State Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean MP, today wished HSC students the best of luck in their exams which start today.
"I'd like to wish all HSC students the very best of luck in their exams," Mr Kean said.
"This year has been incredibly stressful for many HSC students and I hope that the hours of hard work and dedication produce desired results."
Premier Barry O'Farrell and Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli also wished the very best of luck to the more than 70,000 students at the start of the 2012 Higher School Certificate (HSC) written exams.
"These exams are the culmination of much hard work by students, their teachers, and very importantly by parents and carers, over many years," Mr O'Farrell said.
"My message to all HSC students is to make sure you try your best, get plenty of rest and don't overburden yourself with pressure."
"Most of the HSC students I speak to say that whilst nerves are always part of the picture they are glad the day has arrived," Mr Piccoli said.
"2012 will see a change in scheduling with the first exam held after lunch. The afternoon start with English on Day One has two advantages for students – time to get plenty of sleep and the opportunity for all students to experience the start to the HSC written examinations at the same time."
This year 73,397 students are enrolled in at least one HSC course.
HSC written exams will be held over 19 days from Monday 15 October to Thursday 8 November. There will be 117 different exam papers. The first exams are English ESL, Standard and Advanced, and the last are Design and Technology, Latin Extension and Visual Arts.
President of the Board of Studies NSW, Tom Alegounarias, said the HSC is a quality credential that is recognised by tertiary education providers and employers worldwide.
"Students with an HSC can be assured that they hold a much respected credential that displays their capabilities across a wide range of skills," Mr Alegounarias said.
"The Board of Studies works to ensure students who receive the HSC have met standards that will place them in good stead for the next chapter in their lives, be that onto university, straight into the workforce or taking time out to travel.
"We recognise that today's students will be the future decision makers in society and we want them to have a well-rounded education," Mr Alegounarias said.
To receive the HSC, students must have completed the equivalent of two years of prescribed study and, in doing so, satisfactorily completed assessments and external examinations. Most candidates are awarded the HSC at the end of Year 12.
