How to pass Year 12 Health and Human Development

When studying Year 12, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the advice people throw your way. There are countless tips and strategies people suggest in order to ace year 12.

But are there certain tips specific for certain subjects? Or can we apply a ‘one strategy fits all’ technique to organise our study sessions?  When it comes to good study practice, there seems to be a common thread; get into a good routine, and ask for help along the way.

We spoke to Teagan Steen, Year 12 Health and Human Development teacher at Box Hill Senior Secondary College. She was happy to share her expertise on ticking all those boxes and feeling confident in passing Year 12 Health and Human Development.

 What does good study practice look like?

Steen believes that organisation is the key to success when studying throughout Year 12 and when preparing for those final end of year exams. ‘Students who keep a regular study schedule are better able to keep up with the ongoing demands of assessment throughout Year 12,’ she explains.

Revising content when it is fresh in the mind, shortly after a lesson also seems to work well. ‘Students should organise their study so that they go home and revise what they have learnt that day,’ she says. This allows content to be studied when it is recent and allows clarification of any uncertainties that come up.

Steen also advises students to find a method of study that works for them whilst studying, and to stick to it. For example, she suggests to ‘use post it notes to write down questions if they come across a concept or a word they don’t understand so they remember to ask their teacher the next time they see them.’

What should you focus on when studying?

According to Steen, the Health and Human Development course is subjective and variable, however, there are some concepts that don’t change. ‘The concepts that don’t change, like health indicators and dimensions of health and wellbeing, are important foundations to build knowledge on,’ she explains.

Steen also stresses the importance of reading the VCAA study design in reference to knowing the structure of the course, and what to prepare for when studying. ‘All assessments are written from the key knowledge outlined in the study design,’ Steen says.

What are the best study tips for Health and Human Development?

Steen was keen to share some of her tips and tricks for making the most out of your study time and ensuring that you are studying more effectively. ‘Simply reading and re-writing notes is not sufficient to gain a full understanding of the content,’ she explains.

Instead, Steen suggests creating some visual methods of studying, and finding what works best for you. ‘Creating concept maps, cue cards and posters can be helpful,’ she says.

Steen also recommends working in study groups or with other friends. ‘Study groups are great for students to be able to talk about concepts with others,’ she says. ‘The best method is to teach someone else,’ Steen adds. The theory behind this is that it allows students to confirm their knowledge in certain subjects and then having to articulate and explain that knowledge to someone else. ‘Students who go home and teach Mum or Dad about concepts they are learning allows them to consolidate the information and solidify it in their memories,’ she explains.

Where is the best place to turn to for support while studying?

Steen was quick and firm in her recommendation of turning straight to your teachers if in any doubt throughout the Health and Human Development course. ‘In my experience the students who tend to score the highest are those that ask the most questions,’ she says.

So, with these tips and tricks up our sleeve, it seems that it is imperative to cement a study routine early in Year 12 and maintain it throughout the year. Utilising these study techniques, developing your own revision style, and asking for help and clarification when needed could go a long way in helping you feel confident when walking into that end of year Health and Human Development exam.