Excelling in your HSC Year 11 and 12 mathematics, chemistry, and physics exams in Australia requires a strategic approach. These subjects are not only challenging but also crucial for your academic and career prospects. Therefore, the team at ACE HSC Tuition have summarised a helpful guide based on evidence-based strategies that will help you effectively prepare for these exams.

Understanding the HSC Syllabus

One of the first steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming year is to review the content you previously studied in the past year. The knowledge that you will learn in the upcoming year (especially in Year 12) will build upon the previous years’ content. So having a solid foundation of knowledge will be a good foundation. 

Research shows that students who understand the scope of their syllabus tend to perform better in exams. Especially for subjects like Chemistry and Physics – it’s important to expand on all the points the syllabus covers. Doing so provides you with a comprehensive summary of all the knowledge you’re required to know. 

It’s recommended that you add in diagrams and figures whenever you can, which is extremely useful for Chemistry and Physics formulas and equations. Labelled images help you to visualise the content and saves you a lot of writing.

Enrol In A Tutoring Service

Finding the support of a tutor who can help you tackle those more challenging concepts can be invaluable for your last years of high school. Tutoring can help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important exam skills. ACE HSC 

Term 1 Prelim classes for 2024 start in January, which gives you plenty of time to prepare for your subjects for the new school year. Our January 2024 timetable is now ready for you to book into your HSC, Year 11 and Year 10 classes. So join us for Year 11 HSC Chemistry, Physics, Biology, 3 Unit Maths and Economics courses, or Year 10 Maths and Science. We have also recently launched our Year 10 science course, which introduces many advanced concepts that are necessary for success in Years 11 and 12. 

Creating an Effective Study Schedule

Time management is key. Create a realistic study schedule that allocates time for each subject and accommodates for your strengths and weaknesses. Studies suggest that students who follow a well-structured timetable tend to retain information better and feel less stressed during exam periods. According to Victoria University, creating a study schedule helps you achieve your goals and stay organised as you have designated blocks for studying in your day.

Active Learning Techniques

For subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and physics, active learning techniques are highly effective. These include:

• Problem-solving: Regular practice of textbook and past exam questions helps in understanding and applying concepts.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards for memorising formulas and definitions.
• Teaching others: Explaining concepts to others can reinforce your understanding.

Remember! If whoever you’re explaining the topic to can’t understand it, your examiner won’t be able to either. Research in educational psychology supports the effectiveness of these techniques in enhancing learning and retention.

Group Study Sessions

Studying in groups can be beneficial, especially for subjects like physics and chemistry where problem-solving and practical applications are essential. Group studies facilitate discussion, idea exchange, and problem-solving, leading to a deeper understanding of the material. Group study enhances learning outcomes and helps you achieve better results in your subjects. 

Make use of past exams

The best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour, and exams are no different. Even just looking at past exams. Past exams also provide insights into the format, style, and structure of the questions. This helps with understanding what to expect, reducing anxiety and improving your ability to navigate the exam efficiently. 

Pattern recognition when reviewing past exams can also highlight recurring themes or topics, indicating areas of focus that are likely to be important for the subject. This guides students in prioritising their study areas.

Looking for a HSC Tutor for Year 11 & 12 Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics?

Visit our website to find a tutor that works for you and see our timetables for 2024. You can also browse our blog to find more helpful tips and best practices for achieving your best ATAR score. All of our tutors are high achievers and know firsthand what it takes to score a 99 in your ATAR. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with our tuition plans after two weeks, you can opt out for free, no worries. We hope to see you in the new year.