HSC SURVIVAL GUIDE westernsydney.edu.au
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KEY DATES WSU MUSIC AUDITIONS (EARLY OFFER OPPORTUNITY)
Mon-Fri, 24-28 September 2018
UAC EARLY BIRD APPLICATIONS FOR 2018-19 – ADMISSIONS CLOSE
Fri, 28 September 2018
SRS: APPLICATIONS CLOSE FOR 2018
Fri, 28 September 2018
HSC EXAMS START
Thu, 18 October 2018
HSC EXAMS FINISH
Fri, 9 November 2018
SRS: APPLICANTS FINALISE COURSES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AN SRS OFFER
Sun, 11 November 2018
WSU MUSIC AUDITIONS – MAIN ROUND
Mon-Fri, 3-7 December 2018
WSU TRUE REWARD APPLICATIONS CLOSE/ CHANGE OF PREFERENCES CLOSE
Mon, 10 December 2018 (midnight)
WSU TRUE REWARD EARLY OFFERS RELEASED
Thu, 13 December 2018
ATAR RELEASED
Fri, 14 December 2018
HSC TRUE REWARD OFFERS EXPIRE
Fri, 21 December 2018 (5pm)
WSU MAIN ROUND 2019 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS GROUP A – CLOSE
Fri, 4 January 2019
MAIN ROUND 2019 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS GROUP B – CLOSE DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 2018 ATAR ADVICE NOTICE BY MIDNIGHT
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Thu, 31 January 2019 Thu, 28 February 2019
Western Sydney University
BEST WISHES FROM THE FAST FORWARD TEAM Congratulations on completing your year 12 studies, and the Fast Forward program. During the course of the last three years you would have had the opportunity to visit our university campuses, engage in in-school workshops with existing university staff and students. All of these activities have been designed to build your skills and to make you feel comfortable in a university environment and place you in good stead to pursue further study. We encourage you to always continue to build on your academic and leadership potential, which are key reasons why you were initially selected for the program. Try your best in your exams (remember they are minimal in the great scheme of things) and regardless of the outcome, aim high and dream big – be a lifelong learner.
East Hills Boys High School - Year 9, 2015
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TOP 10 STUDY TIPS
youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study-and-training/help-with-study/how-to-studybetter/top-10-study-tips
1. PICK A PLACE AND TIME Everyone has their own idea about the best place and time to study. Whether it’s your bedroom at night or the library after school, find a study space and a regular study time that works for you and stick with it. →→Set up your study space →→Find your best time 2. STUDY EVERY DAY If you study a little bit every day you’ll be continually reviewing things in your mind. This helps you understand things. It also helps you avoid the stress of last-minute cramming. If you’re finding it hard to find time to study, cut back on some (but not all!) of your other activities. 3. PLAN YOUR TIME It helps to have some plans in motion so you can make the most of your study time.
4. D ISCOVER YOUR LEARNING STYLE Most of us have a preferred way of learning. Get to know the learning style you’re most comfortable with and study in the ways you learn best. →→Auditory learners prefer to learn by listening. Try reading your notes aloud and discussing them with other people. You might like to record key points and play them back. →→Visual learners prefer to learn by seeing. Try using colours in your notes and draw diagrams to help represent key points. You could try to remember some ideas as images. →→Tactile/kinaesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing. Try using techniques like roleplaying or building models to revise key points.
5. REVIEW AND REVISE At least once a week you should go back over the things you’ve studied in class. Thinking things over can help you to understand the concepts and help you remember them. →→Quiz – Get a friend or family member to quiz you on key concepts. →→Make your own study materials - Think up some practice exam questions or create your own flash cards to help you study. 6. TAKE BREAKS It’s important to take breaks while you’re studying, especially if you’re feeling tired or frustrated. Working too long on a task can actually decrease your performance. When you take a break, make sure you get away from your desk or study space. Even just a quick walk around the block can sometimes help you to look at a problem in a different way.
→→Set alarms →→Use a wall planner →→Make to-do lists →→Set time limits
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7. ASK FOR HELP
9. APP IT UP
10. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
If you’re stuck on something, or something just doesn’t seem to make sense, you can always ask for help. Ask your teacher for help.
