The way i did well was i maintained consistency throughout the year. I heaped on the study at trials and by the time the hsc came around i could get away with only doing a few hours a day as i had already covered the content extensively throughout the year.
How the hell do you expect to write a good essay without an understanding of current trends. 100 percent theory is not going to get anyone a band 6 essay.
Ah your teacher focused on it extensively. That must reflect the fact it is going to be asked in the HSC. Thank g-d for the state, that's all I can say.