The State's Higher School Certificate students will today sit for the first exam in English, the only compulsory subject in the HSC.

Office of the Board of Studies General Manger, Dr John Bennett, said a total of 63,693 students were enrolled in English courses.

"For most of the State s HSC students this is the real day one of the exams and I would like to give them my best wishes, Dr Bennett said.

"It is pleasing to see that nearly half of all English students will be sitting the first exam in the most demanding 2 unit course English (Advanced).

"With 50 per cent of the students English HSC mark already secure in the Board of Studies system, the English exams today and on Monday will count towards the other half of the result."

The first paper of English examines students on a reading exercise, creative writing and a response to a prescribed text and other material.

English and Music 1 and Music 2 are the only exams on today.

Dr Bennett said more than 2500 students had called the HSC Advice Line for advice on English, with more than a quarter of those calling last night alone traditionally the busiest time for Advice Line advisers.

Over the weekend, students can obtain advice for their second English exam and 25 other major subjects on 13 11 12.

They can also visit the HSC Online website, and the Board of Studies website, which has past exam papers, self-test quizzes and other services for students, parents and teachers.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the HSC, which began in 1967. There is a record 67,189 students.

Media Contact

Natalie Laharnar, Office of the Board of Studies
Phone: 02 9367 8066
Mobile: 0438 497 766