Just started Year 12 and have no clue what to expect this term?
With your final year of high school underway, we want to make things easier for you. We’ve put together all the relevant resources you’ll need to ace the first term of Year 12, week to week — saving you time from having to rummage our site and allowing you to invest that back into your studies.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
September School Holidays Week 1
September School Holidays Week 2
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
September School Holidays Week 1
Welcome to your first week of the school holidays! While it’s essential to take some time to relax and recharge, this break can also be a valuable opportunity to get ahead and set yourself up for a successful year.
What is Year 12 Like?
Year 12 is an exciting but challenging time. It’s a year of growth, where you’ll face important exams and decisions about your future.
It may feel overwhelming at times, but remember, you have the knowledge and resources to overcome challenges.
You can learn more from the experiences of former Year 12 students!
Getting Ahead
With all the different subjects you’re taking in Year 12, how do you keep track of what you already know and what you’re yet to learn?
Figuring this out shouldn’t have to be an all-consuming task (and doesn’t need to involve printing out a syllabus for each of your subjects).
To get you set up for Year 12, we’ve created a range of HSC Study Dashboards that will help you:
👉 Stay on top of your study notes with our study notes tracker
👉 Prioritise topics to study to maximise marks using Traffic Light Syllabus Dot Point Rating System
👉 Keep on top of your revision for each module/topic to ensure you don’t end up cramming
👉 Access our FREE video library for each syllabus dot point for your subject to make revision easy
Here’s an explainer on how to use our Study dashboards!
What are you waiting for? Access the FREE dashboards now!
NOTE: To get access to your own version of the Dashboards, make sure you log in to Google Drive and hit File → Make a Copy!
HSC Study Dashboards:
September School Holidays Week 2
As you enter the second week of your school holidays, it’s an excellent time to reflect on the transition from Year 11 to Year 12. This move marks a significant step in your academic journey, and it’s essential to gauge your readiness for the year ahead.
How ready are you to take on Year 12? Find out with our Year 12 Readiness Quiz!
Week 1
You’ve made it to the start of Year 12! There’s a lot you can expect in this pivotal week with deciphering new syllabi, building a new study routine, getting your end of Year 11 results back and finalising which subjects you’ll be dropping.
Here are some resources that can help get you through it all:
Starting New Modules
You’ll be starting new modules this term, following on from all the Year 11 content you learnt from earlier in the year. You don’t have to go in blind with the guides we’ve created for the following subjects:
English Text Summaries
You’ll also be learning a new text for your English Common Module. If you have no idea what to expect, you can check out the breakdowns we’ve written for the following texts:
Dropping a Subject
If you’re considering dropping a subject, this is the time to make your final decision. Reflect on your goals and interests, and consult with your teachers, careers advisor, and parents if needed.
To help you figure out what you should drop, use our Dropping a Subject Decision Tree Tool!
We’ve also got the drop rates for a range of HSC subjects which you can check out below:
Week 2
In Year 12, a well-structured study routine can be your secret weapon. It provides structure and helps you manage your time efficiently!
By breaking your study sessions into manageable blocks, you can cover more material with less stress.
Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Study Plan That You Will Stick To!
Week 3
As you journey through Year 12, it’s crucial to stay organised, balance your commitments, and navigate any challenges that may arise.
Creative Effective Study Notes
Building your study notes early is important so you aren’t left cramming before exams just trying to figure out what you should be revising.
Learn how to organise your study notes and keep on top of them!
We’ve got tips on how to write effective HSC study notes for various HSC subjects:
Balancing Extracurriculars
A question that students tend to ask is: should I take extracurricular activities or are they a waste of time?
Participating in extracurricular activities is essential for personal growth and well-roundedness. However, balancing them with your academic responsibilities requires careful planning!
Discover how a range of students kept their extracurriculars in Year 12:
Teacher Challenges
Occasionally, you may face challenges in your interactions with teachers. It’s important to keep open communication and seek support in times like this.
Discover our advice on how to tackle your teacher troubles!
