There’s no doubt that Year 11 and 12 are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-11/year-12-exams-are-they-worth-the-stress/9029260">stressful years</a>. But, how do you know when it’s more than just ‘normal’ stress? Given it’s <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/self-care-september-is-here">Self-Care September</a>, we chatted with Nick Barrington, a Mental Health Nurse and Family Therapist at Latrobe University’s <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au/school-psychology-and-public-health/departments/bouverie-centre">Bouverie centre</a>. Nick trains mental health practitioners who specialise in helping rural and regional young adults.
So how do we know when it’s more than ‘normal’ stress?
Nick told us that adolescence is a common time to begin experiencing mental health challenges. Some of the most common include <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">depression and anxiety</a>, which of course, aren’t helped by the stresses of Year 11 and 12. It’s easy to brush it off as being <a href="https://year13.com.au/articles/5-signs-youre-just-tired">“just tired”</a> or blame it on school stress.
Nick’s says it’s time to start thinking seriously about asking for help “when that stress is not easing up at any point, when you can’t find little bits of lightness in amongst that”. Like any illness, it’s best to catch it early and ask for help sooner rather than later - “once we’re in holes, it’s really hard to dig ourselves out.”
How do we ask for help?
Asking for help can be intimidating. It means being vulnerable at a time when you’re already shaky. According to Nick, it can be easy to worry about how people will respond, or how they will think of you once you tell them. The key? “Finding a person that you feel comfortable asking for support from”.
“As health workers, we often head towards <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/real-experiences/community-perspectives/rural-mental-health/">formal supports</a>, but I think it’s important not to forget our informal supports. Friends and family are great first contact points.” Nick also mentions that sometimes family aren’t the best support contacts, and that’s totally fine.
“It might be a friend, a parent of a friend, a GP, somebody that’s in a more formal position of help…”. Nick explains that sometimes, it can feel more comfortable having someone to talk to who you <a href="https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Getting-Help/Going-to-the-school-counselor-for-the-first-time/td-p/66831">don’t know personally</a>, and who is in a formal position of helping – like a <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/why-go-to-school-therapist">school counselor</a>.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/7Piy7C2e9qXXtETChfa2ZY/orangeandwhitemodernteamworkkeynotepresentation2.jpg">
What if our family isn’t very helpful?
Our families can have lots of separate stresses and sometimes aren’t the most helpful. Most of the time our families truly do want to support us, but they simply don’t know what that looks like. Nick suggests that even if you don’t feel your family can help you out, it’s best to let them know what you’re going through. This way, at least they are <a href="https://happiful.com/how-to-talk-to-family-about-mental-health/">aware</a>. “I’m just letting you know…” can be a helpful starter.
“Be clear about what it is you would like from them”. Do you want them to help you find a mental health professional to speak to? Or do you just want a hug? <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-talking-your-parents">Spell it out</a>.
How do we support a friend who’s struggling?
It can be rough to see a friend struggling. According to Nick, checking in with them and letting them know you’re there for support if they need is a helpful move. In some cases, being supportive doesn’t have to mean asking them about what they’re going through. It can even just be making time to hang out together and letting them bring their stresses up if they want to.
If your friend does bring it up, try to find a <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp">resource</a> you can suggest. “I spoke to Ms Collins and she was super helpful” can be a great way to support your friend.
Nick explains that it’s important to <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask">support</a> and not force. “People tend to find it harder to take up supports when they feel forced to do so… the last thing any of us like when we’re stressed is to feel extra pressure on ourselves to do a certain thing or be a certain way”.
What are your favourite self-care practices?
We’ve written a whole post on <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/what-does-realistic-self-care-look-like">realistic self-care</a> , but here are Nick’s favourite things.
“I’ve been spending a lot more time in the garden… For me, being outside is incredibly important. Fresh air and actual sunlight are of great value”. Nick also likes to do some sort of physical activity – whether it’s going for a ride or bouncing on the trampoline with his young kids.
Nick added that connecting with his family was also key. “We’ve got out Nintendo set up on our TV, so we come together to race each other at Mario Kart”.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/GQDKGPLkw68BDRdSu5wV9x/nickquote2.jpg">
What services are available?
Nick is well aware that accessing formal mental health support can be even more challenging when you live rurally. That’s why he thinks online resources are so valuable. Most of them are free, but you do have to make an account for some. Here’s a list of Nick’s favourites:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/">eHeadspace</a> (connects you with professionals online)</li>
<li><a href="https://moodgym.com.au/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-5v7BRAmEiwAJ3DpuBxDRXl2lH9clxO0DqDE0GrzC48vxW73kxhOboxBZltsnmAKiRm0fRoC5PwQAvD_BwE">Moodgym</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.biteback.org.au/MentalFitnessChallenge/FindOutMore">Bite Back Mental Fitness Challenge</a></li>
</ul>
Nick also suggests that chatting to your GP is a good start. They can make you a mental health plan and connect you with other professionals. Going to your GP also means you can get financial assistance so seeking help doesn’t break the bank.
So reach out, ask for the help you need, and give support to friends that need it. Resources are there to be used. You’ve got this.
Want some more tips about studying? Check out our post on how to take a break without procrastinating <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-take-a-break-but-not-procrastinate">here</a>. Want to know <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-study-smarter-not-harder-in-3-easy-steps">how to study ‘smarter not harder’</a>? We’ve got you covered.

