So You're Starting Senior Cycle

So... It’s been a long Summer and you’re facing back into Fifth Year. Or maybe you’ve just finished TY and the Junior Cycle and study seems like a really distant memory to you! Where do you even start?

It’s really important to start as you mean to go on. Here’s a few helpful tips for the coming year...

1. Your Study Space

Decide on where you’re going to study. Homes are busy places so it’s important to carve out your study area. If you feel your home might be a little too frantic to aid your study feng shui,

then there are always other options. Many schools offer after- school study sessions where you can work on your homework and do your study in a quiet atmosphere. Alternatively local

libraries usually offer study spaces for secondary school students. Even better still is that this is free!

2. Organise Your Space:

Have your timetable printed where you can see it. Use your journal/diary to keep track of what subjects you have and when assignments are due. Have everything you need close-by

—your pens, books, calculator, highlighters, post-its; everything ready to go. Make sure you study in a well-lit area, especially coming into the Winter months. Get yourself a

comfortable seat for those evening sessions at your desk or table. Avoid, if you can at all, studying in your bed. Make sure that phone is on “Do Not Disturb” too!

3. Continue to Do What You Love

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to keep doing what you love when you go into fifth year. Senior Cycle can often feel like a slog so it’s important that you punctuate your

time with doing things for yourself. A walk, a cinema trip, going to the shopping centre, spending time with friends, whatever it is, make sure you’re having a break from study and school!

4. StayActive

Whether that is playing hockey with your school team, running with your athletics club, yoga or simply walking your dog, it is so important that you do an activity that gets you outside and

moving. Taking the time out of your studies to do some exercise improves your brain’s health and your overall sense of wellbeing. Also, students who engage in extra curricular activities become experts in time-management which is an essential life skill! Further to that, if you’re thinking of applying to study in the UK, Europe or further afield, any activities or clubs that you’re a member of will enhance your application.

5.Practise Good Sleep Hygiene

It is essential that you’re getting enough ZZZs! A good bedtime routine is so important. Stop studying and avoid looking at screens an hour before bed. Some students find listening to some meditations like on Head Space can really help with winding down. If you find you’re constantly thinking of stuff you need to do the next day, one great tip is to have a notepad beside your bed and jot down any random thoughts. Once it’s out of your head, you can begin to relax and drift off!

6.But above all...Mind Yourself!!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by workload, anxious about class tests or just a bit lost with all

the new things you have to remember, there are people who can help, and want to help.

Friends can be a great source of support as they have an idea of what you’re going through. Family can also be wonderful too, often having gone through the Leaving Cert too. You can also talk to your class teacher if you’re struggling with a particular subject or maybe you would just like a quick check in with the guidance counsellor. You’re not alone and remember, the bravest word is “help!”

Below are some Mental Health supports that you can access

online:

Childline: 24-hour free-phone, online chat:

https://www.childline.ie/ 1800 666 666

Spunout: 24-hour text support: https://www.textaboutit.ie/

Text HELLO to 50808

Jigsaw: Webchat, counselling: https://jigsaw.ie/about-

jigsaw/

Pieta House: Text and Phone support: https://www.pieta.ie/

or 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444

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