A DUMMIES GUIDE TO STUDYING FOR THE HSC
CONTENTS EATING YOUR WAY TO BETTER BRAIN POWER HOW TO MAKE YOUR ENGLISH HSC EXAM SUCK LESS STUDYING FOR AN EXAM: THE FIVE STAGES LUCKY 7: HOW TO STAY FOCUSED
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS WORST CHEATING FAILS EVER! YOU ARE NOT YOUR ATAR (SHOCK HORROR, RIGHT?)
BONUS: FIVE KILLER HSC STUDY TIPS
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EATING YOUR WAY TO BETTER BRAIN POWER
HIDE YOUR BROCCOLI UNDER SOME CHEESE ON YOUR HOME-MADE PIZZA, YOU WON’T EVEN NOTICE IT’S THERE!
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO THIS!
When it comes to studying, you need to have your brain fully on board. As food can directly affect everything in our bodies from our mood and energy levels to our memory, it is important that we choose the right food in order to keep our brain going strong. To this end we’ve listed seven brain foods that smart studies should add to their daily meals.
GO WITH THE GRAIN
BINGE ON BERRIES
CHOC IT UP A NOTCH
By choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, glucose will slowly be released into the bloodstream, helping you achieve sustained mental alertness throughout the day. Opt for ‘brown’ cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta.
If the budget allows, berries are beneficial for their antioxidant factor to help provide sustenance for the brain and aid in memory recall too. An all berry bang for your brain!
FISH FOR THOUGHT!
You’ll want to include broccoli as one of the greens you eat on a regular basis if you want to receive fantastic health benefits like improved memory function and slow down the effect of ageing. Not a fan? Hide your broccoli under some cheese on your home-made pizza, you won’t even notice it’s there!
High quality dark chocolate is chock-a-block full of antioxidants that increase blood flow to the brain for better brain function. Your verbal fluency also improves so writing that 3,000 word essay you’ve been dreading will come more fluently come exam time. Pass me another square!
Essential fatty acids are needed for healthy brain function, concentration and general wellbeing. Naturally found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines, you can also consume via plant sources such as linseeds, flaxseeds, walnut and soya beans. [03]
BET ON BROCCOLI
GET CRACKING Egg yolks are particularly good for their choline content. Choline is a B-group vitamin that is beneficial for a number of functions in the body including cognitive function and memory. #eggcellent
If you take away one thing from this article, remember that natural foods can contribute to healthy bodily functions. Oh and this list is just the beginning (there are SOO many more superfoods out there!) Want to learn more healthy tips? Then check out the ACPE blog.
DON’T BE DILUTED Drinking plenty of water enhances circulation in the body and keeps the brain from over-heating. Water is also believed to help improve mental and cognitive capacity. Drink up!
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR ENGLISH HSC SUCK LESS
WRITE Get all of your thoughts down on paper, without worrying (just yet) about those horrendous typos. Consider the question carefully before you start and make sure that you are analysing the text NOT retelling the story – that’s the author’s job. Back up your arguments with real examples from the text and you can’t go wrong. You can also use old HSC papers (find them on the Board of Studies website) to test your skills before the exam. This will help improve your writing and boost your confidence when it comes time to deal with the real thing.
PREPARING FOR YOUR ENGLISH EXAM REQUIRES MORE THAN JUST BEING ABLE TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE (ALTHOUGH YES, THAT WILL HELP)
The HSC English exam requires the use of carefully refined essay-writing skills and the ability to deconstruct and analyse a text. Yes, this sounds horrible, but improving these skills is quite a simple process. The more you read, write and reflect on what you’ve learned, the more these skills will come to you as naturally as farting in your sleep.
READ Read a LOT. Read novels, blogs, anything and everything – although the prescribed texts for your HSC will probably be the most useful. Think of it as brain training. The more you start to read (and dare I say – enjoy?) a variety of textual forms, the easier it will be to understand the deeper meanings they convey.
THINK Spend a few minutes musing on what you’ve just read. Why did events unfold that way? Why did the main character act like such a jerk?
Once you’ve adopted these habits, you’ll be able to easily identify key passages, themes and subtle underlying messages within a text. The result? You vs. the HSC English exam – no competition.
GET A HEAD START ON YOUR MATES! Are you looking for a back-up plan? Want to lock in your study plans for next year? Well if you’re ready to enjoy a stree-free study period (yes it is possible), then contact one of the friendly team at ACPE and ask about our
While studying your text, numerous elements that express and affect meaning will need to be considered. Reflect on the historical, social and cultural aspects of a text and look at the context (in the broadest possible sense) to achieve greater understanding. [05] [05]
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PERSISTENCE
REALITY
STUDYING FOR AN EXAM: THE FIVE STAGES STUDYING FOR YOUR EXAMS WILL TAKE YOU ON A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS, SO THROW YOUR HANDS UP (& TRY NOT TO PUKE!) ACCEPTANCE How do you normally get through your studies?
How do you tackle the epic battle that is studying for an exam? Do you cover your walls in colourful post-it notes? Perhaps you write out mountains of to-do lists that get aggressively ticked off. Well regardless of how you study (and in what position), chances are that you’ll experience at least one of these stages.
