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The 2026 ATAR written examinations run from Wednesday 28 October to Thursday 19 November. For Year 12 students in maths and science, that leaves only a few weeks once Term 4 starts. This guide lists the key dates for the most common maths and science courses, then gives a simple four-week revision plan you can start today.
Key 2026 exam dates: maths and science
These dates come from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) 2026 ATAR written examination timetable:
| Course | Date | Start time |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Thursday 29 October | 9.20 am |
| English | Friday 30 October | 9.20 am |
| Mathematics Methods | Monday 2 November | 9.20 am |
| Physics | Wednesday 4 November | 9.20 am |
| Human Biology | Thursday 5 November | 9.20 am |
| Mathematics Applications | Friday 6 November | 9.20 am |
| Mathematics Specialist | Monday 9 November | 9.20 am |
Always confirm your own timetable. Personalised timetables are available on the SCSA student portal, and the full timetable for every course is published on the SCSA website. Arrive early, and check the SCSA exam rules for what you need to bring and what equipment is allowed.
How the maths exams are structured
WA ATAR maths exams have two sections: a calculator-free section and a calculator-assumed section. You are also allowed one A4 page of your own notes in the calculator-assumed section (check the current exam rules for your course). Many students lose marks in the calculator-free section through rushed algebra rather than gaps in knowledge, so practise it under time pressure.
A four-week revision plan
Week 1: find your gaps
- Sit one full past paper per subject under exam conditions.
- Mark it honestly using the marking key, then list every topic where you dropped marks.
- Sort that list into “don’t understand”, “understand but slow” and “careless error”.
Week 2: fix the biggest gaps
- Spend most of your time on “don’t understand” topics: re-learn the method, then do 10–15 targeted questions.
- Build your notes page for each maths course as you go. Include formulas you forget, not ones you already know.
- For Chemistry and Physics, rewrite key definitions and practise extended-response answers against the marking key wording.
Week 3: timed practice
- Do one past paper every second day, fully timed.
- Practise the calculator-free section separately at least twice.
- Review mistakes the same day. A mistake you understand is worth more than a question you got right by luck.
Week 4: sharpen and rest
- Switch to mixed questions and short timed sections rather than whole papers.
- Finalise your notes page and practise finding things on it quickly.
- Keep sleep, food and exercise normal. The night before an exam, review your notes lightly and stop early.
Exam-day habits that save marks
- Use the reading time well. Spot the questions you can do quickly and the ones worth the most marks.
- Show your working. Method marks add up, even when the final answer is wrong.
- Check units and rounding in every calculator-assumed answer.
- Don’t get stuck. If a part takes more than a couple of minutes without progress, move on and come back.
- Answer the question asked. In science, match your answer to the command word: “explain”, “describe” and “calculate” all need different responses.
Need help in the final weeks?
EduLift runs Year 12 ATAR tutoring in Piara Waters and online for Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Mathematics Applications, Physics and Chemistry. Our 3-hour one-on-one exam intensive is built around past papers, timed practice and exam strategy for your subject.
See our Year 12 ATAR programs, or book a free trial class and we will help you target the topics worth the most marks before your exam.