There are heaps of apps out there for helping students with all aspects of study. Have a chat with your friends and teachers to see which apps they recommend. Check out iTunes Collections page on iPads for Learning, which provides links to Australian Curriculum courses on iTunes U, as well as educational apps aimed at high school, middle school and primary school students.
You’ll study better if you take care of yourself.
8. STAY MOTIVATED When you’re studying it helps to keep in mind your reasons for doing all this hard work, like a course or career you’re working towards. It can help to have something in your study space to remind you of your goals, e.g. inspirational quotes or photos of people you admire.
→→Eat well →→Drink plenty of water →→Get enough sleep →→Exercise Now come up with your own strategies. These tips are only some of the things you can do to get the most out of your studying. You might already have other things that work better for you. Find out what your friends do when they’re studying. Maybe your teachers have some good recommendations too. Whatever it is, whatever strategy you come up with, when you find something that works for you, put it into practise and go for it!
westernsydney.edu.au
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TOP 10 EXAM TIPS
youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study-and-training/help-with-study/how-tostudy-better/top-10-exam-tips
1. FIND OUT ABOUT THE EXAM
→→put your notes in order
Know your enemy – find out as much as you can about the exam. Questions to ask include:
→→read over any course outline or subject guide
→→How much is the exam worth to your overall mark in the subject? →→What type of exam is it (for example, multiple choice, essay, open book, takehome)? →→Will there be a choice of questions or tasks? →→How much will each question or task be worth? 2. ASK FOR HELP Don’t feel bad if you need to ask for help. Talk to teachers, Fast Forward Project Officers, family members, friends, fellow students. If you’re feeling really stressed you might also find it helpful to speak to a counsellor. 3. SORT OUT YOUR SUBJECT MATERIAL Getting all your gear together makes it easier to find what you need while you’re studying. →→Check you have all of the handouts
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→→write your own summaries of each textbook chapter or section of the subject guide. 4. REVIEW PAST EXAM PAPERS Get your hands on any old exam papers from the subject and familiarise yourself with the structure and format. Schools / teachers / university can point you in the direction of past exam papers. When reviewing, practise answering the questions within the specified time limits.
BE PREPARED! 5. KNOW WHERE TO GO Make sure you know where and when the exam is happening. You don’t want to miss your exam! Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
→→Make a list of everything you need to take with you (for example, calculator, pencil, ruler). →→Do some study at the same time as your exams (for example, if you have an early morning exam, practise getting up and studying earlier in the day). 6. DON’T CRAM Staying up all night to cram will only stress you out. It’s better to just review what you’ve already studied and get an early night. That way you’ll be as refreshed as you can be on the day of your exam. If you want to do some preparation the night before, keep it simple: →→Get all your materials together. →→Read over your notes. →→Test yourself on key concepts. →→Set your alarm.
→→Check your exam timetable for time and place details. →→Do a practise run to find out how long it takes to get there.
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EXAM DAY… 7. KEEP YOUR COOL Fronting up to an exam can be nerve-wracking, but here are some tips for staying calm: →→Don’t talk too much to other students before the exam. →→Try to get there with time to spare so you don’t arrive all rushed. →→Make sure you have a decent breakfast. →→Listen to some inspiring music on the way to the exam. →→Wear your lucky shirt or bring a lucky charm (if you have one).
→→Plan which questions to answer first (consider starting with questions you’re confident about). →→Plan how much time you’ll spend on each answer or section.
If you finish the exam before the time is up it’s a good idea to go back over everything, even answers you’re confident you got right. Try to:
→→Start thinking about your answers.
→→review as many answers as you can
9. BREAK THE QUESTIONS DOWN A great tip for any exam is to break the questions down to make sure you really understand what you’re being asked.
8. USE YOUR READING TIME
Look for the key parts of the question. These can give you clues on how to answer it.
The way you use your reading time can really help you make the most of your exam time. Here are some ways to use your reading time well:
For example, for the question, “Explain the difference between study and revision”, you could split this question into four parts:
→→Read all of the instructions very carefully.
1. Explain – Give reasons to show how or why something is the way it is.
→→Scan the whole exam paper. →→Check how many pages there are. →→Check how much each question is worth (it helps to spend more time on heavier weighted questions). westernsydney.edu.au
10. REVIEW YOUR ANSWERS (IF YOU CAN)
2. The difference – What are the distinguishing factors between study and revision? 3. Study – What is study? 4. Revision – What is revision?
