Year 12

Pastoral Care

This week during Pastoral Care time, we highlighted the importance of time management in how to efficiently deal with multiple deadlines. With assignments large and small, research for ideas, in-class tests, presentations, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed by the number of deadlines they must meet and not knowing where to turn next.

I’m delighted that a growing number of students are able to find a means of scheduling their tasks on a weekly basis, reflecting everything they need to do and the dates by which they have to complete it. They are also reminded to be realistic of the actual working time they have for everyday and always to give themselves some downtime to keep the balance. Some students found that going into “offline mode” while working helps them to improve efficiency. Turn off mobile phone, disable message notification and do the best to minimise distractions for at least 25 minute blocks of work. In addition, the Study Centre in the Library is gradually recognised to be a place to get specific support, especially working on a large piece of an assignment. 

Students are also encouraged to reassess the space of their home learning environment. Below are some points to consider from Dr Prue Salter’s study skills tips for March:

  1. Natural lighting is best, but if not possible then a good strong bulb in your room and a bright desk lamp is essential. What is the lighting like in your study area?
  2. Fresh air and oxygen to the brain helps keep you mentally alert. What is the ventilation and air quality like in your study area?
  3. Your work space sets the tone for the way you approach your study. Is your desk large enough? What is your working space or desk like?
  4. The chair you use should be comfortable (but not so comfy you fall asleep) and adjustable to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. What is your chair like?
  5. When you are trying to memorise things, quiet is essential. No music (unless it is certain types of classical like baroque). How effectively can you keep your room quiet?
  6. Storage is essential to help you keep your notes organised and sorted. Shelves, a filing cabinet, drawers. What is the storage like in your room?
  7. It is important to keep your study area uncluttered and organised. A large pin board for notices and a calendar are useful. How organised is your study area?
  8. How many distractions do you have in your room? Computer, phone etc? It is always a good idea to switch off or remove distractions before you start work. If you have to use your laptop make a conscious effort to not use personal technology during times when you are doing schoolwork. How well do you cope with the distractions in your room?
Clean Up Australia Day

A big thank you to a large group of Yr 12 volunteers for getting their hands dirty by cleaning up various parts at The Spit Reserve last Sunday afternoon. Plenty of plastic rubbish was collected and their effort definitely helped to make a difference. 

IB Half Yearly Examinations and HSC Half Yearly Assessments Term 2

The HSC and IB timetables will be made available shortly. These will be emailed to students and posted on iLearn and Redlands Pulse. Examinations will be held at Norths. More information to follow shortly.

Sibling and Cocurricular Photographs

Sibling photos will be held on the Senior Campus on 13 March 7.30 – 8.30am in Redlands Hall. Sibling photographs must be ordered online prior to the day of photography by visiting www.advancedlife.com.au and using the online order code: NWL 4NR ETY.

Cocurricular photos for Music, Dance, Drama and Theatre and Debating will be held on 13 and 20 March at the Top Garden. Please check with the Cocurricular Activity Coordinator for the photography schedule. Students are reminded school blazers are required for photos.

Ms Vanessa Wang
Yr 12 Advisor
vwang@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9813