"I turned my academic life from a 'meh' to a 'wow'. Initially placed at a predicted ATAR of 70 in Year 11, I decided that wasn't the endgame for me. So, I rolled up my sleeves—figuratively too, because I live in Townsville—and got down to business. Nights turned into regular study sessions, often accompanied by a trusty cup of coffee (or three). I pestered my teachers for every bit of knowledge they'd share, and my weekends? They morphed into a blend of workshops and group study sessions, where laughter and learning went hand in hand. Somehow, amidst the chaos of scribbled notes and practice exams, my grades started climbing. By the time the final year rolled around, I'd done it—I finished with an ATAR of 97.80. It was a journey of turning "I can't" into "I did," with a hefty dose of humour and support from friends, family, and educators who believed in me even when I didn't. This tale? It's a reminder that academic paths aren't linear and that sometimes good old-fashioned hard work is the answer—out with the new, in with the old! Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of grit, a lot of caffeine, and the willingness to laugh at yourself to turn things around." - Anonymous, Annandale Christian College

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Before you read on, close your eyes for ten seconds and answer this question: "What do I need to do to achieve my goals in the external exams?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     Chances are you said something along the lines of "work harder". I don't blame you for it, that is by far the most common response. But what does it legitimately mean? Does it just mean to hit the books for 5 hours a day? Does it mean to "study smarter"? What does "studying smarter" even mean!?   The true answer to this question is simple, yet seemingly complex at first. Let's look at two owners who try to train their dog to sit:   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Owner 1) Just says the word "sit". If he doesn't sit, he yells louder and more often. Finally, he forcefully pushes down on the dog's back and makes them sit against their will.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Owner 2) Takes his dog to a quiet place, holds a treat out so he can smell it, says "sit" and then puts light pressure on their back until he sits. When he does, he rewards his dog immediately with praise and treats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   It's a no-brainer as to which owner will have a dog that can sit on command. Yet, 99% of the time, we all make ourselves study like the first owner. Both us and the first owner's dog feel anxious and afraid. We both dread the next 'training' session. The first owner's dog associates sitting with pain and anxiety, and the same is true for us when it comes to studying. However, the second owner's dog learns to sit in a few days, and he does it happily!   You don't need to change your study habits at all. You probably study really well! What does need to change is how you 'teach yourself to sit'. We ought to all be like the second owner.   However, be careful. Some dogs love cheese, but many like beef jerky more. The same goes for you. You like playing computer games? Then make that your reward for every hour studied. You like chocolate? One bar for every hour studied then.   You may still have these rewards occasionally, but remember that if you give your dog a treat for doing nothing, why would he bother practising to sit?

Does anyone have any Math PSMT?