What is the HSC?
The Higher School Certificate is a set of exams and assessments undertaken by Year 12 students at the end of their high school education. Students are assessed on subjects of their selection, including at least 2 units of English (it is a mandatory subject). The HSC serves multiple purposes like certifying a student’s completion of high school, providing a university entrance ranking (ATAR) and offering opportunities for vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. It is administered by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), and the results are used by universities, employers and other institutions to define eligibility for various further education and careers.
The Structure of the HSC
The HSC is made up of a combination of internal school-based assessments and external written exams. School marks, including assignments, essays, projects and trials, contribute to a student’s overall mark in each subject. These assessments are typically spread out and carry a different weight in percentage (schools determine this).
The external HSC examinations are held at the end of Year 12. These exams test students on the content covered in their chosen subjects and are set by NESA. The exams vary in length and format depending on the subject. Some subjects include a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and extended essays whereas others may have speaking and listening components also (typically in languages).
Feel free to refer to HSC past papers to familiarise yourself with the structure of exams for your chosen subject(s).
Course Selection
One of the first critical decisions for Year 11 students is selecting their courses for the HSC. The list of courses available is extensive, requiring students to choose a combination of mandatory and elective subjects. A minimum of 10 units of study is needed for Year 12 and students can choose from a broad range of subjects, for instance Mathematics, Science, History, Languages, Arts and Extension subjects.
When selecting their subjects, students should carefully consider their strengths, career aspirations, and university prerequisites. It’s essential to pick subjects that align with one's passion and academic strengths while also considering future study and career options. If you’re struggling to make a decision, you can choose more than 10 units and potentially drop some in Year 12, or you can speak with former students and careers advisors for advice and recommendations.
Managing Stress and Mental Health
The HSC period is usually a stressful time for some students, with pressures from assessments, exams, and the aspiration to achieve good results. It is essential to prioritise mental health and well-being throughout the HSC journey. There are several strategies students can use to manage stress:
- Time Management: Organising a schedule for studying aiming to balance revision, relaxation, and extracurricular activities will help manage the workload and reduce feelings of overwhelm or burnout.
- Seeking Support: Talking to teachers, family members, or friends can provide much-needed emotional support. Many students also find it helpful to access counselling services through their school or community resources.
Post-HSC Pathways
After completing the HSC, students have a plethora of pathways available, depending on their results and goals. Many students choose to continue their education at university, using their ATAR to apply for degree programs. On the other hand, not all students pursue university immediately after high school, and there are those who prefer a gap year or an alternative pathway.
Vocational education and training (VET) is an option, where students can undertake certificate or diploma courses that provide practical skills for specific industries. Many VET courses provide direct entry into the workforce or can be used as a pathway to university.
Navigating the HSC can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By selecting the right subjects, managing stress and time effectively, and considering the available post-HSC pathways, students can make the most out of this important stage in their lives. Whether aiming for a high ATAR to enter a competitive university or pursuing other career options, the skills and knowledge developed during the HSC will lay the foundation for success in the next phase of life.
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