Are you aiming for a Band 6 in HSC Physics? Not quite sure how to get there?
Well you’re in luck! Today we’ve spoken with David, who achieved a Band 6 in HSC Physics, scoring a 90 out 100.
Let’s dive into some of the strategies David used to get this amazing mark and hear some of his top tips so you can aim for that Band 6 as well!
Navigating the New Syllabus
Strategies Towards a Band 6 in HSC Physics
Preparing for the Trials and HSC Exams
How did David navigate around the new HSC Syllabus for Physics?
David had a hard time preparing for the HSC examination as the new Physics syllabus meant there was no bank of past papers for him to practice with.
“In the HSC, it was completely different… it was more about application rather than just the theory,” David said. As the new Physics exam was a whole lot more application based, it’s important you know your theory and are able to apply it to any question.
David said, “As long as you have the theory in the back of your mind… and if you apply it to the question, I reckon that’s how you really be successful in HSC Physics.”
David’s Strategies for Working Towards a Band 6 in HSC Physics
At the start of Year 12, David was well aware that Physics was one of his weakest subjects, and therefore made sure to spend extra time on it. Here are some of the strategies David used to do better in the subject!
Tip #1: Create a Timetable
“I created a timetable with 40 minute blocks and 10 minute breaks so I can get some water, get some snacks and have a walk,” David said, and he would aim to dedicate 60 to 90 minutes on the subject each day.
Having a timetable will not only help you organise your life in terms of study, but also any other aspect of your life such as your hobbies and social events! It’s important to balance study with leisure.
Learn more about how to create an effective HSC study plan here!
Tip #2: Gather Different Types of Resources
Another key aspect of David’s study strategy was gathering as many resources as possible! Of course, your school will provide you with resources, but it’s always great to see what you can find online, in other textbooks and from past papers or worksheets.
David found that reading explanations from different textbooks was most helpful because every textbook explains concepts differently. Therefore, you’re likely to find an explanation that clicks with you and helps you understand what’s going on!
Tip #3: Use Your Study Notes and Do Practice Questions
As for study notes, it really depends on doing what works for you. David found that making study notes for modules that required a lot of memorisation was helpful, for instance Module 6: Electromagnetism.
However, for other modules which were more application based, you might be better off doing practice questions rather than spending your time writing notes.
David said, “I reckon having the laws and what they’re actually trying to explain is a really crucial thing in Physics.”
Essentially, the new Physics syllabus has made the content significantly more application focused, and so modules that are more theoretical are more likely to require study notes and memorisation. For modules which are more application based, you probably won’t find study notes too effective, but rather exposure to different kinds of practice questions will help you out!
David said, “My way might not work for everyone… but as long as you find something that works for you, I reckon HSC Physics will become a lot easier!”
How David Prepared Leading Up to the Trials and HSC Exams
When preparing for Physics exams, David used the Success One HSC books which have a range of questions, however this didn’t fully apply to the new syllabus.
“Since NESA released more sample questions after the trials, I created myself an entire sort of booklet and just tackled every single sample question,” David said. These sample questions, which David completed under timed conditions, were crucial as there were no past papers for new syllabus students to work off.
David said, “Putting yourself through timed conditions actually allows you to think faster.” It’s important that you practice answering questions under exam conditions so you get used to working with time pressure.
“2019 HSC — everybody was shocked by it because it was a completely different HSC style,” David said.
David’s Final Tips for Achieving a Band 6 in HSC Physics!
The main thing to take away is that this new Physics syllabus is all about application! So, it’s even more important that you’re comfortable with the theory side of things.
David said, “Year 11 is all about the theories… But Year 12 Physics is actually linking it up, which I found really, really cool!”
When studying Physics, ask yourself how and why. “It’s not just saying, okay, F=MA, but why does it actually work like that?” David said, “Going a further step into HSC Physics is definitely the key thing that will actually carry you so much throughout Year 12.”
Whether it’s using practice questions, gathering resources, writing notes or preparing for your exam, David, a Band 6 HSC Physics student, has shared his tips and tricks. Hopefully you’ve been able to take away some strategies that you can implement into your study plan, and all the best for HSC Physics!
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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.
