A reminder to all students undertaking a Unit 3-4 subject that all subjects are aiming to complete their courses by the end of Week 8 this term. The following week (Week 9) will be a revision week, ahead of the commencement of trial exams. This means that a very busy next few months lie ahead where students should be looking to use every advantage that they can. By making use of Study Hall periods and after school Nano Nagle tutoring (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons), students can manage their workloads during this very busy time.
The College runs trial exams for all Unit 3-4 subjects, to help prepare students for their final exams. Trial exams will begin on Friday 12 September and conclude on Friday 19 September. The timetable will be published in the next few weeks, with exams running throughout each day and, like VCAA exams, concluding as late as 5.30pm.
Students should begin preparing for trial exams now, by revising past content that will be assessed on their final exams. Revision should include Edrolo and past exam papers. Students should be using evidence-based revision techniques, such as Spaced Repetition and Active Recall, which are explained below.
Spaced repetition is a study technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. This method leverages the psychological spacing effect, which shows that our brains are better at retaining information when we spread out our learning sessions.
Start by breaking down your study material into manageable chunks. After your initial study session, review the material after one day. Then, revisit it after three days, a week, and so on. The key is to gradually increase the intervals between reviews. There are various tools and apps available, such as Quizlet, which can help you schedule and manage these review sessions efficiently.
Research has consistently shown that spaced repetition is more effective than cramming. By repeatedly exposing yourself to the material over time, you strengthen your memory and understanding, making it easier to recall information when you need it most.
Active recall involves actively stimulating your memory during the learning process, rather than passively reviewing material. This method encourages you to actively retrieve information from your brain, which strengthens your memory and understanding.
To implement active recall, try using flashcards, self-quizzing, or writing down everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes. For example, after reading a chapter in your textbook, close the book and jot down key points and concepts from memory. Regularly challenge yourself with questions about the material you’ve studied.
Studies show that active recall significantly enhances memory consolidation and retrieval. By forcing your brain to recall information, you create stronger neural connections, making it easier to remember the material later. This technique is especially effective for improving long-term retention and exam performance.
Now that they have settled into the expectations and routines of their senior class, Year 10 students are invited to attend Nano Nagle tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in MQ28 (VCE Study Centre). Sessions run from 3.30pm to 4.25pm. Tutors specialise in a range of common subjects, and can also offer advice regarding study habits, managing workload, and preparing assessment tasks.
This year, the end of Year 11 exams (in November) will include content from both Units 1 and 2. This will assist VCE students in building better revision skills and prepare them for the rigour of Year 12 exams. Students who have transferred into a new Unit 2 subject should speak to their teacher about the most important Unit 1 content to learn.
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