How to Have a Good Year as a Student

Become an Awesome Student

A one-hour seminar for high school students and the parents, caregivers or whānau who support them.

Monday, December 7th, 2026. 7.00-8.00pm.

Yes, I know this is an unusual time!!

Do a little thinking now, enjoy the holiday, and come back to school with a plan you can use.

We’ll look at how we learn and remember, and what that means when you sit down to study.

Effort matters. So does knowing what to focus on and how to tell whether it’s sinking in.

We’ll explore:

• How to remember what you’ve learned and check what you understand.

• How to get started, stay focused and build routines that help.

• What to do when you get stuck, including how to ask for help and learn from mistakes.

You can learn a little more how to think about what helps or gets in the way of your study. Parents, caregivers and whānau can explore how to encourage study while giving students room to take more responsibility for their own learning.

What you’ll take away

A simple way to look at your study habits, one or two strategies to try, and the beginnings of a manageable plan for the new school year. You’ll choose one step to take when school starts.

Who it’s for

Students in Year 10 and above, with examples for different stages of high school. Students with ADHD and other learning differences are welcome. The seminar focuses on general study strategies. Individual assessment and specialist support are outside its scope.

Presented by Derek Chirnside

Derek is a Christchurch-based tutor who has spent most of his working life in education. As a science and physics teacher, he made teaching students how to study part of his classroom practice. He brings that experience to this seminar, with practical ideas students can try for themselves.

On the night, online

I'll send you a Zoom or Google hangouts link. There will be some printing to do, just a few pages. Ideally have a place you can listen, relax and write. You can post in the chat, but cameras/sound off is OK.

Cost

• $40 for one person (Parent or child)

• $50 for two people (parents or children) from the same whānau

• $60 for three or more people (parents or children) from the same whānau

Current students of Derek’s can attend free with family. Just ask for an access code.

A few sponsored places are also available.

Questions?

Call Derek on 021 511 303 or email learningworkshops.nz@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: Students with ADHD, dyslexia or other learning differences are welcome; the workshop offers general study strategies and does not provide individual assessment or specialist support.