Congratulations Year 12! Resounding praise for Class of 2024 as HSC exams wrap up
School-leavers got their first taste of true freedom as the HSC exam period came to an end on Friday, and NSW leaders have offered Year 12s some sage advice.
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The taste of freedom is on the tongues of more than 70,000 Year 12 students across the state as the Higher School Certificate exams finally come to an end and the after-parties begin.
NSW leaders in politics and higher education have urged school-leavers to allow themselves time to kick back and relax following the final HSC exam on Friday, before the former students take the next leap in their future careers.
Premier Chris Minns reflected on his own Year 12 experience and encouraged those who finished their exams on Friday to celebrate the achievement.
“The HSC was one of the most stressful years of my life, so hats off to all the kids sitting their last exams today – you’ve reached the finish line,” he said.
“The end of the HSC is just the beginning of a really exciting time in a young person’s life, but today they shouldn’t worry about what’s next. They should relax, celebrate and enjoy the feeling of having no looming exams or assignments due.”
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car thanked all the teachers and support staff who made the milestone possible.
“Thank you for guiding and nurturing our students throughout their school journey,” she said.
“The impact you have made on our students will carry on through their life after school.”
Ms Car commended Year 12s on their “major achievement”, but reminded students they would “not be defined by their results”.
“Today you can now relax, and celebrate this momentous occasion with all of the family, friends and loved ones that have supported you throughout this journey,” she said.
“Reaching the end of a 13-year schooling career is a major accomplishment, and you deserve to feel proud.
“Remember … there are many pathways to success, and multiple ways to achieve your dreams.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman also offered his congratulations to young people now “ready to take on the world”.
“You’ve shown true resilience, and this is just the beginning,” he said.
“A big thanks to the teachers, parents, and everyone who backed you along the way.”
Approximately 4700 students wound up their exam period on Friday with the three-hour geography test, teased ruthlessly by classmates who finished earlier in the week.
The 12 geography students at St Marys Senior High School were relieved to find one of the 20-mark extended responses — Question 26 — matched almost word-for-word a question they had practised in class.
“The trial (exam) really helped prepare us all for what the HSC was going to be, and I’ve enjoyed the process – I’ve think that I’ve accomplished what I wanted to do in these last few years, for sure,” Jermaine Walmsley said.
“(I feel) complete relief, smiling ear to ear — I haven’t felt this happy in a while actually.”
His classmate Dakota Macfarlane has applied to enlist in the Australian Army next year, and admitted that despite feeling “relieved”, the moment was “a bit bittersweet” as she signed out of school for the last time.
Up to 92 per cent of St Marys students will go on to pursue a university degree, and their principal – self-confessed “sook” Sally Smithard – said it was an emotional moment for staff to see students so happy and relieved.
“Our job is to give them a master key … that opens all doors, we want them to have broad choices,” she said.
“My message for all HSC students is to reflect on the achievement and the support they’ve had from family and their schools, and they effort they’ve put in for themselves — take time to celebrate that.”
University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott also urged students to now give themselves respite.
“Whatever your plans are for next year, take a moment to reflect on what you have accomplished, it is no small thing,” he said.
“Don’t feel as though you need to have it all figured out by now. Be proud of what you have achieved and enjoy this well-earned break.”
Sydney’s bars, pubs and clubs are now set for an influx of newly 18-year-olds ready to shake off the exam stress, with several venues hosting after-parties on Friday and Saturday nights, including the Argyle at The Rocks, where students are being offered free entry, and the Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay, where local DJ Emily Ajaka – aka Klassified – will spin the decks.
MLC School classmates Mira Kalra and Sophia Pavlovic will be attending a “burn party” with friends, continuing a longstanding tradition in which Year 12s set their HSC study notes on fire — a cathartic moment for many.
“It feels so good (to be finished) — the freedom feels amazing,” Sophia said.
“I feel like I’m able to breathe,” Mira added.
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