Part 5: Alan’s 99.95 ATAR Success Tips for School-Assessed Coursework

As a VCE student, succeeding in School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) is crucial to achieving a high ATAR and securing university entry. But, to excel in SACs, you need effective study strategies, time management, and a deep understanding of the content.

Alan Wong, a Matrix Education graduate who achieved an outstanding 99.95 ATAR, shares his top strategies for excelling in School-Assessed Coursework (SACs). His insights offer invaluable guidance if you’re juggling multiple deadlines and looking to maximise your performance in SACs.

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Here are Alan’s tried-and-tested methods:

1. Use a variety of study notes

Alan recommends using different types of study notes to enhance your revision. His approach includes:

• Post-it notes: Perfect for quick reviews of key concepts, Alan used them to jot down essential facts and stick them in places he’d see often. This method allowed him to keep important information fresh in his mind.
• Detailed summaries: For deeper study, Alan created comprehensive summaries that covered each topic thoroughly. These were ideal for preparing for major assessments and SACs, as they helped solidify his understanding.

By mixing short, easy-to-access notes with detailed study summaries, you can stay engaged with the content and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared so you can succeed in your SACs.

2. Learn from multiple sources

Alan didn’t limit his learning to textbooks. Instead, he incorporated a variety of resources to gain different perspectives on difficult subjects. His method involved:

• Educational videos: These helped visualise complex concepts, especially in subjects like Chemistry.
• Podcasts and online articles: For subjects like English, Alan used podcasts and articles to deepen his analysis and strengthen his argumentation skills.

By learning from multiple sources, you can engage with the material in different ways, improving your ability to understand and explain complex ideas. This diverse approach will improve your SAC performance.

3. Broaden your reading

Alan attributes much of his success to reading beyond the prescribed curriculum. To gain a broader perspective, he:

• Read study guides, articles, and books beyond the core material.
• Explored different viewpoints, especially in essay-based subjects like English and History, which helped him deliver more sophisticated and original responses.

For example, reading additional literature and critical essays gave Alan unique insights that helped him stand out in assessments.

This kind of broadened reading will not only expand your knowledge but also enrich your writing, improving your SAC results.

4. Using quality resources

Alan also stresses the importance of using the right learning resources. He made full use of the materials provided by Matrix Education’s VCE tutoring, including:

• Comprehensive Theory Books
• Practice questions
• Theory Video Lessons

These tools were instrumental in helping him master complex concepts and excel in his SACs. For students aiming for top results, utilising high-quality resources like these is essential.

Key takeaways

Here’s what you can learn from Alan’s approach to excelling in SACs:

1. Consistency is key

Staying on top of your study routine throughout the year is crucial. By keeping a regular schedule, you can make SAC preparation less overwhelming. Consistent revision helps you build a strong understanding of the content, which is critical not only for SACs but also for your final exams.

2. Practise effectively

Alan recommends practising with past SAC papers under timed conditions. Doing this helps you:

• Improve your time management
• Get familiar with the exam format
• Sharpen your exam techniques

This method will reduce stress during the actual SACs and ensure you’re ready for any unexpected questions.

3. Use feedback for growth

Teacher feedback is one of the most valuable tools you have. Pay close attention to your teachers’ comments and use them to refine your study techniques. Incorporating feedback into your future SAC preparation will help you steadily improve and avoid repeating mistakes.

4. Parental support is important

Your parents can play a big role in your academic success. They can support you by:

• Creating a quiet, distraction-free study space
• Encouraging a balanced routine that includes time for study, physical activity, and relaxation
• Offering emotional support to reduce stress

Involving your parents in your journey will help you manage your workload better and perform at your best in SACs.

5. Utilise quality resources

Access to high-quality resources like textbooks, practice questions, and video lessons is essential for effective SAC preparation. Alan emphasises that using the right materials provides the foundation for success. He relied on Matrix Education’s resources to strengthen his knowledge and boost his performance.

Final thoughts

SACs are a vital part of the VCE, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills throughout the year. Performing well in SACs helps build a strong academic foundation, which directly affects your study score and ATAR.

Achieving top marks in SACs requires a combination of consistent effort, strategic revision, and effective time management. Alan Wong’s strategies offer a clear path to excelling in SACs, highlighting the importance of using a variety of study methods, learning from multiple sources, and expanding your reading.

Take on School-Assessed Coursework with confidence

With the right preparation and support, you can achieve your best results. Matrix Education provides access to experienced teachers, a supportive learning environment, and comprehensive resources to help you succeed. Enrol today.