Students reminded of the importance of study breaks to reduce stress during HSC exams

Two unicorns danced through the State Library of NSW with an important message.

The spectacle caught the attention of the 12th year students, who took out their cell phones and began filming the unusual scene.

The life-size mascots roamed the Sydney library last week, encouraging students to take regular breaks from studying for the good of their mental health.

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“Attention HSC students,” read an announcement over the library loudspeaker.

“If you see unicorns in the reading room, it means you need a break.”

The action, organized by the library, spread a little magic in the reading room hall, as did the free snacks offered.

The unicorn videos quickly garnered over a million views on social media, bringing smiles to many stressed-out faces in the Class of 2024.

State librarian Caroline Butler-Bowdon said it was “a joy” to see the students engaged in their studies – and the unicorns.

“We wanted to do something to recognize how hard they have worked and remind them that the library is here for them,” said Dr. Butler-Bowdon.

“(The students) clearly feel at home here, which means a lot to me,” added Dr Butler-Bowdon, whose daughter is currently studying for her HSC exams.

Combat stress for students taking HSC exams

Sarah Wainwright is a Sydney-based academic coach, mentor and tutor.

She is also a mother of four children – two of whom have already passed their HSC year. Her 17-year-old daughter has now started her first term of Year 12 as part of the 2025 cohort, with the pressures associated with studying and stress top of mind for Mrs Wainwright’s family.

When it comes to study breaks and when it’s best to take them, Ms. Wainwright said it all depends on the individual.

“Some students find that they just want to do a task until it’s done. They may feel comfortable sitting for two, three, or four hours and giving in solidly. Other students will find this more difficult.

“I have some students who prefer to use the Pomodoro Technique, which consists of doing concentrated work in 25-minute intervals, separated by short five-minute breaks.”

Rather than trying to classify studying into specific time frames, Wainwright said she tended to encourage her students to focus on feeling satisfied with one small task at a time.

“I don’t want them to fixate on 20 minutes, two hours, or four hours, but rather whether they’ve completed a topic, covered the content, and feel comfortable and confident. That’s where taking a break can be helpful.”

Research has found that taking restorative microbreaks during study periods can help restore energy and focus.

“Long-term learning helps with memory retention and recall. And what we’re striving to do is commit content to long-term memory. By taking small breaks during long periods of studying, we can better ensure that the content is being retained.”

For Wainwright, she is not opposed to her students or children using screen time during breaks.

“After all, they are Gen Z and digital natives. But he is making the breaks ‘good opportunities’.

“Using screens for temporary distraction and entertainment is good, but I also encourage my 11th and 12th graders to move their bodies, connect with their peers, and change up their study environments.”

The State Library records a 20% increase in the number of visitors to its reading rooms during the month of October.

NSW public libraries are also preparing for the influx of students in the coming weeks by extending opening hours and providing study support.

The HSC written exams began on Tuesday this week and are due to end on Friday 8th November.

More than 80,000 NSW HSC students will have their results released on Wednesday 18 December.

For Year 12 students, the experts’ advice rings true for any previous group.

“Try not to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, despite the pressure,” Wainwright said.

“I never want kids to compare themselves to what others are doing, because others will learn differently than they do.”