Starting years 11 and 12 in Australia can be a challenging but exciting time for senior school students, as they choose the subjects that help shape the foundations of their future careers
But while pressure to excel academically and prepare for future endeavours may feel overwhelming for many, nurturing the right strategies and mindset can help transform this crucial period into an enriching and rewarding experience.
From mastering time management to leveraging technology and seeking support from teachers and peers, there are numerous ways for students to maximise their learning potential and set themselves up for success.
Dr Jill Colton is the Program Director of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) degrees at the University of South Australia (UniSA) and says “one of the most important things you can do if you are starting year 11 or 12 this year is to ‘be present”.
“Students starting year 11 or 12 this year will already have selected their subjects depending on their strengths and interests and also on the requirements for post-school pathways such as ATAR scores, university pre-requisites or VET options,” Colton says.
“We know that building on prior knowledge and having goals to work towards assists learning. This means that the selection of subjects should connect to student’s interests and passions, as well as to their educational and career goals.
“Excelling in late high school may be seen as an individual activity but we know that interactions with others and support networks are crucial for success.
“Talking with peers, with your teachers, and with other interested people about what you are studying – and about your goals – will help you to stay focused and can enhance your learning.”
Students should talk about their learning
Colton says that “talking about your learning will assist you to think about, understand, and remember material and concepts required in your subjects”.
“Other people can help you to stay on track, especially if they know what your goals are and hear about your challenges (and successes) along the way.
“One of the most important things you can do if you are starting year 11 or 12 this year is to ‘be present’. This means showing up in class, engaging in the work, communicating with teachers, and having your resources organised.”
To participate productively in class, Colton says students may benefit from “re-arranging your work schedule or planning ahead for travel or sleep arrangements”.
“It can also mean having your materials ready to go – a mobile device or laptop, writing tools, diary, notebook – whatever you need to be prepared.”