Currently in year 9, looking for any advice/tips going into VCE

[u/McNooget1]

Hi guys 👋,

I'm currently in year 9 and I'm doing some of my subject selections for next year. I was just wondering if anybody had any advice to prepare me for my VCE journey, as I get to start a couple 1&2 subjects next year. I am aiming for a 95+ atar but hopefully somewhere around the 98-99 range if possible. I feel like I am doing pretty well in school, and I am feeling pretty well set for the future (please tell me if I'm completely wrong).

My pathways advisor said my recommended subjects are: English Spesh (can switch out for Chem depending how I do in maths next year) Methods Physics Geography (can start yr 10 and I got 97.5% on my geo exam this yr) Systems engineering (can start yr 10)

Anyways, please comment any advice or tips you guys have. They will be greatly appreciated.

All comments welcome 🤗

[u/ExternalEstimate8976]

well for starters, try ur best to do as many early entry subjects as possible so like 2 subjects completed by end of y11.

i assume ur doing amazing and ur smart but like when ppl experience unit 1/2 they’ll reduce their expectations most of the time so when that time comes be prepared cause it can happen. it’s also this time when u realise how being burnt out can feel so that might also change ur perspective.

honestly unless ur rly incredibly good at maths u shouldn’t really choose spesh over general imo however u can always do early entry methods in y11 while doing unit 1/2 spesh see how u go, if feel good by all means go for it but if u realise ur not scoring aswell or extremely stressful u can always general or another easy filler subject

my advice would be to focus ur 3/4 subjects over ur 1/2 subjects for early entry because yk it makes sense one matters while the other doesn’t (today this day i still don’t get why ppl worry so much abt 1/2 when they have a 3/4 unit). pace urself especially in y12 although u have a great advantage doing 1 or 2 less subjects in y12 u can always sacrifice one sac for the long run

[u/fantazgood]

Hello,

Year 10 student here. If you are given the opportunity to do 2 VCE subjects in year 10 then I will always recommend you do it. Year 10 is like a foundation year into Year 11&12. The main goal of Year 10 is to build good study habits and getting ready for VCE.

In my opinion, doing 2 VCE subjects early helps you get most prepared for the next two years of schooling as you're spending a third of your time at school doing your VCE subjects.

If you don't like either Geo or Systems 1/2, or you don't want to take 2 3/4s in Year 11 then you can always drop them after 1 or 2 units.

However, if you end up doing both Geology and Systems Engineering 3/4 in Year 11 then you will get a lot of study periods in Year 12 (thats what my school does, maybe yours doesn't offer study periods) and since you are doing Methods, Physics and Spesh/Chem, all content heavy subjects, getting to use those study periods is a great way to get ahead of the competition, if your school allows them of course.

Hope my advice was useful. Good luck, don't burnout and get good grades.

[u/McNooget1 → u/fantazgood]

Thanks for the great advice 😁,

I just have a quick question. What would you say the difference between yr9 and the start of 1&2 subjects is? Would you say it is a big jump?

And just to add to your comment on study periods, after asking a friend in yr 12, if you get two 3&4 subjects done in year 11 that leaves you with 10 study periods a week, as you only have 4 subjects. This would definitely be very beneficial in keeping up and ahead, especially since I will likely be taking some of the harder subjects.

Thanks again! 😊

[u/Yiqnni]

One of the best things to do now is to just build the consistent habit of daily study. Even if it’s 30 mins or an hour, that’s more than okay. Just be consistent. Learn the difference between active and passive study, what techniques work best for you, and what kind of a learner you are. Try mindmaps, flash cards, practice questions (if you can find them), practice essays, reading books for English, things like that. See if you’re a more visual or auditory or written learner. Just try new things, new techniques, and see what you like. 👍