Dear Parents and Carers,
We are in the home straight of your sons’ formal education, scary. This week you should have received his Trial HSC Examination report and in the next fortnight his final subject rank report. 
There are only seven periods left of classroom teaching for each of their subjects. Many students have had some “down time” after the Trial examinations but it is now important for the boys to start hitting the books in a serious and consistent manner.
Success in the HSC depends on one’s approach to study.
It’s important that students study consistently, make the most of all resources (including staff at the College) and, above all, keep smiling and enjoying being a teenager. This can be a difficult balance.
Here are some suggestions I will discuss with the boys at our next division meeting.
1. Know the syllabus for each of their subjects.
2. Consolidate their learning. Students by now should have condensed their notes into a few pages. It is impossible to study effectively if you are constantly reading hundreds of pages.
Association is a key to memory:
You remember approximately 10 percent of what you read.
You remember approximately 20 percent of what you hear.
You remember approximately 30 percent of what you see.
You remember approximately 50 percent of what you hear and see together.
You remember approximately 70 percent of what you say (if you think as you are saying it).
You remember approximately 90 percent of what you do.
3. Make the most of their resources
The internet, teachers and other students are important resources. The internet is invaluable; it helps with lots of past papers.
4. Study environment
Students should know their distractions and avoid them. Eg facebook, computer games, movies on laptop, mobile phones
5. Give yourself a break
Students need some form of release. They must keep their life in perspective. “Don’t let the word HSC freak you out or control you.”
Regards
Darren