An important message for our students is that success in the senior years of school does not happen overnight, it is built gradually through the habits and attitudes formed earlier. The study, organisation, and time management skills developed in Years 7–10 become the foundation for success in Year 11, Year 12 and beyond.

Too often, students think they can “switch on” when the HSC years arrive, but the reality is that confidence and capability come from consistent practice over time. Learning how to manage homework, plan for assessments, take meaningful notes, and study effectively are not just academic exercises, they are life skills. 

Applying yourself in the earlier years of high school also helps you discover how you learn best. Some students find they retain information by rewriting notes, others by talking through ideas or practising exam-style questions. The earlier students experiment with study methods and time-management strategies, the more refined and effective these habits become by the senior years.

Parents can play a vital role in this process by encouraging consistent routines at home, set times for homework, limited distractions, and a focus on steady progress rather than last-minute cramming.

The initial years of high school are an opportunity to build the habits that will carry you through your senior studies and into life beyond school. The small choices you make now will shape the confidence, resilience and success you experience later.