Top Tips for Students and Parents for Year 12 Exams

Last-minute preparations and the inevitable pressures of exam time will face thousands of South Australian students as Year 12 exams begin.  Exams will run from Thursday 16 October until Friday 21 November.

The South Australian Secondary Principals Association (SASPA) has released a list of top tips for Year 12 students and their parents to assist them in coping throughout the exam period.

Vice President of SASPA, Ms Penny Tranter, said that first and foremost, students should strive to maintain a level of balance between study and leisure time.

“It’s important that students set aside time for rest and relaxation as well as study,” she said. “This will allow time away from the books and positive interaction with friends and family, who can offer valuable support during this time.”

“Students should also keep up regular exercise to decrease stress levels and try to eat three nutritious meals each day. It’s essential for students to eat breakfast, particularly before a morning exam, and to limit their caffeine intake.  Drinking plenty of water will help to keep you hydrated and refreshed.”

Ms Tranter said parents didn’t need to be experts in their child’s subject areas to help them through exam time.  “Parents just need to be involved and offer an endless supply of support and encouragement,” she said.

“It’s important that parents remain positive throughout the exam period and don’t place too much pressure on their children. Parents can help their children with their time management and can even assist them to develop a comprehensive study plan as a guide. They can also help their children by ensuring they have adequate study space to work on that facilitates undisturbed and focused application.”

Ms Tranter said it was also essential for parents to keep the home as harmonious as possible and to allow their children to opt out of house chores during the exam period.

SASPA’s top five tips for students and top five tips for parents to cope throughout Year 12 exam time:

Students

1. Balance – set aside time for rest and relaxation as well as study.
2. Eat plenty of fresh, nutritious meals and remember to have a big, healthy breakfast before morning exams.
3. Exercise regularly to decrease stress and help clear the mind. Exercise will help you to sleep better too.
4. Routine is important – aim to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day.
5. Set realistic goals and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Parents

1. Offer an endless supply of support and encouragement – remember you don’t need to be an expert in your child’s subject areas, but you do need to “be there” for them.
2. Be positive – don’t place unnecessary expectations on your children. Instead, encourage them to do their best.
3. Feed your children healthy, nutritious meals each day.
4. Help your children to develop a comprehensive study plan to improve their time management.
5. Maintain a harmonious household and allow children to opt out of house chores during exam time

Source: South Australian Secondary Principals Association (SASPA)