need vce guidance

[kevin_blocks]

I am currently in year 9. I plan to do English or English Language, Math Methods (in yr 11), Specialist Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. I have already started Math Methods units 1&2 with my tutor since I don't want to fall behind so easily next year because 25 chapters is alot to absorb. I find maths to be very easy and am willing to put in a lot of time and effort. I have already started chemistry units 1&2.  I plan on studying physics beforehand in year 10. All the early studies I am currently doing are not taught at my school until years 11 or 12.

As an asian, I find english to be hard, but find science to be harder, specifically math. I like problem solving in maths and when get stuck on a problem, I tend to try hard to figure it out on my own and not ask my tutor for help since I prefer to derive rather than memorize. When I can clearly not solve a specific problem, I ask for help. I am even considering English Language rather than normal English because I have heard that it has a scientific element to it.

Are the concepts in Spesh easy to grasp and are they far more interesting than Math Methods?

I am not scared of taking taking on the asian 5 subjects. The atar I am aiming for is 99.95 because I want to have a wide course option by the time I graduate from school. I am not trying to get into a medicine course like most people.I just want to be the best I can be. At the moment, I am currently interested in an engineering course.

How much time should I put into each subject by the time I get to year 12?
Should I start studying like a junkie in year 9 now or relax?
And what is a good biology dictionary?

[shadows]

I don't see the point in studying for VCE subjects this early.

Make sure that your taking it a step at a time, and that you really nail down Year 9/10 Math before even thinking about VCE math or you will be really struggling.

IF you are super motivated and smart, nothing is stopping you from going ahead and learning the material. But to be honest, it won't give you that much of an advantage.

The VCE course is designed to be finished in one year. So if you keep up to date, and don't slack off(maybe a few classes ahead) you'll be fine in Year 12.
But I guess it depends on the individual.
I've heard of people finishing the course before they entered Year 12 and started practise exams very early, and achieved a very good score.
I've heard of people did the same thing as aforementioned but got complacent and did very little until exam time, and then realised that they forgot heaps of things.
And then there are people who cover the course at the same pace as school, revise and start practise exams around late Term 3 to Start of T3 holidays.


100% of your English score directly contributes to your ATAR, so I think get into the habit of reading regularly. Novels, newspapers, anything really.... It will certainly pay off in the long run.

There's certainly no rush to think about VCE. Remember not to get too caught up on it. Enjoy highschool! Year 9/10 is the time where I recall having fun and not really bothering about schoolwork. (LOL, I was a bit too relaxed)

One thing I do advise is to make sure that you have a good work ethic now. (Don't leave things till last minute, hand all your homework in time etc..) as its a habit that will follow you til Year 12 and beyond...