Awesome thread fun_jirachi! Definitely answers some of the mysteries/unknowns related to doing accelerated courses. And congrats for completely your accelerated courses this year!
Just wanted to add, there is another option for acceleration (which is what I think you did in Maths), known as a 'compressed' course. With this method, you complete the preliminary and HSC component for one or more subjects in one year. It's just another option out there for those looking into doing accelerated courses. :)
Some anecdotal experience with doing compressed courses:Spoiler
I did two compressed subjects, PDHPE and Chemistry, in 2017. In 2018, I have done two more compressed subjects, Biology and Food Technology. Maths and English I have completely traditionally over two years.
Coming to the end of the two years now, I have no regrets with my choice. Though it was mandatory to do at least 1 compressed subject in year 11 (our school is very small, hence why they run the compressed model, to make class sized bigger) I am definitely glad I did the HSC this way, and knocked two subjects out at the end of year 11.
Some compressed pros (in addition to what fun_jirachi has said about accelerated courses):
- Less subjects to think about in HSC year.
- Exams are more spread out, as year 11/ year 12 exam periods occur at different times.
- Getting some of your results before year 12 even starts - can give some perspective on what your ATAR or other results might look like.
- Gaining some invaluable experience and maturity from class and older students on studying and preparing for the HSC.
- Looks damn good when applying for uni early entry! Seriously, having a smick set of results confirmed as you apply will really impress them, especially if it is a subject important to the degree. ;D
Cons:
- A lot of time is spent on one subject (which actually could be good). For me, 10 periods out of a 30 period week were allocated to each compressed course - that's a lot of time, if you're not fond of the subject! But you will get used to it - especially if it is a subject with practical, the time will fly!
- If you do a major work compressed, there is less out-of-school time to work on it.
- Can be very intense, but only if you let it be. :)
- Not being mature enough/ready enough to sit the HSC. I kinda tend to disagree with this, but it depends on the person. I was and still am really happy with my results from last year, and don't necessarily think I would have performed any better if I had done these subjects the traditional way.