ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => Victorian Education Discussion => Topic started by: werdna on November 17, 2010, 07:38:16 pm

Title: VCE tips!
Post by: werdna on November 17, 2010, 07:38:16 pm
Can the 99+ ATAR students please let us know how they succeeded in the VCE?

Any tips that can be handed down to the Class of 2011?

 ;)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Chavi on November 17, 2010, 07:39:35 pm
I'll let you know on Dec 13  ;)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: TrueTears on November 17, 2010, 07:40:31 pm
I can only give you tips for 2 of your subjects since I done them :)

For English I memorised alot of essays, then regurgitate during SACs/exams.

For Methods I just did all the exercises in the Essentials book during the holidays, then casually did exams throughout the year with the majority of my time spent on non-VCE mathematics.

Good luck, there's no set strategy for getting a high ENTER or getting high SS, just do what interests you and enjoy the year.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Furbob on November 17, 2010, 07:46:17 pm
TT reminds me of my methods-3/4-teacher that I am going to have for next year (have had her before though)
she sent us an email today saying

Welcome girls to the wonderful world of “Mathematical Methods CAS 3/4” where there is sure to be fun and a lot of hard work... LOL.

*but it is a wonderful world :')

Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: onerealsmartass on November 17, 2010, 07:48:13 pm
this shall be good :) im gonna need some tips and advice.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: TrueTears on November 17, 2010, 07:48:50 pm
^^ haha, Methods isn't that fun :P Maths is fun! (Yes VCE Methods is not real maths!)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: vexx on November 17, 2010, 07:50:04 pm
English Language
- Start essays as SOON AS POSSIBLE, to perfect essay writing is a key-skill required for SACs and end of year (being 40%), so for unit 3, do an essay every week on top of everything if you can. Either get a tutor to correct it for you, or just have your teacher do it. I would have done a lot better for unit 3 if i had done this, make sure you summarise the key knowledge every week and collect examples of every concept from the media whenever you see it. So read the newspaper, and make a journal if you don't have a SAC on it.. You'l understand what to look for once you cover the concepts.

AS for unit 4, i loved this topic because it was very 'sciencey', but no need to worry about it until the end of year, so focus on unit 3 :)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Chavi on November 17, 2010, 07:50:49 pm
jokes:

English: Thoroughly understand your texts - memorize about 30 important quotes for each, and summarise all the study guides (Insight/Neap) in your own words - this is what I did for AMFAS during the summer holidays - and I was extremely prepared on the first day of school.
For Language analysis - at this stage, make sure to read newspapers very often - and make mental notes of persuasive language.
For context - there is really not much to do here. Read your texts of course. If you're a good/natural writer, you'll be fine.

Methods: I would recommend skimming lightly through your textbook, and do random questions. I would recommend going in depth in two or three areas (say integration and Normal distributions) - so you arrive at school with a few 'strong points' in the subject.

Latin: I can't advise you on language specific tasks, but having done a LOTE in Year 12, I can say that this is the hardest and most rewarding subject in year 12. Are there any Latin publications? If so, read them! Also, I would recommend typing up a word list (of translations) and sticking them up on your bedroom wall.

Good luck mate :)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: AzureBlue on November 17, 2010, 07:51:19 pm
^^ haha, Methods isn't that fun :P Maths is fun! (Yes VCE Methods is not real maths!)
You have good taste in maths too! :)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Furbob on November 17, 2010, 07:52:40 pm
my methods teacher's husband does engineering and she tells me that at the dinner table the whole family usually talks about maths. Not to mention she wears these cool badges such as "DONT TOUCH MY ASYMPTOTE." :D

*just noticed TT went to the same school as my older brother o_o*
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Visionz on November 17, 2010, 07:55:31 pm
drop legal. acquire psych.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: stonecold on November 17, 2010, 07:59:54 pm
English Language
- Start essays as SOON AS POSSIBLE, to perfect essay writing is a key-skill required for SACs and end of year (being 40%), so for unit 3, do an essay every week on top of everything if you can. Either get a tutor to correct it for you, or just have your teacher do it. I would have done a lot better for unit 3 if i had done this, make sure you summarise the key knowledge every week and collect examples of every concept from the media whenever you see it. So read the newspaper, and make a journal if you don't have a SAC on it.. You'l understand what to look for once you cover the concepts.

AS for unit 4, i loved this topic because it was very 'sciencey', but no need to worry about it until the end of year, so focus on unit 3 :)

And on top of this for EngLang  (I only realised this when it was too late), make notes on each different text type for Unit 4 Written/Spoken Language.

For example:
-Legal documents/terms and conditions
-Advertisements
-Literature
-Opinion pieces
-Sports commentaries
-Interviews
-Informative pieces

etc...

