For students finishing Year 10. We go back over the Year 10 algebra that Stage 1 relies on, then start the first Stage 1 topics in Mathematical Methods and Physics.
Start times: Weekdays 6:30 pm, Weekends 1:45 pm. Each class builds on the one before, so the plan below runs in order.
The 10 classes
| Class | Date | Time | What we cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fri 27 Nov | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Algebra review: expanding brackets and factorising |
| 2 | Sat 28 Nov | 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm | Solving equations: linear, simultaneous and quadratic |
| 3 | Sun 29 Nov | 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm | Index laws and rearranging formulas |
| 4 | Tue 1 Dec | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Functions: notation, domain and range |
| 5 | Thu 3 Dec | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Linear functions: gradient, intercepts, parallel and perpendicular lines |
| 6 | Fri 4 Dec | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Quadratic functions: graphs, turning points and completing the square |
| 7 | Sat 5 Dec | 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm | Other graphs (hyperbolas, square roots and circles) and how graphs transform |
| 8 | Sun 6 Dec | 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm | Polynomials: dividing polynomials and the factor theorem. The summer homework is set. |
| Summer break: homework pack, and two online question sessions by video call (late December and early January) | |||
| 9 | Wed 20 Jan 2027 | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Going through the summer homework, then cubic graphs and solving polynomial equations |
| 10 | Fri 22 Jan 2027 | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Practice test, marked with written feedback |
If a class clashes with an exam or another commitment, tell us when you register and we will sort out a catch-up.
How each class runs
Every Headstart class is 2 hours and follows the same four steps.
- Check last class's work. Each class starts with a few short questions on the previous class, so gaps are found the same week.
- Explain the new idea. The tutor builds the idea up from what students already know, with worked examples set out the way SACE markers expect.
- Practise, with the tutor checking. Students work through graded questions, from routine to exam style. With 6 students at most, the tutor looks at each student's working and corrects mistakes on the spot.
- Summarise and set homework. The class ends with the key points and a short set of practice questions for the next class.
Students get printed notes, worked examples and practice questions for every class.
Over the summer
Class 8, the last class before the break, sets a summer homework pack on everything covered so far. During the break there are two online question sessions by video call, one in late December and one in early January, where students bring anything they are stuck on. Classes restart in person from 19 to 22 January: class 9 goes through the homework and class 10 is a practice test, marked and returned with written feedback, a few days before Term 1. The homework and question sessions are included in the fee.
What to bring
An exercise book, a pen and pencil, a ruler and a scientific calculator. We provide the notes and practice questions.
Fee
$820 for the 10 classes ($82 a class), or $800 by bank transfer. As with our term classes, fees are not refunded once a place is paid for.
How to register
- Choose the classes and enter your details on the registration page. You can see how many places are left in each class.
- Pay online by card or PayTo, or by bank transfer for the lower fee. Your places are held for 48 hours while you pay.
- You get a confirmation email. Come to the first class at 400 Anzac Highway, Camden Park.
Headstart has no trial class: the 10 classes build on each other, so places are for the whole course. Online registration closes on Tuesday 24 November.