UpGrade Providing Study Skills for our Year 7s
We all know that moving into high school is a big adjustment, with new routines, new expectations, and suddenly, a lot more responsibility. That’s why we are ensuring our Year 7s are building the foundations they need to feel confident and capable, right from the start.
This term, our library team has been running a series of study skills sessions with our Year 7 classes, covering:
- How to stay organised (because no one enjoys that last-minute assignment panic),
- Memory techniques that actually work,
- Smarter ways to take notes,
- And yes, even referencing! It might not sound exciting, but it is an essential skill that we introduce early.
Study Skills That Stick – And Spark Motivation
What is making these sessions really click is our own digital learning platform, UpGrade. It is full of interactive study skills eCourses that reinforce what students are learning, but with a fun twist: it is gamified.
When students complete a course, they earn SMC Coins to ‘buy’ prizes. It is a simple, clever way to keep them motivated while making learning feel rewarding, and they are absolutely on board.
Helping Students Thrive, Now and Into the Future
These sessions are a part of how we support our girls in becoming confident, independent learners. With each session, students are building:
- Self-management skills to organise their time and tasks
- Critical thinking through deeper engagement with learning strategies
- Digital literacy as they navigate UpGrade
- Resilience, as they learn to face challenges with confidence
“The thing I found most helpful was how to use flashcards for memory practice.” Sofia
By teaching these skills early, we are giving our students the tools to thrive, not just in school, but well beyond it. We hope parents feel proud and reassured knowing their daughters are off to a strong and supported start.
- Featured, self-management, studentwellbeing, StudySkills, UpGrade, Year7
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