→→start with the questions you’re least confident about →→make sure you’ve answered every question →→make sure you’ve answered every part of every question (some questions might have multiple parts). Come up with your own strategies. Remember – these tips are only some of the things that you can do to get the most out of your exams. There might be other things that work even better for you. Ask around – find out what your friends do for their exams – maybe some of their tricks will work for you as well! Maybe your teachers have some good recommendations too.
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REMEMBER!
YOU’RE MORE THAN YOUR ATAR educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/Understandingthe-curriculum/resources/hsc-exam-papers
PRACTICE HSC PAPERS Practice papers from previous years can help to familiarise you with the structure of the HSC exams so you know what to expect. Higher School Certificate exam papers, with marking guidelines and HSC marking feedback, are available for each course through the above URL. SURVIVING YEAR 12 youthbeyondblue.com/dosomething-about-it/survivingyear-12
The media and those around us can spread a lot of hype and pressure about year 12, but putting things into perspective can really help to avoid becoming overwhelmed. The final year of secondary school is important, but it will not be the most important year of your life. Keep things in perspective because you’re far more than your ATAR score. Your performance in Year 12 is only a measure of your ability in a test or exam at one point in time. It does not control your future success or happiness.
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If you feel the time isn’t right for you to complete Year 12, or you have a burning passion to do something other than school studies, then talk to your careers counsellor and find out what your options are (TAFE, a job, volunteering, part-time study, or an apprenticeship). Remember there are many ways to reach your goals. FOMO - KICK THE DISTRACTION HABIT It’s also important to study smart, by removing distractions like social media. Research shows that students who use social media while studying (even if only in the background) get 20 per cent lower marks than students who don’t! If you are struggling to stay away, there is some software that can help by temporarily blocking you from social media sites, addictive websites and games. Try Cold Turkey for PCs or SelfControl for Macs.
at school or home, body image issues, binge drinking and drugs are all things that can stop you from staying focused. These issues can happen in any year of school and can be too big to handle alone. Talk to your student welfare coordinator, a trusted adult, online or phone support service for some advice and solutions. If you want to support your friend but you’re concerned about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse, the beyondblue Check-in app takes you through four easy, quick steps to plan what you might say and how you might support your friend. The Check-in app is free to download from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
GETTING SUPPORT We know sometimes life does get in the way of study. Things such as depression, problems
Western Sydney University
A GLOSSARY OF KEY WORDS http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/examadvice-resources/glossary-keywords
This glossary contains key words that appear frequently in NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses, performance descriptions and examinations. Account Account for: state reasons for, report on. Give an account of: narrate a series of events or transactions Analyse Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications
Critically (analyse/evaluate) Add a degree or level of accuracy depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analyse/ evaluate) Deduce Draw conclusions
Extrapolate Infer from what is known Identify Recognise and name Interpret Draw meaning from Investigate Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about
Apply Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation
Define State meaning and identify essential qualities
Appreciate Make a judgement about the value of
Demonstrate Show by example
Assess Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size
Describe Provide characteristics and features
Outline Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of
Discuss Identify issues and provide points for and/or against
Predict Suggest what may happen based on available information
Distinguish Recognise or note/indicate as being distinct or different from; to note differences between
Propose Put forward (for example a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action
Evaluate Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of
Recall Present remembered ideas, facts or experiences
Examine Inquire into
Recommend Provide reasons in favour
Explain Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how
Recount Retell a series of events
Calculate Ascertain/determine from given facts, figures or information Clarify Make clear or plain Classify Arrange or include in classes/ categories Compare Show how things are similar or different Construct Make; build; put together items or arguments Contrast Show how things are different or opposite
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Extract Choose relevant and/or appropriate details
Justify Support an argument or conclusion
Summarise Express, concisely, the relevant details Synthesise Putting together various elements to make a whole 9
HSC TRUE REWARD
westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S HSC TRUE REWARD EARLY OFFER PROGRAM What’s your passion? Do you excel at English literature? Are you a mental mathematician? An advocate for social justice? A designer extraordinaire? Do you breathe foreign languages? It’s important to acknowledge and play to your strengths because, ultimately, your strengths will determine your future. This is the premise behind HSC True Reward – a program that recognises the strengths of each individual. Our unique program makes an early offer into a University degree based on corresponding HSC subject band outcomes, not the ATAR. Why? Because at Western, we recognise that too often, the ATAR system overlooks natural strengths and talent. HSC True Reward offers will be made before 14 December – ATAR release day.
