The holidays can feel like a double-edged sword for HSC students. On one hand, you’ve got more control of your time and a golden opportunity to prepare for exams.
On the other, it’s tempting to either “do nothing” (then panic later) or push too hard and end up exhausted!!
So, how can you make the most of the break — while also resting, recharging, and avoiding burnout? Here are some tips from the team at Tutoring4All.
1. Start with a balanced vision (not a cram session)
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Set one or two “major goals” each day. These could be: completing two past papers for each subject, writing drafts for essays, or mastering one content area you struggle with.
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Break that into mini-goals. E.g. “focus on the feedback from previous assessments”
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Build in “off days” — days when you do no study (or very light review). These help your brain rest and reduce stress.
2. Structure your days — but keep flexibility
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Use a weekly schedule rather than a rigid hour-by-hour plan. E.g. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays = deep work (practice papers, writing), Tuesdays/Thursdays = lighter tasks (review, summary, flashcards), weekends = creative tasks, catch-up, rest.
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Alternate intensity: You might pair a subject that you enjoy (e.g. Chemistry) with a subject that gives you a little more trouble (e.g. English) in a single study block to break monotony.
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Use short, focused sessions (Pomodoro style) — e.g. 25 or 50 minutes of full focus, then a 5–10 min break. After 3–4 cycles, take a longer break (30 min).
3. Prioritise active learning over passive exposure
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Past papers and exam-style questions should be your best friends. They help you get used to the structure, time pressure, and common question types.
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Self-explain: After reading a concept, close your books and try to teach it (out loud or in writing) as if you were teaching someone else.
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Flashcards, mind-maps, summary sheets are your allies — especially for quick reviews.
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Mix up your subjects during the day so your brain has variety and doesn’t fry in one domain.
4. Build in rest, movement, and “non-study time”
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Sleep, sleep, sleep. Aim for consistent bed and wake-up times. Sleep is when your brain consolidates memory.
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Exercise or movement — a walk, stretching, yoga, or a sport you love. Getting your blood flowing clears your mind, boosts mood, and fights fatigue.
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Hobbies, social time, mini escapes: read a novel, watch a show, see friends, or just do nothing for a bit. These aren’t “wasted time” — they’re essential recharge time.
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Mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises — even 5 minutes a day can calm your system and reset your focus.
5. Monitor your energy — not just hours
It’s not how many hours you study, but how effective they are.
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Keep a simple log or journal: which session was productive, which wasn’t, how you felt, what you’d change.
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If you feel drained, avoid the temptation to push harder — switch to lighter tasks, take a break, or pause for a day.
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Use “energy-based planning”: do your hardest stuff when you feel freshest (morning, mid-afternoon), and leave lighter tasks (review, flashcards, summarising) for when your focus is waning.
6. Stay accountable — but forgiving
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Buddy system or study partner: check in daily or every few days with someone else doing HSC prep. Share one goal you achieved.
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Weekly reflection: At the end of each week, ask: What went well? What didn’t? What should I change (for next week)?
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If you miss a session or fall behind — don’t beat yourself up. Adjust the plan. Move on. Restart.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a precious chance to hit pause on the usual school rhythm, catch your breath, and strategically push forward. The goal for HSC is not to exhaust yourself now, but to emerge stronger, more confident, and well prepared when exams hit!
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or how to structure your break so reach out!
Our tutors at Tutoring4All are always happy to help with planning, strategy, or accountability checks.
You’ve got this — balance + consistency = progress.