With trials about 2 months away for many students, (early August start dates) I thought I would dedicate this article to providing some tips about what you should be doing in terms of preparation for your trials.
While they might seem a fair way off, the next 2 months are vital. The trials often represent 50% of your internal mark, and offer a great opportunity for you to either solidify your ranking, or climb your way up the ladder.
So, what should you be doing? Success in your trials will be directly proportional to two things; how detailed your knowledge is, and your ability to apply it.
I have written and spoken about this before, but I will say it again (Hint - this is important). Before you jump in and work on past papers, spend the time building a strong foundation of knowledge.
If you begin past papers before you have a strong foundation, you will only be able to recall general facts (which lack the vital element of specificity) and by continuously working on past papers, you
will reinforce this poor knowledge in your memory.
So what do you need to do then?
Firstly, spend the next 1.5 months creating and updating your notes. Integrate past questions, current data, case studies, graphs, diagrams, and anything you think is relevant. This is the building blocks of your knowledge base, so make sure you create comprehensive and detailed notes.
Any insufficiencies in your notes will create holes in your own knowledge and understanding.
Secondly, sit down with specific topics, and re-write out your notes (word for word for definitions and key points, short hand for everything else). This process will boost your memory and create psychological association. (Read Secrets of HSC Success Revealed to find out why!)
If you study essay writing subjects - identify all the main topics from your course. Look at past papers and textbooks and create a comprehensive list of possible essay questions.
Categorise them into topics and prioritize the questions in order of which ones appear the most likely to be asked in your trials. Write an essay answering this question. Use your notes and any textbooks. The purpose is to attempt to write an essay that is as close to perfect as possible. Give it to your teacher/tutor and get it marked and then improve it. Repeat this process for each essay during this time until you believe
the essay is a 20/20.
This may involve you working on 2-3 essays a week. It is most definitely worth it.
Why?
When it comes to the two-four weeks before your trials - rather than trying to write the practice essays, finish your notes and work on past papers, all you need to do is work on past papers.
This work also importantly sets you up for the HSC!
So, the next 2 months could make the rest of the year a lot easier for you! It all depends on how you use it.
Note - the above does not apply for Maths. Read next week's article for a plan for Maths.
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