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Matrix scholarship student Janithu shares the three lines of defence you need to excel in Year 12—mindset, tutoring, and practice papers!
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If you’re feeling the pressure of exams creeping up, trust me, I’ve been there. I’m here to share the best HSC exam tip that helps me get me through it all: The three lines of defence! Let’s dive in, shall we?
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Let’s be real – any exam can feel like a monster trying to swallow you whole. But here’s the thing: YOU are your first line of defence. It all starts with your mindset!
I used to stress out over difficult questions, thinking, “I’ll never figure this out!” But then I realised something game-changing: Instead of giving up, pause, take a deep breath, and break the problem down. That’s one of the most underrated HSC exam tips.
For Maths Extension 1, I remind myself that if a proof or integration looks intimidating, to approach it step by step. It’s like solving a puzzle.
In Chemistry, I try to visualise a reaction or even just write some random calculations, hoping to get to a final answer that makes sense. These small strategies became my go-to study strategies for Year 12, especially when I feel stuck.
Discipline is key, too. I set aside two or so hours every day just for a Maths Extension 1 past paper, and the same for Chemistry. I keep a logbook of my mistakes – the FM (First Mistakes) book.
I jot down every question I get wrong and figure out where I went astray. That logbook becomes my secret weapon two weeks before exams.
A Mistakes Logbook is like having a personal coach yelling, “Don’t make that mistake again!”
So, HSC exam tip number one: Believe in yourself, stay curious, and be disciplined throughout your academic journey!
If you’re a Matrix student like me, you know Matrix is your second line of defence, and it’s a game-changer. Their structured courses, expert teachers, and resources make a huge difference, especially when I do not completely understand a certain concept, because I can always rely on their resources and online videos.
Matrix’s weekly quizzes were clutch for keeping me sharp.
Getting instant feedback to spot gaps in my knowledge was a vital part of why I got the mark I wanted in the HSC.
Their online LMS has model answers and detailed explanations for their workbooks. It really helps me break down tough concepts like random variables in Maths Extension 1. That breakdown makes it the best way to study for Maths Extension 1, in my opinion—targeted, bite-sized, and super clear.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lean on Matrix. They’ve got your back with structured courses, practice papers, and expert guidance from their experienced teachers. They’re part of the study strategies for Year 12 that help you stay consistent, supported, and exam-ready.
Now, let’s talk about the third line of defence: Past papers. Seriously, if I could hug every past HSC paper in history, I would. They’re the ultimate way to prep because they show you exactly what NESA throws at you, question styles, difficulty levels, and time pressure.
I started doing past papers for Maths Extension 1, Maths Advanced, and Chemistry about 9 months before my trials. Personally, I would learn the content through exam papers by going through their solutions and understanding how markers think.
This was the best way to study for Maths Extension 1—seeing the patterns in real exam questions and matching your thinking to what the examiners want. I’d also time myself to simulate exam conditions.
Here’s the best study strategy for Year 12: Don’t just do past papers; learn from them.
I kept a logbook (yep, that FM book again!) of every mistake. Whether it was misapplying the chain rule in Maths Advanced or misunderstanding a reaction pathway in Chemistry. Then, I’d revisit those questions two weeks before an exam and practice similar ones until I nailed them.
By the time my HSC rolled around, I felt like I’d seen it all before. I knew the patterns, the traps, and how to manage my time in exam conditions. Practising under pressure is one of the most effective HSC exam tips and was the best way to study for Maths Extension 1.
So, how do these three lines work together? Imagine you’re facing a beast of an exam question—a multi-step synthesis in Chemistry or a complex differential equation in Maths Extension 1. You had:
For me, this combo is unstoppable. I went from feeling pressured over Year 12 Maths to feeling confident in the exam hall. I also crushed Chemistry modules thanks to Matrix’s resources and past paper practice.
Now, as I look back, I’m convinced this three-pronged approach is one of the best HSC exam tips.
So, Year 12s, whether you’re prepping for trials or the big HSC, give yourself, Matrix, and past papers a chance to shine. You’ve got the brains, the support, and the practice; now go ace those exams!
Inspired by Janithu’s story? Find out how you can build your own lines of defence at our free success seminars — packed with subject selection tips, exam strategies, and expert guidance.
Written by Matrix Education
Matrix is Sydney's No.1 High School Tuition provider. Come read our blog regularly for study hacks, subject breakdowns, and all the other academic insights you need.
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