StudyTok: ICMS Students Unleash Game-Changing Toolkit for Year 12 Exam Stress

StudyTok is ICMS’ new student-led initiative aimed at helping Year 12 students manage study stress.

Delivered in videos on TikTok and other social media platforms, StudyTok combines short educational videos with mental health tools to provide innovative exam preparation support.

“Study Tok’s innovative use of short videos aligns perfectly with how students consume information today,” ICMS Digital Marketing Manager George Levett said.

“This makes it a powerful tool to help Year 12s manage stress effectively in a format they are most comfortable with.”

The inspiration for StudyTok was drawn from the experiences of first-year ICMS students who understand the challenges of Year 12.

“The most intense pressure during my HSC year came from within,” StudyTok project pioneer and ICMS current student Georgina Rapley said.

StudyTok: Combatting Study Stress Crisis Among Youth

The urgency for StudyTok is evident.

A national 2023 ReachOut survey revealed alarming effects of study stress among Year 12s: 75% of these individuals face decreased motivation, and 71% struggle with mood disturbances.

The survey also revealed:

• 88% of students have experienced study-related stress in the past year.
• 55% of students felt extremely or very stressed about study in the last two weeks.

Common causes of study stress include students worrying about not following their original life plans and feeling pressured when comparing themselves to others.

Helping Year 12s deal with exam pressure

StudyTok offers a comprehensive toolkit to manage the challenges of Year 12 effectively.

In short video format, StudyTok provides strategic study hacks, time management tips, and wellness exercises for mental and physical health during exams.

According to psychotherapist Nicola Unite, using StudyTok can help Year 12 students deal with exam pressure by giving them useful study tips and encouraging overall well-being during this tough time.

“As a psychotherapist working with adolescents, many young people come to see me who are worried about their exams, the preparation leading up to exams, and how to be their best selves in their exam period and get the most from this experience.

“This can feel so overwhelming to ask all these questions! It might feel like you’re in a forest with no way out. Just know that you’re not. There is a way out.

“Mental health and academic achievement go hand in hand. When you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, are in a flat mood, or stressed, it will immediately impact your academic life.”

“We sometimes want to try to separate these two areas but the one affects the other.

“Regulating your nervous system and addressing your mental and emotional health will be the best first step for preparing yourself academically.”

Nicola believes StudyTok, presented by ICMS first year students, is a great example of the overall ICMS ethos of nurturing and supporting students throughout their journey, from enrolment to graduation and beyond.

“ICMS is a truly caring place where I noticed staff and students shining, really enjoying being in this learning environment,” Nicola said.

“Not only are the buildings and views magnificent, but the way ICMS is run and considered is palpable and is testament to the courses on offer there.”

Call to Companies to partner with ICMS StudyTok

ICMS urges corporate Australia to join forces and back StudyTok.

Partnering with Study Tok allows businesses to make a difference in the health and academic achievements of students across the nation. These are the future students who will contribute valuable skills and perspectives as the future workforce.

“We’re excited about the potential of StudyTok to revolutionise the way students approach their studies and manage stress,” ICMS Vice President (Marketing) Stephen Dally said.

“At ICMS, we place a high value on reducing the stress of Year 12 exams. We understand that these students will soon be first-year students, and their well-being is crucial to their future success.

“This initiative represents our commitment to not just education, but to fostering well-rounded, healthy, and resilient young adults.”

To find out more about how you can contribute to StudyTok or to discover its impact, please visit icms.edu.au or reach out to George Levett at [email protected] or +61 (2) 9466 1059.