Myth busting: sorting HSC and ATAR fact from fiction
For decades, students, teachers and families have heard the rumours – that the Higher School Certificate and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank can be gamed – and that some subjects lead to higher HSC marks or a better ATAR.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which is responsible for the HSC, and the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), in charge of the ATAR, want to bust those myths.
NESA CEO Paul Martin said he understands why some of the myths exist.
Loading
'It is a complex and rigorous process to ensure each year, some 80,000 HSC students get the final marks they worked hard for and earned,' Martin said. 'That complexity can lead to misunderstandings and we see myths being perpetuated.'
The UAC's research and statistics manager, Dr Helen Tam, said misinformation about maximising your ATAR is also rife.
'The confusion starts with the difference between the role and purpose of the HSC and the ATAR. The two are referenced interchangeably when they serve different purposes,' Tam said.
'The HSC is a credential and the highest level of attainment that secondary school students can achieve in NSW. The HSC mark for each course, which is calculated by NESA, shows your performance in the exam and assessments for that course. The HSC mark reflects the standard you achieved.
'The ATAR, calculated by UAC, shows your position or ranking compared to other students in NSW and takes into account your achievement in the best 10 units of your HSC courses. Its only purpose is to help universities select applicants for their courses.'
The overarching advice for students thinking about subject selection is to throw away the game book. Think about what you like, what you are good at, what you think you may want to do post-school and do what you can to achieve your best result in each course.
Your HSC mark will reflect your performance in that course – and if you perform strongly in all your courses, you will achieve a high ATAR.
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Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
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Michael lost an arm in year 12, but he was determined to do his HSC
All the tips and tricks to help you do your best in this year's exams. See all 9 stories. 'When I want to do something, I'll focus and go all out' When Michael Ryan returned to St Joseph's College Hunters Hill for the HSC exams in 2022, he did so against incredible odds after a life-threatening farm accident on an all-terrain vehicle. He was airlifted to hospital after the accident, to endure multiple surgeries, infections and several heart attacks before the amputation of his left arm became inevitable. In the months of rehabilitation in hospital, he battled pain and fatigue, and the challenge of learning to walk again and relearning everyday tasks with one arm. Yet he remained intent on finishing his HSC. Returning to school, he refused teachers' offers of special extensions and doubled down on his studies. With the support of the HSC Disability Provisions program, he scored in the top two bands for all of his HSC courses and an ATAR of 88.95. 'I wanted to graduate with my peers and move forward. My teachers, family and friends supported my decision,' he said. Though no longer able to play rugby, he stayed on as a student coach. Beyond school, he volunteered with WIRES and the Bill Crews Foundation. Having intended to study chiropractic science at Macquarie University, Ryan had to rethink his career path and is now studying law and business at the University of Technology, Sydney. He works part-time as a paralegal and returns to his high school as a rugby coach and boarding supervisor. 'My perspectives and values were realigned after what happened. I was a procrastinator, and not super-efficient with how I was working,' he said. 'The importance of a work ethic is something I really value now – when I want to do something, I'll focus and go all out.' For one of his best HSC subjects, geography, Ryan encouraged this year's students to get to know the course content thoroughly and 'be succinct' when writing. He said the practical and real-world scenarios in geography support the type of precise answers he believes markers seek. 'They aren't looking for vague answers. They want a specific answer to show you understand the content.' His top tips for HSC Geography Take the time needed: 'Spend the extra time to get your work to 100 per cent. It's rare that you have the same view as your marker. Use your teachers for feedback, they want to help you. Nothing ever takes just one go.' Consider turning off the music: 'I've never been able to listen to music when I study.' Study with mates: 'I was good at learning with flash cards and testing other people. If I was confident enough to help others, it also reinforced what I already knew.' Read the advice from an HSC Geography marker. 'I was desperate to make a film': Saunders' big ambition Scarlett Saunders had a three-hour daily commute to get to Newtown High School of Performing Arts, all in the pursuit of her dream to become a filmmaker. 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'There's still this need for authentic female depictions and authentic female stories to be told and shared,' said Saunders, who cites Greta Gerwig (director of Little Women, Barbie, Ladybird) as a role model. Saunders said year 12 students shouldn't discount the value of their interests and passions. 