HSC -A Stress on families
Every year, Year 12 students undergo the HSC (Higher School Certificate). How does this affect the lives of the students and their families? Different people have different opinions about the HSC experience.
Jacob found the HSC a stressful experience, but feels that he is now more mature. He believes the HSC is necessary to open up doors to future careers. He dealt with the stress by keeping calm and positive. He remembered that it would finish soon.
Jacob said he would miss school, especially his teachers and friends, but is looking forward to University and maybe starting a band.
Alexander was affected by having to study a lot for the HSC. He believes that that the purpose of it is to rank students against each other, and he does believe that it is necessary. Alexander dealt with the stress by keeping active. Alexander would like to have an apprenticeship in cabinet making.
Isaac thinks the HSC has caused a lot of stress this year, it also was hard and caused tension. It made him realise how valuable a good education is.
Isaac said, “the idea behind the HSC is necessary, but I don’t think the way it is conducted is necessary. My solution would be basing University entries mainly on an interview style process”.
Isaac didn’t deal with the stress very well at times, but the actual exams were not as daunting as they seemed. He thought in comparison to a lot of people he didn’t stress that much. At the moment Isaac doesn’t feel he is missing school but believes that in a few months or years down the track he might. Isaac wants to work for a year at his family business and then go to university.
Isaac’s mother Amanda said “The HSC has affected the family by everyone having to vacate a room so Isaac could study”. They let Isaac leave his papers and books lying around the house. They had to be more considerate and quiet when he studied. The HSC made Amanda a bit nervous for him, hoping he did enough studying and preparation. Amanda believes the HSC is necessary because it’s like a final part of school.
In conclusion the HSC has caused a lot of stress but is necessary and important for the future.
Moriah, Michaela and Jenna