Are you struggling with Advanced Mathematics and your marks for the HSC aren’t looking too great, but you don’t want to drop the subject because it rules out university course options?
Well, today we’re hearing from Campbell, who improved his marks from a 30% in the Trials to a 60% in his HSC exams — that’s a 50% mark improvement in a 2 month period!
So, let’s jump in to hear how Campbell did it!
Why didn’t Campbell drop Mathematics?
Tips and Strategies to Improve Your HSC Mathematics Marks
How did Campbell double his marks in Mathematics?
Studying in the Lead Up to the HSC
Why didn’t Campbell drop Mathematics?
With Advanced Maths (or 2-unit Mathematics) it’s not uncommon for students to take Standard Maths instead or drop the subject overall if they aren’t performing well in it. However, for Campbell, he knew he needed to keep Maths to get into the university degree he wanted.
Maths was never Campbell’s strong suit, and he expressed, “I found it was a bit harder than I thought it was going to be.”
Nonetheless, Campbell persevered through the subject with the help from a good support network and figuring out the best study strategies that worked for him.
Campbell said, “I quite enjoyed maths once I got something… that little feeling of success from just getting one question right.”
Tips and Strategies to Improve Your HSC Mathematics Marks
In just two months between the Trials and HSC Examinations, Campbell’s mark jumped from 30 to 60 percent!
So what steps did Campbell take to achieve this drastic and quick improvement? We’ll walk you through these four steps.
Step #1: Talk to your teacher
Campbell spoke to his teacher after receiving his Trials paper. Seek advice from your teacher and ask, “What can I do to improve?”
It’s important to recognise the areas in which you can do better, so that you don’t find yourself making the same mistakes. Who better to ask than your own teacher?
Step #2: Re-do the paper
Now that you’re aware of where you went wrong, it’s a good idea to re-do the paper — particularly the questions you got wrong. With the answers and working out you’ll be able to figure out how to do that kind of question or fix up any silly mistakes!
Step #3: Identify your strengths
At this point of Year 12, with not long before the final HSC exams, Campbell strategically identified that the first section of the paper was his strength, so he focused on trying to get as many questions correct in this area as possible.
Figure out which parts of the exam paper you’re most comfortable with answering, because those questions will give you the easiest marks.
Step #4: Practice, practice, practice!
Now that you know your strengths and what areas you’re less confident in, it’s a matter of exposing yourself to as many questions as possible. And the best way to do that is through past papers.
Campbell would focus on answering questions in the first section of the paper as that was his strength, and leaving the other sections as a lower priority.
There are many different ways you can approach Maths, and it’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you! For Campbell, he found that trying to achieve the maximum amount of marks in the section he was most confident with would help him focus on his strengths.
How did Campbell double his marks in Mathematics for the HSC?
Campbell took one-on-one tutoring sessions at Art of Smart with his tutor Tiana. Together, they looked over the sections Campbell had been focusing on throughout the week and reviewed kinds of questions he was struggling with.
Campbell said, “I found it quite easy to work with her, because in class usually I’m afraid to put my hand up… working with Tiana I can ask those questions, and I won’t feel judged.”
Tiana provided Campbell with plenty of worksheets and exposure to different kinds of questions so that he could practice applying a wide variety of skills.
Need to turn your results around quick before your HSC Trials and Exams? Check out how our tutors in Liverpool can enhance your study!
Studying in the Lead Up to the HSC
In the two months between the Trials and HSC period, Campbell did a lot of general studying, but also figuring out what strategies best worked for him.
Campbell said, “I was looking over those few areas that I was a bit unsure of… going over key concepts, because they can really bring your mark up.”
Within the last two weeks before the final maths paper Campbell did a lot of past papers, focusing on the first section and checking the answers to see where he went wrong.
The night before the maths exam, Campbell reviewed the areas he was unsure of and made sure to, “Get a good night’s sleep, that’s always helpful!”
Want to stay accountable for your study? Get some support from our Maths tutors in Penrith!
A Final Tip from Campbell!
Campbell’s final tips are to “Keep practicing and keep that feedback loop going!”
“Don’t give up, just keep on practicing — Maths is all about practice. Just keep on doing it over and over again,” Campbell said.
So if you’re struggling with Maths but aren’t in a position where you should drop the subject, keep seeking feedback and finding ways to improve. Focus on the areas you’re strong in, and find a strategy that works for you!
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Nandini Dhir is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Marketing) and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), as a Dalyell Scholar, at Sydney University. She enjoys covering local issues in her area and writing about current events in the media. Nandini has had one of her pieces published in an article with the Sydney Morning Herald. In her free time, Nandini loves doing calligraphy, ballet, and sewing, or is otherwise found coddling her cats.
