Check out our tutor’s Faadil’s experience with HSC Maths Extension 1 and how he got a 96. Faadil has shared his most effective tips and strategies that helped him succeed, so you can put yourself in the best position to excel.
What score did you achieve in HSC Maths Extension 1 ?
I achieved a 96 in HSC Maths Extension 1, a mark that reflected not only technical skill but also resilience and the willingness to wrestle with problems that didn’t give up their secrets easily.
How did you study for HSC Maths Extension 1 ? What techniques did you use to study?
My study approach for Extension 1 leaned even more on active learning. Instead of endless passive note-taking, I forced myself to derive formulas from scratch repeatedly, so they became second nature. I created concise topic summaries where I condensed entire chapters into single pages, including clever tricks and alternative methods I picked up from various past papers. I started with exercises from the Cambridge Extension 1 textbook, which I found excellent for building up from the basics to advanced applications. Once I felt confident, I shifted to school trial papers and past HSC papers, particularly from high-performing selective schools. Teaching these concepts to my friends — or even just talking through a solution out loud — helped clarify the steps in my head and highlighted any gaps.
What is your advice for HSC Maths Extension 1 School-Based Assessments?
Extension 1 felt like an entirely different game compared to Advanced; the questions demanded deeper conceptual thinking and a far stronger grasp of proofs and underlying principles. In internal assessment tasks, I focused heavily on consistency rather than perfection. Every test and assignment was an opportunity to refine my problem-solving approach, especially because the margin for error is much smaller in Extension. Before each school-based task, I carefully worked through the syllabus — not just ticking off topics but really dissecting them, making sure I understood why each method worked, rather than just memorising steps. For assignments that involved proofs or longer questions, I would start drafting solutions well in advance and consult my teachers to clarify fine details, which often made the difference between a partial mark and full marks. Trials were an especially crucial checkpoint; I treated them like a final run, using them to sharpen time management and solidify my confidence under real exam conditions.
What is your advice for HSC Maths Extension 1 students for the end of year exams?
When it came to the actual exam environment, Extension 1 required a different mindset from Advanced. The problems often looked deceptively simple but contained traps that punished careless assumptions. To combat this, I practised under strict timed conditions from early on, making sure I trained my brain to maintain both speed and depth. I kept a detailed error book, noting not just the type of mistake but also the exact line where my reasoning faltered. Over time, this built a kind of mental map of my weaknesses, which I systematically worked on before each exam block. I also focused on developing a “proof mindset,” where I would interrogate every statement I wrote — asking myself, “Is this always true? Can I justify it rigorously?” This habit drastically improved my accuracy and confidence in harder questions, especially those involving inequalities or tricky trigonometric proofs.
What resources did you use for HSC Maths Extension 1?
The resources I leaned on most heavily included the Cambridge Extension 1 textbook and collections of past papers from schools like James Ruse, North Sydney Boys, and Sydney Grammar. I also frequently watched YouTube tutorials that broke down difficult proofs or explained alternate approaches to integration and induction problems. However, my error log remained the most powerful tool. By forcing myself to confront every mistake and record the lesson from it, I created a personal “map” that I reviewed regularly before major assessments.
How did you balance study with the rest of your life during HSC?
Balancing Extension 1 study with life outside school required careful discipline. Because Extension demands so much mental energy, I made a point to protect my evenings, stopping study by 9 pm and making time to exercise or relax. I also took breaks during long study sessions, stepping away for a quick walk or some music to reset my focus. Rather than fixating on study hours, I measured my progress by problems solved and errors corrected each week. Importantly, I learned not to compare my progress to friends or classmates, since Extension 1 has a way of humbling even the strongest students at times.
Some final words for aspiring Maths Extnesion 1 students
Ultimately, Maths Extension 1 is a subject that rewards deep curiosity and patience. You have to be willing to struggle with difficult questions, sometimes for hours, without giving up. Over time, each small breakthrough builds confidence and skill. The subject can seem daunting, but if you focus on consistency, embrace your mistakes, and stay genuinely curious, you’ll discover not just better marks but also a deeper appreciation for the beauty of mathematics itself.
More information about Faadil
Faadil is a high-achieving medical student at UNSW, currently undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) program. A graduate of Hurlstone Agricultural High School, he achieved an exceptional ATAR of 99.00 and was recognised as an HSC Premier’s All-Rounder for scoring Band 6 results in Mathematics Advanced (98), Mathematics Extension 1 (99), and English Advanced (98), among other subjects. Faadil has over five years of tutoring experience across Mathematics and English, and is especially skilled at helping students transform their academic performance — including one student who went from failing Year 11 Maths to consistently scoring over 90% within two terms. He is known for his ability to explain difficult concepts in simple, relatable terms, and his sessions are tailored to each student’s needs. Faadil ensures every lesson is supportive, structured, and engaging, empowering his students to build confidence and excel academically
If you would like to organise a session with a tutor like Faadil, please submit an application today.
