Just been reading some other Journals and since my school is filled with dumb-asses who don't give a shit about VCE, I thought it would be wise to surround myself with those who actually have goals, and want to succeed, just like everyone here.
So last year I completed 3&4 methods, and 3&4 Business Management. My performance was quite average due to the fact that I had failed to realise that VCE tested your understanding, not your ability to memorise definitions (BM). I would always put off doing questions, with the excuse that my time would be more wisely spent if I just memorised definitions. This did not prove to be successful and I ended up with a 38 SS. Methods was a little different, in that I was always doing questions and trying to get ahead. However, when I was faced with a difficult question that required actual thinking, I would just skip it. This, I believe, is what let me down, because the SACs are filled with those difficult questions, where you cannot just plug in a formula and pop out an answer. I only got a 31 for MM.
This year is my chance to turn everything around...
The subjects I am undertaking this year, and my reasons for choosing them, are:
Algorithmics: I traded stocks and currencies last year, and so I chose to study algorithmics in hopes of improving my critical thinking skills, as well as understanding how to write proper algorithms, which I could then use to code Algorithmic Trading systems. Although the subject was a little different to what I expected, it is very interesting and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have had one SAC so far, and I performed poorly, with a score of only 35/46. I am doing a lot more reading now to gain a greater depth of understanding. My folio work has been good though, which I am happy about. The subject is rather difficult though, so I am setting a realistic target for a study score of 30+.
English language: Only did it because I needed an English, and it seemed to be the most applicable in the real world. The analytical skills required in the study of English Language seem to be highly valuable in sharpening your ability to think critically, as well as improving your ability to understand social interactions, and act accordingly. I've had two SACs so far. For the short answer questions SAC, I obtained a score of 19/20, which I am very happy with. I only obtained a score of 20/25 for the AC, which I am not happy about. I must improve my Essay and AC writing. I have asked my teacher for all of the power-points for next term so that I can get ahead and have more time to do questions and gain a greater understanding of the topic (formal language). I am aiming for a study score of above 40. But I would be happy with 38+.
Accounting: I chose to study accounting since I knew that understanding financial reports and being able to interpret them would be of great benefit when performing a fundamental analysis of publicly listed companies. Units 1&2 was really boring tbh, and I didn't enjoy it. I somehow managed to top the two classes, with minimum study and focus in class.
I know that units 3&4 will not be the same, so I have greatly improved my focus and level of study. So far, I've had two SACs. On the first, I achieved a score of 9/10. The second I acheived a score of 23/25. I will obtain the highest score out of my cohort in the next SAC for this outcome, since I am aware that it will be testing a lot more theory. This will distinguish those students that have a solid understanding of the topic from those who just know the formula to do journal entries and write reports. I am aiming for a study score of above 40.
Economics: I chose economics because it fits in with my interest for the financial markets, trading and investing. I've completed two SACS so far.
The first SAC has been marked and I topped the class with a score of 37.5/40. The second SAC, focusing on Macroeconomics and the basics of Aggregate Demand and Aggregate supply, was completed on the final day of term. I am feeling relatively confident since I had completed many questions and done a lot of reading. But I guess I just have to wait and see how I went. I am doing pre-reading now during the holidays to fully understand the next outcome, so that during class I can just ask questions and solidify my understanding. I must also complete some exam questions and revise what I have covered during term 1. I am aiming for a study score of above 40.
I shall keep who ever is reading posted probably once every day, just to keep myself motivated and focused on my study.