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Western Sydney University
BONUS POINTS
westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/how-to-apply/bonus-points.html
YOU DID WELL IN YOUR HSC OR IB SUBJECTS
YOU LIVE IN WESTERN SYDNEY
If you live in Western Sydney, we’ll automatically add five Regional bonus points to your application (excluding the Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Physiotherapy).
If you achieve great results in HSC or International Baccalaureate (IB) subjects that are relevant to the course you want to study at Western, we’ll automatically add up to 10 bonus points to your application. For most courses you need a band 5 or 6 result, but for a small number of courses, band 4 is enough. Some Western courses are not available for bonus points.
YOU ARE AN ELITE ATHLETE OR PERFORMER
We recognise that performing at an elite level, as an athlete, musician or other performer, can take time away from your year 12 studies. To ensure you are not disadvantaged by your performance and training commitments, you can apply and if successful receive five bonus points on your application to Western.
You may be eligible for bonus points when applying through UAC. Up to ten bonus points in total may be available, when applying to Western Sydney University, if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
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THE ACADEMY
westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/courses/the-academy.html
The Academy, unique to Western Sydney University gives academic high-achievers an added edge – in their study and with employers. It’s free to join and offers you the challenges and intellectual rigour you crave. It focuses on community engagement and personal and professional development and prepares you to be a leader of tomorrow.
GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM
westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/courses/the-academy/global-leaders-program.html
The Academy Global Leaders Program is a pathway for students with exceptional potential to receive an early offer and a premium experience within the Academy. Successful applicants can gain access to our world-class leadership program with an unconditional guarantee of a place at Western Sydney University before the HSC commences. The Global Leaders Program includes a $2,000 scholarship, a University-sponsored overseas academic or leadership experience and much more. Applications close midnight, 30 September 2018.
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Western Sydney University
westernsydney.edu.au
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THE COLLEGE westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege
The College knows that there’s much more to you than an ATAR. If you’re determined to succeed, and ready for some hard work, they can help you find a pathway to the degree you want. The university pathway programs at The College are all about setting you up for success. You’ll learn in a nurturing, supportive environment, while being challenged to reach your full potential. The College offers students a pathway to university study through its comprehensive range of University Foundation Studies, Diploma programs and English Language courses for domestic and international students. The College draws upon 18 years of experience and is committed to three underlying principles of growth and diversity – multiple locations, multiple products, and multiple modes of delivery. The College is one of the few pathway providers offering HECS-HELP. Check out success stories at westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege/study_with_us/success_stories
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Western Sydney University
APPLY DIRECTLY TO WESTERN https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
You can now apply directly to Western Sydney University for free. You can make up to six choices in degrees and if you apply through both UAC and the Western Sydney University portal, this increases the number of degrees you can apply for to 11. HOW TO APPLY To complete the application you’ll need: →→Your personal details (name, address, email address, telephone number). Make sure the name you enter on your application matches the name on your official ID (birth certificate, citizenship documents, passport). You’ll need your ID when you enrol and there may be problems if the name on your ID doesn’t match your offer letter. Also ensure your email address is correct and don’t use a shared email address. After you apply you’ll need to check your email regularly for updates on your application. →→Details of your studies and qualifications, such as Australian or overseas tertiary qualification/s (including institution name, name of qualification, year completed and any student numbers); current and previous preparatory courses; and both complete and incomplete certificate, diploma and degree studies (including your student number, the name of the qualification and the years you attended). You’ll need to declare all your studies, even if you’ve applied to study at Western before. →→Details of your English language proficiency for undergraduate study. →→Details of full-time paid employment experience of one year or more.