Have you had a studying experience that we haven’t listed here? Do you have any tips or tricks to tell other HSC students?
So whether you’re struggling to beat temptation (damn it beer!) or to accept that studying is a lot harder than it looks in the movies, preparing for your HSC will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions – you have been warned.
Well why not share the love by commenting on Facebook, sending a tweet or uploading a photo to Instagram!
(we the struggling students will thank you for it!)
PREPARATION
TEMPTATION
HSC HELP IS HERE! Psst! Don’t tell anyone but we have a few more study tips up our sleeves that we’d like to share. Just click on the button below and discover how easy it is to ace the HSC!
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LUCKY 7: HOW TO STAY FOCUSED
4. PLAN YOUR TIME WISELY Schedule in breaks and give yourself realistic deadlines to follow. That way you will be able to see when things need to be done. C ya later missed deadlines!
Don’t get distracted by all of those articles out there ‘claiming’ that they’ll help you stay focused. We have THE bulletproof list right here, and these actually work!
1. BREAK IT UP!
5. DON’T FOCUS ON JUST ONE SUBJECT
Prevent procrastination & boredom while you increase your productivity with regular study breaks. Get away from your desk, do some light stretches or go for a walk. Half an hour every 2 hours is enough for the brain to re-charge before you tackle that 5,000 word essay #killmenow
Not only will this get boring (like seriously), but by changing up what you’re studying your mind will stay fresh and active.
2. GO TO YOUR QUIET PLACE
6. GET YOUR 8 HOURS We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but did you know that when you get enough shut eye your alertness and ability to focus will dramatically improve – no lies!
The local library would have to be our top pick. Small study rooms, all your textbooks on hand and more than likely free wifi.
7. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE Don’t forget that you’ve only got a few more weeks to go. Try writing down your goals and sticking to them and watch as those pesky exams just seem to just fly by. Oh & if that doesn’t help just think of Ryan Gosling – now that’s a goal worth reaching!
3. LOAD UP ON THE COFFEE Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and specific areas of the brain responsible for memory and concentration winning! Pace yourself with this one, experts suggest no more than 2 cups a day and that you put the coffee cup down at 3pm to prevent disturbed sleep.
Not a fan of coffee? Try swapping to green tea and experience the same energyboosting results. [09]
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LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
THERE’S MORE TO BUSINESS THAN HAVING MEETINGS AND LOOKING WILDLY SOPHISTICATED (ALTHOUGH YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A GOOD SUIT) For the HSC Business Studies exam, you’ll require a fundamental knowledge of business roles and structures, as well as the factors (both internal and external) that affect them.
KNOW THE LINGO
GET TO THE POINT
Hearing people speak in business terms might sometimes sound like a different language, but you’ll be expected to know these terms come exam time.
You’ll also need a good grasp of successful business functions and processes, while being able to apply them to real life examples and scenarios. No problem, right?
Once you understand the concepts, you’ll at the very LEAST be able to understand the question. This will certainly give you a better chance of answering those tough questions correctly…
Business report writing requires you to keep your work concise, clear and primarily in bullet point form. Busy professionals with little time on their hands will not want to read several pages of text BEFORE they figure out what point you’re making. They need to get to the main points quickly, so they can make a decision before rushing off to a boozy lunch meeting. It’s exactly the same with your examiner – minus the liquid lunch.
Well not really, but you will need to study. Thankfully, we’re here to drop a few hints that should help your HSC Business Studies exam preparation go smoothly. [011]
FOR BUSINESS (AND CAREER) ADVICE YOU CAN ACTUALLY BANK ON!
DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF
PLAN AHEAD
A good portion of your HSC Business Studies exam will consist of multiple-choice questions.
There is an element of planning required if you are aiming to get the maximum number of marks for those longer questions.
When faced with several answers, it’s best not to doubt your gut instinct. Don’t change your mind at the last moment or spend ages on the one question – come back to it later if you need to. Moving forward through the exam other questions may jog your memory, guiding you towards the correct answer.
Start with a draft summary of the basic points you want to make, then go back and develop these once you have a better idea of how much time you have left. At least this way you’ll have the framework in place, and you won’t find yourself making up nonsense as time runs out.
FINAL THOUGHTS By using one or a combination of these study tips, you’ll be well on your way to acing the HSC Business Studies exam. Want to use your new business skills to change the Sports industry? Well when you’re ready to get moving into your dream career (probably after you recover from schoolies), the team at ACPE are the ones to call. We’ll be able to give you the industry specific sports knowledge that you will need to build a successful career in sports business.
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WORST CHEATING FAILS EVER!
IF YOU’RE CONTEMPLATING CHEATING ON YOUR EXAMS (AND LET’S BE HONEST, YOU’VE THOUGHT ABOUT IT), THEN PLEASE DON’T USE ONE OF THESE SIX TECHNIQUES – YOU WILL REGRET IT!
