AFTER a year of preparation and no doubt many late nights of cramming, students embarked on the most important moment of their schooling lives — the start of HSC exams.
The final exams for thousands of year 12 students across NSW started Monday.
A record 77,433 students studied one or more HSC subjects this year.
Of these students, 69,211 will complete their HSC program — the most popular school credential in Australia.
The elective with the highest enrolments this year was mathematics. French was the top language, while hospitality was the most popular vocational course.
English, the only compulsory subject, was the first subject to be tested.
Set across two days, the papers — each two hours long — cover the traditional learning areas including poetry, film, fiction, classic Shakespearean drama and modern Australian media. This is the first year students were tested on a new module — discovery.
To ensure fairness across the board, each student's English exams will be marked by at least 11 markers.
The head of English at Cronulla High School, Edward Price, said his best advice for students was to simply practice, not memorise, pre-prepared essays.
"Students should look closely at the wording of the syllabus and if their teachers have not done so for them, create a range of practice questions based on this information, not previous years' questions," he said.
"As part of their study regime, they should answer questions under timed conditions, ensuring they use their knowledge of the texts."
The Advanced English HSC exam was well received by students at Marist College Kogarah.
Most students described the exam as "pleasant" and said teachers had prepared them well.
- Academics from University of NSW surveyed 722 students from seven Sydney schools, including selective, comprehensive and independent high schools, and found 42 per cent of students suffered from high-level anxiety.
Study tips
Vice-chancellor of Torrens University Australia Justin Beilby said the best way to prepare for end-of-year exams was to remain calm.
‘‘Exams can be daunting — particularly when faced with multiple exams across a variety of subjects in a short period of time,’’ Professor Beilby said.
He said students should work in short, focused sessions within a schedule, regularly test themselves, and eat and sleep well.
‘‘Also know your learning style can enhance recall,’’ he said.
He suggest recognising which of these best matches your personality.
VISUAL: use pictures, maps or colour highlighters
AURAL: memorise information using rhythm and rhyme
VERBAL: use word-based techniques such as repetitive writing of key points and reading material out loud
PHYSICAL: use physical objects by extracting main points
LOGICAL: create lists of summaries and notes
SOCIAL: study with friends and discuss ideas together
SOLITARY: maximise motivation by setting clear goals within a private area or reflect on your learning in a journal.