There’s no doubt that Year 11 and 12 are stressful years. But, how do you know when it’s more than just ‘normal’ stress? We talked to Nick Barrington, a mental health nurse, to chat all things asking for help.

How Do You Know When It's Time to Ask for Help?

<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/7ri4ocEiXaHhnpDf38h8c4/1.png">
Since exams are swiftly approaching, our mental health is definitely taking a back seat as we focus more on <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/its-never-too-soon-to-revise-old-content-3-reasons-why">revising content</a> and doing practice exams.
So let’s be realistic, how can we find the time to take care of ourselves but not end up <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-take-a-break-but-not-procrastinate">procrastinating or getting distracted</a>?
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/7vfKR9hwREbAdN97SfhrKc/2.png">
<h4>1. Make yourself a nice meal.</h4>
Instead of grabbing the bag of chips from the pantry when you get hungry, try turning on the stove and making yourself a yummy meal.
Cooking is calming because it allows you to be creative and <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/wellbeing/cooking-meditation-in-disguise">stay focused on the task at hand</a>.
You also get something to eat afterwards so it’s definitely a win-win situation!
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/TBqo9rJRRGSzsWbY2CM9Ji/3.png">
<h4>2. Have a change of scenery.</h4>
It’s time to close the laptop or the textbook and <a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/working-from-home-a-checklist-to-support-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus/">get some fresh air</a>.
It’s a <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/self-care-september-is-here">common self-care activity</a> for many people on our RESN team as it allows you to clear your head and reminds you that the world is bigger than your laptop.
Whether you take a walk or sit in your backyard, either is a great form of self-care.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/LMBbja2ub7rxEGNGMwydDt/4.png">
<h4>3. Tidy things up a bit.</h4>
Sometimes <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/the-block/cleaning-jobs-15-minute-work-break-how-to-be-productive/bfa75d07-8df4-443c-97d8-e654b5633463">folding your clothes</a> or tidying up your desk can be a productive way of taking care of your mind and wellbeing.
It relaxes your mind from long periods of study by focusing on something with less brain power.
Not only will you have a clean room or workspace but you’ll also have a clearer mind!
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/EH2X9SkAZ8wNCPv7P2xRhc/5.png">
<h4>4. Sit down and have a chat.</h4>
We often underestimate the power that our conversations and <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/friendships-mental-health">connections with people</a> have on improving our mental health.
Our relationships provide us with the much needed <a href="https://headtohealth.gov.au/supporting-someone-else/how-to-support-someone">emotional support</a> and encouragement to get us through this difficult time.
Try catching up with your friends and family -- if restrictions allow -- and talk about how life has been. It will do wonders for your wellbeing and also for <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask?campaign=285465530&amp;content=300811345567&amp;keyword=mental%20health&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwqML6BRAHEiwAdquMnU5JCI1yFdvyHjpd5nggN574iMwMrJjPl_XhJaIk36YVGQrrraftNBoCBCAQAvD_BwE">theirs too</a>.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/3jrjzy7v2LTUym6iJWj2ju/6.png">
<h4>5. Listen to some music.</h4>
Did you know music helps alleviate stress and <a href="https://www.openminds.org.au/news/5-positive-effects-music-mental-health">improve your mood</a>?
That means that there’s absolutely no shame in <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-athletes-way/201712/singing-your-heart-out-has-surprising-psychological-benefits">singing along</a> to your favourite songs and <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits">dancing around the house</a> because you absolutely deserve it.
So why not pop on some tunes and dance the exam stress away?
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/cuMKdYzHXDRbr2NKwje6N2/7.png">
<h4>6. Do something you enjoy doing for a little while.</h4>
Perhaps you don’t like listening to music, cleaning or cooking, but everyone has something that they enjoy and helps them relax.
If you’ve started questioning <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/why-do-you-study">what all the study is for</a> or are tired of <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/what-comes-next-how-to-decide-what-course-best-suits-you">deciding your future</a>, take a break and do something you love.
It can be as niche as you want, just as long as it brings you joy and happiness.
<hr>
Sometimes it’s the small things that help us stay healthy and motivated.
But when you feel ready to get back into the thick of <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-study-smarter-not-harder-in-3-easy-steps">studying smarter, not harder</a>, check out the <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/quizzes-wiki-launch">RESN Quizzes &amp; Wiki</a> which will get you all set for exams.
Good luck! We believe in you!
By Xenia Sanut

