Missed a lot of material and need help getting back on track

KateH99

I am a student in my last year of secondary school. I have missed two thirds of my fifth year classes and half of my classes this year and am studying 6 higher level subjects and one ordinary language. I have always had an academic aptitude and got straight A’s until Transition year.

My mother passed away at the beginning of TY and for personal reasons I began missing days sporadically. It got to a point where I would missed weeks at a time. I would justify my absences by telling myself and others that I could catch up by myself and I believed (and still believe) that this is possible, however, I didn’t do the study I said I would, I have really started to struggle with studying and I am a naturally disorganised person.

If today is my turning point and I begin attending every class and really trying my hardest I believe I still have a chance at getting decent grades but I need some help getting started. I feel like right now I know about 20-25% of my leaving cert material. If anyone knows anything about creating a strict study schedule, studying effectively or even just getting into the right mindset to help me not stumble and give up it would really help me right now.

I know I have the ability. If I gave every day one hundred percent from now until June I could do well, I’m just holding myself back by not studying and not attending school. Thank you.

spurious

If you were a student of mine, I would advise you to rejoin 5th year now and give yourself the best possible chance at the exam in 2019.

patt2000

Rejoining 5th Year sounds like good advice. Sounds like you need structure and support and the school environment is probably the best place to provide that and it might relieve some of the pressure. It's hard to create and keep to a schedule, by yourself. My school days are in the distant past but I didn't realise back then that a year isn't really a long time. You're building the foundations of your future and that's not something to be rushed.

I don't know if you've asked any teachers for advice but I think you should. That's part of their job and they will want you to do well.

Best of luck anyway, whatever you decide to do. You sound very brave to me. I'm sure you will do well. It has obviously been a very challenging time for you and it's no surprise that you lost focus, under the circumstances. I hope you also have the emotional support that you need.

stargazing123

KateH99 wrote: »

I am a student in my last year of secondary school. I have missed two thirds of my fifth year classes and half of my classes this year and am studying 6 higher level subjects and one ordinary language. I have always had an academic aptitude and got straight A’s until Transition year.

My mother passed away at the beginning of TY and for personal reasons I began missing days sporadically. It got to a point where I would missed weeks at a time. I would justify my absences by telling myself and others that I could catch up by myself and I believed (and still believe) that this is possible, however, I didn’t do the study I said I would, I have really started to struggle with studying and I am a naturally disorganised person.

If today is my turning point and I begin attending every class and really trying my hardest I believe I still have a chance at getting decent grades but I need some help getting started. I feel like right now I know about 20-25% of my leaving cert material. If anyone knows anything about creating a strict study schedule, studying effectively or even just getting into the right mindset to help me not stumble and give up it would really help me right now.

I know I have the ability. If I gave every day one hundred percent from now until June I could do well, I’m just holding myself back by not studying and not attending school. Thank you.

Sorry for your loss x It's clear you have had quiet a diffucult time so it's completely understandable that you have somewhat fallen behind. The key is to gradually get back into routine. Do little bits of study each night but also allow yourself at least one hour each night to do something you love such as listening to music or reading a book do whatever just relax. You also believe in yourself and you do have the ability . If you sit down at a desk and just make lists,notes,goals,grades,upcoming class tests or exams .Make lists of them all. Then relax and follow your desired study plan based on the time you have and the difficulty of the subject. What I always find effective is to time yourself for 45 mins just studying any subject ,then take a 10 min break and resume studying . Hope this helps x

brendanwalsh

Sit down. Make out a study plan covering every week, month and year. Make it detailed to the extent of covering x amount of chapters per day/week etc. Is there a need to do the 7 subjects???

The pass subject should be given least priority as it won't get you much points in any respect, just make sure u hit the minimum requirements.

Going back to 5th year is an option, but I think if you knuckle down and give it your best for the next 6 months u may get the points. If you didn't you could always repeat 6th year then. It depends on what course you are aiming for.

There's no substitute for hard work. Put the head down and put in the time. You've a great future ahead of you, make the next 6months or 18 months something to be proud to look back on.

Sorry for your loss.