From Our Head of Senior School

Finishing Well

Sunday, 5 November 2023
I often use the phrase, 'finish well'. I have applied this in many contexts, but most effectively in coaching sport and, of course, in teaching.
Jodie O'Donnell

Jodie O'Donnell

Head of Senior School

You may have had a bad game and be down by several goals, but you can still have a good final quarter. You may be dominating the game and up by several goals, but you should still aim to finish well. Why?

The concept of ‘finishing well’ encourages individuals to stay committed, maintain their focus and enthusiasm, and strive for excellence until the end, rather than losing momentum or interest as they approach the conclusion of a task or a period in their lives. It’s about leaving a positive and lasting impression and achieving a sense of satisfaction in our efforts and accomplishments.

We are in full exam mode in the Senior School now and we are encouraging all of our students to finish well.

  • The Year 12s will have their SACE exams in Week 4 and 5 and may be finishing off Summative Assessment tasks.
  • The Year 10s and 11s will undergo their exams in Week 6 and 7. Here they will aim to finish well, but will also prepare themselves for 2024 by attending a series of Head Start sessions. These sessions are aimed to provide an introduction to their chosen subjects for 2024 and will be delivered by an expert teacher in each of the subject areas.

Families may notice that their child is a little more stressed, angry, tired and at times frustrated at times. This can be quite normal for students who are worried about major assessments. Below are a few tips to help our students through this challenging period.

  1. Study and Prepare:
  • Make a study schedule – plan your study sessions in advance to cover all the material you need to review.
  • Focus on the most important topics – prioritise the subjects or topics that are more challenging for you.
  • Use effective study techniques – find methods that work best for you, whether it’s flashcards, summarising notes, or practising with past papers.
  1. Stay Organised:
  • Organise your study materials – keep your notes, textbooks, and study aids well-organised and easily accessible.
  • Set goals – establish clear objectives for each study session and monitor your progress.
  1. Manage Stress:
  • Take breaks – don’t forget to take short breaks during your study sessions to refresh your mind.
  • Practise relaxation techniques – techniques like deep breathing, meditation or exercise can help reduce stress.
  • Don’t forget to have fun. You can still play sport, sing, dance, socialise and enjoy teenage life during exam periods, just be sure to do so in moderation.
  1. Stay Healthy:
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Eat well – a balanced diet can fuel your brain and body for optimal performance.
  • Stay hydrated – with plenty of water.
  1. Exam Day:
  • Arrive early – get to the exam location with plenty of time to spare. We recommend 20mins prior to the exam starting time.
  • Read instructions carefully – before you begin the exam, carefully read all instructions and questions.
  • Stay positive – keep a positive attitude, and if you encounter a difficult question, move on to the next one and come back later if needed.
  1. Seek Help:
  • If you’re struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, mentors, or even classmates.

Finishing off any school year certainly has its challenges, but can also be incredibly rewarding. Parents/caregivers,  be sure to reach out if you feel your child requires further support.

Keep an eye out for upcoming notices and events for the end of 2023, but also 2024 events.

Good luck to all of our students in their end of year exams and assessment tasks and FINISH WELL!

Jodie O'Donnell
Head of Senior School
jodonnell@investigator.sa.edu.au

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