Week 4
This week is often a turning point as assessment notifications start rolling in, and the reality of your academic journey becomes even more apparent.
Falling Behind and Overwhelm
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when it feels like things are starting to pile up, and procrastination takes over. Learn about our tips to keep the overwhelm at bay:
Avoiding Distractions
Distractions can derail your study sessions, which is why it’s important to have strategies to stop them from doing so! Here are our tips on avoiding them:
Week 5
If you haven’t already made a start on your major works or diving deeper into your English texts, now’s the time!
Navigating Major Works
Throughout working on a major work, you’ll be consulting with your teachers a lot, conducting a lot of research and ensuring you’ve got access to the resources you’ll need to complete it, and staying organised so you know what you need to accomplish and by when.
Some resources that can help you include:
Studying English Texts
Analysing your text and finding quotes from it are essential skills you’ll be using for future texts too. These articles will come in handy with building up your these skills:
If you’re wanting a head start on searching the kinds of quotes you should be incorporating into your essays, you can check out the lists we’ve made for the following texts:
Week 6
Now that you’re very much settled into the term, it’s time to think about how you can maximise your marks in your subjects. It can be a little demotivating with half the term to go, but you can’t let procrastination win!
The Different Between Band 5 VS Band 6 Responses
If you want to achieve a Band 6 in your subjects, there are a few things you need to think about to set your responses apart:
- Depth of analysis
- Originality and creativity
- Structure and clarity
- Evidence and quotes
- Revision and proofreading
You should also be seeking feedback from your teachers or peers!
Here are some guides to help you craft Band 6 responses for various subjects:
We’ve also got a range of subject guides for achieving Band 6s overall:
Procrastination and Motivation
Procrastination is a common challenge in Year 12, and maintaining motivation can be tough. Here are some of our resource to help overcome these obstacles:
Week 7
As you approach the first Year 12 assessments, it’s essential to understand their significance and implement strategies to manage stress effectively.
First Year 12 Assessments
Your first Year 12 assessments are more than just tests; they set the tone for the year ahead. Here’s why they matter:
- Foundation of success: Success in your initial assessments can boost your confidence and set a strong foundation for your HSC exams.
- Assessment of progress: These assessments provide a valuable opportunity to assess your understanding of the subject material and make necessary adjustments to the way you study.
- Time management: Preparing for your assessments helps you refine your time management skills, which will be crucial when the HSC comes around.
- Learning from feedback: The feedback you receive on your assessments allows you to pinpoint areas for improvement and refine your study approach.
Managing Stress
Stress is a natural response to the pressures of Year 12, but managing it effectively is essential for your well-being and academic success.
Check out our resources below for dealing with stress:
Week 8
With Term 4 in full swing, it’s time to power through your Year 12 assessments and solidify your major work idea.
Here are some resources to help you with your major work:
Week 9
Your first Year 12 assessments are underway, and they can be both exhilarating and challenging. Here’s how to tackle them effectively:
- Stay focused: Maintain your concentration during study sessions. Minimise distractions and stick to your schedule.
- Prioritise: Allocate your time wisely. If you have multiple assessments, focus on the most imminent ones first.
- Review and reflect: After each assessment, take some time to reflect on your performance. Identify areas for improvement and adjust your study strategies accordingly.
- Seek feedback: Don’t hesitate to approach your teachers for feedback. Their insights can help you fine-tune your approach.
- Stay positive: Stay positive and believe in your abilities. Challenges are part of the learning process, and every assessment is an opportunity to grow.
Week 10
It’s the final week of the term!
As you approach the summer holidays, you’re entering a well-deserved break and a time to strike a balance between academic readiness and personal relaxation.
Here are some resources on how to make the most of your summer holidays:
Are you looking for some extra help with conquering Term 4 in Year 12?
We have an incredible team of HSC tutors and mentors!
We can help you master your HSC subject and ace your upcoming HSC assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!
We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 11 years, and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational HSC tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!
