HSC returns to ‘normal’ after three-year disruption

It’s been three years of disruption for senior students sitting their final exams— but finally, this year’s HSC will return to almost ‘normal’. Here’s NSW officials’ plan to pull it off.

The HSC will return to “normal” for the first time in three years – and there’s a major operation underway to make sure the start of exams on Wednesday go as smoothly as planned.

Last year, HSC exams were delayed to November after a strict lockdown and staggered return to school plan, which meant Year 12 students only gained full-time access to campuses and their teachers from late October.

In 2020 exams were delayed by a week, and strict Covid-safe measures were in place including venue caps, distancing and strict hygiene.

“We are pleased that the HSC program has returned to the full suite of exams and schedules,” a spokeswoman for the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) said.

“In the next three and a half weeks, around 75,000 students will undertake approximately 400,000 unique exam sessions, at around 780 exam centres.”

Students will sit their HSC exams in fairly normal circumstances for the first time since the pandemic.

“The HSC is a major operation and a huge milestone for young people preparing to move on to the next chapter of their lives – and we want them to celebrate all they have achieved already.”

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the Year 12 students who make up the HSC class of 2022 were “truly remarkable”, having dealt with the challenges of Covid.

“The way they’ve risen to various challenges is a testament to their resilience and their strength of character, as well as the amazing support they’ve received from their teachers, families and friends,” Ms Mitchell said.

Strict security measures will be in place at almost 800 exam centres for the duration of the HSC to safeguard the exams.

All up 75,493 students will sit exams for one or more HSC courses this year – with 67,327 of those on track to complete their HSC this year.

Exams kick off on Wednesday with English first, and students will undertake 126 written exams during the next few weeks.

HSC students will begin their exams this Wednesday.

The NESA spokeswoman said experiencing some stress about exams was normal, but encouraged students who felt overwhelmed to reach out for support on the Stay Healthy HSC hub on their website for tips, resources and advice.

NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos also paid tribute to teachers, charged with preparing students for their HSC through a global pandemic.

“The achievements of this cohort which has gone through so much cannot be overstated. Not only have they gone through more than two years of disruptions because of Covid, they’ve also had to cope with the impact of an ever growing teacher shortage.”

Exams finish November 4, results will be out December 15.

STEFANIE’S A REAL HIGH ACHIEVER

Stefanie Fejes is used to juggling study and sport – and she feels it’s given her an advantage.

The 17-year-old, who attends the Mackellar Girls Campus of Northern Beaches Secondary College, said she was prepared for the challenges of home schooling during the pandemic.

“I began competing in beach volleyball in Year 7, and was first picked nationally for beach volleyball in 2018,” she said.

“Covid was obviously horrible and came with a lot of challenges for students but, for me, since Year 9 I’ve been doing onlineschooling while travelling a lot of the time for competitions.

“So I was used to studying away from school and motivating myself to get the work done.”

Stefanie Fejes, HSC Student and Australian beach volleyball player. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Last month Stefanie represented Australia at the 2022 Under-19 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Turkey.

In 2021, she travelled to Thailand twice – first to compete in the Asian Championships, winning both the Under-19 and Under-21events, which earned her a ticket to the World Championships where she and her partner placed 17th.

“I’ve had to be extremely disciplined over the years and learn how to time manage to ensure that if I have a tournament comingup, I’m proactive and get my schoolwork done beforehand,” she said.

The pressure is off just a little bit this year, after she completed Aboriginal studies in 2021 as an accelerated subject. “It’s good having one out of the way, and having that experience sitting an HSC exam,” she said. “Now I’m really excited toget into my last exams.”

After the exams finish, Stefanie plans to move to Brisbane to join the Australian Women’s Volleyroos development program and study a double degree at university.

SUCCESS MULTIPLIES FOR KATHERINE

At the start of Year 7, Katherine Lowbeer was introduced to an online maths platform – by the end of the year she’d completed the entire curriculum for Year 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Which is why she finds herself, at just 14 and in Year 9, studying for her Maths Extension 2 HSC exam.

She’s among thousands of students this year undertaking one or more HSC exams prior to Year 12 -– the youngest student who is 13.

Year 9 student Katherine Lowbeer is busy studying for her HSC maths exam. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

For Katherine, age is just a number. She completed the Record of School Achievement at the end of Year 7 before embarking on her HSC maths course in Year 8.

“I enjoy maths, it’s all about problem solving and getting answers, it’s straightforward,” she said.

She hopes to become an architect and put her mathematical skills to use, but for now it’s time for study sessions – and some well earned breaks.

“I’m feeling okay, I’m not too stressed,” she said. “It’s important to study, but it’s important to focus on your wellbeing too.”