Articles: category
DSE revision
The DSE maths papers, formulas and revision plans, to help candidates prepare step by step.
DSE revision · 9 min read
When to use the cosine rule: choose between the sine rule and the cosine rule from the given information
When solving a triangle, first check whether you are given two angles and one side, or two sides and the included angle. That tells you whether to use the sine rule or the cosine rule. This article gives a practical method for choosing the rule from the given information, with worked examples and common mistakes, for S4 to S6 students preparing for the HKDSE.
DSE revision · 10 min read
The night before the DSE exam: should you revise or rest? A checklist for the night before and the morning of the exam
You are very nervous on the night before the DSE exam and are not sure whether to keep revising or go to bed early? This article gives candidates and parents a practical checklist covering revision arrangements on the night before, sleep and routine, preparing belongings and documents, managing phones and apps, mental preparation, and the schedule for the morning of the exam. It also explains how to consolidate key maths points in a short time.
DSE revision · 9 min read
DSE English Language Listening Exam Radio Preparation Checklist: Pre-exam Testing and Exam Day Reminders
The DSE English Language Listening exam requires a radio. What exactly do you need to prepare? This article sets out the equipment specifications published by the HKEAA, the pre-exam testing steps and exam day reminders, and explains the broadcast mode marked on the admission form, arrival times at the venue and special room arrangements, so candidates and parents can see everything at a glance.
DSE revision · 7 min read
What does the M2 curriculum cover? Topics in Mathematics Extended Part Module 2 and how to decide if it suits you
What does Mathematics Extended Part Module 2 (M2) cover? This article summarises the Education Bureau's positioning of M2 in its curriculum documents, how universities handle M1/M2 from 2024, and the changes to the Extended Part exam papers in the 2027 HKDSE, to help students and parents decide whether M2 is a suitable elective.
DSE revision · 7 min read
How to use the DSE timetable: from the HKEAA release to a maths revision countdown
The HKEAA website has an exam timetable page and provides the 2027 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination timetable. This article explains how to find the official timetable, why the official announcement should be your reference, and how to arrange maths revision as a countdown plan. It also brings together information on registration, exam notices and the assessment of subjects such as Chinese Literature and Visual Arts.
DSE revision · 11 min read
What is the difference between DSE M1 and M2? Understand the content, suitable students and further study uses before choosing subjects
Compare the curriculum content, suitable students and further study uses of DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) and Module 2 (M2), explain how the two are handled in university admissions and sub-degree programmes, and remind candidates to rely on the requirements announced by institutions.
DSE revision · 15 min read
An Introduction to How the HKDSE is Scored: Levels, 5**, Best Five and JUPAS Scoring
Can't make sense of HKDSE levels, 5** and 'Best Five'? This article explains, based on the HKEAA's reporting system, the relationship between Levels 1 to 5, 5* and 5**, the 'Attained' grade in Citizenship and Social Development, and the '332A' basic requirement. It uses examples to demonstrate grade conversion and common university scoring approaches, and also covers practical information such as JUPAS, differences in institutional scoring, Mathematics Extended Part, and changing programme choices after results are released.
DSE revision · 9 min read
What Counts as a "Pass" in the HKDSE? The Difference Between Attaining the Standard, JUPAS and Entry Requirements
There is no single "pass" mark in the HKDSE. Based on the HKEAA's reporting system, this article explains the five levels and "Unclassified" for Category A subjects, the "Attained" result for Citizenship and Social Development, the meaning of standards-referenced reporting, Category C other language subjects, the conversion of Applied Learning subjects, and the practical meaning of "332A" and the minimum requirements for sub-degree programmes. It also reminds students to rely on the requirements published by institutions.
DSE revision · 10 min read
Is retaking the DSE worth it? Use a few questions to decide, and plan your revision year
If you're thinking about retaking the HKDSE after the exams, don't rush to register. This article uses a few questions to help you judge whether retaking is worth it, then sets out a revision plan for the retake year, things to note when registering as a private candidate, JUPAS and combined results considerations, and how to shore up your maths foundation.
