HUNTER students feeling unprepared for their Higher School Certificate written exams should focus on reviewing the syllabus and getting adequate sleep, instead of trying to cram at the last minute.
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Merewether based owner of TutoringHSC Daniel Lamp, 23, has warned students the day before the first exam to avoid extreme measures including energy drinks or stimulants and staying up all night to study.
Mr Lamp said a good night’s sleep could help students recall information they thought they had forgotten and would prove more useful than staying up too late and going into exams feeling tired.
“I definitely would not advise cramming or staying up too late,” Mr Lamp said.
“You function better when you’ve got good sleep, good exercise and a good diet.
“Some students are going to be more prepared than others, but at this stage it’s about consolidating what you already know.
“If you’re running out of time, go back to the syllabus and make sure you know the key points.
“If you try and learn the whole textbook the night before, you’re not going to retain much and it will make you stressed.”
Mr Lamp said it was vital students spoke to a trusted adult if they were feeling anxious or needed help.
“Seeking supportive parents, teachers, friends or tutors makes you feel more optimistic and hopeful,” he said.
“Everyone comes across difficulties at times, but having that support network is good for your mental health.”
Mr Lamp said he didn’t apply himself before senior school and was in the bottom 10 per cent of his grade in year 10.
But after asking his teachers for assistance, seeking out a university student mentor and committing to extra study in his lunchtimes and school holidays, he was able to attain an ATAR of 99.85 to study medicine at the University of Newcastle.
He said there was no shame in seeking extra academic guidance.
“At school teachers are often under resourced and sometimes students are shy or might not feel confident asking questions,” he said.
“Personalised tutoring is more effective than group situations because you get individualised attention and we can tailor lessons to students need rather than what the majority of the class is struggling with.
“Most of our students start around year 11, which gives everyone time to form a plan to help them through.
“If you’re struggling, the earlier you seek help the better.”
More than 77,000 students across NSW are enrolled in one or more HSC courses.
The written exam period starts with English Paper 1 on Thursday.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
