ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => Victorian Education Discussion => VIC Year 9 Discussion => Topic started by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 08:08:06 pm

Title: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 08:08:06 pm
In Year 10 next year I have the choice of completing 1 or 2 Unit 1/2 subjects. Initially I was stuck on the idea of Legal Studies, but I've become aware of the amount of essay-writing part of the subject; a skill I'm not bad at, but I don't really enjoy it.

This has made me want to think about other options; and that's where Biology comes in. Keep in mind I will be continuing whatever subject I chose on as a Unit 3/4 in Year 11, as well as Further Maths Unit 3/4.

I do quite well in Science, and find Biology interesting. I would just like some information maybe from someone who accelerated Biology. I want to know about the workload, and any work that would help me getting ahead for the subject, like working on the holidays. Thanks.

Sconey
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 02, 2017, 08:24:09 pm
In Year 10 next year I have the choice of completing 1 or 2 Unit 1/2 subjects. Initially I was stuck on the idea of Legal Studies, but I've become aware of the amount of essay-writing part of the subject; a skill I'm not bad at, but I don't really enjoy it.

This has made me want to think about other options; and that's where Biology comes in. Keep in mind I will be continuing whatever subject I chose on as a Unit 3/4 in Year 11, as well as Further Maths Unit 3/4.

I do quite well in Science, and find Biology interesting. I would just like some information maybe from someone who accelerated Biology. I want to know about the workload, and any work that would help me getting ahead for the subject, like working on the holidays. Thanks.

Sconey
Hey Sconey,
I am currently in year 10 and am doing biology 1/2 and methods 1/2. I am not doing legal studies and am not really planning on doing it in year 11 so unfortunately I can't help you out there but I can certainly help you out with biology.

Biology isn't too difficult but as it's content heavy, it's important to dedicate enough time for you to learn everything properly and thoroughly. Doing biology early in my opinion really sets you up for year 11 and 12 VCE as it gets you into the habit of writing effective notes and summaries. Unit 1 is a bit more hectic than unit 2 but it isn't too difficult to manage. For unit 1, we have covered microscopes and the introduction to cells, the plasma membrane, energy transformations, functioning systems, experimental designs, survival through adaptations and regulation, relationships in an ecosystem and classifying biodiversity and in unit 2 we are covering cell replication. In biology, it's really important to listen attentively and write concise but thorough summaries and notes. In my opinion, biology is quite interesting and it would be a great idea to accelerate it. A lot of people do it early as it involves a lot of content and theory. If you have any specific questions regarding accelerating biology, PLEASE ask me? I feel like I haven't written enough but if ask me specific questions, I will be able to answer in more detail. Also, if you would like me to send you some teacher notes (powerpoints), PM or reply to this post and I'll happily send them.

I think if you are looking to do 2 subjects, methods would be a great option for a second. I am doing it this year as well as biology. This is because if you find it difficult, you can repeat it in year 11 or you can continue it, easing the pressure in year 12. Again, if you would like to give some more information, ask me.

I have answered a similar question on another thread so have a read of that as well. The link is: https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=171918.msg958063#new
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 08:29:46 pm
Cheers for the reply GP,
I will send a PM shortly with some follow-up questions. Thanks for taking the time to reply thoroughly.

Sconey
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 02, 2017, 08:34:46 pm
Cheers for the reply GP,
I will send a PM shortly with some follow-up questions. Thanks for taking the time to reply thoroughly.

Sconey
Happy to help!
I'll be waiting for the PM but if you want, you can ask on this thread. This is because if I don't know the answer to a question, other members can help you out. Totally up to you though!  :)
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 08:43:28 pm
Oops, already sent PM. Feel free to copy and paste it onto this thread for others to see! I don't have it saved.
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Aaron on July 02, 2017, 08:44:40 pm
Yes, please post here rather than PM. The forum acts as an archive as well, so any responses may help others now and into the future. Thanks for your understanding :)
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 02, 2017, 09:04:55 pm
QUESTION BY SCONEY: Hey GalacticProcess,
Thanks again for the reply.

Those notes would be great, just to get an insight into the subject.

For Biology or Methods, did you get ahead (complete the first couple of chapters in the textbook), or looking back did you wish you did?

I'm quite a strong maths student, averaging an A (~87%) in the top maths group (doing Year 10/11 work). Would you suggest doing Methods next year? Along with Biology is it too much workload? Thanks.



Hey!
I'll PM you those notes soon, most likely tomorrow morning or even tonight if I'm able to. I actually didn't get ahead in methods or biology as you have mentioned, however I was in accelerated maths since the beginning of year 8. Tbqh, I don't really think it's important to go ahead, BUT it's great if you do! I don't really look back and think, "man I should've studied this stuff earlier", but it will be helpful if you look over a few things and get a head start.

It's really up to you if you want to do methods, but I don't feel like there are any disadvantages of doing it. Your maths average is great if you want to accelerate methods and I'd recommend it.