SCHOLARSHIPS UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES westernsydney.edu.au/informationabout/scholarships_home
Western Sydney University alone has over 200 scholarships on offer and students are sometimes eligible to receive more than one. Western Sydney University offers $22 million in scholarships every year. Through merit-based scholarships and The Academy, Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, and superior leadership and community skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations, many of which include internship and mentorship experiences for recipients. There are also scholarships available for specific courses. Some of the scholarships available include:
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→→Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship – up to $50,000 →→Dean’s Scholarship – up to $20,000 →→Academic Excellence Scholarship – up to $20,000 →→Honours Scholarship – $5,000 for one year →→Sports Scholarship – $5,000 for one year →→International Exchange Scholarships (for semester exchange) – $1,750 one-off payment →→Student Mobility Travel Grants (for short programs) - $500 one-off payment
FAST FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP Participants in the Fast Forward Program are eligible to apply for a $20,000 scholarship to study at Western Sydney University. Autumn 2019 applications for this scholarship are now open. To apply, please visit the Applicant Portal applyonline.uws.edu.au/ connect/webconnect Applications close 4 January 2019.
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from a specific demographic
at various stages of their university candidature
studying in a specific subject area
who excel in a particular field
Not all scholarships are relevant to all applicants. Scholarships are offered to students:
WHO CAN APPLY? So, if a scholarship is on offer to postgraduate students – that is students who have already completed one university degree – it would not be open to students just out of high school. Pay careful attention to who is offering the scholarship and to whom it is being advertised. Equity criteria - Western Sydney University also consider and offer scholarships to people: →→of Australian Indigenous descent →→from rural and isolated areas →→experiencing financial hardship →→with a disability or long-term medical condition →→from a non-English speaking background →→experiencing long-term difficult family circumstances. westernsydney.edu.au/informationabout/scholarships_home/equity_criteria
westernsydney.edu.au
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SCHOLARSHIPS COMPETITIVE APPLICATIONS Once you have processed all of the requirements and feel ready to apply for a specific scholarship, there are various elements to consider. →→Carefully read through and include all required information. →→Most often, you will be required to include documents in support of your application. These may include awards, reports, references as well as simple proof of ID documents. →→Do not leave out certain elements because you consider them less important. ID documents are important, as without this proof, the organisation offering the scholarship might not be permitted to issue you with an offer.
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Supporting documents that can be effective include:
→→Centrelink statements (financial)
→→Merit certificates, especially ones that are specifically relevant to your current or future area of study.
→→Letter from doctor (medical)
→→Certificates of participation or appreciation for community service, particularly if they in some way relate to the organisation offering the scholarship and they demonstrate your character and specific areas of interest.
→→Letters from doctor, counsellor, Disability Worker at school or from the community etc. (disability)
→→Letters from counsellor, doctor etc. (family circumstances)
→→Passport showing arrival date in Australia (Non-English speaking background).
→→Reference letters are also often required upon application. - Include a reference from your school. - Approach a teacher who is involved in the area of study you may be interested in to provide a more specific reference.
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WRITING EFFECTIVE PERSONAL STATEMENTS This provides you with an excellent opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants. A personal statement should: →→Specifically address how the scholarship funds would realistically be used and how the funds would benefit you and your studies. →→Your achievements may also be listed and expanded upon. Document the most relevant ones first and carefully think through whether each one is relevant/useful. →→Aside from illustrating who you are as a person and your list of achievements, an equity statement may also be required/included to demonstrate to interviewers how awarding the scholarship to you would benefit your particular circumstance.
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An equity statement should: →→Provide a clear picture of a student’s situation →→Include information regarding each equity consideration the student is claiming →→Be supported by documentation →→Only include as much detail as the student is comfortable sharing. Demonstrating some knowledge of the donor of the scholarship can also be helpful. Remember, a scholarship is a generous contribution on behalf of either an organisation, institution, or an individual, so acknowledgement and appreciation of the opportunity they are making available is thoughtful.
In addition to spelling, grammar and syntax, thorough and precise checking of all included content prior to submission is important. Remember to review all aspects of your application, including: →→The attachment of all desired supporting documentation →→ Correct formatting - make sure all documents open easily and are in the required format. It can be beneficial to ask a third party, perhaps a teacher or parent to review your application. Often others can detect errors in our work more easily than we can.
Review and carefully proofread all application materials prior to submitting
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