On Thursday, 13th March, our Year 11 students participated in an engaging and practical workshop delivered by Elevate Education. The one-hour session focused on equipping students with effective time management strategies, ensuring they can balance their academic workload with personal commitments while maintaining overall well-being.

With Year 11 students currently facing their first round of summative assessment tasks, this seminar was timely. It provided students with tangible strategies to manage their studies effectively under the pressures of their first Stage 6 high-stakes assessments. The workshop explored four key areas essential to successful time management:

• Developing routines to balance study and lifestyle – Encouraging structured planning to ensure students allocate time for both academic and personal pursuits.
• Working smart by completing high-value work – Teaching students how to prioritise tasks that have the most impact on their learning and outcomes.
• Utilising study groups to leverage time – Demonstrating how collaboration can enhance understanding and efficiency.
• Techniques for overcoming procrastination – Providing practical tools to stay focused and disciplined in their studies.

The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that they left the session feeling better equipped to tackle the challenges of senior school. They gained practical insights into how to structure their study schedules, maximise their productivity, and maintain a balanced approach to school and life.

However, while these skills are invaluable, their effectiveness depends on continued reinforcement beyond the classroom. This is where the role of parents and guardians becomes crucial. We encourage families to keep the conversation going at home by checking in on how their sons and daughters are managing their time, balancing study with part-time work, sport, and social commitments. Open and regular discussions about time management and well-being can make a significant difference in ensuring students do not feel overwhelmed as they progress through Stage 6.

To support these conversations, here are three simple yet powerful questions parents can ask to help their child reflect on their study habits and overall balance:

1. How are you prioritising your tasks this week? – This helps students think critically about their workload and ensure they are focusing on the most important and impactful tasks.
2. What challenges are you facing in managing your time effectively? – This provides an opportunity for students to articulate any struggles and seek guidance or adjustments where necessary.
3. What is one change you could make to improve your study balance? – Encouraging students to self-reflect and make small, manageable improvements can lead to more effective habits over time.

As a school, we are committed to supporting our students in developing strong study and organisational habits that will serve them well, not just in their HSC, but in all aspects of their future lives. If any parents have concerns about their child’s workload, well-being, or ability to manage their time effectively, we encourage them to reach out to the College. Together, through strong communication and ongoing support, we can help our students thrive in Year 11 and beyond.

Mr Shaun Houghton

Leader of Teaching and Learning