Exams are swiftly approaching and our mental health is definitely taking a back seat, how can we find the time to take care of ourselves but not end up procrastinating?

What Does Realistic Self-Care Look Like?

Self-care… That’s when you light candles and watch bath-bombs fizz away, right? Wrong! At RESN, we know that being a Year 11/12 student is stressful stuff. Just as a band aid can’t heal a bullet-hole, we know that jojoba-oil face masks won’t fix real problems. We also know that your mental health can have a massive impact on your ability to achieve your academic goals. That’s why we’ve dedicated the entire month of September to bringing you real solutions to real problems.
We’ll be asking questions like: What does realistic self-care look like? How and when should I ask for help? What support services are available to rural/regional students? We’ll also be chatting to some mental health professionals to get the low-down on looking after ourselves and others.
In the meantime, here are some thoughts to get us started on our self-care shake-up:
<img alt="Image" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/LACgbAkpehCnMjxrCxaSkj/sssc.png">
Why is Self-Care So Important?
We’ve all got our ups and downs. Self-care is a way of recognising where you’re at, and helping yourself get through whatever it is you’re facing. It’s all about being honest with yourself. Whether you got a bad mark on a practice exam, or you’re going through some friendship troubles, take a moment to think about what you can do for yourself that will get you feeling ready to face the challenges ahead.
<img alt="Image" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/4zmn9eWk3VmsJd6u9ph6qX/sssd.png">
There’s No One Way to Do Self-Care
Let’s redefine self-care. It isn’t a prescribed set of activities, and it goes way beyond doing yoga and skincare. Our take? Self-care is for everyone, and it’s the simple act of checking in with yourself. This can look different for everyone. It can be as small as having a cuppa on the porch or asking your dad for advice.
<img alt="Image" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/EAnWBAHE4ECaM7WfDFmBkU/sssa.png">
Our Favourite (Realistic) Self-Care Activities
When we asked some of our RESN team members what they do for self-care, we realised just how personal it is:
<ul>
<li>
Bailey (20, Head of Recruitment) explained that when he needs to take his mind off things, he heads into the backyard, and tries to shoot as many hoops in a row as possible. The repetition allows him to zone out, and momentarily forget about whatever is bugging him.
</li>
<li>
Hannah (20, Head of Media) told us “anytime I’m feeling crap or not myself I take the absolute hottest shower possible… I also like to pray and reconnect with my Judaism”.
</li>
<li>
For Jun (21, Head of Tutoring), it’s as simple as making a good breakfast in the morning and getting some fresh air.
</li>
<li>
Sof (21, Secretary &amp; Treasurer) finds that doing a tidy-up of her space does the trick. It helps her “unwind and process things… and makes me feel so much better about what I have ahead of me”.
</li>
<li>
For Rish (20, Head of Volunteering), getting outside in nature is the key to self-care. “Whether that’s a walk, a run, or just sitting in my backyard, little else does better to re-centre me”.
</li>
</ul>
Feeling stressed about choosing a uni degree? Check out our previous <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/what-comes-next-how-to-decide-what-course-best-suits-you">post</a>. Want some more inspo? Chuck <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/why-do-you-study">this</a> a read.
Take a minute to check-in with yourself and stay tuned for an amazing month of self-care content. You’ve got this!
Words by Ella Katz

Self-care… That’s when you light candles and watch bath-bombs fizz away, right? Wrong!

