How to utilise the Easter Holidays as a Year 11 or 12 student

Apr 10, 2019

While it is important that students have a break from their studies and recharge the batteries, it would be remiss of us not to point out the opportunity that lies ahead. 2 weeks of no school, no sport, and many many hours of free time to prepare for the term ahead.

For a few schools there will be exams straight after the holidays so it is imperative for these students to keep on top of their studies and train daily.  For the students with no exams straight after the holidays this is still no reason for them to hang up their hats for the entire break, instead they can be chipping away at assessments and tasks that are due in the weeks after school goes back and ironing out any knowledge gaps from term 1 work.

So what can your child be working on over the holidays?

  • Have a break! Rest and recoup from a busy 11 week term 1. Regain your energy ahead of a busy 9 week term 2 (that’s right, same amount of content to cover in a shorter amount of time).
  • Attend all CoWorks Sessions
  • Review Term 1 exam/assessments and review where the knowledge gaps are.
  • Look ahead to Term 2 modules and prepare ahead. Starting the term with an understanding of what is coming up and what will be expected of you is critical in increasing your confidence and also in giving your brain the certainty it craves.
  • Plan each day of study using your HSC CoWorks planning pad (take one home from the office if you haven’t already). Year 12 students should be aiming for 4-6hours of productive study 5 days a week. Year 11 students should aim for 3hrs of productive study 5 days a week.
  • Train your brain daily with the content you will need to actively and quickly recall content in the exam room (mindmaps, challenge feed, quote memorisation etc)
  • Practice practice practice. Essay submissions, MCQs, SAQs and simulate the exam room from home.
Think your child might need some extra accountability around completing the above tasks over the holidays?

All Year 11 & 12 students are invited to book a place at the Week 1 or 2 Study Bootcamps – click here for more information.

“Let’s Talk About the HSC”

The ultimate podcast for students and parents navigating the journey of the HSC. Presented by HSC CoWorks, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of the HSC experience, offering expert advice, study tips, and insights into achieving academic success.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, managing stress, or looking for ways to stay motivated, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things HSC. Join us as we chat with educators, students, and professionals to help you thrive during this important academic milestone!

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We asked our coaches for their #1 tip to Year 12 students going into Term 2 (term 3 of your HSC year). Here’s what they said 👇
Zara (English): Stop memorising essays.
Alex (Maths): Do past papers with no notes first.
Jack (Economics): Teach a topic. Stumbling = your next study target.
Ella (All Rounder): Know your syllabus inside out.
Which tip will you implement first?
#HSCCoWorks #Term2 #StudyTips #HSCCoaching Year12
Your HSC mountain won’t climb itself 🏔️ 
Daily plan ✅ 
Daily mindmap ✅ 
Daily submission ✅ 
Ask a Coach ✅
Tick them all off and keep that streak alive. 625 days is the record. What’s yours? 🔥
3 mistakes most HSC students make in Term 2…
And yes, you’re probably doing at least one of them.
1. Spending most of your time on subjects you’re already good at. Feels great. Does nothing for improving your end results. Your weakest subject has the most room to move and that’s where the immediate gains are.
2. Saving past papers for the week before trials. Past papers aren’t revision. They’re practice that identify strengths and weaknesses. Do them early enough that you can actually act on what they tell you.
3. Studying more hours but without intention. Re-reading notes. Highlighting. Rewriting summaries for the 4th time. Your brain is comfortable but it is not pushing you into the next level. Active recall and practice questions are uncomfortable for a reason. Get them done every day, not just in the lead up to the assessment. 
Term 2 is where the biggest progress can be made. Small adjustments now = big results in October.
#hsccoworks #hscstudytips #hscmotivation #hsc2026
After working with hundreds of HSC students, we can tell you that the highest achievers are simply following a formula. A simple formula which anyone can follow... 
They’re not necessarily studying 10 hours a day or sacrificing their entire social lives. What sets them apart is a mix of habits, mindsets, and strategies that most students either don’t know about or know about but don’t consistently apply. Here’s what we’ve observed and how you can apply it.
Motivation fades.
Habits don’t.
The students who perform at their best are the ones who train daily, stick to their systems, and keep showing up, especially on the hard days.
P.S. No suffering actually required… just discipline and direction 💪