
24 Oct What Year 12s Should Expect in the HSC Exams
We never want students to fear the HSC exams, or be intimidated by them. You’re putting in a lot of preparation and effort into these exams, and they’re the culmination of years of study.
But this is also why they’re not as scary as you might think. Let’s look at why this is the case:
#1 It’s a manageable challenge
The HSC exams are designed to test the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout your courses. While the questions can be complex, they are based on the syllabus you’ve been working through all year. To prep your knowledge for the exams, stay focused on the key concepts and it’s critical to practice those past papers to become familiar with the style of the exams.
#2 Practice your time management
With limited time to complete each exam, managing your time effectively is crucial. Practice answering questions under timed conditions, and during the exam, be mindful of how much time you’re spending on each section. Remember to allocate enough time for questions that require longer responses. Depending on the subject, a good strategy is also to answer the harder questions first, then go back to the easier ones.
#3 How do I stay on top of my nerves?
It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed before and during the HSC. To manage this, remember to keep exercising, eat a healthy diet and get a full night’s sleep every night. Steer clear of those all nighters! You could also try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualisation. If you prepare well, stay focused and keep calm, then you’ll no doubt perform strongly. You’ve got this!
#4 Expect some unexpected curveballs
Even with thorough preparation, there might be questions or topics that surprise you. The key is to stay calm and use logical thinking to work through unfamiliar material. Try breaking down the question as this can help reveal a path to the answer. You can also draw on some more general knowledge and really showcase your critical and creative thinking skills to answer a question. Outside the box thinking is encouraged with this style of question.