Get practical advice for students and parents ahead of exams from our experts in teaching, learning and wellbeing.
Our Principals and Student Wellbeing Coordinators share their tips.
VCE Exam Tips From Our High Achievers
Key insights from our panel of Dux, 90+ ATAR Old Collegians from 2024 & 2023.
Staying motivated, SWOTVAC and exam preparation
- Keep to a consistent routine and structure.
- 5 of the 6 alumni chose to come into school during SWOTVAC.
- Prioritise sleep, exercise, and healthy eating.
- Revisit previously taught content. Begin this now by revising earlier topics and getting past papers printed and ready to complete. Working through these will bring the knowledge back to the front of your mind. The content is already there; you just need to re-engage with it.
Hours of study per day
- Most alumni were reluctant to give an exact number, emphasising that quality matters more than quantity.
- On average, 5–6 hours a day was common. Many followed the school day structure.
Subject-specific preparation
- English: Write practice paragraphs and seek teacher feedback. Build up to timed work. Avoid doing full practice papers a few nights before the exam. Realistically, 1–2 full practice English papers are achievable. Act on the feedback to inform improvement.
- Other subjects (Maths, Science, etc.): Tailor preparation to the subject, target weaknesses, and practise under timed conditions. Practise writing short, structured responses using key terminology.
- Choose to study alongside classmates who are motivated, focused, and less prone to distraction. Being around other high achievers can lift your own motivation and help you stay on track. You are the company you keep.
How many practice exams should I complete, and when?
- Again, there was no fixed number. Some alumni found hearing about very high volumes stress-inducing. Focus on what helps you learn best.
Quality vs quantity
- Quality always wins.
- If you track study time, use an app but keep your phone out of reach while working.
- Take regular breaks.
Balancing study, breaks, and commitments
- Use breaks as rewards.
- A part-time job can be a welcome mental break, though many reduced or paused work hours during SWOTVAC.
Managing stress and anxiety
- Avoid last-minute exam “chatter” with peers (e.g., quizzing each other on keywords before walking in).
- Don’t dwell on comparing answers afterwards… you can’t change it… the exam is done!
Mindset and resilience strategies
- Focus on your own preparation and progress.
- Build routines that keep you calm and consistent.
School vs university study
- All agreed Year 12 was harder than first-year university.
- At university, self-sufficiency is key. Having a mentor or someone experienced in your course can help you make the most of opportunities.
Masters vs Bachelors
- Don’t feel pressured into a Master’s pathway. Many courses encourage it for financial reasons, but most alumni suggested deciding after (or closer to the end) your Bachelor’s degree, when you have a clearer sense of your direction.
Life Beyond Exams
- Alumni thoroughly enjoyed a well-earned break after exams!
- Naturally, they admitted to pre-result nerves and a restless sleep the night before.
- Importantly: no one at university talks about ATAR. Instead, the focus shifts to WAM (Weighted Average Mark) or GPA (Grade Point Average).
Best Practice For Exams
Ahead of student examinations for Years 9 to 12, Principal Deb Frizza says this is a great opportunity for parents to check-in with their son.
Parents can help their sons establish a good routine. While many of you will have your methods that work, it is useful at this time to discuss and reflect with your son on how he thinks that the year has begun. Ask him about his daily and weekly routines, what he might need help with, and what he can do to improve his routines.
- How well have our boys established their daily and weekly routines and their schoolwork habits?
- What key messages came out of the parent-teacher interviews and reports provided to date?
- Is home learning completed and reviewed?
- Does schoolwork receive the importance it deserves, and how balanced is the weekly program of activities?
- Is time given to reading? NAPLAN testing consistently shows that boys do not score highly in reading skills. This can be improved simply by increasing the frequency of reading, whether for enjoyment and for study.
- Are good meal routines and plans for the many housekeeping tasks in place?
- What about their sleep routine?
It is essential that by now, students have settled into a good routine so that they can meet increasing class demands, be well-prepared to manage the assignments and assessment tasks that will be set and continue to maintain those other activities that provide a balanced life.
Our philosophy is to give students gradually increasing opportunities to sit formal exams as they move into the higher levels of their education. With this practice, students learn to better prepare for such formal assessments and develop techniques to reduce any exam-related anxieties. While ‘practice’ (study and revision) may not necessarily “make perfect,” practice certainly increases the likelihood of improved outcomes. Reward tends to follow hard work and commitment.
Teaching and learning are at the core of our College, and we look to our students to set themselves high expectations and constantly strive for their “personal best.” Striving for a “personal best” requires our students to prepare and train for examinations now.
Prioritising Exam Preparation
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, Brenden Mair shares important points for families and students to understand ahead of exams.
- Exams at this stage are a learning experience. Whilst they are certainly for assessment, learning from the exam experience is equally as important. Identify what can be done to improve for Semester 2 exams.
- Exam preparation cannot start too early. Regular review is essential if students are to perform at their best.
- The exams put students under pressure. Nevertheless, if they are causing distress, you can – and should – do something about it. Let us know at the school and we can help; our Wellbeing Services of the College can certainly assist.
- Students should have a clear understanding what is being assessed in the exam. This will be provided by the teacher and if there are any doubts, clarify directly with the teacher.
- Prioritise health during the exams. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and managing time will assist students in performing at their best.
- The exams are important, however don’t let them become bigger than they should be. If mistakes are made or the result is disappointing, it’s not the end of the world as there is always next time. Making mistakes is a very powerful way to learn.
We are here to prepare students and support families so that those facing exams do the best that they possibly can. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Wellbeing Support To Boost Exam Success
Student Wellbeing Coordinator and College Counsellor, Scott Cadby revisits the benefits of proper sleep hygiene to better support academic, emotional and physical health.
Adequate sleep is a fundamental pillar of overall wellbeing, comparable to proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Insufficient sleep can negatively impact concentration, emotional stability, and academic performance. Fortunately, by adopting proper sleep hygiene practices, students can enhance their cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
Sleep hygiene encompasses a set of practices that contribute to high-quality sleep. These include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating an optimal sleep environment, and avoiding behaviours that disrupt rest. Adolescence is a critical period for physical and cognitive development, and sufficient sleep is essential for these processes.
To achieve high-quality sleep, consider implementing the following best practices:
Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule – Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.
Develop a Calming Pre-Bedtime Routine – Engaging in relaxing activities such as reading, stretching, or listening to soothing music can help signal to the body that it is time to rest.
Minimise Exposure to Screens Before Sleep – The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt the natural sleep cycle. If students must use an electronic device before bed, they should consider switching their device to ‘night mode’.
Avoid Caffeine and Intake in the Evening – Beverages such as coffee, soft drink and energy drinks can interfere with the ability to fall asleep.
Optimise the Sleep Environment – A cool, dark, and quiet bedroom setting can significantly improve sleep quality.
If falling asleep is a challenge, there are several techniques that may help. Engaging in deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation can help calm the mind and body. As difficult as it may be, students should also avoid watching the clock, as this can increase anxiety about not sleeping. Instead, if sleep does not come within 20-30 minutes, students may get up and engage in a quiet, non-stimulating activity, such as reading a book under dim light, before trying again. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep routine and reducing daytime naps can help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
By prioritising proper sleep hygiene, students can enhance their academic success, emotional well-being, and physical health. Establishing healthy sleep habits now will serve as a foundation for long-term wellbeing and productivity.