Self-Care September is Here!

<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/NYCsZqrP7vysjbfecjFvXF/1.png">
Course applications have opened and it seems crazy that we have to decide what we’ll do after high school when the future is so uncertain.
Don’t worry, we have some awesome tips to help you finalise those course preferences and to get you ready for university in no time.
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/n59nVd7kiwVJSQycHP3Xer/2.png">
1. Try a generalist degree.
You might have heard this term floating around from your careers coordinators or at open days, but what exactly is it?
Generalist or comprehensive degrees are degrees that allow you to study a wide range of subjects.
They include degrees like arts, business, information technology and science which allow you to try a bit of everything before deciding what you’ll major in.
The opposite of generalist degrees are specialist degrees which tailor you towards a certain career, such as law, education or medicine.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/Le3ZohSz3pPNaXm6XWws5W/3.png">
2. Check out the student handbook.
You might be familiar with your interested universities’ ‘future students’ page, as it has heaps of important information like entry requirements, majors and specialisations.
But there is a whole other side called the student handbook which tells you what subjects make up your major and which units you can take each semester. If you like the look of the subjects, chances are you’ll like the degree!
If you’re tossing up between a couple of areas of study, Googling the student handbook at the might help you narrow them down.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/8dnh9FisNazSrtbZsx8V7M/4.png">
3. Find out how the content will be delivered.
Now, are you more interested in theory? Or in taking the practical approach? If you take a look at how your degree and classes are structured, it might help you decide which degree you like better.
Depending on the university, your degree might have a compulsory work placement or a practical component which might be a good choice if you fancy applying your knowledge in a real-world context.
However, if you’re more interested in going into research, maybe you would like a degree that focuses more on theory and writing reports -- either way there will be a university out there that is a good fit for you!
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/NQgFMJiAQgBff6F5nUKHbc/5.png">
4. Don’t worry if you don’t choose the right degree the first time.
We try to make the right decision from the get-go by attending heaps of open days and asking careers advice from hundreds of people but you can never really know whether a degree feels right until you try it.
There is always the opportunity to transfer to different courses, or even different universities! If you don’t end up getting your first preference or you don’t end up liking your degree, don’t sweat it.
While transferring might mean that it will take longer to graduate than you expected, at least you will graduate knowing that you did a degree you loved at a university where you made heaps of fond memories.
<hr>
But if you’re finding it hard to justify why you’re studying so much, check out our earlier article about <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/why-do-you-study">why we study</a>!
Take care of yourself and remember that you’re doing a great job! We believe in you!

It seems crazy that we have to decide what we’ll do after high school when the future is so uncertain. Don’t worry, we have some awesome tips to help you finalise those course preferences and to get you ready for university in no time.

What Comes Next? How to Decide What Course Best Suits You

RESN is excited to announce that our Quizzes and Wiki have launched!
Our online tutoring service has expanded to deliver three services to cater for three different learning styles. Whether you have specific questions, you want to practice applying your skills, or you want to gain a more in-depth understanding of a topic – we have you covered.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/2tKpvTpsRAGbG9TCKyfgpa/image.png">
RESN Help is our existing question-and-answer service.
RESN Quizzes is a database full of exam-style questions that helps to bridge the gap in resources available to regional and rural students. You can upload answers to the questions, and you’ll receive model answers right away. After marking your answers yourself, you'll have the option of receiving further feedback from a tutor should you require it.
RESN Wiki is designed to provide you with specific information relating to each subject. In these regularly-updated blogs and pages, you will find information based on frequently asked questions from students. You'll also have access to our tutors' best tips and tricks and general information about how to get through Year 11/12, university courses, and careers.
Available to all regional and rural students - login to the RESN Web App and try our resources today!

