Course Selection Advice

[sy__]

Hello!
I'm currently in year 10 and I'll be selecting my subjects for year 11 soon. I was wondering if anyone could help answer the following questions about my VCE subject selections, it'll be much appreciated! This year I've started Unit 1 & 2 Math Methods and Biology (I am currently averaging A's and A+). I'm still indecisive whether to do both subjects next year or to do one next year and leave one for year 12. This is my plan for the next two years;
2015: Unit 3&4 Math Methods and Biology | Unit 1&2 English, Chemistry, Psychology and HHD
2016: Unit 3&4 English, Chemistry, Psychology, HHD and maybe (Specialist 3&4)
My questions are:
1. Is it a good idea to do two 3&4 subjects in year 11? Is it worth it? (I've heard that MM and Biology are both very work-load heavy subjects in 3&4, is this true?)
2. Are the subjects I've selected really work-heavy (heaps of work lol)? Do you think it is well balanced out? 
As I said before, any advice would be much appreciated!
Thank you x

[keltingmeith]

What I know for sure - the mathematics study designs are changing in 2016. This means if you plan to do specialist - since you'll be doing it in 2016 - it might be a good idea to match it with methods, so that you don't miss out on the statistical inference you need for specialist. However, if you don't think you'll do specialist, you should do methods next year so that you don't have to revise methods over next year, and also get in before the study design change. I'd talk to a teacher about this if you're seriously considering doing specialist.

As to your actual questions, I can answer them both in one fell swoop:
Every VCE subject is content-heavy. Some are just heavy in such a way that you personally might not see it. I didn't think methods was content heavy at all, however I know some people who said there was more to learn in methods than any other course they've done. Instead of worrying about whether or not something is content-heavy, choose subjects that you like and enjoy - that way, you won't' care if there's too much content to keep track of, you'll have way too much fun learning it to care.

[sy__]

First of all, thanks for replying!
Oh I see, this is the first I’ve heard about a change in the mathematics study design in 2016! I’ve talked with a number of teachers about specialist, some have advised to go straight into 3 & 4 specialist in year 12, since methods 3 &4 apparently covers 1 & 2 specialist which is something that has confused me a lot but its something I’m still considering.  Also do you by any chance know about the change in the English study design in 2016? Is this true?

That’s what I’ve heard that all VCE subjects are content-heavy. I guess it something I need to experience first in order to fully understand.  I truly  understand where your coming from and I’ve taken that advice to do subjects I like and enjoy. I've seen so many people who have chosen subjects they absolutely despise just for the scaling and the results do not turn out well. If you don’t mind me asking, how was VCE for you?

Once again, thank you!

[Aaron]

I agree with the statement that all VCE subjects are "content-heavy". It doesn't matter which subjects you choose, you should divide your time and effort into each subject and not leave any aside. In terms of two 3&4's, I don't see why you couldn't. In Year 11, since majority of your subjects are Units 1+2, the only thing that matters for these subjects is a pass. Of course this is different for the 3/4's, therefore you can be a bit more relaxed on the 1/2's and put more effort into your 3/4's. I believe it's possible.

Now your question of whether it's worth it.. Well think about this particular scenario for a general 6-subject workload over two years. If you do two in year 11, you will only need to four (at the maximum) in Year 12, therefore you'll have less to worry about. If you only do one, same thing, but you'll have five.

If I had the option to do VCE again, I would definitely have done two in Year 11 to reduce my workload in my final year.

[JackSonSmith]

I would agree that 3/4 subjects have lots of work. Also, don't be fooled by 1/2 subjects. For example, business management 1/2 had no work (at my school at least) but does in 3/4.