Then for each one, make subheading of each of the subsystems and note down all the general features for that subsystem which are common to that text type, as well as any other features which typify that text type (i.e. for interviews,  vocatives are commonly used to hand over the floor as it clearly defines the turn taking, which must be fluent and clear in a context such as a radio interview.)

Then just memorise it all, and you will seriously dominate section 1+2 of the exam.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: pi on November 17, 2010, 08:09:09 pm
(I have not obviously completed VCE yet)

I have a friend doing latin and he finds motivation by reading the Harry Potter latin versions. He says it is hard work but is great motivation for him.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: eeps on November 17, 2010, 08:31:35 pm
I have a friend doing latin and he finds motivation by reading the Harry Potter latin versions. He says it is hard work but is great motivation for him.

HAHA. nice! =P
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Furbob on November 17, 2010, 08:53:29 pm
bet your friend cant wait for tomorrow~! :D
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: pi on November 17, 2010, 08:57:18 pm
bet your friend cant wait for tomorrow~! :D

I think he's wagging school for the movie (in english though -latin movies would just be retarded <--- motivation going too far!)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: HERculina on November 17, 2010, 09:05:20 pm
IM WATCHING HARRY POTTER 3D IMAX THIS WEEKEND!!!
WOOOTHOOOOT  :D
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: iNerd on November 17, 2010, 09:12:00 pm
Tomorrow.
3pm.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: sam.utute on November 18, 2010, 08:29:54 am
No tips for economics? Where are all the awesome people who did economics gone? Everyone knows any doing eco is mega/epically cool.

That being said, Tips for Economics:
Read, Read, Read and Read. Read the textbook, read the VCAA assessment reports, read answers to questions, read other textbooks...etc. etc.
Aim to finish going through the textbook at least once before school starts. While you are going through the book, write up your own set of notes based on the new study design. As eco has M/C questions (worth 1/3 of the exam), the key for these is to practice. I did around 1000+ M/C questions as practice (according to our solutions on VN, I got 15/15 :)).
More tips to come when I get my results :P
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Ghost! on November 18, 2010, 07:55:41 pm
Quote
No tips for economics? Where are all the awesome people who did economics gone? Everyone knows any doing eco is mega/epically cool.

That being said, Tips for Economics:
Read, Read, Read and Read. Read the textbook, read the VCAA assessment reports, read answers to questions, read other textbooks...etc. etc.
Aim to finish going through the textbook at least once before school starts. While you are going through the book, write up your own set of notes based on the new study design. As eco has M/C questions (worth 1/3 of the exam), the key for these is to practice. I did around 1000+ M/C questions as practice (according to our solutions on VN, I got 15/15 Smiley).
More tips to come when I get my results Tongue

Congratulations on your mark! :D
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: sam.utute on November 19, 2010, 08:02:20 am
Quote
No tips for economics? Where are all the awesome people who did economics gone? Everyone knows any doing eco is mega/epically cool.

That being said, Tips for Economics:
Read, Read, Read and Read. Read the textbook, read the VCAA assessment reports, read answers to questions, read other textbooks...etc. etc.
Aim to finish going through the textbook at least once before school starts. While you are going through the book, write up your own set of notes based on the new study design. As eco has M/C questions (worth 1/3 of the exam), the key for these is to practice. I did around 1000+ M/C questions as practice (according to our solutions on VN, I got 15/15 Smiley).
More tips to come when I get my results Tongue

Congratulations on your mark! :D
Thanks :)

P.S. I'll upload my economics notes later when I have finished proof-reading them (it may take a while - 30something pages -.-)
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Ghost! on December 12, 2010, 04:34:42 pm
It's deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad/
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: funkyducky on December 12, 2010, 06:53:13 pm
(I have not obviously completed VCE yet)

I have a friend doing latin and he finds motivation by reading the Harry Potter latin versions. He says it is hard work but is great motivation for him.
My friend has the entire series in French - I'm planning on borrowing it off her and reading it through the year.

It's really satisfying when you find that you can actually use your LOTE outside the classroom context. It's nice to dip into a podcast/radio station/magazine/book/film/etc. Initially, it takes a bit to get the gears grinding, but after a while, you forget that it's not English, and just go with the flow.
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: Greatness on December 12, 2010, 06:57:05 pm
Cambridge why are bumping up an old thread???????


BUMP
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: vea on December 12, 2010, 06:59:27 pm
Ohh dam should I be reading the HP series in Chinese? G_G
Title: Re: VCE tips!
Post by: funkyducky on December 12, 2010, 07:16:13 pm
Ohh dam should I be reading the HP series in Chinese? G_G
It's a fun way to improve vocab and fluency...although I doubt an extensive knowledge of magical spells in your LOTE is going to be useful for the exam :P