1. Sixth Year Study

2. Introduction One of the most stressful times of their lives. Will encounter highs and lows, stress, fear and anxiety. No prescription or formula that can guarantee success.

3. Academic success requires several factors: -Regular attendance -Good Punctuality -Adherence to School Rules -consistent attention to homework These are the basics that are required Something extra is needed: STUDY

4. Students who perform to the best of their ability –regardless of grade achieved – are those students who consistently study throughout the school year and not just in the run up to a class or end of term exam.

5. Gears

6. Gear 1: Attending school Gear 2: Attending school and doing homework Gear 3: Attending school, doing homework + some extra study. (Homework done on Friday and one day off at weekend). Gear 4: Attending school, doing homework + some extra study. (Homework done on Friday and no day off at weekend). Gear 5: 24/7! (Not sustainable, short bursts of intense work).

8. Gear 3: September to October Mid-term Gear 4: October Mid-Term to Christmas Exams Gear 3: Christmas Exams to January (no student can afford to take these weeks off). There should be pre-planned days off during Christmas. Gear 4-5: January to the Pre’s. Study should increase to 5 th gear in the few weeks before the Pre’s. Gear 3. Pre’s to Easter Holidays: May seem low but students are about to enter the most intense time. At this stage there are also oral exams and project work to complete.

9. Easter holidays  up to each student to decide if they should be in 4 th or 5 th gear. Bare in mind, after the Easter holidays, students will be in 4 th /5 th gear!! 5 th Gear  Easter to Exams. This is a long stretch so care must be taken when deciding the intensity level over Easter. Remember: This is a rough guide, the student is not a robot!!

10. Points to consider… Concept of gears varies from person to person. A good guide to follow is students should be tired from the academic work done. If they are not, then more work can be done! Venue  noise at a minimum, no distractions e.g. phones, tv’s, iPod etc. “Falling off the wagon”  going through the motions of study, lack of motivation. a.Take a week of study (not school or homework). b.Study the subjects the find easiest for a week.

11. Delaying implementing a study plan in 6 th Year is a recipe for disaster. If it is delayed until October you can deduct 10 points from potential results in August. November  20 points; January 30 points. CAO fact  50% of students who miss out on their first preference do so by 25 points or less.

12. Parents… Be lenient when your teenager is irritable… Please do not induce guilt “I told you so” or “you should have studied more last year”. Ask them what they would like done for them. On day of exam ask them “do you need a lift”, “do you need some money for lunch”, “what would you like for dinner tonight”. After exam  no post mortems, instead try and shift to focus to whats up next. Don’t tell them to relax- it won’t work! Instead listen and empathise. Being heard and understood will automatically relax them. If you are anxious, please do not let your son/daughter see it. Finally, remind them that no matter what, they will always be your child and you will love them.