Hello! I’m Crystal, a graduate from Meriden School who came 1st in Maths and 3rd in Physics in exams.

Despite this, I am too familiar with that awful feeling of hitting rock bottom in academics. If you asked about the worst week of my school life, I would recall back to the last week of Year 12 Term 1. Struck by not one, but two devastations that Tuesday when we got both our Maths Extension 1 and 2 assessment results, I completely lost confidence in the subject I had been most sure about. 

Below average. Both exams. Even worse, these were the first exams that counted towards the HSC. 

That week, every time I so much as remembered what had happened, tears would spring uncontrollably to my eyes. A tidal wave was sinking me deep into the bottom of the ocean, and none of my friends could console me or pull me out of my wrecked state. 

All I could think was that I wasn’t smart enough. Perhaps I would never be good enough. 

But, in the same way waves recede and wash out sediments, the worst moments can make way for the best ones. In the next assessment, I learnt from my mistakes and came back with a full 100%. Once again, I could proudly call maths my best subject. 

This is a sign to not give up. 

Just like that dreaded 68% in my first exam, your unsatisfactory marks don’t have to reflect how smart or good you are – they are merely the starting ropes from which you can climb to the top: by revealing how you can improve your studies. Whether it is too many silly mistakes, difficulty in connecting concepts or gaps in understanding, I hope to offer the right strategies for you to excel. 

I will try my best to: 

• Break down concepts in a way that makes sense. The foundation to getting those high marks is understanding topics before applying them to questions. 
• Make those concepts stick in your head. No need to write down every word or memorise textbooks – we’ll focus on active learning and consistent practice.
• Create an environment where you aren’t afraid to ask questions. Don’t wait until you’re forced to take a wild guess in the middle of the exam!
• Give you support outside of class time. I can help with schoolwork and review assignments so you don’t feel stuck. 

HSC is so overwhelming, but don’t let it suffocate you. Whether you’re aiming to improve your marks or reach the top band, start your journey today!