Half Yearly's - Here's Three Easy Tips On How To Get Ready

Introduction

The Half Yearly's are a big wave of exams that Years 7 through to 12 have to sit in the middle of Term 2. Most, if not all the subjects that each student sits will have a Half Yearly exam. These exams cover content learned from Term 1 all the way to the beginning of Term 2, which means these exams are tough! With these exams right around the corner, students will be placed under immense stress in the upcoming weeks.

After several years of tutoring students of all levels throughout all stages of high school (and also having done the Half Yearly's myself), I have devised three easy tips to get you ready for these exams!

1. Study Notes

Study Notes are the perfect way to revise your school work and also have a summarised copy of your work that's easy to read and follow.

To create study notes, simply choose a subject. For example: Science.

After this, get all of the material that you've learnt for that subject. Going back to my example, if I was studying for Science, I would bring together all of the worksheets and books that I used for this subject.

Using all the learning materials gathered, you can begin creating notes! You can create notes by starting with a topic that you have learnt in that subject. The best way to create notes is by summarising the content in your own words, that way you are writing what you understand.

Here is a sample set of study notes for Science:

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SCIENCE STUDY NOTES

Topic 1: States of Matter

Solid

• Solid particles are closely packed together

• The forces between particles are so strong that the particles cannot move

• A solid has a stable, definite shape, and a definite volume

• Solids can only change their shape by an outside force

• Example of a solid: ice

Liquid

• A fluid that adopts to the shape of its container, which means it does not have a definite shape

• When a solid is heated above its melting point, it becomes liquid

• The particles are less packed together

• Example of a liquid: water

Gas

• A gas is compressible, which means that it can expand to fill its container

• The particles are even less packed together than a liquid

• A liquid may be converted into a gas when it is heated to its boiling point

• Example of a gas: water vapor

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Looking at the example above, it is important that you include titles and headings, which allows you to keep everything organised. By doing this, you'll know exactly which subject and topic you are studying for.

It is also important to create dot points that are easy to read and are in your own words. I would recommend 4 - 5 dot points per topic or sub topic.

Note: This is an example and you're study notes may differ depending on subject

2. Timetable

Now that you have you have begun your study notes, the next step is to be consistent! Study Notes will take time to complete and so it is very important that you continue to work on completing it for each of your subjects. One of the ways you can make sure you are working on it, is through a study timetable.

You can use a timetable to keep track of which subjects you're working on, when you're working and how long you're working for each day. By doing this, you can make sure that you are studying for each subject evenly, or for however long you need to.

It's also great for balancing study and other important aspects of your life. By making a timetable, you can make sure that you have time for your hobbies or extra curricular activities.

3. Teachers

This may sound like a joke, but your teachers are your best friends! Your teachers are the best source of knowledge, as they are the ones who will be marking your exams.

During your study, if you realise that there are things you do not know, or fully understand, then you can ask your teachers. If you find that you don't have any questions for your teachers, you can ask them to look over your study notes. There might be things that you may have missed which are important.

By working with your teachers, you can make sure that your study is correct and relevant to what will be in your exam.

Conclusion

Overall, the Half Yearly's is a difficult period of time where students will be placed under great pressure. The best way to get ahead is to simply get started and it is never too late nor early to do so.