Unlocking Success

Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conquering exams and discovering their future!

Proudly created by Brimbank Youth Council 2023

Believe in yourself! You rock, keep going!

You rock, keep going!

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You’ve got this!

You’ve got this!

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A message from Brimbank Youth Council 2023: We recognise that after the past couple of years students are feeling unsure about what the future looks and what their next steps might be for study or career choices.

We’ve created this handy, dandy tool kit to support your study and career goal needs.

You’ve got this!

You’ll find here; study tips, how to support your wellbeing through exam time and steps to take towards your future career.

You rock, going! You’ve got this Believe in keep yourself!

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Stay strong, stay curious and keep believing in yourself.

You rock, keep going!

You’ve got this!

Believe in yourself!

Believe in your

Believe in your

You’ve got this!

You rock, keep

You rock, keep going!

Study Tips Time can feel like the biggest enemy when it comes to studying. It feels like there just isn’t enough of it! But we have some tips to show you that time can actually be your ally!

Here are three main strategies:

Strive for balance When organising your time ensure not all of it is committed to study.

Maintain your hobbies and your social connections to support your mental wellbeing.

Set timelines / deadlines Using a calendar or study planner, mark the date of your exam and then work backwards to plan your study schedule.

Stay focused Use strategies to avoid distractions.

Try using the Pomodoro method by timing your study and break times.

Keep your phone and other distractions away from your study area too!

Active learning is when you actively engage in what you need to study. This helps you to remember information better.

Here are some ways you can actively learn: : Use Cue Cards or flip cards - Make a glossary explaining the meanings of key terms using descriptions.

Work with friends - Pair up with friends who are studying the same topic and test each other’s knowledge.

Test your understanding - Use past exam papers and try to answer the questions without notes to help identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conqueringexams and discovering their future!

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Nutrition There are plenty of ways we can set ourselves up for success during exam time. Did you know that certain foods can help you to concentrate and even boost your memory?

We’ve put together some easy snack ideas, full of brain powering ingredients for you to super boost your study.

Greek Yoghurt Parfait • High in protein, to keep you fuller for longer.

• The antioxidants in berries help keep your memory sharp.

• Great source of fibre and glucose for energy to your brain.

Dark Chocolate • Packed full of antioxidants and natural stimulants.

• Helps with focus as it improves blood flow to your brain.

Great on top of Greek Yoghurt and Berries or to pack in your bag as an easy snack to take to the library

Cheese and Olives on Crackers • Full of healthy fats to support your brain activity.

• Olives have natural chemicals that reduce oxidative stress in your brain.

Scan the QR code at the back of this booklet to check out our BYC approved snack recipes!

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Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conqueringexams and discovering their future!

Sleep Practice does not make perfect. It is practice, followed by a night of sleep that leads to perfection.

– Matthew Walker, ‘Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams’

Prioritising your sleep to get 7-9 hours a night will: Improve your memory retention and recall by 20 – 40% Develop your memory of study notes from short term to long term memory Support your creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Here are 3 easy tips for a good night’s rest: Separate study space from your sleeping space. Our bedrooms often double up as study spaces which can make it hard to switch off when it’s time to sleep.

When you are finished studying, it’s important to change the space to create a calm environment.

Try packing away your books, turn on lamps for softer lighting and use nice smelling scents.

Avoid using your phone 30 minutes before you go to bed.

Turn on do not disturb to pause notifications until the morning, so your mind can slow down from the day.

Create a sleep routine. The human brain loves routine, by repeating the same behaviours before bed your mind will start to wind down because it knows what is coming.

A routine can be as simple as washing your face, brushing your teeth and reading a book (not related to study)

Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conqueringexams and discovering their future!

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Volunteering If you are looking to gain experience, or learning more about your own interests, volunteering is a fantastic way to do that!

Volunteering means to willingly give your time for the common good without being paid. Here are three reasons why you should give volunteering a shot: It can help you gain skills and experiences that you can add to your resume or university and scholarship application such as teamwork, leadership, communication and organisation skills.

You can discover new interests and passions that can help open doors to more career pathways.

It can help grow your confidence, form friendships and create professional networks, which can support your mental health and wellbeing.

If you want to begin volunteering, do it in an area of interest or something you already enjoy doing.

Scan the QR code at the back of this booklet to check out local volunteering roles near you!

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Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conqueringexams and discovering their future!

Explore your future career!

Are you needing help with your future career goals and employment?

Here are two career quizzes you can try that have been approved by the BYC! Year 13 Career Quiz

Truity Career Personality Profiler

Key features:

Key features:

• Asks questions about your interests and personality

• Asks questions about your interests and personality

• Results suggest your personality type • Requires sign-in to view recommended industries based on your strengths and skills • Takes 5 minutes to complete

• Results show what kind of career you might be suited for • Does not require sign in • Takes 5 minutes to complete

Scan the QR code at the back of this booklet to try completing the quizzes yourself!

According to the University of Queensland, did you know that Gen Z are expected to have 16-17 jobs across 5-7 careers in their life?

Job vs Career: What’s the difference?

Job: A job refers to a specific role you have at a company.

vs

Career: A career is an ongoing profession that can include a lot of different jobs.

Whether you may be set on a particular career or undecided about the future, it is totally normal to change your mind and follow a different path. So, be open to new opportunities and experiences because they may lead to an unexpected career!

Unlocking Success: A student’s guide to conqueringexams and discovering their future!

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Brimbank Youth Services  9249 4000 ✉ bys@brimbank.vic.gov.au Check out or website:  www.brimbankyouth.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram! @brimbankyouth @brimbankyouth

131 450

Local call costs apply

256 - 0823

Scan the QR code to see the study and career resources discussed in this booklet.