Whether it is a formula written on their water bottle or a sure fire way to answer those annoying multiple choice questions, chances are you know someone who someone can ‘beat’ the system. But did you know that (more often than not) these ‘formulas for success’ lead to a lot of laughter (and a fail mark) from the examiners?
DON’T CHEAT COMPETE!
Seriously it’s true, and to prove it, here are five of the worst cheating fails that we have found (and tried – sorry mum).
1. GIVE THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU A HAIRCUT Just shave your study notes into the back of their heads and presto – you are on a winner.
2. WRITE, SCRUNCH AND THROW Write the answers to your test on a piece of paper and throw it into the bin prior to your test. All you have to do now is grab the paper on your ‘toilet break’ and you’re good to go!
3. STOCK UP ON THE PLASTER Did you know that you can fit a whole page of notes onto a full arm cast? Well if you need a little extra help to pass that English exam then (fake) break a limb or two.
4. PLAYHIDE AND SEEK WITH YOUR CALCULATOR If you’re like me, then the thought of sitting your maths exam sends shivers down your spine. Well did you know that you can hide notes in your calculator cover? #winning! [013]
5. STRETCH AND LEAN If you’re desperate for a little extra inspiration to help you kick off that essay then why not ‘peak’ at your neighbour’s answers.
Are you ready to blow your HSC exams out of the water? Do you want to create successful study habits that will see you nail your exams (and life at College)? Well it’s never too late to pick up good habits, which is why we’ve been savinbg this top study tips just for you.
(You’re welcome!)
The old stretch and lean technique will allow you to subtly look at your desk buddy’s answers – without the teachers suspecting a thing.
NOTE: We here at ACPE take no responsibility for students who try any of these cheating techniques.
Try them at your own risk / we’ve warned you it won’t turn out too good. [014]
1. LEARN TO SURF
YOU ARE NOT YOUR ATAR
FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO THAT DOESN’T RELY ON YOUR ATAR
(move over Mick Fanning - a new star is born)
(SHOCK HORROR, RIGHT!) Scenario one: You get the mark you want, you graduate university as a superstar and you go on to work in your dream career. Scenario two: While you’re having a great time at schoolies you realise that you haven’t done as much study as your mates and you begin to think your future doesn’t look as rosy as you planned.
2. BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS (Build a business and run it how you want)
3. CREATE A VIRAL CAT VIDEO (Seriously, I’m not joking)
To be honest I’m probably looking at scenario two (sorry mum) but just because I won’t be named top student of 2015 doesn’t mean that my last 12 years of schooling count for nothing. Throughout history there have been countless individuals who have gone on to achieve amazing things without a university degree (hello Steve Jobs & Coco Chanel). With this in mind, is it really that bad if your marks don’t reflect your ‘potential’? Are you in the St*%F the HSC bandwagon? Want to know how to turn those less than favourable marks into a successful career?
4. BECOME A KICK ASS MUSICIAN (As if you need to be convinced)
Well if you have an interest in sport, dance, education or health science then the team at ACPE have your ‘mum-proof’ back up plan.
5. CREATE AN ADDICTIVE APP (We’re looking at you flappy bird version 2)
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3. PLAN AND PRIORITISE
FIVE KILLER HSC STUDY TIPS THESE GENERAL STUDY TIPS APPLY TO ALL OF YOUR HSC SUBJECTS (YOU’RE WELCOME)
1. MOTIVATE YOURSELF Ask yourself why you should study. Maybe you have aspirations of a successful career in business or health science. Maybe you just want to avoid a lifetime of flipping Big Macs. Remembering why it is important to get good exam results will inspire you to hit the books.
Determine what steps you need to take in order to cover off all the study material, and prioritise those steps in order of importance. Make yourself a schedule, dividing your work into manageable blocks of study, and allow yourself more time for difficult concepts and theories (you know, those ones you weren’t really paying attention to in class).
4. AVOID PROCRASTINATION Procrastination comes in many forms, but it all comes down to what distracts you. By getting rid of distracting elements (your laptop/TV/mirrors/windows/sexy posters), you will immediately be able to focus more on your studies – even if you have the attention span of a puppy.
5. TAKE A BREAK 2. FIND THE IDEAL STUDY SPOT Finding your own, quiet study location will make all the difference when it comes time to hit those books. Whether you set up shop in a large armchair, on your kitchen table, or in the coffee shop down the street where you can rip off the free Wi-Fi – anywhere you are able to focus on your work can be your ideal study spot.
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Once you’ve been studying for a while and your eyes begin to sting, you can safely assume that your brain isn’t retaining any of that info you’re trying to stuff into it. Counter this by making a cup of coffee, having a nap or dedicating half an hour to some unrelated activity. This will not only relax your mind, but it will give you some much-needed energy to go for a second round with the books.
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Do you have any tips and tricks to share with current students? Want to hear all about the latest campus news and social events? Then join us on social media and start communicating with like-minded students today - after all sharing is caring!
CONTACT Australian College of Physical Education Registered Office and Address 1 Figtree Drive Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Phone: 02 9739 3333 Facsimile: 02 9764 4144 Email: study@acpe.edu.au Postal Details Locked Bag 2000 Concord West NSW 2138 acpe.edu.au