Portfolio Feature: Education

Priyanka Sharma
Sep 25
4 min read

Communications Officer Molly Howie, in conversation with Director of Education, Henry Jones

As exams approach, I sat down with Henry, Director of the Education Portfolio, to talk about how he and his team are helping Deakin law students succeed throughout the year. From exam revision sessions to podcasts and workshops, the Education Portfolio is focused on giving students practical tools for both academic success and personal wellbeing.

Henry, you’re currently director of the DLSS Education Portfolio, tell me about yourself and what drew you to join the DLSS?

In my first year, during First Year Law Camp, I came across the DLSS and soon began attending several of their events. They proved to be incredibly valuable, not only in helping me navigate my studies, but also in connecting me with other law students.

When the opportunity arose, I applied to be an Education Officer. Having tutored the year before, I knew my skills could contribute meaningfully to the portfolio.

I’ve stayed on ever since because I genuinely enjoy the work we do in supporting and empowering law students!

What inspired you to take on the role of Director of Education, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I was an officer last year and really enjoyed the experience. I felt like we made a real impact with some of the events we ran.

By the end of the year, I knew I wanted to keep building on what we’d achieved and bring some of my own ideas to the role, so I applied to be Director.

What I love most is the impact we can make. A lot of our events are student-focused and student-facing, like the Exam Revision Sessions and Wellbeing in the Law Panel. They focus on what it's actually like to be a university student. Being able to support students in all aspects of university life is incredibly rewarding.

The Education Portfolio is back with Exam Revision Sessions. Can you tell us more about this and why it’s so important for Deakin law students?

We run our exam revision sessions every trimester. They’re a great way to get insights from a student who has not only completed the unit, but excelled in it. These presenters understand the subject inside and out, and can share what to expect in the exam and how best to approach it.

The sessions run for about two hours and provide a great crash course in the subject. We focus on units that students typically find more challenging. In Trimester Two, those subjects will be Land Law, Constitutional Law and Contract B!

How do the Exam Revision Sessions support students who might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure about preparing for law exams?

Exam Revision Sessions are really important as law exams can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure what to expect.

The Exam Revision Sessions are designed to provide students with extra knowledge and ability to succeed academically. It’s all about taking away some of the stress and showing students they can do this.

Personally, I always find them really motivating. It’s that moment when everything from the unit finally clicks into place and makes sense.

I think a lot of students go into exams feeling like they’re on their own. What’s great about revision sessions is they remind you that you’re not, everyone’s in the same boat. They give you structure, direction, and hopefully a bit of confidence. Just having that guided space to revise makes a big difference.

What does success look like for the Education Portfolio, both for law students and for your personal growth as a director?

For students, success is feeling more confident going into exams. If we’ve helped them pick up a skill, manage their time better, or even just feel less stressed, that’s a win.

For me, it’s about building events for students that have a lasting impact- initiatives like our podcast or, our workshops and panels, where future students will continue to benefit.

If you could change one thing about how law students approach exam preparation, what would it be and why?

I believe a key issue is that many students place a large amount of importance on content. Law exams are heavily application-based. If you know the rules but can’t apply them, that’s where you lose marks. You really want to be spending 70–80% of your time doing practice questions. That’s how you see where your knowledge gaps are and build confidence in applying what you’ve learned.

Furthermore, students often try to do everything at once, often juggling work, volunteering, sport, and study.

It’s important to recognise that while you want to do well in exams, your number one priority should be your well-being.

Sometimes that means stepping back from other commitments to focus properly on study and self-care.

Other than the Exam Revision Sessions, how does the Education Portfolio support students throughout the year?

We have a number of initiatives. Our podcast, which we launched this year, is a great way to learn in short bursts. We’ve got 20-minute episodes with the first one being on time management, which is something many students struggle with. You can listen during a study break and pick up tips from people who manage their time well.

We also run workshops and panels, for example, teaming up with our law librarian, Michelle Bendall , to host legal research workshops. We want to make it easier for students to achieve their academic goals.

Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to law students heading into exams this trimester?

It can be quite a stressful period. You want to do well, you’re worried about your results, and you’re probably balancing other commitments at the same time. But your number one priority should always be your well-being.

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, reach out. Maybe you need to take a day’s break, or set aside time at the end of the day to go for a run, or just do something that helps you reset.

Looking after yourself first and foremost is the best way to set yourself up to do well in exams.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to reach out to Henry, Director of Education, at director-education@deakinlss.org.