RESN Quizzes & Wiki have launched! A bank of original questions specific to VCE and a dynamic database of helpful information - all available through the RESN Portal.

RESN Quizzes & Wiki Have Launched

<img alt="Image" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/gVDB9aVEs3HyPZ3EucxS2x/wdysfinal.jpg">
Why do you study? Yep, you read that right. Why? Think about it.
For so many years of our school lives, we tell ourselves we have to. Until Year 10, it’s our parent’s decision, but after then, we can legally leave if we wanted - so why don’t we?
If you’re anything like me, you love to complain about the things you ‘have to do’. School-work, uni-work, work-work. The harder it is, the more I complain to myself. But over the years, I’ve learnt something important about studying. When it gets hard, when I can’t understand something or I get a bad result, all I need to do is return to this question – Why do I study?
The question snaps me out of playing victim and slaps a bit of reality into me. I don’t ‘have to’ do anything. It may seem unlikely when you’re half-asleep in a maths class, but education is a privilege, and many don’t have access to it.
Maybe you’re like Bailey (20, Head of Recruitment at RESN), and your why is something along the lines of “we all only get one shot at what we do each day, so we better make the most of it - if I can do well, then I feel obliged to”. If you know you’re capable of getting a certain grade, are you selling yourself short by settling for anything less? You might be like Jim (20, grew up in Wellington, rural NSW). Jim sees studying as a way to “break the chain and make sure I have options”. Jim grew up on his family farm but his passion lies in psychology. Studying allows him to pursue that.
Now, I know that it’s not always fun. We’ve all been there. Hamish (22, Head of Strategy at RESN) also remembers not enjoying many of his subjects in school, and feeling as though studying was just something he ‘had to do’. He has since realised that the skills he has learnt through education have “impacted my thinking and my views on the world. I feel far more informed and knowledgeable and that is worth everything to me”.
So next time you feel like giving up or setting your biology notes on fire, take a second and take a breath. Ask yourself why it is that you persist and keep this why at the core of your study. You’ve got this!
Words by Ella Katz

Feel like setting your revision notes on fire? Take a breath and give this post a read!

Why Do You Study?

<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/Xv7tDnnqvxrZzkiPFadu2G/1.png">
Great job! You’ve been studying a lot for that test or essay you have coming up so now it’s time to take a break.
You tell yourself it’ll be short so you pick up your phone and open TikTok, scroll through Instagram or catch up on the last bit of that TV episode you were watching.
But after a while you look at the clock and notice it’s been hours since you decided to take a break.
You’ve watched heaps of TikTok videos, tons of Instagram stories and an entire season of that TV show but you’re not feeling prepared for that assignment anymore.
You know what? That’s okay! It’s a common struggle and we’re here to help you out. Here are some ways to prevent turning breaks from only five minutes into five hours:
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/WWAQqzk5NebKsv5EGXJyUg/2.png">
1. Grab a bite to eat.
It’s okay to go to the fridge and grab some food. It can be a reward for the hard work you’ve been doing.
However, remind yourself that’s all you should be doing. You want to make sure that the energy you gain from eating is put into good use – like studying!
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/6TbpMdA8DQHpiNFZM6iYbA/3.png">
2. Stretch your legs.
It can be bad for your health to be sitting around and studying for too long, so at least once every hour try standing up and taking a little walk around the house.
You can also do a few stretches. Try rotating your neck and your shoulders to relieve any tension that has been built up from sitting down for too long.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/6TDHgPkrEUG8MFAtdwRg4C/4.png">
3. Meditate.
It’s also a good way to give your mind a break because your brain can only work productively for so long.
Close your eyes and clear your head of any thoughts – especially thoughts that are making you feel anxious.
If you need a little guidance, why not try some meditation apps like Smiling Mind or Calm? Either way you’ll return to studying feeling refreshed and with a new perspective.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/D7Tcmn5onUBREWDhVHxC7K/5.png">
4. Get necessary tasks done.
If you’re scared that you’ll find yourself getting distracted, set yourself a five-minute timer and do all the tasks that aren’t studying that you need to get done.
Answer any important emails. Send a couple of messages. Check the mailbox. Bring out the boms. Once that’s all done, it’s time to get back into it.
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/EbcRnpadCVNGLinrak6YkW/6.png">
5. Avoid anything addictive or passive.
If you start doing an easy activity, like scrolling through social media or watching funny videos, it stimulates the reward system in your brain and gets it saying to itself, ‘Huh? Study? What study?’
Try leaving that stuff for longer breaks and tell your brain, ‘Hey, stop. You’ve got a test to ace'.
<hr>
Want some more tips on smart study? You can find them <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-study-smarter-not-harder-in-3-easy-steps">here</a>! However, if you need a bit more convincing, check out our <a href="https://www.resn.org.au/blog/its-never-too-soon-to-revise-old-content-3-reasons-why">reasons why you should revise old content</a>!
Good luck, everyone!
Words by Xenia Sanut

