How to structure a study routine for the summer holidays to stay on track for a 99+ ATAR

Manoj Arachige -

Hi future Year 12 students! My name is Simran, and I’m a KIS Academics tutor specialising in Maths Methods. I've been through the transition from Year 11 to Year 12 myself and know how daunting it can feel. Striking the perfect balance between study and relaxation during the summer holidays was key to my success, and I’m here to share my tried-and-tested tips with you.

Why Is Holiday Study Planning Important?

 The summer break is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a time to unwind and recharge after a challenging year; on the other, it’s your chance to get a head start on Year 12. Balancing these two priorities is crucial to ensure you don’t burn out while also making meaningful progress. In addition, a structured holiday study ensures you retain key content from Year 11, build confidence for Year 12, and establish productive habits early on.

How to Plan Your Study Routine

 1. Set SMART Goals

  • Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve (e.g., “Revise trigonometry” instead of “Do maths”).
  • Measurable: Set goals you can quantify, such as “Complete three practice essays by mid-January.”
  • Achievable: Be realistic about what you can achieve during the holidays.
  • Relevant: Focus on areas that will benefit you in Year 12.
  • Time-bound: Assign deadlines to keep yourself on track.

2. Create a Weekly Schedule

Break your day into blocks for study, leisure, and rest. Here’s an example schedule:

Monday to Friday:

  - 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Revise Year 11 content

  - 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Break (go for a walk, have a snack)

  - 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Work on Year 12 preparation

  - 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch

  - 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Practice questions or essays

  - 4:00 PM onwards: Leisure activities

Weekends:

Use weekends to review your week’s progress or work on challenging topics.

 3. Focus on High-Impact Activities

Concentrate on tasks that offer the greatest benefits. For example:

  • Revising Year 11 content you struggled with.
  • Practising essay writing or long-answer questions.
  • Reading ahead for Year 12 to familiarise yourself with the syllabus.

Incorporating Rest and Leisure

The Importance of Breaks

Continuous study can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity, short breaks every 25-30 minutes (the Pomodoro method) can significantly improve focus and retention.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Physical activity isn’t just great for your health—it also boosts brain function. A study cited by the [University of Queensland](https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-to-balance-study-life) found that regular exercise improves concentration and reduces stress, making it an essential part of any study routine.

Social and Family Time

Spending time with loved ones is a great way to recharge. Whether it’s movie nights, game days, or simply having meals together, these moments will help you stay connected and grounded.

Hobbies and Interests

Don’t forget to indulge in hobbies like painting, cooking, or gaming. They’ll keep you motivated and provide a much-needed mental break.

My Personal Tips for Success

Here’s what I did during my summer holidays to prepare for Year 12:

  1. Morning Study Sessions: I studied from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM every day. Mornings were my most productive time, and completing my studies early freed up the rest of my day.
  2. Flashcards and Mind Maps: I used these tools to review key concepts and summarise subjects like biology and history.
  3. Group Study: I occasionally studied with friends to tackle challenging topics. Sharing ideas helped solidify my understanding.
  4. Weekly Reviews: Every Sunday, I reviewed my progress and adjusted my schedule if needed.

FAQs

How many hours should I study each day during the holidays?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but 3-4 hours a day is a reasonable target. My overall recommendation is a consistent, focused study over cramming to build long-term retention.

What should I prioritise in my holiday study routine?

Focus on:

  • Strengthening weak areas from Year 11.
  • Previewing Year 12 material to build familiarity.
  • Practising skills like essay writing or problem-solving.

How can I stay motivated throughout the break?

  • Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you complete them.
  • Mix up your routine to avoid monotony (e.g., switch subjects or study locations).
  • Remember your ultimate goal: Year 12 success.

Where can I find information about my topics?

The best place to start is your state’s curriculum guidelines. These outline the key topics, learning objectives, and resources for each subject. Check your state or territory’s education board website for detailed and up-to-date information: 

-   VCE (Victoria): [VCAA](https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au)

-   HSC (New South Wales): [NESA](https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au)

-   QCE (Queensland): [QCAA](https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au)

-   WACE (Western Australia): [SCSA](https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au)

-   SACE (South Australia): [SACE Board](https://www.sace.sa.edu.au)

-   TCE (Tasmania): [TASC](https://www.tasc.tas.gov.au)

-   NTCE (Northern Territory): The [Northern Territory Department of Education](https://education.nt.gov.au)

Your teachers and school resources can also provide recommendations for textbooks and supplementary materials that align with your curriculum.

Final Thoughts

 The summer holidays are your chance to get ahead and set yourself up for Year 12 success. By creating a structured yet flexible study routine, incorporating rest and leisure, and staying consistent, you can achieve a healthy balance that leaves you refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.

Don’t forget: your study journey is unique to you. Adjust your schedule, goals, and strategies to suit your learning style and personal needs. You’ve got this!

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE, Simran Vaishnav. Simran is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at Bond University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Simran's profile here and request her as a tutor.