Checklist for Year 13s: Staying Organised in the Final School Year

 

 

In the final year of high school, it's imperative for students in Year 13 (or equivalent) to devote a significant amount of time to their studies, and structuring a study schedule that includes both coursework and dedicated revision periods is essential.

Crafting Your Revision Schedule
Students need to ensure that their revision periods consist of reviewing known material and should not be learning new content at this point, which could indicate a gap in their knowledge base.

Studying without Distractions
Developing a distraction-free study routine is crucial to success.

Revision Schedule (with short regular breaks for food and downtime)
— Monday to Friday: 6pm - 9pm
— Weekends: 10am - 4pm

Coursework Deadlines
Students should divide their tasks into different categories and allocate time accordingly — List of subjects and their associated submission dates
— Allocation of extra time slots one month prior to deadlines

Prioritising Self-Care
Mental and physical wellbeing must not be neglected during this period of high pressure. It is important to take short regular breaks during intense periods of study to allow for some downtime and rest. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, sleep, and hydration are key to maintaining energy levels and focus.

How can Parents help during this time?
— If you don’t already have one, set up a daily routine, so that healthy regular eating and sleeping habits are firmly established and known.

— Prepare for emotional and behavioral outbursts if panic creeps in, especially during the intense revision periods pre-exam season.

— Monitor the use of social media or video games. While students need some downtime to relax and unwind, the hours wasted scrolling or playing games can be significant. Agree on a time limit per day.

— Pick your battles! “This too shall pass” was a common phrase in my household, and indeed it will, and is quickly forgotten. Remember that although this particular time may seem like the end of the world to your child, it is only a small chapter in their life, so don’t let an outburst or argument get out of hand and try to diffuse the situation so that calm can reign.

— Check in with them – casually! Year 13 is rife with deadlines for assignments, especially in the IB program – IAs, EEs, CAS. For the uninitiated, these acronyms put the fear of God into IB students! They stand for Internal Assessments, Extended Essay, and Creativity Activity Service. Help them to help themselves by writing deadlines on the family calendar and sticking it on the front door, so that it is clearly visible before going out each day. This is a great passive technique that avoids arguments by being on their back!

— Cover the basics. Feed and water them regularly! Watch out for signs of sleep deprivation, lack of energy, mood swings, and adjust the program accordingly.

— Be there for them, and encourage them to communicate, but encourage them to take responsibility for themselves. This is a strange time for these nearly-adults, and encouraging them to achieve their goals will give them a greater sense of satisfaction, than resenting you for pushing them relentlessly.

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