There isn't too much of a workload of doing both of the subjects together, but you're going to have to dedicate yourself and study hard if you want to do really well. The way I look at it, you're going to have to do many more subjects at the same time in year 11 and 12, so what's the issue now? I also used to think about the workload when I was in your position last year, but I have never regretted choosing these subjects for year 10.

If you have any questions, ask me. Just wanted to ask you, how do you want me to send you the notes? They are powerpoints so do you prefer email or through AN?

See ya!
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 09:09:53 pm
Through AtarNotes would be best, in the interests of privacy :)

Also, do you plan on doing spesh maths in Year 12, because I initially did not want to, and didn't see the point to doing methods early without doing spesh later. If you are doing spesh, is difficulty and workload much of a jump from methods?
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 02, 2017, 09:14:05 pm
Through AtarNotes would be best, in the interests of privacy :)

Also, do you plan on doing spesh maths in Year 12, because I initially did not want to, and didn't see the point to doing methods early without doing spesh later. If you are doing spesh, is difficulty and workload much of a jump from methods?
Hey!
I am actually planning on doing spesh in year 12. I'm not doing it now so I can't comment on the workload.  :-\  ;D

Even if you're not going to do spesh later on, doing methods early is still a good option. This is so you can concentrate on other subjects in year 12 and have one less subject to do.
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Aaron on July 02, 2017, 09:14:53 pm
Since this discussion is starting to divert into multiple subjects instead of just Bio, i'll move it to Vic Education Discussion :)

There will be a moved notice created in the bio board.
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 02, 2017, 09:30:29 pm
Thanks for your help GP!

I think I've ruled Legal Studies out completely now. Probably doing Biology, and will contact teacher to seek their opinion on doing methods. Thanks again for you're help and good luck with the rest of your studies!

Sconey
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 02, 2017, 10:21:28 pm
Thanks for your help GP!

I think I've ruled Legal Studies out completely now. Probably doing Biology, and will contact teacher to seek their opinion on doing methods. Thanks again for you're help and good luck with the rest of your studies!

Sconey
Thanks and good luck to you too! Please don't rule out legal because of me. Seek out help from others for legal and contacting a teacher for methods is a great idea! If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask! Stay active on the site and help others out as well asking some more questions!

See you for now!
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: K888 on July 02, 2017, 11:25:53 pm
Would just like to stick my head in here and say I think you'd really benefit from having a chat to your careers advisor at school, as well as the teachers for the subjects you're considering doing :)
They can probably give you some more accurate advice than we can, considering they know you as a student!


Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sine on July 03, 2017, 12:16:53 am
In Year 10 next year I have the choice of completing 1 or 2 Unit 1/2 subjects. Initially I was stuck on the idea of Legal Studies, but I've become aware of the amount of essay-writing part of the subject; a skill I'm not bad at, but I don't really enjoy it.

This has made me want to think about other options; and that's where Biology comes in. Keep in mind I will be continuing whatever subject I chose on as a Unit 3/4 in Year 11, as well as Further Maths Unit 3/4.

I do quite well in Science, and find Biology interesting. I would just like some information maybe from someone who accelerated Biology. I want to know about the workload, and any work that would help me getting ahead for the subject, like working on the holidays. Thanks.

Sconey
I did 3/4 bio in yr 11 definitely if you want to complete bio you do it in year 11.

Definitely a high workload but will make other subjects content load a joke. In terms of getting ahead I would just read the textbook or watch some videos online. Personally I made summary notes over the summer holidays meaning I was "ahead" of the school content always. Although I feel going in depth than breadth will help you in the long run.
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 03, 2017, 12:48:08 pm
Would just like to stick my head in here and say I think you'd really benefit from having a chat to your careers advisor at school, as well as the teachers for the subjects you're considering doing :)
They can probably give you some more accurate advice than we can, considering they know you as a student!

Thanks K888 for the advice, I'll try and make that happen!
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: GalacticProcess on July 03, 2017, 03:26:09 pm
Hey Sconey,
I have been trying to send you the powerpoints for a while now but I have an issue. When I try to PM, there is no option to attach anything, so that isn't an option. When I try to reply to your thread, when I attach and click 'Post', it doesn't send. I have tried multiple times but to no avail. The only option left is just to email. I know you didn't want to do this because of obvious privacy reasons but with your permission, am I able to send them through email?

For anyone wanting to know, the attachment was a .zip file.

If anyone else has any other alternatives, please let me know. Thanks!
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: amigos on July 03, 2017, 05:00:57 pm
Hey Sconey,
I have been trying to send you the powerpoints for a while now but I have an issue. When I try to PM, there is no option to attach anything, so that isn't an option. When I try to reply to your thread, when I attach and click 'Post', it doesn't send. I have tried multiple times but to no avail. The only option left is just to email. I know you didn't want to do this because of obvious privacy reasons but with your permission, am I able to send them through email?

For anyone wanting to know, the attachment was a .zip file.

If anyone else has any other alternatives, please let me know. Thanks!

Dropbox?
Title: Re: Subject Selection
Post by: Sconey on July 03, 2017, 06:11:13 pm
I sent a PM with my email address GP.