HSC school trial exams are a vital part of your HSC journey. These exams not only prepare you for the final HSC exams but also significantly contribute to your overall marks. With the June/July holidays being a crucial period for exam preparation, it’s essential to approach these trials with a well-thought-out strategy. Let’s get into how you can make the most out of your school trial exams to maximise your performance and set yourself up for success.

The Big Misconception about HSC Trial Exams

Many people think the term ‘school trials’ means that these exams don’t count towards a student’s final grade and that they’re practice exams for the HSC. While yes, they are there to prepare you for the HSC and are often modelled after the HSC exam, they do still play a major role in a student’s overall marks.

This means that it is important to be as prepared as possible leading up to these exams. For the majority of schools, trials are held in the first few weeks of term 3, so the June and July holidays are a crucial time for exam preparation. Let’s get into how to use your school trial exams. 

Tip #1: Review Your School Trial Exams

The first step to improving your study strategy is to thoroughly review your exams once you get them back. This is your ultimate starting point. Carefully read all the feedback for each exam to identify technical elements that require more focus.

Rather than stressing too much about specific subject areas where you struggled, pay attention to the technical aspects of the exam. For instance, maybe you performed poorly on multiple-choice questions but excelled in short-answer ones. This could be because you second-guessed your initial answers. Alternatively, you might have misunderstood part of the question or missed the final part altogether.

Perhaps your essay structure needs improvement, or you retell too much of the text without including enough examples. Pinpointing these technicalities will help you determine the skills you need to work on, along with continually reviewing content.

Tip #2: Amend Your Study Schedule

Once you’ve identified the skills you need to work on, revisit your study plans and timetable from your trial exams. Reflect on what was effective and what was not. Did you lack motivation, even with a timeline in place? Did you spend too much time constructing study notes that should have been completed throughout the year?

Analysing these aspects will help you redesign your study patterns for greater effectiveness. A common struggle for students is the number of subjects they try to study in a single day. It’s crucial to set a sustainable plan that allows for quality study time to maximise results. Studying for every subject in a single day without breaks is not effective.

Consider your energy levels and concentration periods when redesigning your study timetable. If you have the most energy in the morning, block study time for then and schedule easier tasks for the afternoon. Avoid flipping between too many subjects, as this can hinder effective study. Also, ensure you include time to practise actual exams, as this practical experience is invaluable.

Tip #3: Review Your Study Method

Assess whether your study methods were effective. Perhaps your note revision techniques were lacking. For instance, if you didn’t have enough quotes for English, struggled with word problems in Maths, or forgot Geography skills, it’s a sign to build on these areas.

Consider trying new methods if reading notes doesn’t work. Record and listen to them through earphones, turn confusing mind maps into flip cards, or read notes aloud if that helps retention. Acknowledging ineffective study methods is the first step to making the necessary changes for better success in the upcoming weeks before exams.

Make The Most Of The HSC Exams

Making the most of your HSC school trial exams involves thorough review, strategic planning, and effective study methods. By focusing on the technical aspects of your exams, amending your study schedule to fit your energy levels, and evaluating your study methods, you can significantly improve your performance. Use the June and July holidays wisely to prepare, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the best results in your HSC exams.