Breaks that turn into procrastinating is a common struggle but we’re here to help you out! Here are some ways to prevent turning breaks from only five minutes into five hours.

How to Take a Break but Not Procrastinate

<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/fd7a2wtHpFLuvhyA4eL3Gd/aug1title.jpg">
Revision takes time. Even the brightest kid in the school can’t leave revising an entire unit to the night before the exam and still ace it. We know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but we’ve decided to burst your bubble now, rather than when you’re 2 days and 3 mental breakdowns away from your first Year 12 exam.
What if we re-imagined revision? Instead of it being another word for cramming, we reckon revising regularly throughout the year is the key to succeeding in your exams. Here’s our take on why:
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/FvmQq4iTTDqJTU4kjEDhiE/aug1.jpg">
<h4>1. Learnt ≠ Memorised</h4>
Year 12 subjects are often taught over an entire year, so naturally, the content you learnt at the start of Term 1 won’t be as fresh in your brain as the last topics you’re taught.
According to Jun (Head of Tutoring at RESN), “the mistake many students make is thinking that having learnt a topic previously means it’ll come back to them quickly. This isn’t always the case, and probably won’t be if you leave a topic untouched for more than half a year!”
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/iKPYeR2AdAsfw3Z6ZDWspf/aug12.jpg">
<h4>2. Our Brains Are Lazy</h4>
A lot of the research out there suggests that you retain more if you break your revision up into small and regular chunks. This <a href="http://http://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/What-Makes-Great-Teaching-REPORT.pdf">report</a> recommends a technique called ‘spacing’. This means giving yourself gaps between revision sessions to allow yourself to forget and re-learn the content. Pretty cool, right? Basically, it’s looking like 1 hour of revision a week trumps a 3 day cramming session in terms of what you’ll actually remember when you sit down in the exam!
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/5wRTKAYDcarZM3mhmvANHR/aug1.3.jpg">
<h4>3. Less Stress, More Success</h4>
Exams can be daunting - especially when you approach one feeling under-prepared. So, why not be kinder to your future-self and map out a way to approach the exam-period with your revision well under way?
Jun says spending just 15 minutes every second day on a subject will mean you’re comfortable and familiar with the old content, while you learn the new stuff. According to our maths that adds up to a whopping 21 hours per subject after 6 months!
Want more tips on how to study ‘smarter not harder’? Check out our <a href="http://www.resn.org.au/blog/how-to-study-smarter-not-harder-in-3-easy-steps.com">post</a>. Have more questions? Feel free to submit any study-related questions on your portal. You’ve got this!
Words by Ella Katz

What if we re-imagined revision? Instead of it being another word for cramming, we reckon revising regularly throughout the year is the key to succeeding in your exams. Here’s our take on why.

