1. Find Your Own Study Space
We all have our own idea about the best place to study find a space that’s good for you. Do you prefer to study at home or in a public space, listen to music or study in silence, do you work better alone or with other people.

2. Be Organised
Make sure you have all the materials you need in your study space before you start studying. Getting up all the time will break your concentration and waste your time.

3. Clear Your Mind
If you have a lot on your mind take a moment to write down your ideas down before you start studying. It’s also a good idea to keep some spare paper next to you, to write your ideas down before they are forgotten.

4. Get Motivated
Think about what it will mean for you if you do well in your study results, this will help you stay motivated. You might like to find a quote or an image or something that you can see while you’re studying.

5. Plan Your Time (and use it well)
Try to plan your time when you study and how you can make it through. It’s a good idea to use a calendar or a list of dates or a wall planner to keep track ahead. Space out your study time each week for the whole term.

6. Know Your Learning Style
Most of us have preferred ways of learning;

• Auditory learners learn by listening
• Visual learners learn by seeing

7. Use Your  Notes
Taking detailed notes in class will save you heaps of time later on this is a great way to revise what you’ve learned.

8. Make Your Own Study Materials
Think up some practice exam questions or create your own flash cards to help you study.

9. Test Yourself
Don’t wait for an exam to test your knowledge test yourself first, you could get a family member or a friend to quiz you on key concepts.

10. Take Time Out
Most of us study better when we are feeling good. It is also a good idea to schedule regular breaks when your studying.

For more studying skills go to www.youthcentral.vic.au/studying&training

Stuck with school work?

www.yourtutor.com.au

Can help core subjects covered include Maths , English , science , assignment research and study skills.

Hot tips for a great online tutoring session: Remember to check that you have picked the right year level and subject when you log in let your tutor know what your question is don’t be shy try to stick to proper English “SMS speak” can be confusing.

· If you are confused at any time tell your tutor you don’t understand.

· Stay focussed on the classroom, when you are in a tutoring session.

· Be patient and polite – your tutor may take a little time to work out the answer to your question.

· Your tutor is there to assist you with work not to do the work for you.

· If you have to leave the session don’t forget to tell your tutor.

· When you are done click the “End session” button and fill out the session survey.

Goal Setting

What are your goals?

When do you plan to achieve them?

Set your goals in a time frame. Set a time and a date (crucial for success).

Where?

Create an environment around you to support your goals a place that refreshes, motivates and inspires you

Who?

Who can help you and support you along the way? Identify role models and mentors.

Why?

Why is getting the goal so important?

What are the benefits I gain by taking action now?

Start with at least 10 reasons and keep adding more reasons. This is really the most important step it keeps you motivated. Make your reasons personal and important to you.

How?

These are the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.

Make Sure Your Goals Are:

Precise – Be as specific and as clear as possible.

Positive - You will always head in the direction of your goals.

Present – When your mind thinks you are already there, it will do everything it can to keep you there.

Long term – Set long term goals that give you something to strive for.

Challenging and Significant – Make your own goals worth while. If they are too easy your mind thinks. “Why bother?”

Measurable – This makes it easy to see how well you are doing, to measure your pace and your success.

Flexible – This means that if major things happen in your life and you are not on target, adjust your goals.

Write down your goals!

Most people do not write down their goals. The research shows that those who do not write their goals do not achieve them as successfully as those who do write them. Because it is a commitment, it seems hard. But the hardest part is starting.

Writing your goals more than doubles your chances of getting them. The act of writing uses the sense of sight and touch; it focuses your thoughts and uses muscles. All of these stimulate the release of chemicals in your brain, which cause millions of extra connections in the brain to be formed, greatly reinforcing your chance of achieving your goals.

For more information go to: www.getpositive.com.au

Getting a job – Where to start

As soon as you turn 15 you can officially be part of the work force.

That means that you can earn some extra cash by working after school and weekends. However finding a job can be very competitive, so for that extra edge you need a resume and a few job seeking strategies. When starting a job you will need a tax file number to give to your employer, it is free of charge all you have to do is go to this website below and fill out the online form.

www.ato.gov.au/individuals/pathway