HSC Exam Advice – PDHPE In preparation for the exams, you should attempt as many past papers and questions as possible. These are all available from NSW Board of Studies website. Attempt these examination style questions under exam conditions. If possible submit these to your teacher for marking and feedback. Do not worry if you do not complete these within the required time as it will assist you in your overall time management. Use the syllabus as a study guide for every topic and make your notes with the syllabus in front of you. It is essential that your notes reflect syllabus content (learn about’s) and that you are able to apply the content to what is being asked in the corresponding learn to’s. When revising, use your syllabus and cross off the dot points once you are sure you are confident with that particular area of content You must make sure you are familiar with the key terms associated with the syllabus e.g. identify, account for, describe, explain, outline, examine, discuss, assess, evaluate, analyse tend to be the key terms that are used in PDHPE. A common error is that candidates usually offer general information in relation to higher order thinking questions. Also, students need to aware that the HSC examination questions can contain verbs such as what (similar to identify), how (similar to explain) and why (similar to justify). For Example, if you are asked to ‘Recommend the use of alternative health care approaches’, then marks can only be awarded for positive aspects of alternative heath care approaches. Do not list negative aspects! Candidates should ensure they are also familiar with syllabus areas and terminology. A common error is that there is often confusion about what material is relevant due to candidates not knowing the syllabus well enough e.g. Core 2 content often gets confused with the Option Improving Performance content. Examples are critical. Generally, students can not access the ‘top bands’ of marks without strong examples. A strong example is one that is detailed and specific, not general.

Weak Example

The athlete would improve her aerobic capacity by running in the aerobic zone and sometimes the anaerobic zone.

Strong Example

The marathon runner would improve her aerobic capacity by running just below the anaerobic threshold. Excursions into the anaerobic zone (e.g. fartlek training) would lift the anaerobic threshold and eventually improve aerobic capacity and therefore aerobic performance.

PTO

“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Chinese Proverb

exam /study tip # 21

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Having strong examples enhances the understanding of syllabus content of the student and provides for a better quality response. Do not write a long introduction when answering the extended response questions, get straight to the point. You can include a brief introduction that may include a definition/s or list the content that you will be going to address in your answer . In Core 2 Factors Affecting Performance students will never be asked to formulate a specific dietary or training program for an athlete, but you can be asked to analyse, assess or evaluate to determine whether the principles of training or dietary requirements have been addressed appropriately. When completing past HSC questions it is advisable to practice these questions under examination conditions. For eg, in answering a 5 mark question students need to allow themselves 10 minutes to answer. In this way, they are practising the skill of time management for their examination. Also, when completing past questions have a look at the notes from the marking centre. After every HSC examination a report is compiled by the HSC markers detailing the performance of students in each question. Since 2010, sample answers for each question are now provided by the Board of Studies and is available on their website:

http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/ Candidates should be familiar with the make-up of the exam: 3 Hours duration 20 Marks Multiple choice questions made up from content from Core 1 and 2. 40 Marks from short answer questions from Core 1 and 2 40 Marks made up from Options. Students must answer 2 options worth 20 marks each. It is imperative that students are aware that in Core 1 Health Priorities in Australia that cardiovascular disease and cancer are compulsory areas of study and when investigating population groups that experience health inequities ATSI people is compulsory and they are to look at one other group from the following Socioeconomically disadvantaged, rural and remote communities, the elderly, people with a disability and overseas born people. It is advisable that candidates DO NOT answer questions from an option with which they have not studied even though the question may seem relatively easy, as it is usually only answered in a very general manner with little information being processed from the relevant content syllabus area. When answering Multiple Choice questions there is always a distracter in the possible answers. Identify this and then work through the remaining responses to find the one that best fits. The Board of Studies offers an online opportunity to practice multiple choice questions from past HSC papers - http://www4.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/ Candidates are encouraged to read each question carefully and take time to write a plan so that your response is presented in a logical and cohesive manner. In PDHPE, your plan will be marked so make sure it is clearly visible to the markers. This can be written in the margin beside the question. Remember for the exams that remembering of precise statistics is not essential, however trends and up to date information are more relevant. It is imperative that students manage their time during the examination. Do not spend too much time answering a question that is only a small value such as a 2-4 mark question. Use the space provided as a guide to how much you need to write. If candidates find they are running out of time it is advisable to write down whatever relevant points or information they can. A plan or point form is better than nothing. PTO

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Students can often attempt to second guess what questions may be asked by mapping out what syllabus areas have been addressed in previous years. However, there is no magic formula as although examination questions will attempt to address all content. Some areas may be looked at on several occasions, others may not. Recommended Textbooks Peak Performance 2 Application & Inquiry PDHPE HSC Course Outcomes 2 PDHPE HSC Course PDHPE in Focus HSC course Macquarie Revision Study Guide Revised Syllabus PDHPE HSC Course Useful Websites www.hsconline.csu.edu.au www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au www.ausport.gov.au www.aihw.gov.au www.abs.gov.au www.pponline.co.uk

More subject specific advice will be issued to students at our “Trial Exam Revision Lectures”.

Good luck with your exam preparations! TSFX