It's Never Too Soon To Revise Old Content: 3 Reasons Why

<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/QFbh7fybWBiJKnxuLsFa3J/1.png">
‘Study smarter, not harder’ is advice that floats around a lot when you’re in Year 11 and 12 -- but what does that even mean? And how do you even follow it?
In summary, ‘studying smart’ is making the most of the time you spend studying.
It’s an incredibly important skill, especially since Year 11 and 12 can be very busy and you want to make the best use of your time.
Here are our top tips to help you master smart studying:
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/MNcCqj4ff7ak2XEgF2F7FF/2.png">
<h4>1. Make specific and manageable goals.</h4>
It’s easy to say that we’re going to complete a practice exam in one sitting, but how many of us actually do it?
It can be daunting to start a task that large, so try and make your goals SMART. You should make them:
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/ijPAXeV5dndg7TE8wMeuNo/5.png">
Through SMART goal planning, you can break down a 1.5 hour practice exam with 40 marks by thinking of it as keeping to 2 minutes for each mark, which makes studying manageable and overcoming hurdles easier.
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/AwQxFN5wPfWJscB3QUvzBg/3.png">
<h4>2. Study in short and intensive chunks.</h4>
It might be tempting to cram the night before a test, but your brain struggles to process all that information in one go and you’ll burn out quickly.
A good way to structure your study is by doing it for 25 minutes before taking a five-minute break after.
Once you do that three more times, you can reward yourself with a longer break.
This strategy, also known as the Pomodoro Technique, can prevent burnout and helps you complete any task, not just studying.
<hr>
<img alt="Attachment" src="https://cdn.resn.org.au/media/files/ffr5sFC9iPxgAqJPpqaXPC/4.png">
<h4>3. Remove all distractions.</h4>
Distractions are the easiest form of procrastination, but it’s generally what stops us all from studying effectively.
If distractions are a common barrier, try and study at a desk or a location that you will mainly use for studying.
If you know you spend hours on TikTok or Instagram, put your phone in another room.
We all know that procrastination is tempting when you’re working on a computer, so trying using Self Control to help block you from accessing websites like Netflix and YouTube for a set amount of time.
<hr>
While there are a lot of great study tips out there, we hope these three steps make picking up that notebook and pen easier and we encourage you to find what study strategy works best for you.
Good luck! And happy studying!
Words by Xenia Sanut

‘Study smarter, not harder’ is advice that floats around a lot when you’re in Year 11 and 12  -- but what does that even mean? And how do you even follow it?

How to Study ‘Smarter Not Harder’ in 3 Easy Steps

Hello all,
We understand this is a tumultuous time for many and we both hope you and your extended families are safe and well. We would like to address the everchanging Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how we are addressing this at RESN.
This is a quick reminder that it is business as usual at RESN, and we will continue to provide all of the services you have become accustomed to including all of your questions and essays. With recent school closures and online learning, it is now more important than ever to support your learning.
As always, all English, Maths, Science and Commerce subjects are readily supported by our tutors, in conjunction with Humanities and some Language courses. Anything else? Drop us a message or place your question and we will find someone to help.
We’d like to remind you that questions about how to study best at home, how to manage no-contact classes and how to overcome a stressful period are all welcomed as well! We’re here for extra support.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us by sending us a message on your preferred platform or emailing <a href="mailto:info@resn.org.au">info@resn.org.au</a>.
As the world grapples with this pandemic, we hope that RESN can provide some stability to your academic year.
All the best,
The RESN Team

This is a quick post about how we are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic at RESN.

COVID-19 Update

We're very excited to be offering you free, online tutoring in 2020, just like last year! With new tutors on board and constant improvements to the portal being made, we think this year could be our best yet.
Please give our service a go by sending through a question about any of your subjects!
We're looking forward to developing a new service to run in conjunction with our question-and-answer service, so keep your eyes peeled for an update in the second half of this year.
If you have any suggestions or ideas, please let us know at <a href="mailto:info@resn.org.au">info@resn.org.au</a>!

We're very excited to be offering you free, online tutoring in 2020! With new tutors on board and constant improvements to the portal, we think this year could be our best yet.

Welcome back to 2020!

We have some final advice for everyone still going with exams! Our tutor Jun C has some motivating words to keep you going!
To remember that regardless of how hard you've worked over the year (or regardless of whether you have any regrets) - no one's year 12 is perfect! Also keep reminding yourself that you will most likely never have to do some of the subjects you're studying ever again, so make the most of it! The only thing you can really ask for is to try your best in the remaining days leading up to your exams, and not giving up until the VERY LAST MINUTE of the exams as well, so that you can leave the exam hall knowing you have truly given it your all, given the circumstances.

We have some final advice for everyone still going with exams! Our tutor Jun C has some motivating words to keep you going!

