Assessment advice for new HSC students

The HSC is finally over for so many students which means that Year 12 has just started for a lucky (and nervous) few.

The HSC continues to challenge even the best of us and many students will have already noticed the increased complexity in the concepts they are learning in their first topic, usually the Common Module: Human Experiences.

HSC students studying at all levels (Standard, Advanced, Extension 1 and 2) will notice that assessment methods and the expected quality of response may get more complicated. It’s tricky wording from teachers and unexpected writing styles that I see as the most common suspects to a stressful first assessment.

So here are two tips – some super simple things – to help you through your first assessment. 

Cross-check the Notification, Marking Criteria & Rubric
As always, I recommend my students read through their assessment notifications and marking criteria thoroughly to make sure that the study they perform and the responses they prepare speak closely to what their teachers are expecting. Doing this makes it easier for teachers to give you the mark you want to achieve.

Keep it simple
It’s an odd thing that a lot of students – whatever year they’re in – think that complicated language will make them seem like they have a stronger grasp of a concept. Although, the reality is much to the contrary. Albert Einstein said it best: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t know it well enough.” So avoid synonyms of words you already know the meaning of! Short, simple sentences are also hugely powerful and ensure that your argument is clear and strong.