Umm, so I don't quite know what to make of this thread. BUT, even though I am a Humanities-based student, just some advice. (Btw, I attend a top-5 school and am ranked in the top 10-15 in my grade)
1) Take time off sometimes. It's not beneficial to spend EVERY WAKING HOUR studying; you'll need time off to do social things and spend time with your friends, enjoy your classes etc. The HSC is important, but it's not worth sacrificing enjoyment etc- Yr12 is a wonderful year!
2) With English, (in my experience at least), past papers are not the most effective means of studying, nor is it extremely beneficial to simply read other people's essays. How I've studied Advanced is through reading the texts closely, reading some critical readings, forming practice theses for a wide range of question, and writing a few essays out, especially before Trials etc. I've ranked in the top5 in my year in Advanced, and I've written about 2-3 practice essays per module, and done about 3 practice sections of Belonging. It's really not necessary to do hundreds of papers- what I believe differentiates the top English students is sophistication, clarity and precision, which cannot really be gained by doing hundreds of past papers in itself.
3) This may be a little different for Science subjects (as opposed to Humanities), but I don't believe it's extremely beneficial to finish all notes in the Summer Holidays. I find it's extremely useful to write notes as you're learning the topics in class (or a little after it's been covered), as it serves as good revision and consolidation of what you've studied.
4) Please remember to have some fun in your HSC year. It's fantastic to aim highly and want to strive to achieve extraordinary marks, but remember to take time to appreciate your school, your teachers and find enjoyment in what you're learning. This motivation and love/interest in what you're doing is ultimately the best form of achievement anyone can take out of the HSC.
1) Take time off sometimes. It's not beneficial to spend EVERY WAKING HOUR studying; you'll need time off to do social things and spend time with your friends, enjoy your classes etc. The HSC is important, but it's not worth sacrificing enjoyment etc- Yr12 is a wonderful year!
2) With English, (in my experience at least), past papers are not the most effective means of studying, nor is it extremely beneficial to simply read other people's essays. How I've studied Advanced is through reading the texts closely, reading some critical readings, forming practice theses for a wide range of question, and writing a few essays out, especially before Trials etc. I've ranked in the top5 in my year in Advanced, and I've written about 2-3 practice essays per module, and done about 3 practice sections of Belonging. It's really not necessary to do hundreds of papers- what I believe differentiates the top English students is sophistication, clarity and precision, which cannot really be gained by doing hundreds of past papers in itself.
3) This may be a little different for Science subjects (as opposed to Humanities), but I don't believe it's extremely beneficial to finish all notes in the Summer Holidays. I find it's extremely useful to write notes as you're learning the topics in class (or a little after it's been covered), as it serves as good revision and consolidation of what you've studied.
4) Please remember to have some fun in your HSC year. It's fantastic to aim highly and want to strive to achieve extraordinary marks, but remember to take time to appreciate your school, your teachers and find enjoyment in what you're learning. This motivation and love/interest in what you're doing is ultimately the best form of achievement anyone can take out of the HSC.
Lazy people like me can be more motivated to catch up to your diligent level!