VCE Advice: Part 3

For the second week of exams, we have some more advice for you from another one of our tutors: Jess. She says:
As long as you can walk into the exam knowing you’ve done everything you could, you should feel confident and know that the exam you produce and the score you produce you have earned. But doing everything you can does not translate to eight hour study days, it means maintaining a balance between your mental health, your enjoyment of your subjects and your commitment to your subjects. Sometimes, watching a movie or going out for a meal are necessary to ensure that the person that walks into the exam is the best version of yourself.

For the second week of exams, we have some more advice for you from another one of our tutors: Jess.

VCE Advice: Part 2

So... the English exam is tomorrow!
We asked some of our tutors for any advice for Year 11s and 12s approaching exams, and we got some fantastic insights... 🧡 Here’s Max with his perspective:
Towards the end of year 12 you'll face many daunting tasks and decisions: Exams, university selection, work life, independence and more await you. You might catch yourself thinking that any one of these aspects could dramatically change the course of your life. Maybe that's true. You're going to receive a lot of advice, for sure. Some might say take breaks, some might say get serious and knuckle down. Some might tell you to follow your heart, some might tell you to think with your head. There may be only one thing that can be said for sure:&quot;Þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg&quot; - An old Anglo-Saxon adage. &quot;That was overcome, so may this be&quot;. Things might not turn out exactly as predicted, you might find yourself situated in way you would have never previously imagined. But this too shall pass, like all things. Good luck.

So... the English exam is tomorrow! We asked some of our tutors for any advice for Year 11s and 12s approaching exams, and we got some fantastic insights!

VCE Advice: Part 1

It’s World Mental Health Day! We understand that this time of year is extremely stressful for students, especially those in Year 12. We hope all our students take the time to have a break, think of the big picture, and be proud of the efforts they have already put in this year.
Please reach out to someone you trust if you need to seek help, or you can find help through this link <a href="https://1010.org.au/need-help/">https://1010.org.au/need-help/</a> 💘

It’s World Mental Health Day! We hope all our students take the time to have a break, think of the big picture, and be proud of the efforts they have already put in this year.

World Mental Health Day

It’s the end of term 3! This means holidays for all our 7-11 students and study time for our year 12 students. Don't worry year 12s! We are here for you!! Send us any questions you have while you study and we will get back to you within 24 hours! (Also don’t forget to take regular breaks!) ❤️

It’s the end of term 3! This means holidays for all our 7-11 students and study time for our year 12 students. Don't worry year 12s! We are here for you!

End of Term 3!

Today is R U OK? Day, a reminder that a simple question can make a huge difference to the people around us.
We know that VCE can be a tough time. It’s days like today when we can take a moment to breathe, to look beyond the marks and SACs and exams, and instead take a look at our mates.
As R U OK? Day comes to a close, please take the time to check in with your friends to ask how they’re doing.
After all, we’re all in it together
If you need support, you can find services and tools at <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp">www.ruok.org.au/findhelp</a>

Today is R U OK? Day, a reminder that a simple question can make a huge difference to the people around us.

R U OK? Day

One year ago today we answered our first RESN question! Crazy to look back and see how far we have come! To everyone sending us questions, answering questions or supporting us, we thank you! 🧡

One year ago today we answered our first RESN question! Crazy to look back and see how far we have come!

1 Year Ago...

Got questions about study scores? Want to know how a study score is calculated?
VCAA have made videos explaining it all! You can find this helpful resource <a href="https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/results/Pages/StudyScoreVideos.aspx">here</a>.
Got any more questions about it? Send it to us, and one of our experienced tutors will get back to you in 24 hours!

Got questions about study scores? Want to know how a study score is calculated? VCAA have made videos explaining it all!

VCE Study Scores

After a big first half of the year at RESN, we're proud to say that we are continuing to grow at a rapid pace!
We now have over 800 students signed up, and over 900 questions answered!
With our team of 100 experienced tutors covering the 20 most popular VCE subjects, we've been working hard to make our little bit of difference to the education of regional and rural Victorian students.
We've also been able to have some media exposure - check out some of our articles available in the links below, as well as our radio interview with 2AY.
We're always on the lookout for new contacts, sponsors, pieces of advice... anything! Please contact us at <a href="mailto:info@resn.org.au">info@resn.org.au</a> if you have anything you'd like to pass onto our team!

After a big first half of the year at RESN, we're proud to say that we are continuing to grow at a rapid pace!