FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I come?

You should come to HSC Lockdown if:

• You find it hard to motivate yourself to study
• You are easily distracted at home
• You study better in a group environment
• You can’t have a break without feeling guilty
• Your mum isn’t helping your concentration
• You  want to get to know other Year 12 students
• You think study should be fun!
• It would be helpful to have some experienced people around when you get stuck

What happens each day?

Each study week will look a bit different, but this will give you a rough idea:

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY		FRIDAY
8.45am	Arrive and set up
9.00am -11.00am	Personal Study Period  #1
11am- 11.30am	Morning Tea
11.30am -1.00pm	Personal Study Period  #2
1.00pm- 1.45pm	Lunch (incl. compulsory fun)
1.45pm – 2.15pm	What Matters Most – discussion & reflection of a Christian worldview
2.15pm – 3.15pm	Personal Study Period  #3 / Small Group Seminars				3	Personal StudyPeriod #3 /Small Group Seminars
3.15pm – 3.30 pm	AFTERNOON TEA				HOUR
3.30pm – 4.30pm	Personal Study Period # 4  /  Small group seminars				PRACTICE  EXAM	Personal Study Period  # 4 /Small group seminars(incl. Final Wrap up)
4.30pm – 5.30pm	Depart / Optional study until 5.30pm				(optional)	RELAX AND PIZZA
5.30pm	Final  Departure

 

How much does it cost?

HSC Lockdown costs $135.00 for the week.  This includes all resources, food, and activities.  You need to book for the whole week.  You can’t pay for individual days.

Please note that the 3 day Little Lockdown is $75, and SU Study Hall is $119.

Do I have to book in for the whole week?

Yes. The aim of the week is to build a sense of community and friendship as we study together.  It also increases confidence and understanding to build on the study success of previous days.

Who will be there?

HSC Lockdown is open to all students completing the HSC in 2011.  However because accommodation isn’t provided, we expect that most students will be from Secondary Schools and T.A.F.E’s located in the local area.  Students from outside the region can also apply, however they will need to make their own accommodation arrangements.

Where is HSC Lockdown being held?

HSC Lockdowns are being held in various locations around NSW

• Wollongong                       Smiths Hill High Schoool  map
• Central Coast                    Wyong Christian Community School map
• Tamworth                          Tamworth High School  map
• Newcastle                           St. Philips Christian College (Waratah)  map
• Sydney # 1                          Pacific Hills Christian School (Dural) map
• Sydney # 2                         SU Study Hall – partnership w Christchurch St Ives.

Do we just study all day? Is it seriously 25 hours of study?

No way! We break the day up with opportunities to chat, eat, get some exercise and be challenged about life after the HSC.

Yes it seriously is 25 hours, but that’s spread over five days. You can even do an extra hour per day if you’re keen.  But if you’re not committed to doing the hours, it’s best that you don’t come and leave the space for someone else.

Will it be fun?

It depends on what you mean by fun. It won’t be a party (that’s after the exams).  But it will be better than trying to sit at home studying by yourself.  The study sessions will be the time to work hard, either individually or in seminar groups. But you’ll get to meet new people, relax and have fun during the non study times.

What do I need to bring?

All your study notes

• Textbooks
• Other relevant reference books
• Past exams and assessment tasks
• Past exam papers (you may want to share these with others)
• Notepaper & pens etc
• Your study plan for the week
• Laptop (optional)
• MP3 (optional)
• Small amount of money for photocopying notes, buying snacks etc.
• Anything else you think you may need to assist in your study.

You will be able to leave your notes etc at the site overnight if you wish.  The site will be locked but we can’t take responsibility for any losses.

What happens in tutoring and seminar groups?

Most days specialist teachers or experienced uni students will visit HSC Lockdown.  You can book in 30 minute timeslots with them.  We will advise you at the beginning of the week which tutors will attend on which days.  Please make sure that you include your subjects when you register online.  It will help us too as we try to ensure we have as many subjects covered as possible.  If there are common questions that come up during the week, we will run some small group seminars (30mins) to answer them.

What is ‘What Matters Most’?

This is the time each day when we focus on life away from the HSC.  Each day we will spend about 15 minutes thinking and hearing about the claims of Jesus and how He has impacted on the lives of other people.  The time might include: interviews with students, a short talk and a time to ask questions and have them answered.

This is followed by 15 minutes of gathering in small groups to ask questions, share opinions and clarify points / ideas shared by the speaker.

Can I bring my computer?

Definitely.  We will set up certain places in the study area where you can power up. (Laptops only)

I always have music on when I study, is this O.K?

Yes.  If you normally listen to music while you study, feel free to bring along your MP3 player.  However please be aware that some other students work best in a quiet study environment, therefore you will need to have it at a volume where it doesn’t disturb others.

What is the practice exam, and do I have to do it?

On Thursday there is an opportunity for you to practice an exam, under exam conditions.  We will have past HSC exam papers available in a range of subjects.  The aim of this time is for you to practise getting your thoughts organised and your timing right.  This is optional and is held at an agreed time during the day.

Who is HSC Lockdown run by?

HSC Lockdown is an initiative of Scripture Union NSW. Scripture Union has been involved in student and family ministry for many years in NSW.  We have experience in running camps, missions, lunchtime Christian groups and many other activities.  Scripture Union has run HSC study camps in various locations across NSW.  In fact we’ve run HSC study activities since the HSC began! For more information about Scripture Union go to www.sunsw.org.au.

Who will be supervising the week?

The HSC Lockdown teams include teachers from local schools, uni students, local youth workers and members of Scripture Union’s ‘School Ministries’ team.  All the teams have completed the relevant child protection requirements and have been interviewed prior to HSC Lockdown commencing.  If you have any questions about the team, please contact the Scripture Union office on 02 9638 9000 or email info@sunsw.org.au.

How do I know if my application has been accepted?

If you apply online, you will be notified immediately by email if you have been accepted. If you post or fax your application in, you will have to wait until you are notified by us, again by email.

Can my friends visit me during HSC Lockdown?

No. The aim of HSC Lockdown is to get away from distractions and get some quality study done.  Therefore we won’t admit anyone to the HSC Lockdown site that isn’t a registered participant.

How do I get the most out of HSC Lockdown?

• Arrive rested and relaxed
• Eat a good breakfast
• Be ready to work hard during the day
• Don’t work too hard during the nights of HSC Lockdown, but don’t party all night either!
• Bring everything you need
• Come ready to meet new people
• Be ready to share your notes / past exams etc.
• Come with a study plan (we will have someone to help with this if you need it)