After months of study preparation and stress, the NSW HSC exams are officially underway for Corowa High School students.
English paper 1 kicked off the exam period last Wednesday with the Free Press sitting down with students to hear their thoughts afterwards.
Year 12 student Amy Wenke had a big smile on her face after exiting the exam room.
“I’m feeling really good,” she said.
The 2022 vice-captain said months of preparation held her in good stead.
“We were really well prepared. We have great teachers who were so diligent and helped us with our study preparations,” she said.
“Walking into the exam, there were nerves and a bit of anxiety, but I knew what to expect and was ready for it.
“I have another two exams to go. I’m feeling pretty great about those too.”
Amy recently completed work experience with local architect and design practice Regional Design Service and hopes to study architecture and interior design and Monash University.
“I loved it!” Amy said about her work experience.
“It was an incredible experience. I worked on floor plans as well as designed some stuff for their social media pages. It was pretty intense, but I had a great week. Aaron and Phil were great. We are so lucky to have a business like that right here in Corowa.”
Year 12 school captain Lachlan McKenzie was relieved to complete the English exam.
“I wasn’t too fussed about the English paper,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the biology and chemistry exams. They are the subjects I enjoy, particularly chemistry.”
Lachlan has already been accepted to study Ag Science at Charles Sturt University next year.
“It definitely takes the pressure off,” the Coreen local said.
Recently elected 2023 School Captain Clancy Tomlinson also felt well prepared for her exams.
“I felt pretty confident walking out of the first English exam,” she said.
“Nothing was unexpected. Our teachers prepared us really well. There’s always nerves before an exam but once you’re in there, the information comes to you.”
Clancy now is busily studying for her Ancient History and Biology exam and when she completes high school at the end of 2023, she will look at studying in the agriculture/horticulture field.
Carter Read, who was elected 2023 vice-captain last week, said studying and meditation made all the difference to this year’s exams, particularly after a challenging few pandemic years.
“I’ve been doing a lot of reading over my notes and memorising quotes,” he said.
“The lockdowns really made us appreciate the value of in-person learning. It’s a lot easier to learn at school.”
English and History head teacher Martin Douglas said he could not be prouder of the students following their first exam.
“They came out of the exam happy and upbeat. A teacher couldn’t ask for anything better than that,” Mr Douglas said.
“The results are nothing compared to how they feel. It’s more important to us teachers to see our students satisfied and doing their absolute best.
“Over the last few years, we have spent a lot of time working on the student’s mental health. We love that they feel comfortable coming out of the exam and being honest with us. The HSC is a shared experience for us all.”