in mind that we are 5 months away from freedom!
Or, at least imagine how it’s going to feel walking out of that last HSC exam, knowing you’ll be able to burn all your notes.
As they say, starting is the hardest part! You’ll find that you’ll quickly fall into a study routine after a few days and you’ll be getting through writing those HSC study notes in no time!
Got study notes to write for specific subjects? Check out the guides we’ve created below for the following subjects:
Step 5: Keep things in perspective
Lastly, please remember that trials are not the end of the world.
Trials usually count towards 20-30% of your internal exam marks and therefore 10-15% of your entire HSC mark.
Work hard, but keep things in perspective. You got this!
Want to avoid falling behind on your notes next term? Here are 4 Good HSC Classroom Habits that will help you stay organised!
Looking for some extra help with your HSC studies?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok!
Daide Chaker is a sleep-deprived student at Wyndham College who is aiming to make it through the HSC with her mind, body and soul still intact. Daide is a chronic procrastinator, Frank Ocean aficionado and Pringles connoisseur. She is an expert in the art of binge-watching and is also an avid reader.
