Academic Care – Getting Ahead of the Game One Step at a Time
In the mid-19th century, blacksmith Elihu Burritt desired to cast off the shackles of his mundane craft, and instead devote himself to studies. In reality though, the basic needs of life required him to spend over 11 hours a day at the forge, seriously challenging his ability to build his academic platform. However, despite such hindrances, Burritt spent as much time as possible away from the smith with his head in the books. He was known for spending his lunch breaks, walks home, and leisure time in the pursuit of learning. In doing so, he amassed nineteen languages, became a diplomat, philanthropist, abolitionist and presided over the First International Peace Conference. His later legacy, a far cry from the early days spent pounding iron.
I often hear our girls worried about the large amount of work required to be completed, and the few hours available to do so in. I sympathise with them; high school is often a grind. It requires hard work, diligence, and sacrifice. It is why, like Burritt demonstrated, I encouraged the girls to both plan their time, and use each moment efficiently. For the Senior students, one shouldn’t frame them as ‘free periods’ or ‘spares’, rather ‘study periods’, where they can get ahead on homework, study or assessments. In the Junior years, utilising StudyHub+ one evening a week could help students get well ahead with their revision or assessments. Whilst a balance between academic and social life is needed, there’s always an opportunity to ‘steal’ a few minutes to develop one’s learning.
With the holidays approaching, Year 7 and Year 12 have discussed and developed a range of goals for the break. In Academic Care time we highlighted the need to disconnect, but also utilise the break strategically to enhance their learning, particularly for those with examinations on the horizon. Year 12 students should be considering attending the Week 1 Study Camp, where there is a great opportunity to study in a familiar and supported environment, and even complete a practise test under formal examination conditions. For Junior girls, think about the term gone by; What notes need updating? What concepts need revision? What assessments are on the horizon? And, does your desk need a good clean up (delousing)?
I trust the holidays bring a sense or refreshment, provide opportunity for renewal and exploration of new hobbies, and help to kickstart the second half of the year.
– David Posker-Hill
Academic Care Coordinator