The finish line is rapidly approaching for over 76,000 students about to complete Year 12, with the first Higher School Certificate exam about to start.
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The first HSC English exam commences tomorrow on Thursday, October 18 with students now preparing for a few big weeks to cap off an academic journey that, for most, began 13 years ago.
Education minister Rob Stokes said the milestone is the perfect opportunity to remind students not to let their nerves get the better of them.
With HSC exams scheduled to run for around three weeks until the final pens are put down in the Drama exam on Friday, November 9, Mr Stokes said that it was important that students pace themselves.
“While this is a significant milestone in your young lives, these exams will not define you. So work hard, do your best, but don’t place too much pressure on yourselves, at the end of the day, it’s just an exam,” minister Rob Stokes said.
“No matter what happens next, rest assured you have spent your past 13 years wisely, because there is never a circumstance where time spent in the pursuit of knowledge is time wasted.
“No matter what the future brings, education will always be the key to all things. It is the great equaliser, it unlocks doors, raises bars and removes obstacles. It is a lifelong journey.
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“The HSC is simply one of many milestones that you will pass on this journey. Do your best, embrace the fantastic learning opportunity that is before you and enjoy the ride.”
With more than 76,000 students attempting to complete at least one HSC course, there will be more than 700,000 exam papers for 118 courses delivered under guard to more than 750 exam centres around NSW and overseas.
A massive logistical undertaking that takes 16 months of preparation, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) would like to thank everyone involved and wish HSC supervisors and markers a fair and smooth undertaking.
What’s required
To get your HSC you must complete at least 12 units of preliminary courses and 10 units of HSC courses, including English. Most HSC courses are worth two units.
You need to satisfactorily complete the Preliminary course (usually in Year 11) before you can start the corresponding HSC course (usually in Year 12).
There are two main types of HSC courses: Board Developed Courses (NESA) and Board Endorsed Courses. Your achievement in these can count towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Board Developed Courses cover: English, Maths, Science, Technology, Creative Arts, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Human Society and its Environment, Languages, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Curriculum Frameworks.
Board Endorsed Courses are ones that schools, TAFEs or universities generally develop. They contribute to the HSC, but don’t count towards your ATAR.
Timeline
The dates that are important in the HSC examinations and results.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
HSC written examinations commence
No later than Friday, November 9, 2018
HSC written examinations conclude
After last HSC written examination, HSC Assessment Ranks released to students via Students Online
Friday, October 26, 2018
Year 11 grades and Life Skills outcomes to be submitted (via Schools Online)
Friday, November 23, 2018
Year 10 grades and Life Skills outcomes to be submitted (via Schools Online)
Thursday, December 13, 2018
HSC results released
HSC Results Inquiry Centre opens
January 2019
HSC testamurs mailed
Good luck to all students!