Working Ahead?

[Snow Leopard]

Hey AN,

So I was just wondering what peoples opinions are of working ahead during VCE and how useful it actually is.
I'd really love to get different forum members insights on this as I'm not sure whether I should or shouldn't work ahead.

[Owlbird83]

Hey AN,

So I was just wondering what peoples opinions are of working ahead during VCE and how useful it actually is.
I'd really love to get different forum members insights on this as I'm not sure whether I should or shouldn't work ahead.

Hi Snow Leopard! In my opinion the times that I have worked ahead have been useful. I have not really done it that much because I lack the time or motivation. For the sciences especially, I sometimes need to cover some difficult concepts or topics a few times before it finally sticks in my brain, so just knowing some words and having a very rough idea before you are taught in class gives the information something to attach to in your brain, rather than trying to teach it again to yourself after the lesson. But for the times I have worked ahead, I wasn't ever too far away from what we learnt were learning in class. (I mostly did it last year 11, but not much this year).

[Matthew_Whelan]

If you can, then it is definitely advantageous.
Pros: You will learn the content faster and sooner so that you have more time to hone your skills, ask your teachers for things you have trouble with early; and just in general it gives you a competitive edge. In year 12 working ahead means hitting exam revision sooner which typically should be beneficial. If you're class moves at a slow pace relative to your comfort, then it is good to accelerate.
Cons: the only issue is if you are capable of and willing to work ahead.

[jnlfs2010]

I think you should work ahead. Definitely. Working ahead doesn't mean literally acquiring all the content you learn. I feel, in my opinion, working ahead should just assist in the exposure of content you will learn in the future. This allows you to do more thinking about the content, and when you learn it at school you are more inclined to grasp the content faster because you've thought about it/preread before.

I think something like Math you definitely can work ahead. Chem, the only science I'm doing, I feel some prereading would be good to get some early exposure to the content and in my opinion, may assist your learning. But only do so if you have time

[JackH10]

Hey AN,

So I was just wondering what peoples opinions are of working ahead during VCE and how useful it actually is.
I'd really love to get different forum members insights on this as I'm not sure whether I should or shouldn't work ahead.

Hey Snow Leopard,
I reckon it would be useful gain the exposure to the subjects which you are likely to do, or which you enjoy, as it'll help you become more accustomed to the content when you actually go through it in class, making it almost a review session if you work ahead effectively. If you are willing to work ahead during the holidays, or after finishing homework, you're already on a good path to success.  
Also, it may be more necessary in some subjects compared than others, e.g LOTEs which have a oral conversation unit, or detailed study (Specifically chinese) and some other content heavy subjects such as Bio. So I guess it's a combination of whether you're passionate enough about the subjects, if it's the right option for yourself (try it first, see how it goes), the rigour and the subject itself.
Hope it helps

[caffinatedloz]

Hey SnowLeopard,
I've been working ahead in bio this year and it has been super helpful for me as it has given me a basic grasp on the content which helps me to understand it when it is explained in class. I need to hear things a few times so I get a better understanding when I work ahead, although it is quite time-consuming. I think that it depends on what you find works best for you.

[S200]

--snip--

Hey Snow Leopard...

If you have the motivation and the time to work ahead, it sure is useful for grasping concepts faster and more holistically.
I managed to do it a bit in Yr 12 Physics and it stood me in really good stead...

I wish I had been more motivated to do it in Methods as well, as it really helps with identifying tricky spots early and getting the help you need.