'A lot of people begin dropping extracurricular activities to maximise their HSC study time. I found something that I was really passionate about that was like an extracurricular activity but still counted towards my HSC.' Saunders' tips for HSC English Work at your own pace: 'Try to develop a consistent approach to your study – even if it's just two or three hours a day. When hearing about other people's efforts makes you feel like yours aren't adequate, ask yourself if such comparisons are in your best interest.' Don't live in a study bubble: 'Take breaks with things like walking the dog – something that fills you back up. 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Extracurricular maths competitions in year 11 broadened his horizons and led him to apply to overseas universities – now he's enjoying a life of study with other up-and-coming maths experts. 'Living on campus is kind of cool because you're right next door to all your friends. I have good Singaporean and Indian friends; good German, Ukrainian and Malaysian friends – we all cook together and share each other's food.' Although still in year two and 'figuring things out', Pan is considering a future in academia and research or quantitative maths after he completes the bachelor's degree, then possibly the master's in mathematics at Cambridge. 'I'd like to go into pure maths where I'd be working every day as a researcher … I'd spend all my working time just thinking about maths. Or possibly quantitative maths – I'm interested in how the maths works behind the stock market.' His advice to students seeking good results in HSC maths? 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Review your practicals: 'After completing a practical, be sure to recall and note down any key details, phrases or calculations you might need in a future question – be specific and precise in all explanations.' Read the advice from an HSC Chemistry marker. War-torn childhood has Saleem fighting for justice Fleeing war in her home country and completing only one year of primary school education left Asteer Saleem with challenges that would seem insurmountable to many. The desire to not just receive an education but to excel was so strong for Saleem that her family's arrival in Australia in 2019 unleashed a passion for learning; she spent year 7 completing intensive English education, then began midway through year 8 and went on to become a Distinguished Achiever and a First in Course in the 2024 HSC. 'The war in Iraq in 2014, when I was just eight years old, shattered everything. I lost not just my home but my childhood – and with it, the right to an education. 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The Emmanuel Anglican College, Ballina, graduate attributes her HSC success to her major work – a three-minute multimodal animation incorporating digital animation in different styles, pencil and paper animation and claymation. 'From a technical viewpoint, my project wasn't the best. It was my first attempt at animation! Using the folio, I was able to justify every decision I made. It showed my understanding of the industry, even if my animation wasn't perfect,' she said. Soon to complete her bachelor of primary education at Southern Cross University, Edwards is considering further study to develop her interest in multimedia studies. 'Over the years, fantastic teachers have revealed to me how important the profession and education as a whole is, and the lasting, positive impact enthusiastic teachers have on students,' Edwards said. 'Industrial Technology showed me how important digital skills are to thriving in the 21st century – and technology in education became a personal focus for me.' The theory elements of Industrial Technology are important for exam success, Edwards said, as it covers content such as different tools, processes, industry standards and work health and safety. The value of taking breaks during project work can't be underestimated either, as it ultimately improves your result. 'Know when you have reached your limit and take a break – don't push through. You'll return rejuvenated and possibly notice something you missed before,' she said. Edwards reminded this year's HSC students that there is life after the exams. 'The step into the unknown when you leave school is daunting, but when you reach the finish line it isn't as scary as you might anticipate,' she said. 'Regardless of how you perform in the HSC, there are always alternative paths for achieving your goals – that's what my mum always reminded me!' Edwards' top tips for HSC Industrial Technology 'Pester' your teachers: 'They want you to succeed. Talk to them and give them practice papers you've completed, and gain feedback on those.' Master your study skills: 'The writing and planning skills you learn in high school – which are so important in year 12 – are also invaluable for university.' Ensure your folio demonstrates design, management and production skills: 'Don't neglect your folio; it's how you justify your project.' Read the advice from an HSC Industrial Technology marker. Artistically thinking outside the box Pursuing her love of the humanities and creative arts proved a winner for Olivia Zaia, a 2024 HSC High Achiever who earned an ATAR of 99.3. 'Sometimes I doubted Music as a good choice for the HSC, given misunderstandings about scaling. I thought I was going to have to sacrifice a 'good' ATAR for the things I love,' she said. 'I care about challenging that notion that you can't get a good ATAR with creative arts subjects – they've always been my areas of passion and what I've been good at. 'Those two things – effort and passion – really work in tandem. It was my personal investment that contributed to achieving well in those courses,' said Zaia, who was 2024 Dux at St Joseph's Catholic College in East Gosford. Zaia was enrolled in Studies of Religion 2 and chose three English courses, along with Music and Drama. 