Years 10-12 study and essay skills. The smart way to prepare for your HSC.

This course for Year 10 students provides an introduction to study, language and writing skills necessary for success in a wide range of subjects in Years 10 and 11, and the Higher School Certificate.

The first session deals with study methods. It begins with a review of the essential elements within the compulsory course: HSC All My Own Work. The introduction to study methods then deals with procrastination and distraction – a significant problem for many young adults. The next main issues dealt with are the higher order critical thinking that underpins HSC examinations; recent understanding of memory and learning and its implications; and time management.

Subsequent sessions deal with English language and writing skills, including punctuation and sentence structure, vocabulary, and essay writing. A major focus will be on preparing Year 10 students for the new English Preliminary Reading to Write modules along with demonstrating the value of wide reading for writing essays in English and beyond.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• respond to the compulsory content within the HSC All My Own Work section of the NESA website
• recognise and overcome procrastination and distraction from study
• plan and maintain time management
• respond to study with the range of higher order thinking that underpins senior school and HSC courses and examinations, including analysis, use of evidence and synthesis
• apply recent theories about memory and learning
• improve basic sentence and paragraph structure and punctuation
• explore and apply the concept of different levels of written voice such as conversational and written formal communication
• improve paragraph writing
• write essays that explore the traditional form of the essay with an introduction, body and conclusion
• recognise the connection between wide reading and effective reading.

Content

• An overview of the compulsory content within the HSC All MY Own Work section on the NESA website
• Overcoming procrastination and distraction from study
• Time management for the term, week and study session
• Approaches to thinking and critical understanding: from gaining knowledge to critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis (making connections)
• Approaches to memory and learning: depth learning and memory
• English language and punctuation
• Essay writing from sentences to paragraphs and the form of the essay
• Reading to enhance writing

Intended audience

Year 10 students and proactive Year 9 students preparing for Year 10.

Delivery style

The facilitator will model effective writing in a blended learning environment that integrates online activities and resources with supplementary materials in a concise course booklet. Interactive class discussion, written exercises and individual feedback on student writing will be a strong feature of the delivery style over the course.

Materials

Two course booklets are distributed electronically: one about study methods and one about English language skills and essay writing.

Bring your own device

You are required to bring your own device. Please ensure your device is fully charged as access to power is limited. Please note that University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.

References

(1) NSW English K-10 Syllabus: Objective B Stage 2 – Objectives A, B and C; (2) The Higher School Certificate Program of Study statement provided at the beginning of the 2017 Syllabus for all subjects – including English, Mathematics, Business Studies.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.