Course summary

This two-day study methods course for Years 10 – 12 students equips them with the cognitive, organisational and reflective skills required for successful independent study. The program focuses on metacognition, critical thinking, learning and memory processes, time management, habit forming and strategies to navigate examination periods.

Students develop effective strategies for independent study and time management for all subjects. The course begins with developing metacognitive abilities – learning the science and psychology behind why and how we learn. Students reflect on their own study behaviours and identify personal strengths and areas for improvement, as differentiated by their year groups. Building on this foundation, the course focuses on common challenges faced by senior students, such as distractions, procrastination, motivation, concentration, and habit forming, and explores solutions supported by current research and case studies. Time management is explored in depth with activities that help students plan their year, term, week, and study sessions – a major contributor to overall performance.

The course then defines the higher order thinking that underpins HSC syllabuses and marking guidelines, and explores the vocabulary associated with such cognitive skills. Through real-time activities and analysis of past examination papers, students learn to break down the stages of critical thinking and, using Blooms Taxonomy, apply them across subjects.

Integrated throughout the course are practical strategies and tools, including notetaking, active recall strategies, time management methods, and organisational skills. There are many helpful resources that students can explore post-course, including those available from the State Library of NSW and NESA. Additional topics include how to prepare for assessments and exams, as well as the theory behind memory and its implications for study. The range is wide, the course is varied, and overall provides practical strategies supported by theoretical research that will help students to feel confident to approach their HSC studies.

Aims

This course aims to provide effective study strategies and methods specifically for students entering their HSC years. Additionally, it aims to provide detailed theoretical research behind metacognition and human behaviour to inform the practical application of such strategies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• understand metacognition and its core principles, confront and overcome procrastination, and learn how to manage distractions
• plan and maintain time management, including timetables for the session, the week, the school term and the year
• apply key theories of learning and critical thinking, including how these apply to NESA syllabuses for school-based assessments and state-wide examinations
• plan for study and revision throughout the year
• prepare for the examination period
• improve use of research resources including online and library resources such as those available through the State Library of NSW
• read and analyse sample HSC examination material provided by NESA.

Content

• Recognising and overcoming procrastination and distractions
• Discussion and application of theories of metacognition and critical thinking
• Discussion and application of recent theories of memory and learning, including learning over time, depth learning, and analytic elaboration of knowledge and ideas
• Student application of memory and learning methods to self-chosen material
• Exploration of habit forming and addressing and sustaining motivation
• Discussion and analysis of research resources including the State Library of NSW HSC resources and other online resources
• Discussion and planning for revision throughout the year and in the period before examinations
• Accessing and annotating examination papers, exemplar responses and other examination material provided by NESA

Who this course is for

Students in Years 10-12.

Delivery style

Delivery includes presentation by the facilitator and interactive group discussion. Sharing issues and solutions is a major part of this course. You will apply the study methods to self-chosen topics and texts. You will need access to texts and other school material during the course.

Materials

You will be provided with 2 x course booklets (electronic copies) that will be used throughout both days. These are provided via Dropbox.

What you need to do before the course

Please bring your own device to access the course learning materials.

References

NESA Syllabus agreement: (1) The 2025 Introduction provided at the beginning of the Stage 6 Curriculum for Higher School Certificate courses in English, Mathematics and Sciences; (2) Learning Across the Curriculum in the 2025 NESA Stage 6 Curriculum.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.