How your child can avoid procrastination and feeling overwhelmed in their hsc year

Jun 10, 2022

For regular readers of my weekly message, you will be aware that I’m always going on about the HSC CoWorks student Key Behaviours as the path to overcoming any and every challenge associated with achieving a great HSC result.

As we always say, if the key behaviours are in place, everything else will take care of itself with both the HSC and for overcoming any other challenge in life.

This week I wanted to go through the signs to look out for if the first three key behaviours are NOT being applied outside of their CoWorks sessions.

Key Behaviour #1 – Engage your vision. 

If your teen is easily distracted, procrastinates or is only completing notes and homework outside of their CoWorks sessions this would suggest that they are not engaged with the benefits and rewards that will come from finishing their HSC with zero regrets.

Based on our experience over the last 26 years, we know that students who have their goals up in front of them every single day are much less likely to be distracted, procrastinate or only complete the bare minimum tasks each week.

Key Behaviour #2 – Plan

If your teen leaves tasks to the last minute, is overwhelmed with the volume of work during assessment tasks or rarely proactively takes action towards inevitable tasks, this would indicate they are not applying this key critical behaviour.

Students’ study time is extremely limited so they must make the most of every study session which includes proactively breaking tasks into smaller tasks and consistently eating frogs first (doing the tasks they don’t want to do first). If key behaviour #1 is being applied your teen will be a much better planner.

Key Behaviour #3 – Train. Daily

This key behaviour is the secret of top-performing students and is actually the easiest step to take towards improving performance across all subjects.

If your teen is vague and uncertain on any of their topics or texts this would indicate they aren’t doing the daily brain training that will give them the confidence and certainty to attempt more challenging tasks. Daily syllabus topic mind maps under exam conditions, writing out English quotes from memory and completing Maths exam questions every single day can easily be completed amongst the other tasks that need to be completed each day. 

In my experience of working with thousands of students, it’s these three key behaviours that very well intentioned students try and skip and are disappointed when their exam performance doesn’t match their desires. Without completing key behaviours 1, 2 & 3 moving into the key behaviours of Push your Comfort Zone (#4), Grit (#5), Own it! (#6) is unlikely to happen. 

Click here to view post on how the next 3 Key Behaviours will support your child to overcome the challenges of the HSC year.

“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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The Trials are now over for many students… so what happens next..!?!
For many Year 12 students, this is when the post-Trials slump kicks in.
After months of assessments, revision and exam pressure, the intensity suddenly drops. Graduation is around the corner, the HSC still feels a little way away, and motivation can disappear fast.
But Trials are not the finish line. They’re the dress rehearsal and they have just given you incredibly valuable information about where marks are being lost and where to focus your energy before the real HSC exams begin.
In our latest blog, we share our 5 tips for getting out of the post-Trials slump and finishing your HSC strong:
1️⃣ Take a short, intentional break - Recover and reset, but give your break an end date.
2️⃣ Turn your Trial results into a game plan - Use your results and feedback to identify exactly where you can improve.
3️⃣ Don’t wait to “feel motivated” - Reconnect with your goals and start taking small actions. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
4️⃣ Move from studying to exam training - Past papers. Timed responses. Essays. Feedback. Corrections. Make your mistakes now, not in the HSC exam room.
5️⃣ Use the support around you - The HSC CoWorks Teachers, Coaches, HSC Markers and subject experts can provide the structure, accountability and feedback you need through the final stretch.
There is still plenty of opportunity between Trials and the HSC to improve.
Read the full blog via the link in our bio.
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsctrials #hscexams #hscmotivation
🎳 We’re bowling over the “Post Trials Slump” and bringing a little extra fun and motivation into your CoWorks Chatswood sessions🔥
This is the period where the intensity suddenly drops, motivation disappears and the thought of getting back into serious study (for HSC Final Exams) feels almost impossible. 
So for students who hit a 7+ day streak & complete all their session goals in this period, you will be eligible to score a FREE game at Strike Bowling! Because consistent action deserves to be celebrated 🌟 
#HSCCoWorks #StrikeBowling #HSC2026 #StudyMotivation #ConsistencyCounts
🚨 FINAL HSC 2026 STUDY BOOTCAMP 🚨
Make those final weeks count.
Join us for our final HSC Study Bootcamp and get the structure, support and expert coaching you need to turn your preparation into exam performance.
📅 WEEK 1
Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 Oct
📅 WEEK 2
Tues 6 Oct – Fri 9 Oct
⏰ 10AM – 2PM DAILY
📍 Balgowlah
📍 Bondi Junction
📍 Chatswood
📍 Mosman
✓ Practise past papers & exam-style questions
✓ Get expert Coach support when you’re stuck
✓ Receive feedback and identify where marks are being lost
✓ Stay focused, accountable and productive
✓ Build confidence before walking into the HSC exam room
🔥 PLACES ARE LIMITED & SELLING FAST
Secure your Bootcamp place now #linkinbio
Students hitting the challenge board in Chatswood tonight 💪 
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscexamskills