Sarah Merchant, a Year 12 student and Prefect at St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton feels the college is helping to take some of that stress away.
“I’m receiving plenty of support from the college, as my teachers are helping me through the past papers and the school gives us the opportunity to go on excursions to HSC talks and university open days,” said Sarah.
Commencing at St Catherine’s in Year 8 2015, Sarah has always been impressed by how welcoming and close-knit the St Catherine’s community is.
“Everyone seems to know one another and I felt very welcomed into the school community when I started four years ago.”
When it comes to balancing her studies and other life commitments, Sarah finds it important to use her study periods wisely when she gets the chance, while also ensuring to schedule in time for social events.
“With the study periods I’ve been given, I like to use them to catch up on my study notes.
“I have also been encouraged to create a study timetable and I like to use one to plan out my time effectively.
“For the weekends I will set out one of the two days just for studying and completing assessments.
“For instance, if I have a family commitment or social event on Saturday, I try to get my assessments done and study on Sunday.”
As she begins her preparation for the HSC, Sarah has been getting all her study notes up-to-date, as well as completing past exam papers and attending information sessions.
As her time at St Catherine’s comes to an end, Sarah has many fond memories she will cherish for years to come of the friendships made and the many opportunities offered by the college.
“I particularly enjoyed the Year 12 camp that I went on in Term 4 last year.
“I had a lot of fun with my year group and it mentally prepared me for my final year of high school.
After the completion of the HSC, Sarah plans to attend the University of Newcastle and study a Bachelor of Arts, with the eventual goal of becoming a museum or art gallery curator.
All the best to Sarah and her future endeavours.