Final exam season is almost here for 2020’s resilient and tenacious Seniors.
Experts in learning and the teenage brain are producing some great advice for Year 12 parents on how to best support their teenagers through the October/November external exam block.
But before we bring you a summary of that information, here’s a re-cap of the upcoming testing period:
- External exams are one of the major changes to senior schooling under the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system. This year will be the first time Queensland Year 12 students have undertaken external assessment since the early 1970s. Another major change to the system has been replacing the Overall Position (or OP) with the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), along with brand new syllabuses and subjects.
- More than 35,000 Year 12 students will be sitting at least one exam during the upcoming external exam block from 26 October until 17 November. Download the external assessment timetable.
- The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which is overseeing the exams, has fact sheets for students, sample papers, subject specific videos and answers to other FAQs.
- A list of what equipment can be taken into each exam is also available online.
- The 2020 ATAR will be released at 9am on 19 December 2020. Information about how to register for an ATAR and other frequently asked questions about ATAR are available on the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre website.
Encouraging and supporting your Year 12 student
So what’s the best way to support your child through end-of-year exams?
Every child will be different, but education and adolescent academics have compiled a list of five things parents can do to help their child stress less and do better, in this recent story published by The Conversation.
Regularly checking in with your teen and encouraging them to balance study with sleep and exercise tops the list.
“To ensure your child prioritises self-care, help them put together a routine,” the authors write. “This may involve scheduling specific times for exercise, meals and downtime each day, and breaking up blocks of study time with short breaks.”
And while it’s important to regularly check-in, parents are advised to resist the temptation to take over or swoop in with solutions, as this may signal to the young person their parent doesn’t believe in their ability to cope.
“It is important to remember teenagers are often more resilient than we think,” the article says.
“Research consistently shows parental monitoring that supports the autonomy of the young people is linked with their better psychological adjustment and performance during difficult times.”
In short: ask how they are coping, listen to their answers and ask if they need your support.
“Let your actions be guided by their response,” the authors write. “If they say ‘I’m very stressed’ ask if there is something you can do. You could say: ‘Tell me what you need to do and we’ll work it out together’.”
Read The Conversation article in full.
The science to studying well
There’s also plenty of evidence-backed advice about the most effective study techniques.
The power of ‘spacing’ when reviewing information for exams is well documented, as is the need to minimise distractions and get a good night’s sleep.
You can read in detail about spacing and other recommended study techniques in our recent story: Study hacks: the science-backed tips for getting exam preparation ‘right’.
Unpacking the teenage brain
During the teenage years, changes in the brain are quite dramatic. Understanding that these changes can affect the way teens manage their emotions and behave is great knowledge to have in your parenting back pocket when supporting your teen through their final exams.
A new video resource from the Queensland Government’s Spark their Future website helps to explain the teen brain and offers advice to parents about how best to respond.
In it, neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis explains the teenage brain is “still under construction”.
“It is normal for teenagers to see the world in a way that is much more based on feeling than is based on thinking,” Nathan says in the video.
“The key really to communicating with a teenager is to make sure you speak to that emotional brain before you give your thinking strategy.”
Helping them establish good routines and balance are important, but as parents we “can’t stand over them and get them to do it,” Nathan says.
“We need them to engage their own problem solving mind”.
The video concludes with a reassuring message for parents.
“Sometimes letting them know that they have handled life well or done a good job does wonders for your teen’s confidence and their willingness to cooperate with you,” the commentator says.
“The main thing to remember is don’t give up – no matter what. If they know that you love them and will be there for them that’s what they’ll come back to.”
Further reading:
Raising Children Network | Top tips for exam stress
The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute | Factors affecting learning
The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute | ‘Boost your learning’ poster
The Conversation | Don’t calm down! Exam stress may not be fun but it can help you get better marks
The Conversation | Study habits for success: tips for students
The Conversation | Studying for exams? Here’s how to make your memory work for you
The Conversation | Curious Kids: is it OK to listen to music while studying?
