Starting a new year of high school can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure how to handle the workload. Luckily, there is an abundance of resources available to help, and the following points are crafted to help you focus on one goal: putting the ace in SACE!
- Organisation
With deadlines hitting you from all directions and social events popping up, keeping track of time is crucial. I recommend utilising calendar apps on your phone/tablet/laptop and setting notifications to remind you what’s coming up. If you would prefer a physical copy, purchase a planner with a funky design or colourful print you love. You’re more likely to consistently use something that you like looking at, and personalised entries that are highlighted or written in colour are more likely to grab your attention.
- Know how long it will take, not just to do the work, but to understand it.
Working at your own pace is important. You don’t want to feel stressed or rushed when completing assignments, especially if you don’t understand the content. For example, you may have to write an analytical essay on intertextuality for stage 1 English. However, if you don’t understand how to relate two texts to each other, you may need to allocate more time to understanding the two texts individually and then making a list of what they have in common, before beginning your essay.
- Understand the requirements of the assessment.
Assessment Criteria for SACE is divided into three specific features: Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis and Application. Assessments are designed so you can demonstrate these features. Although the criteria rubrics can be initially confusing, when you break them down you’ll realise they’re not so complicated. By reading through them, and highlighting the key words, you’ll realise the rubrics categorise exactly what assessors want and the standard they expect, to help you identify what to do to get the grade you want.
- Ask for help
If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and it is completely okay to ask for help. Whether that means finding a tutor (which Learnmate can certainly help with ?), or asking your teachers or friends for support. Your teachers want you to succeed, and they know the curriculum back to front. It’s best to explain the problem you’re having and ask for advice or tips regarding how an assignment should be rather than isolating yourself and potentially doing the work wrong.
Alternatively, if you’re unsure about the flow of your sentences or you struggle with deadlines, try studying with a friend, and hold each other accountable. Make a pact to send each other your completed a few days prior to the deadline and then proofread each other’s work.
- Remain optimistic!
It’s totally possible to stay on top of your work, and balance your social life and other obligations as long as you have a positive outlook. You’re more than capable of making this one of your best years yet! ?
To get in contact with SACE tutors and other tutors in Adelaide from Learnmate, please learn more here.
If you loved this article, you will LOVE all of our other articles, such as: How is University Different from High School?, Tips for Finding the Best SACE Tutor! and How to Succeed In The BSSS This Year!
About Learnmate
Learnmate is a trusted Australian community platform that connects students who want 1:1 or small group study support, with tutors who are looking to share their knowledge and earn an income. From primary school to high school subjects — from science and maths to niche subjects like visual communication — Learnmate can help you improve academic performance or boost confidence, at your pace with the tutor that you choose.
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