We know, studying would the be last thing on your mind now that Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has landed on Netflix… but lucky for everyone, they turning your bingeing obsession into something that will totally benefit you. A study guide!
More specifically, a “Guide to surviving exam HELL”.
Netflix have put together an extensive, yet fun guide to help anyone going through HSC exams right now get through it with the chill and ease that Sabrina Spellman embodies on the reg. If she can get through her dark baptism, you can get through these exams… here is a sneak peek at some of her tips:
- WITCHES BREW: A strong pot of tea or coffee will settle your nerves and keep your mind focused through every hellish essay. Throw eye of newt in the pot for good luck, if you can stomach it.
- A TRUSTY PEN: It doesn’t matter whether you’re signing your name in The Book of the Beast of penning an English essay, no ordinary writing implement will do. Choose wisely, and make sure your inkwell is never dry. (Mortal blood works a treat, but regular variety ink will suffice).
- YOUR FAMILIAR: Familiars are goblins who have taken on the shape of animals to better serve their witch masters. i.e. Sabrina Spellman’s familiar, Salem, appears in the guise of a cat. Regular pets are nowhere near as cunning but can provide stress relief during your studies.
- DEVILISH DEVICES: Laptops and smartphones are a lot like imps. They can be devilishly wicked, but if you can wrangle them, they can work in your favour. Use your devices to help schedule and focus your studies, not detract from them.
- GOOD LUCK CHARM: Superstitions are real, and you’ll need all the help you can get. Sure, you can stay focused, healthy and work hard, but you’re more likely to succeed with a charm. We hear raven’s claw pendants are in this season. Whatever works for you.
- UNHOLY WATER: While the witching world takes mortal science with a grain of salt, the research that proves the benefits of drinking water while studying does have merit. Beware of energy drinks. They might seem like a quick fix, but over imbibe and you’ll end up pouring sweat while speaking Latin backwards.
These guides are popping up all over Australia, so year 12 students can pick up a copy from their fav cafes/record stores/hangouts RN!
Until then, Vikki Ryall from Headspace.com has shared her top tips on surviving exams:
Oh man, I haven’t started studying yet…
Between friends, relationships, parties and Riverdale Season 1, it can be hard to get in the mood to study. But it’s totally possible! “Getting into a routine and having a timetable is important,” emphasises Vikki.
“This gives you goals to reach each week and creates mental patterns so you’re prepared to study at a certain time each day,” she adds. Studies show that 40-60 minute study blocks are great, but rewarding yourself with a fun break (*cough* Snapchat sesh) is always a good idea. If you’re feeling really distracted by your friends/socials try turning your phone on to do not disturb (read: flight mode) while you cram (and then turn it back on after, obvs).
So. Much. Pressure. HALP!
Come HSC time there can be a lot of expectation from family, teachers and yep even yourself. For some this makes exams almost impossible to sit through. “You need to be able to wind down after studying,” says Vikki. Eat nutritiously to help your concentration, which means avoiding sugary foods, upping your fruit and veggie consumption and drinking plenty of water. “Sleeping properly is an important part of letting your mind switch off,” Vikki adds, and suggests using relaxation methods such as sleep meditation to ensure you’re catching enough zzzs. Slowing your breathing down before an exam is a super-simple way to calm those nerves too. It lowers your blood pressure, creates mindfulness and promotes feelings of relaxation.
I don’t want to study [insert subject] anymore.
It was time to choose electives and you chose all the classes that your mates were choosing (coz FOMO), but now it’s obvious that these classes are totally not your vibe. “Choosing the wrong electives is a common problem students come across,” explains Vikki. But DW, we got this! Have a think about what you would’ve preferred to study and see if you can change. Too late? Discuss this with your year coordinator or your careers counsellor; there may be some extra classes you can sit or a TAFE/college course you can take to catch up. “It’s important to enjoy what you are studying,” says Vikki. If only Harry Styles Appreciation 101 was on the syllabus…
I didn’t get the ATAR I needed!
Firstly we totally get the disappointment thing; it sucks after all that effort that you didn’t get the marks, but there ARE other ways to do the things you love. Colleges and TAFE courses can be a stepping-stone to getting into your dream course. “Volunteering and work experience are also great ways to get hands-on experience,” explains Vikki. These options are furthering your education in a particular industry, so really you’re getting ahead. It’s a massive decision to choose a career path and there are so many options it can be overwhelming, so talk it out with a careers counsellor and take a load off. Life NOT over (phew).
Your wind down playlist:
- Talk is Cheap – Chet Faker
- Black Smoke – Emily Wurramara
- I see Fire – Kygo Remix of Ed Sheeran
- Run Rage – Sticky Fingers
- Make Them Wheels Roll – Safia
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