We’re nearly on the home stretch, everyone!
September is drawing to a close, which means very soon we’ll be in the final quarter of the year – the last term of school for 2022 and perhaps the final term of school EVER for some of you!
We know the final part of the year comes with it mixed feelings as it brings a welcome break but also lots of change and transitions.
As we look ahead to everything these next few months will involve, we thought it might be a great idea to reflect on some of the core areas you could focus on if you want to ensure you end things on a high note.
First Things First: ATAR Scores? Not Everything You Need For Success
Getting a good ATAR score might feel like the most crucial thing in the world, and if you’re on track, then great!
But if you’re not, it can also mean your ATAR is surrounded by stress, anxiety and worry.
We’re not here to say you shouldn’t care about ATAR, but we want to reassure you; it’s just a number and nothing more.
Even if you decide to go to university, ATAR is just the key that unlocks the door to your course – it takes a lot more to succeed as a student studying at a higher level.
The good thing about having ATAR is knowing that you’ll be somewhat prepared for the study requirements university demands from you, but it’s down to you to put in the work.
5 Things to Focus on Now for Future Success
Now we’ve cleared that up, where else should you put your energy to help set you up for all the good stuff the future has to offer?
We’ve broken down our top five tips to help you on your way:
1.   Keep Showing Up
From getting to class on time and ready for lessons to ensuring you do your homework, putting in the revision hours, and blocking out dedicated study time, keep showing up in the behaviours you know will help support your academic performance.
It’s easy as time slips by to feel a bit burnt out and slacking off can definitely feel like a more rewarding option if you’ve missed some schooling, your grades have suffered, or you’re feeling overwhelmed.
While these avoidant behaviours feel good short term, they won’t lead to the healthy mindset that sees you aiming to be your best. So, however you can, as much as you can, keep showing up.
2.   Chat With Your Teachers
If you’re worried about your grades, missed some homework, or revision is overwhelming, make sure you reach out to your teachers to discuss your feelings and ask about your options.
Your teachers will want to see you succeed. Taking the initiative to chat about things will make them want to support you in any way they can. Whether it’s letting you re-do an assignment, offering extra study resources, or setting up a revision group to help you and your peers – you don’t have to go it alone. Success isn’t a solitary action; it’s a community. Tap into yours.
3.   Look After Your Mind & Body
When stress takes over, it’s too easy to let some unhealthy habits creep in. From overeating to undereating, doom scrolling all night, forgetting to get fresh air and exercise or oversleeping – make sure you pay attention to how stress might show up and combat it with positive actions.
Eating a healthy balanced diet and taking a daily walk in nature can be huge mood boosters – you might be surprised how dramatically these simple things change your outlook. Make sure you look after yourself to stay on top of stress and keep kicking those goals.
4.   Break Problems Down
We’re all guilty of sitting on our problems and ignoring them, hoping they’ll go away, only for them to get bigger and bigger until they end up feeling insurmountable!
If you’ve got a big problem that feels like this, the best thing you can do is break it down.
Try to dissect the problem or challenge into smaller chunks you can tackle easily. For example, if you haven’t revised for that tricky exam, instead of going into cram mode, make a plan to revise small, incremental time blocks instead of going into cram mode. Start with half an hour and then 40minutes, 50 minutes and so on, with an equal amount of break in between. Take it step by step, and you’ll make great progress.
5.   Remember to Destress
When academic pressures build, many of us will go into uber-focus lockdown mode, dismissing our mates and only spending time trying to do ALL the study things.
This is a quick-fire lane to burn out!
Remember to keep scheduling time for your hobbies and the things you enjoy and hanging out with your mates. Give your brain appropriate breaks to feel fresh and ready to return to your study desk when the time is right! Find that balance, and we know you’ll reap success.
What Else Should You Focus On?
If you’re unsure about your next steps after school and this is your final term, there are many ways to explore and see where might be right for you.
If you know university isn’t the one:
- You could explore traineeships and apprenticeships to get a taste of work and studying and to see where you might like to steer your career.
- You could focus on internships and work experience to help boost your resume and be ready to learn more about a specific industry and land your dream job!
- Alternatively, you might want a break before continuing with your future career. A gap year is a great way to see the world, gain skills, and take some time to reflect on what you want to do next.
There are no wrong or right answers regarding your future journey. Remember to make time to enjoy the ride and stay open to opportunity when it comes along!
