Introducing Your Survival Guide
Year 12 is a huge challenge, but it’s also a year full of wonderful experiences and memories.
Your end-of-year exams are coming up, and the pressure is on. Enter the VCE Survival Guide. This guide is more than just a list of study hacks; it's your complete toolkit for conquering your VCE exams.
Inside, you'll find everything you need to know, from creating the ultimate study schedule and mastering revision techniques to managing exam day nerves and staying focused. There are also tips for good sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Get ready to tackle your final exams with confidence, because – with the right planning and strategies – you won’t just survive. You’re going to thrive.
Contents
Top Study Tips - Videos, Articles and Templates
Exam Preparation - Managing Your Time
Visual Planners - Free Resources
Procrastination Tips
Tried and Tested - Exam Preparation Techniques
Exam Checklist - Night Before and On the Day
Nutrition Support
Strength and Conditioning for Performance
Words of Wisdom - Advice From the Class of 2024
QUICK LINKS
TOP STUDY TIPS
Study Skills Page - DEEDS
How to Study Effectively with Flash Cards (video)
Spacing Technique – The Most Powerful Way to Remember What You Study (video)
How to Triple Your Memory by Using This Trick (video)
How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods (video)
CGS Study Guide (also available via the Senior School tile)
VCAA Glossary of Command Terms
The Ultimate Year 11 Study Planner
Tune Up Your Study Advantage - Andrew Fuller (blog)
EXAM PREPARATION
Managing Your Time
QUICK LINKS VISUAL PLANNERS
MindMup - Free online mind mapping
Venngage - How to summarise information and present it visually (blog)
MindMeister - Create, share and manage mind maps
Bubbl.us - Create mind maps, collaborate and share ideas
Visuwords - A visual dictionary and thesaurus
Pics4Learning - Thousands of images on various topics
Quizlet - Make your own flash cards
PROCRASTINATING?
Here’s What to Do
About It
TRIED AND TESTED
Exam Preparation Techniques
Prioritise Sleep: Irregular sleep increases the effects of stress on your body.
Stay Hydrated: Our brains respond to stress by releasing cortisol, which can increase anxiety levels during an exam. Water reduces the impact of cortisol.
Choose Balance: Maintain a study routine that includes exercise and some time to unwind.
Reduce Stress: Increase ‘feel-good’ chemicals by eating breakfast, cut back on caffeinated drinks, talk to your friends, laugh and don’t forget to breathe!
Plan Your Time: Write a to-do list and plan your study time. While you’re at it, practise writing essays in timed conditions.
Focus on What You Can Control: Read all exam questions carefully and underline the key words. If you don’t know the answer to a multiple-choice or short-answer question, leave it and come back to it at the end.
EXAM CHECKLIST
Night Before and On the Day
QUICK LINKS NUTRITION
Dietitians Australia - Diet and nutrition health advice
eatforhealth.gov.au - Healthy meal and snack ideas
Nutrition Australia - Fact sheets, recipes and other resources
Food Safety Information Council - Science-based Australian food safety information
Better Health Channel information on food requirements at different life stages
Better Health Channel information on healthy eating and diet
Strength and Conditioning for Performance
Maintaining a balance between study, exercise and recovery will help you manage stress, stay energised and perform at your best. The Strength and Conditioning team can help support your training and lifestyle habits throughout the study and exam period. See the following timetable for specific access times and also keep your eye on DEEDS for any changes.
Why Train During Study and Exam Periods?
Exercise boosts brain function, learning and problem-solving by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Movement acts like a natural ‘reset’ button for stress and anxiety, helping to calm your nerves before exams. Consistent training helps regulate and promote deep and restorative sleep, vital for memory consolidation. Continuing to train maintains a sense of normality and balance.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
WORDS OF WISDOM Advice From the Class of 2024
KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE
Do your best to enjoy every moment and remember the light at the end of the tunnel. Balance out your time. Try to spend time with mates and have some fun. Remember, your teachers are there to support you.
ORGANISATION IS KEY
Organise a routine. Time management really helps. Don’t leave revision until the night before. Write study lists to help you prioritise the most important work and study. Ask lots of questions.
STAY CONNECTED
Study with friends. Surround yourself with good people. Reach out and check in on your friends.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Go outside every day. Every day. Prioritise yourself. Breaks are good. Eat well and exercise, as this helps you get in the headspace to study. Stay positive. Get enough sleep.