'It was an opportunity to expand my horizons. I found I had less room to be creative with my thinking in some of the other subjects, but here I was training myself to think outside the box,' she said. Now at the University of Sydney doing a bachelor of media and communications with music as her minor, Zaia is interested in cultural journalism – and dreams of pursuing the creative arts professionally, too. Is there a secret to her HSC success? 'It's really just about effort – there's no magic bullet or study technique that's going to fix all your problems or instantly elevate your work.' That said, she encouraged year 12 students to explore different study techniques. 'It's trial and error. Find what works for you and use that to give it your all. Believe that what you're doing is bettering you as a person and as a student – the results will create themselves if you care about it.' Zaia's tips for HSC Music Blitz practice papers: 'I went absolutely crazy just doing those for weeks.' Develop your active recall: 'Write flash cards and practise with them.' Get messy with mind-maps: 'Have whiteboard brainstorms to familiarise yourself with the theory components, then listen for them in all the music you come across; learn the syllabus by identifying the concepts in real life. It's active learning.' Ciocci set for study and stardom While Jayda Ciocci's family was engrossed in soccer, she spent most of her early childhood mastering Michael Jackson's moves and dreaming of a future on stage. 'I used to put on my black jazz shoes, wrap Band-Aids around my fingers, put on a hat and do the concert from start to finish. I watch it now and can still bust out a whole Smooth Criminal,' said Ciocci, who achieved a Band 6 in 2024 HSC Music. First came dance lessons, then singing (aged eight) and selection for Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts. Next came roles in Southern Stars productions and touring with an ensemble performing at schools. 'You really understood what it was like to work on the road – nine shows in three days. You're up at 4am doing your hair and make-up, and you actually have to bump in and bump out,' she said. 'Being in large arenas is where I feel at peace. I just love the lights, the makeup and the extravagance of it all!' Ciocci also performed in the Schools Spectacular and was among the small group of Music students selected for the HSC showcase, Encore, at the Sydney Opera House this year. 'It's been hard to get an insight into what music could look like as a career because I've grown up thinking it would be something I could do only through high school,' she said. Ciocci deferred enrolment in a bachelor of law and bachelor of psychological science at the University of Wollongong, choosing to chase auditions – she would love to be a recording artist or cast in a musical. 'Being in large arenas is where I feel at peace. I just love the lights, the makeup and the extravagance of it all!' she said. Ciocci's top tips for HSC Music Develop a study routine: 'I'm quite nerdy and I do enjoy study, but it's worth having a good routine.' Record yourself for self-review and feedback. 'As hard as it is, you see yourself performing and you listen to yourself and identify a lot more.' Get to know and adapt your performance piece: 'Really familiarise yourself with your piece and play with it stylistically to best show off your strengths.' Read the advice from an HSC Music marker. Driving ambition from Norfolk Island Completing his HSC on a remote island of just 2000 people didn't slow down Flynn McCowan's drive to succeed. With just 19 classmates in his year at the island's only school, Norfolk Island Central School, McCowan was determined to carve his own path and took on the Automotive vocational education and training (VET) course. 'I was the first person to ever study Automotive at Norfolk. I made sure I always kept my goal in mind, which was going on to complete my automotive Certificate III qualification,' said McCowan, who achieved First in Course for the Automotive exam in the 2023 HSC. 'Throughout year 12, I was working two part-time jobs as well as school, one as a mechanic's assistant. It motivated me and reinforced what I was learning in my VET course.' After graduating, McCowan relocated to Brisbane to start an apprenticeship in light vehicle mechanical technology. Thanks to his VET course, he entered the workforce with his HSC, on-the-job experience and a nationally recognised qualification. McCowan's journey shows that the HSC doesn't have to follow a conventional path – from this year, a student can have results from more than one VET course included in their ATAR. 'Thanks to my VET studies and striving to always do my best, I was accepted into all five of the apprenticeships I applied for in Brisbane,' he said. 'One day I hope to work on performance vehicles.' McCowan's tips for HSC success Keep your 'me' time: 'It's important not to lose yourself. I still went surfing, motorbike riding and stayed active. Hobbies matter!' Study with mates: 'You have gone through school together – support each other. Group study can really help.' Be confident: 'Do your best in every subject, but remember there are many ways to reach your goals.' Visit NESA's website to find out more about changes that now mean you can include more than one VET course with an exam in your ATAR. Building bridges through Aboriginal Studies For proud Gumbaynggirr, Gomeroi and Anaiwan student Jaiah Wallace, the HSC was more than just exams – it was an opportunity to learn, grow and be a part of positive change. Aboriginal Studies was a natural choice for the St Ignatius' College Riverview student, as the course gave him the space to reflect, connect and contribute to truth-telling. 'I spoke with my family, my friends, my teachers or even strangers in the library. Those conversations made me stay grounded,' Wallace said. 