There were more than a few visibly relieved faces outside the exam hall at Macksville High today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Students across NSW have just completed day one of HSC finals—a time which has been publicised as the most stressful three weeks in a teen’s life.
First on the timetable at 10.20 this morning was English.
Guardian News spoke to Zoe Baines, Olivia Petith and Max Cleversley as they exited from their first final.
“I think I went pretty well,” Zoe said.
“There were no surprises and I prepared myself with a lot of practise essays.”
Olivia and Max were also pretty satisfied with their efforts.
“Yeah, I went better than expected,” Olivia said.
“I’ve now got 5 exams left then I’m done for high school. It’s going to be really nerve-wracking until that last one, then it’ll be a relief.
“My parents are copping all of my emotions.”
But Olivia said her parents were by far the more worried.
After nailing the first day, Max is of the opinion that the HSC is a little too hyped up.
“Honestly, it wasn’t that confronting,” Max said.
“I think there’s been a lot of pressure put on students—too much.”
“I was watching the Today show and they were talking about stress levels and HSC and just watching it made me stressed.
“I think doing well is all about a positive attitude.”
But the Macksville High senior doesn’t need to worry too much—he’s already been accepted early entry into the degree of his choice at Macquarie University.
Day two brings the second English paper, which will involve 3 consecutive essay questions, with about 40 minutes to complete each one.
“Paper two tomorrow will be difficult,” Zoe said.
Guardian News would like to wish the Valley’s seniors all the best with their remaining exams.