Setting Goals
A vital step towards successfully managing time is setting clear and achievable goals. Whatever your goal is, whether it’s aiming to complete a number of tasks, achieving a particular ATAR score, improving in specific subjects, or mastering a section of a paper, having defined objectives provides motivation and direction. Breaking down big goals into smaller subcategories, for example rewriting an essay or completing a past paper each week. This process not only keeps you focused but also gives a sense of accomplishment along the way. You can even set rewards for the completion of certain goals.
Personalised Study Timetables
Creating a well-structured study timetable is the best way to stay on top of tasks and manage your time within the HSC period. This presupposes that you know whether you function better during the day or night. Identifying your most productive hours of the day will allow you to take advantage of them. Block out time for school hours, travel, meals, exercise, and relaxation before allocating study periods.
Keep in mind that balance is key, especially in such a stressful time period as is Year 12. Avoid cramming too much into one day and remember that not achieving all your daily goals is not synonymous with failure. Prioritise high-impact study tasks and remember that consistency is key when it comes to studying. Additionally, aim to make your study schedule flexible enough, so it can adapt to unexpected events. Nonetheless, it should also be structured enough to keep you focused and on track.
Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination is one of the biggest enemies during the HSC, especially when the workload piles up. There are many ways to fight against procrastination, however, one of the best ways is by using the Pomodoro Technique. This is a powerful tool which greatly helps with managing one’s time during study sessions. It involves studying in 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. This method allows one to maintain concentration and prevent burnouts. There are many ‘study with me’ youtube videos that employ this technique and keep time for your sake.
Prioritise Subjects Strategically
Throughout Year 12, you will notice that not all subjects require the same amount of effort. That depends on your strengths, level of understanding of the subjects and many other factors. Identifying your areas of weakness means that you can focus more time there while maintaining regular revision of your stronger areas. It’s also helpful to alternate between subjects to prevent fatigue and keep your mind engaged. For example, follow up a maths session with a creative subject like English or Visual Arts to vary your thinking and enhance productivity.
Practice Active Learning
Effective time management is not just about how many hours you study, but also the way that you study. Passive reading or highlighting is less effective than active learning techniques including:
- Teaching the study materials to someone else
- Using flashcards with spaced repetition
- Completing past papers under timed conditions (you can also ask a parent or tutor to supervise you)
- Creating mind maps or summaries
These strategies help reinforce knowledge and improve long-term retention, making your study time far more productive.
Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
Managing your time effectively includes taking care of your mental and physical wellness. Even though it’s tempting to sacrifice sleep, meals, or social time during the HSC, these will ultimately be counterproductive in the long run. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, eat nutritious meals rather than fast food, and stay hydrated. Regular exercise, even a short daily walk, can greatly improve concentration, reduce stress, and put you in the right frame of mind to study. Fitting these into your study program will give you a huge advantage in the HSC. Mental health is equally as important so make time for hobbies and connections with friends or family.
Seek Support and Stay Connected
Remember that the HSC is a marathon that you’re not running alone. Your support network can offer invaluable help and advice when it comes to managing your time, studying or seeking encouragement. Forming a small, focused study group can also be a great way to stay accountable and share resources, ultimately helping you achieve your goals.
Effective time management during the HSC year isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being consistent, reflective, adaptable and focused. With clear goals, a personalised study plan, the right tools, and a balanced approach to life and learning, you can make the most of your time and set yourself up for success.
So stay focused, be kind to yourself, and remember that you’re capable of everything you put your mind to!
Want to see how we can help? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or email us at hello@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to help!