'Maintaining social connection and sharing what you learn creates a healthier environment for study and life.' Wallace said Aboriginal Studies is deeply relevant for all Australians, promoting 'engagement with the world's oldest continuing cultures and helping build bridges of understanding and reconciliation'. 'You come out of it more aware, more empathetic, and with a genuine desire to make real change,' said Wallace, who was among a select group of year 12 literary talent published in the Young Writers 2024 anthology. He credits his teacher, Peter McNamara, as a major influence, delivering lessons that extended well beyond the classroom. 'His devotion to the subject and his class showed what true reconciliation looks like in action. He inspired all of us,' said Wallace. Now on a gap year working at a school in London, Wallace will start a bachelor of arts and law at the University of Sydney next year and hopes to major in Indigenous studies. 'To anyone considering Aboriginal Studies, it will shape how you see the world. You'll carry the knowledge and values with you for life.' Wallace's top tips for HSC Aboriginal Studies Get it done early: 'Stay on top of work – it helps ease stress later.' Go the extra mile: 'Listen and pay attention – and ask that question. These classes you will carry with you for life because of the high relevance to everyday life in Australia. You won't regret it.' Work together: 'Support your classmates – you're in it as a team.' Read the advice from an HSC Aboriginal Studies marker. Setting a personal best in PDHPE Striking a balance between studying and enjoying the final year of high school was a challenge Gemma Stevenson faced during her HSC. But with hard work, Stevenson was awarded the 2023 Dux of Northern Beaches Secondary College, Manly Campus, and topped the state in PDHPE. 'I really liked all my subjects, and I think that's why I did so well despite the misconception that PDHPE would bring down my ATAR,' said Stevenson. The syllabus was a tool to exercise her active recall of information. 'I would write everything I knew about a particular syllabus dot point and then, using a different colour, I would fill in the gaps of knowledge and keep doing that until there were no more gaps.' She also compiled a bank of examples to use for extended responses. 'Not only is it important to know the content in PDHPE, you also need to know how it applies in different situations – having a good bank of examples helped with that.' Stevenson expressed gratitude for her support network, particularly her mentor teacher, Ms Elizabeth Lindsay. 'At our school, every year 12 student would pick a teacher to have as their mentor. Ms Lindsay was a saviour – someone to lean on for moral and emotional support,' she said. Now studying a double degree bachelor of science and advanced science at the University of Sydney, Stevenson reminds HSC students of the silver lining. 'Studying is so important – but you shouldn't forget that graduating is such a big milestone and you don't want to regret not participating in all the things that make year 12 so memorable,' she said. 'Once there is a finish line in sight, it will become easier and your efforts will be worth it.' Loading Stevenson's tips for HSC PDHPE Embrace practice papers: 'Complete them in a shorter amount of time than you get in the actual exam to emulate the stress of exam conditions.' Listen to PDHPE podcasts: 'When I needed a break from my desk, I would take a walk outside for fresh air and listen to a podcast on Spotify that goes through the syllabus points.' Keep the balance: 'Make sure to have outlets outside of studying – I did quite a bit of running just to get space away from my phone and technology.' Read the advice from an HSC PDHPE marker. Start the day with a summary of the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Myth busting: sorting HSC and ATAR fact from fiction
All the tips and tricks to help you do your best in this year's exams. See all 9 stories. For decades, students, teachers and families have heard the rumours – that the Higher School Certificate and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank can be gamed – and that some subjects lead to higher HSC marks or a better ATAR. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which is responsible for the HSC, and the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), in charge of the ATAR, want to bust those myths. NESA CEO Paul Martin said he understands why some of the myths exist. Loading 'It is a complex and rigorous process to ensure each year, some 80,000 HSC students get the final marks they worked hard for and earned,' Martin said. 'That complexity can lead to misunderstandings and we see myths being perpetuated.' The UAC's research and statistics manager, Dr Helen Tam, said misinformation about maximising your ATAR is also rife. 'The confusion starts with the difference between the role and purpose of the HSC and the ATAR. The two are referenced interchangeably when they serve different purposes,' Tam said. 'The HSC is a credential and the highest level of attainment that secondary school students can achieve in NSW. The HSC mark for each course, which is calculated by NESA, shows your performance in the exam and assessments for that course. The HSC mark reflects the standard you achieved. 'The ATAR, calculated by UAC, shows your position or ranking compared to other students in NSW and takes into account your achievement in the best 10 units of your HSC courses. Its only purpose is to help universities select applicants for their courses.' The overarching advice for students thinking about subject selection is to throw away the game book. Think about what you like, what you are good at, what you think you may want to do post-school and do what you can to achieve your best result in each course. Your HSC mark will reflect your performance in that course – and if you perform strongly in all your courses, you will achieve a high ATAR.
