VCE Unit 4 is quite daunting for any subject and any VCE student, especially after experiencing Unit 3.
Many students each year don’t manage the switch between Units 3 and 4 as well as they’d hope. Resulting in them being overwhelmed, falling behind, and getting lower grades.
Let’s take a look at what you can do to make the beginning of Unit 4 as smooth as possible, so that you can achieve the improvement you need for your dream ATAR!
Step #1: Reflect on Unit 3
Step #2: Look at the Study Design
Step #3: Try to Work Ahead
Step #1: Reflect on Unit 3
Reflection is one of the most under valued skills in learning. Apart from practice, the best way to improve your knowledge and application of content is through reflection.
Reflection involves looking back on VCE Unit 3, your past tests, practice SACs, study techniques, routines and class time activity to see where you can improve.
This is useful because it will help you get more out of your study, improve your SAC and test performance, or even point out some flaws you never knew you had.
There are some very specific ways that you should reflect in order to set yourself up for Unit 4.
Look Through Past SACs
SACs are one of the easiest ways to recognise what areas you need to improve on. To use SACs effectively, read through your teacher’s corrections and take note of the main areas you need to work on.
The identified areas of improvement will either relate to your knowledge of the content or your test skills. Either way, make sure you deeply understand where you went wrong, and where you need to improve.
After reflecting on a SAC, you should be able to explain in sufficient detail why you made each mistake and what you should’ve done instead.
Learn about why VCE SACs are important and how they work!
Reflect on Your Study Habits
You will need to consider how effectively you used your time throughout Unit 3. This may involve considering:
- What study techniques worked?
- What study techniques did not work?
- Did I take enough time to rest?
- Did I spend enough time studying?
- Do I have any habits that are preventing me from studying well?
Obviously, you can consider more, but these main questions will help you recognise how to improve your study even more for Unit 4.
Speak with Your Teacher
For some reason, VCE students never seem to use their teachers enough. Yes, sometimes you won’t have the best teacher, and their help could be counterproductive. However, they often will have really helpful pointers on how you can do better.
It is important to recognise that a second perspective from someone who is observing what you do weekly is invaluable. You should really take advantage of their assistance if you can!
Step #2: Look at the Study Design
Throughout your VCE journey, there is nothing more reliable than the study designs.
They are the best indicator of what content you need to know, what your SACs will be like and what will be on the final exam. There is absolutely no substitute for the study design.
You should really try to utilise the study design to understand and anticipate what content and SACs you need to do in VCE Unit 4. It’ll mentally prepare you for what’s coming up, but also give you a sense of direction as to what you need to do.
Want to learn more VCE tricks? Read about the difference between an average and top performing VCE student!
By doing so, you can pick more effective study strategies for each topic and SAC, while grasping just how much content you have left to cover!
Finally, checking the study design will ensure that there are no holes in your knowledge of the subject. If there is even a single dot point that you are not sure of, you should probably go and learn it!
Need material for VCE study? Use our comprehensive list of VCE Exams!
Step #3: Try to Work Ahead
Students often forget just how much they’ve got on in the second half of Year 12. Remember, you’ll need to complete the GAT, do practice for the GAT, complete all Unit 4 content, complete all Unit 4 SACs and tasks, start reviewing VCE Unit 3 and then start preparing for practice exams.
Concerned about the GAT? Read our full guide on everything you need to know about the GAT!
It’s full on. A lot of students really struggle to keep up at this stage and its fully understandable. I found that this period of VCE demotivated many students, including myself.
Those who manage this period of VCE the best are those who stay 1 or 2 weeks ahead in content. This is because they have extra time to spend resting, looking after themselves, focusing on a SAC or revising past content. They aren’t constantly fighting to keep up with their classes and not fall behind.
Keep in mind that if you do work ahead, every class will serve as time for revising content that you already know. Meaning, that you can refine your knowledge very effectively.
Additionally, there is extensive academic research that suggests learning concepts before going into class is a great study technique. It’s definitely a great way to prepare for University, where you’ll be asked to learn content before every class!
Thinking of working ahead during the break? Read on how to balance rest and study over the holidays!
That’s all!
Hopefully with this feedback, you can improve upon your results in VCE Unit 3 and achieve your goals in Unit 4!
It’s always important to remind yourself that VCE is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to put in consistent efforts that you can sustain over a long period of time. There is no point burning yourself out after one week of hyper extensive study.
Take it one step at a time, focus on what you can control, and always reflect upon how you can do better to improve your study habits.
Unit 4 may seem daunting, but if you give it your best and use my tips, you’ll be alright!
Are you looking for some extra help for VCE Unit 4?
We have an incredible team of tutors and mentors!
We can help you master your study designs by taking you through each dot point of every area of study. We’ll also help you ace your upcoming SACs with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!
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 English tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!
Max Huyton is the VIC Growth Marketer for Art of Smart and a Laws and Commerce student at Monash University. In his other life, Max spends his time reading and writing whenever he gets the chance and cooking extremely mediocre dishes for friends and family.
