From Bourke to Bega and north to Bellingen, more than 42,000 public high school students will this week complete their formal schooling as Term 3 ends, and they begin preparing for Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams next month.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated Year 12 students across the state on reaching this important education milestone after 13 years of schooling and said the lead-up to the HSC was a time for celebration, reflection and focus.
"The Class of 2025 should be immensely proud of their efforts as they get ready to cross the finish line," he said. "In this last week of school, they should also take time to enjoy and mark what they have accomplished over the past 13 years.
"Completing Year 12 is a major achievement, made even more impressive by the resilience these students have had to show when their early high school years were disrupted by the COVID pandemic.
"I'd like to wish our Year 12 students the very best and to trust that their world-class public education has given them an incredible foundation for success in their post-school lives."
NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretary, Public Schools, Deborah Summerhayes joined the Secretary in wishing the Class of '25 success for the future and focus in their final weeks' studying for the HSC.
She also paid tribute to the dedication of teachers across the state, who had gone above and beyond in supporting students from their first days at primary school to their last.
"Across our public schools, our teachers, Year 12 year advisors, school leaders and support staff are a constant source of inspiration and support. I would like to particularly thank our Year 12 teachers who have guided the Class of '25.
"From providing one-on-one mentorship to extra study sessions and working through school holidays, our Year 12 high school teachers exemplify the determination of our school communities to give every student the opportunity to succeed."
The first written exams will start on Thursday 16 October 2025 with English and finish with Food Technology on Friday 7 November 2025.
Top tips for a successful HSC start
- Create a study schedule. Plan how to break study into manageable blocks while also including time for self-care and activities to give you a break. Make sure the plan has your clear goals as to what you want to achieve from each session.
- Use past papers. Practice your exam technique by working within an exam format, using black pen and in timed conditions.
- Reach out to teachers. Your teachers are there to support you up until exam day. Ask for their feedback and clarification where needed, they are experts of the curriculum.
- Practise, practise, practise. Learn from your mistakes and identify how to improve your weaknesses.
- Look after yourself. Don't forget to prioritise your physical and mental health. Make time to meet with friends and family and do the things you enjoy. Focus on making time for exercise, eating and sleeping well.
- On the first day of exams, make sure you arrive early, have the equipment you need and think positively that you're ready. Take a moment to take a breath and calm the nerves.
Top tips to support your child through the HSC
- Assist with time management. Sit down with your child and make a realistic study schedule. The HSC can feel overwhelming; help break down tasks.
- Stay positive. Use positive language and gestures where possible. It is important they do not feel pressured. Ask questions that are encouraging and not loaded with judgement and remind them you are there for support.
- Encourage maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating and sleeping well alongside staying active is beneficial for teenagers, both physically and mentally.
- Discourage distractions. Mobile phones, social media to gaming, these can be distractions can be addictive. Make sure they are not part of the study schedule but can be encouraged to be used as a reward.
- Stay calm. You can create a calming environment at home to reduce the high stress the HSC student may be feeling. Help turn their bedroom into a comfortable space and encourage breathing exercises and meditation. Parents and carers should look after their own wellbeing during this time as well.
