Maintaining Motivation in Years 11 and 12

July 5, 2020

High school offers a plethora of opportunities, as well as different experiences to students who go through it. For many who have gone through it, they may have experienced some kind of slump towards their later years due to getting older. Some may find that it has a sense of monotony to it, as it seems to be the same experiences year in and out. It is important to keep at it, as high school is one of the most important stints of any students’ academic career. Here are some tips to get motivated in the last two years of high school:

1. Set Goals

The most effective way to maintain motivation throughout the year, be it in school or in life, is to set a goal for the end of the year. This could be in the form of ATAR, career, or degree related goals. Goals should be tangible and realistic for the end of the year, but also have dreams that, if they are reached will bring a sense of massive accomplishment.

This makes it easier to manage all the stress and all-nighters that multiple assignments and assessments bring because there will always be an end to the madness that high school brings, and that it is all worth fighting for.

2. Stay in Contact with a Careers Advisor

One of the biggest factors that de-motivates a lot of students is that a career they dream of requires an ATAR score far above what they believe they are capable of. The truth is, there are so many other paths into different careers or universities that put up lesser requirements to help students reach their goals.

If anything, it is important not to assume that attaining your dream degree is only achievable through surpassing that high ATAR score. Talking to your careers advisor will show you that it is not impossible. If ever, it may mean adjusting your goal for Year 12, but your advisor should be able to assist you without sacrificing your overall goals.

3. Create connections with an Alumni Mentor

Students who have graduated have most likely been in your shoes. They know the stress of the year you are in more than anyone and can tell you what to do and how they survived the workload and pressure of Years 11 and 12. You may even find a mentor who took the path you want to take, as well as getting into the university or career you want to get into.

4. List Down Things Using Simple Methods

Many students underestimate the importance of listing things down. Our brains can only handle so much information, which is why it is important to have a simple checklist or reminder list to remind us about what needs to be done.

Having a simple list of things to be completed can help ease the stress of an overwhelming workload. This does not even have to be a diary or a planner, but perhaps a post-it note on the back of your phone or on the front sleeve of your notebook.

5. Break with the Usual and Study Somewhere Else

There is some sort of monotony in studying at the same desk in a room, or in the library at school, or in the living room. This often makes students associate their desk with boredom, so that every time they approach these spaces to work, they end up procrastinating.

This can be fixed by finding alternate places to study, such as a cafe, or a public library, or another area of the house. A fresh space to work in can help refrain instinctive boredom, and fuel the motivation to study and be productive.  

Conclusion

Years 11 and 12 can be a struggle, but there is always a way out of it. Although the workload and stress can easily pile up, these tips may help you manage to study while maintaining a healthy balance with your lifestyle. Opting for high school tutoring can also help you achieve your academic goals!

School is tough, but we are here to ease that burden. At Young Growth Academy, we offer highschool tutoring in Penrith that will support you and help you reach your goals!