Academic Care Update – Make Hay While The Sun Shines

Academic Care Update – Make Hay While The Sun Shines

With Term One steaming ahead, I was reminded this week of the need to embed good habits, be they personal or academic, right from the start of the year. During some of the Academic Care sessions this week, our girls were challenged to develop positive strategies for managing their time and study right from the start of the year. Elisa Scala, Deputy Head of Senior School – Academic, leaned on the age-old proverb of ‘making hay when the sun shines’. Initially referenced in Proverbs 10:5-6, the saying first appears in its current form in John Heywood’s 1546 trope, A dialogue containing the number in effect of all the proverbs in the English tongue. Put simply, medieval farmers understood the need to cut, dry and gather hay during hot, dry and sunny weather, lest it be ruined by the rain. The same can be said for our academic pursuits. Utilise the ‘sunny’ periods where assessments are few, and you’re still refreshed after the summer break.

Using each opportunity to get ahead is essential for academic success, thus the following are times where students can enhance their learning out of the classroom:

  • On Public Transport: A great chance to read a prescribed text, or listen to a podcast or recorded notes.
  • In the car: a quick question and answer session could pass the time – consider vocabulary tests, definitions, and perhaps even explaining core concepts to the wider family.
  • During Study Periods: For Senior girls, these are an essential opportunity to focus on completing homework, preparing for assessments and revising. Utilise the time wisely.
  • Study Hub and Study Hub+: please see further information by clicking here.

On Monday Year 8 students worked through a presentation with Dr Prue Salter, who built upon their knowledge of developing good routines, environments and study notes.

Year 10 Students spent time with Marianna Carlino, Director of eLearning, who worked through the importance of organisation, and the variety of ways they could use technology to do so. She highlighted the To Do App, suggesting students develop clear, concise and organised targets to tick off each week.

Year 11 students were addressed by both Elisa Scala and Priscilla Quintana, IB Coordinator, about the opportunities and expectations within the HSC and IB for Year 11. Much of the focus was on the development of clear expectations for assessment, misadventure, academic integrity, and study opportunities.

Year 12 were addressed by Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral, on the various ways to manage their stress in the lead up to assessment and examinations. It was a timely reminder of the need to embrace a ‘healthy’ level of stress, but also to put in place strategies to reduce overload. Some achievable, small measures to reduce stress can be seen through; good organisation, ‘ripping the band aid’ and getting started on difficult tasks, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, finding time for exercise and reflection, and ensuring sound sleeping habits.

Another busy week, with the girls learning a variety of strategies to help them achieve success both within and outside of the classroom.

– David Posker Hill
Academic Care Coordinator