2026
VCE Survival Guide
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
WELCOME
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, relaxation 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.
QUICK LINKS
Study Skills Page - DEEDS
TOP STUDY TIPS
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
MindMup - Free online mind mapping
VISUAL PLANNERS
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
Prioritise Sleep: Irregular sleep increases the effects of stress on your body.
Exam Preparation Techniques
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. Quick Links: Mindfulness and Relaxation Mindfulness in Everyday Life - Black Dog Institute Relaxation Techniques - Black Dog Institute
EXAM CHECKLIST
Night Before and On the Day
QUICK LINKS
Dietitians Australia - Diet and nutrition health advice
NUTRITION
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. Keep your eye on DEEDS for the latest timetables and 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.
WORDS OF WISDOM
KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE
Advice From Year 12s Who Survived!
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.
Camberwell Grammar School 55 Mont Albert Road Canterbury Victoria 3126 Australia PO Box 151 Balwyn Victoria 3103 Australia +61 3 9835 1777 www.cgs.vic.edu.au CRICOS Provider No: 00134G