Year 12 Study Tips

HSIE Study Tips That Actually Work

GETTING READY FOR EXAMS

Trials are coming up, and while that might feel overwhelming, the good news is you don’t need to memorise your book cover to cover. No matter what HSIE subject you study, it’s all about working smarter and using strategies that actually stick. 

Start with the syllabus. It’s not just a checklist for teachers. Use it to see exactly what you need to know. Tick things off as you go, and make sure you’re covering everything from key concepts to case studies. 

Ask yourself questions. Don’t just read your notes—challenge yourself. For example, in Legal, turn the syllabus point into: How effective is law reform in responding to changing values and achieving justice? If you can answer questions like that, you're on track. 

Practise like it’s the real thing. Past papers are gold. You don’t always need to write full essays—try planning responses, writing intros, or breaking down stimulus in short answers, especially for Geography or History. 

Mix things up. Flashcards, voice notes, mind maps—whatever works for you. Try explaining your PIP concepts to a friend, or summarising an ancient personality out loud. The more you change up how you study, the better it’ll stick. 

Keep things real. In Legal or Geo, use recent examples or news stories to show you understand how these issues play out in the real world.  

Get feedback and use it. Look at where you’ve lost marks in past assessments and ask your teacher how to improve. Sometimes just fixing how you structure a response can make a big difference. 

At the end of the day, it’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about consistent effort, clear strategies, and knowing what the exam actually expects of you. 

You’ve got this! 

ENGLISH ADVICE

PREPARING FOR TRIALS

With trial examinations approaching, senior students should be shifting their focus to writing timed responses at home and submitting these to their teachers for feedback. This is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the demands of HSC English. Practising under timed conditions helps build confidence, stamina, and structure—key ingredients for exam success. Now is the time to refine your writing and seek feedback to take your responses to the next level.