DSE revision · 12 min read
DSE Exam Rules: A Beginner's Guide to the Candidate Handbook, Approved Calculators and Common Breach Risks
Sitting the DSE for the first time? This article summarises the scope of the HKEAA's exam rules and Candidate Handbook, covering the approved calculator list, admission forms and identity documents, electronic devices, computer barcode stickers, the writing requirements for answer books and question papers, and the radio and earphone equipment for listening exams, and reminds you to follow the HKEAA's latest announcements.
DSE revision · 14 min read
DSE results release date and release-day checklist: collecting results, checking online, SMS, results appeals and further study planning
On the 2026 DSE results release day, what do school candidates, private candidates and parents need to prepare? This article, based on official information, sets out the timing of collecting results notices, checking results online, SMS results, applying for results appeals and paying fees, explains the delayed release arrangements under severe weather, how appeal results are released, and how the Education Bureau's "S6 Students Information Page" and "e-Navigator" help with planning multiple pathways (including bachelor's degrees, sub-degrees and Applied Education Diploma programmes), with maths revision advice before and after results release.
DSE revision · 13 min read
What topics does the DSE Maths Compulsory Part cover? The syllabus, assessment arrangements and revision direction from the curriculum documents
Based on the Education Bureau curriculum documents and the HKEAA subject information, this explains where the DSE Maths Compulsory Part sits in the senior secondary curriculum, the document versions and update dates, and sets out the optimisation measures for the Extended Parts M1 and M2 and how they are treated for further study. This article does not list the Compulsory Part topics one by one; instead it guides students to compare them item by item, by year group, on the corresponding topic pages on Sprout.
DSE revision · 7 min read
What is a DSE cut off? What grade boundaries mean and how to use them for revision targets
Explains what a DSE cut off (grade boundary) means, how it relates to official information, why scores circulating online should not be treated as definitive, and how the idea of grade boundaries can be used to set maths revision targets.
DSE revision · 11 min read
DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) syllabus content and uses: extended maths for statistics, business and science pathways
What does DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) cover? This article sets out M1's main topic areas, how it differs from core maths and M2, its value for progression into statistics, business and science-related fields, and revision and subject-choice advice for S4 to S6, along with when tutoring is worth considering.
DSE revision · 7 min read
How do you check a DSE calculator? Functions to master and how to prepare before the exam
Calculators may be used in the HKDSE Mathematics papers, but there are restrictions on models and functions. This article explains how to check approved calculator models with the HKEAA, which functions to master before the exam, and how to avoid losing marks because of calculator problems.
DSE revision · 8 min read
What to check on your DSE admission form and what to do if it is lost
Once your DSE admission form arrives, candidates and parents should check each item of personal data, registered subjects and examination venue arrangements. This article explains the key points to check on the admission form, what to do if it is lost or the information is wrong, and how to enquire with the HKEAA, with suggestions for revision and maths practice.
DSE revision · 10 min read
DSE Private Candidate Guide: From Application and Subject Choices to Transfer and Exam-Day Checklist
How should you arrange application, subject choices, revision and exam day as a DSE private candidate? This article provides a practical step-by-step checklist covering revision methods for self-studying Maths, preparation for core subjects, considerations around transferring schools, exam fee budgeting, common pitfalls and official enquiry channels, suitable for Secondary 5 and Secondary 6 students and parents.
DSE revision · 3 min read
DSE maths revision plan: what to do from S4 to the exam
The 2027 DSE maths exam is on 12 April. This plan splits revision into S4 to S5, the first term of S6, the last three months and the last month, with what to focus on in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
DSE revision · 3 min read
DSE Maths exam format: Paper 1, Paper 2, M1 and M2
How the HKDSE Mathematics exam works: the times, weightings and sections of Paper 1 and Paper 2, the M1 and M2 modules, the levels, and the 2027 dates.
DSE revision · 6 min read
DSE Maths formulas to learn, topic by topic
The formulas you need for HKDSE Mathematics Compulsory Part, grouped by topic: quadratics, straight lines, sequences, mensuration, trigonometry and statistics.