Checklist of HSC support
Education during the pandemic has been challenging at best for students , teachers and families . But give a thought to the minefield Year 12 HSC ( higher school certificate ) students had to negotiate last year and for this year ’ s upcoming exams .
While the HSC marks the end of 13 years ’ schooling for most students , these exams also undoubtedly influence career paths of our young adults . The NSW Government is extending and changing the timetables and schedules for the class of 2021 , in an effort to make sure students aren ’ t disadvantaged by the repercussions of the pandemic and lockdown Public Health orders .
NSW Education has provided the following quick checklist of HSC support .
Check in with a friend During a study break , a quick check in such as , “ Ho , how ’ s it going ?”, “ Good luck ! All the best !” or “ How was the exam ?” lets a friend know you ’ re thinking of them during the day . Find a meme or video clip that appeals to their humour . If your friends are feeling a bit stressed this might help them out . Schedule in times to connect within the study group / timetable to enable each other time to focus .
Take study breaks together Study requires sustenance so locking in a regular time to grab a bite together ( physically in a CovidSAFE way or virtually ) is a simple and convenient way to keep hanging out .
Also , you could create a study group online , via Zoom or Google Classroom .
Do physical activities Take the edge off study stress by locking in a daily or weekly time where you kick a ball around , jog or play cricket in your backyard with your family . Ideally , choose something that ’ s going to be fun - not simply gruelling exercise . It can be a great communal way for everyone in your household to all hang out and burn off stress .
Contact others outside your social network Don ’ t just think of your mates . You ’ re all in this together . Identify schoolmates who may be a bit isolated or seem stressed or troubled . Sending them a thoughtful and positive message will mean a lot , especially as it will be unexpected .
Make post-HSC plans There ’ s also a lot that you can plan for . Encourage your mates to tell you what they ’ re looking forward to doing after the exams are over . Focus on those well-deserved celebratory plans . It ’ s your reward for all that hard work . You ’ re almost there !
Reach out for help If the problem is bigger than you and your friend can handle , or you feel you can ’ t support your friend on your own , reach out to support from your school such as school counselling staff , a teacher , SSO or Year Adviser . Outside of school reach out to a trusted adult , teacher or GP or if you need to seek urgent help – there are services available for you online or phone 24 / 7 . Be proud of your resilience There ’ s no doubt that Year 12 is a tough and challenging year and the last 18 months have been pretty tumultuous . It ’ s important to remind your friends just how resilient you ’ ve all been . Looking back is just as important as looking forward to appreciating how far you ’ ve come .
So , pat yourself on the back and be confident .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 135 // AUGUST 2021 27