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Hale School prefects mix volunteer work with school to add calm at exam time

Sara FitzpatrickWestern Suburbs Weekly

HALE School prefects Nicholas Cokis and James Haskis say they feel a general sense of calm around exam study periods.

Although some stress arises at times, both Year 12 students keep their spirits high while balancing studies with activities including charity work.

Nicholas helps charity Fairgame gathering donations of sports equipment, and James assists Nulsen Disability Services, supporting people with intellectual, physical and acquired brain injuries.

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Their secret to minimising stress is to maintain sporting and personal commitments and to be well prepared for exams by having a definite study schedule.

Nicholas likes to go for runs to clear his mind and get a quick meal with friends after exams to unwind.

“Advice from my school and family has been to break up study by getting away from the desk – this makes the study that you actually do far more effective since you approach every new topic with a renewed sense of purpose and vigour,” he said.

“Sport trainings, runs and walks are a great way to do this.”

James avoids worry and tension by using his time wisely and arranging activities well in advance.

“The sooner that you plan your study, the more likely you are to get it done and, in turn, be able to enjoy a stress-free exam period,” he said.

“The best bit of advice I received from Hale is that you shouldn’t wait for exams to prompt you to study, you have to be engaged every day with specific goals in mind and to plan your study in detail.

“It’s amazing how much you can get done and how effective your study can be if you get organised.”

Nicholas added that students should remove distractions like phones from the study area, ensuring they make the best use of their time.

“My family has long insisted that while academic results are important, a well-rounded education is about far more than merely marks,” James said.

“It’s just as important to embrace a wide variety of pursuits, to take yourself outside of your comfort zone, because ultimately those experiences are the ones which shape you and, in the immediate context of exams, help you to relax and de-stress.”

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