HSC

HSC Mayhem: Pens At the Ready and Emotions At an All-Time High!

As NSW students tackle their first HSC exam, they're juggling sleepless nights, paper stress, and the occasional existential crisis!

The day has finally arrived! HSC English exams kicked off for the Class of 2024, with over 76,000 students across New South Wales clutching their pens and battling their nerves in exam centres. After years of studying and countless sleepless nights filled with dramatic dreams of essay prompts, these students are faced with a whirlwind of emotions as they sit down to take their first official exam. While some cranked up the music to get in the zone, others woke up with that familiar dread—"Will I remember everything?" the age-old question that haunts many an HSC student.

As students put pens to paper, the responses to questions started flooding in. From laughs to raised eyebrows, students were unanimous on one adventure—English was not without its surprises! One particular student noted a bizarre question that left them questioning how best to answer—"How do you describe smell?" Perhaps a poetic metaphor was needed for such an inquiry! With a mix of high hopes and anxiety in the air, it was clear that this first exam was going to be a rollercoaster ride.

Amongst a slew of emotions, the reactions varied widely. One student, visibly shaken by the intensity of the first English paper, bluntly asked, "Am I f**ked?" It's a question that resonates with anyone who's faced a daunting exam. Encouragement poured in from the Minns Labor Government, wishing all the best to these brave Year 12 warriors, and some schools even organized pep rallies, serving as a reminder that while the pressure is on, they're all in this together, fighting the good fight.

As students in the Illawarra region faced the mixed bag of questions and challenges, responses varied from praise to disappointment. Whether it was a ‘cutie patootie’ paper or a confusing prompt about scents, one thing is for sure— they’ll walk away with stories to tell long after the ink dries. Here’s to hoping for a bright and breezy journey through the rest of the exams! Not only is the HSC a rite of passage in Australia, but did you know it significantly contributes to life beyond school? Over 80% of high school students apply for university places, with many pursuing related career paths based on their HSC experiences.

Furthermore, the HSC isn't just a test of knowledge; it allows students to develop critical thinking and time management skills that they carry into their future endeavors. While this year might offer its fair share of challenges, the real test lies in bouncing back and learning from the experience. Good luck, Class of 2024! You've got this!