You need more than the encouragement of your parents or caregivers and teachers to succeed at school. You need to accept responsibility for your own learning. Self-motivation is vital in your senior school years.

You start to prepare for your HSC in Year 11 so it's important to establish a good study routine at the beginning of the year. Homework and study requirements will increase noticeably in Year 11 and even more so in Year 12. The amount and quality of effort will be directly reflected through HSC achievement outcomes. However, studying doesn't have to be a drag. If you have some sound study strategies and time management skills you'll find it easier to manage your homework.

How do I choose subjects in Year 11?

Deciding which subjects to study in Year 11 is extremely important. It is crucial that you choose subjects that:

• enable you to work from your strengths



• challenge you to make the most of your capabilities



• provide you with the qualification that you need to pursue your career and ambitions after you leave school



• you enjoy studying



• offer a range of study that is manageable (ie. think about choosing a balance between theoretical and practical subjects)



• are your choice and not the choices of others.

The subjects you choose in your senior years at school may be very important in determining the career direction you take. You should consider:

• Prerequisite subjects - particular school subjects are sometimes compulsory for studying certain tertiary courses. Entry to these courses without HSC results in these subjects is not permitted. Some courses require that you achieve a prescribed standard in a specified HSC course before an offer of a place is made



• There are also subject prerequisites - some particular subjects within a university course require that you achieve a prescribed standard in a specified HSC course before you are allowed to enrol. If you do not have the required subject prerequisite but do have a suitable UAI you may still be selected for the course but may be unable to take the particular subject within the course



• Recommended subjects - specific school subjects are often recommended for tertiary courses, but your chances of selection are not affected if you haven't studied these HSC courses



• University Admissions Index (UAI) - this score is used to select students for courses at university.

It's advisable not to base your subject choices on:

1. Friends - your friends often have different abilities, interests and motivation from yours



2. Teachers - don't choose a subject because your favourite teacher may be teaching it. Teachers are often given other classes or change schools



3. Excursions - many subjects have fun excursions. Don't tolerate two years of misery for one particular excursion if you are not suited to that subject



4. Rumours - it’s pointless to study a subject you are not interested in, or not good at, because of rumours about jobs or marks. Do your research!



5. Easy subjects - none of the subjects you will be able to select from are easy subjects. Your success in any subject depends on your dedication and passion.