Preparing For the HSC Links and Resources
The following links contain useful information for students and families as they negotiate the HSC journey. This handout is designed to include key information in one place which is easily accessible by students and families.
NESA HSC Rules and Procedures: Please note the checklist on page 4 as this will be useful to students as they prepare for the examinations. HSC Rules and Procedures
Students Online access instructions: Students must be able to access Students Online to obtain their HSC results. Students can also maintain their personal details with NESA through Students Online. Note the school does not have access to students’ Students Online account. Accessing Students Online
NESA Study & Examination Resources:
NESA HSC Student Guide - resources available to assist students in their preparations for the HSC examinations
Quizlet – online flashcards that are aligned to the syllabus
Atomi – short videos and quizzes that are relevant to the syllabus
Pomodoro Timer – for focused, time study
Answering multiple choice questions is a key skill to develop for HSC success. There is a particular way in which multiple choice questions are written, and, through continual practice, students will identify the nuances within the questions, leading to a more effective ability to interpret and answer this type of question. Starting a study session by answering 5-10 multiple choice questions is a great ‘minds-on’ to activate learning. Students can access the Multiple-Choice generator through the following link. NESA Multiple Choice Generator
Syllabus Pages: the syllabus pages contain the syllabus, course outcomes, performance band descriptors (very useful in identifying the skills and knowledge required to improve performance), examination materials and assessment and reporting guidelines. NESA Syllabus Pages
Disability Provisions: Examination provisions are designed to ‘level the playing field’ for students who cannot access the curriculum on the same basis as their peers. All students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt to show what they know in an exam room can access provisions. Any questions regarding provisions can be directed to our Leader of Learning Support. NESA Disability Provisions
Looking After Your Wellbeing: The HSC examinations can be a stressful time for students and families. The NSW government has provided information that can assist students and families through this time. There are several resources at the first link and some favourites at the following links:
1. Staying Healthy Through The HSC
3. Exam Tips Leading To The HSC
4. Study Hacks
5. Supporting Your Child Through The HSC
How Your HSC Results Are Calculated: Understanding the HSC results are calculated is important to reassure students that the process undertaken by NESA is fair and equitable across courses and schools. This series of videos, produced by Eddy Woo, provides detail on how the HSC results are calculated.
How the ATAR Is Calculated: The ATAR is different to the HSC. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank is a rank and not a mark. Although it is becoming increasingly irrelevant in obtaining entry into tertiary institutions, some students will still use the ATAR for entry into some courses. It is also worth remembering the calculation of the ATAR is done by the Universities Admission Centre and is separate to NESA. The calculation of the ATAR is a complex process; however, the following short video provides an outline of the process. Calculating The ATAR