Our Year 12 students commenced their HSC Trial Examinations this week.

The ‘Trials’ are a series of exams that mimic the format and conditions of the real Higher School Certificate (HSC). Our Year 12 students, for example, sit the trials at our Primary Campus, which is the same venue they use for the actual HSC exams. These trial exams serve as a crucial "practice run" for students to gauge their preparedness and identify areas for improvement before the actual HSC exams that occur in Term 4. The trials also form a significant part of their internal assessment mark, contributing to each student's rank and overall HSC result. This can potentially be a time where students feel under pressure. However, I know they have put in plenty of work and that they have also been well prepared and supported by their teachers. In the lead up to the Trials, for example, many of them have been taking the opportunity to access our Year 12 evening study sessions in the library. These sessions are a great way for students to access dedicated study time in a quiet and focused environment and assist with creating the right conditions for academic success.

We wish all our Year 12 students the best for this important time in their HSC year.

Whether you have a child currently doing the HSC, or your children are a few years away from that, assessments, tests and exams can, at times, be a source of pressure and anxiety. As parents and carers we play such an important role in giving our children the confidence, support and stability to cope with these situations.

 Here are some ideas that might help: