NSW Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca, will today (June 4) launch a one-stop online study shop for Higher School Certificate students - the first of its kind in Australia.

"As part of the Iemma Government's overall commitment to technology in education, the Students Online web site has been completely overhauled to offer a personalised experience for every Year 12 student," the Minister said.

Lauren Fong, School Captain, Willoughby Girls High School demonstrates Students Online

"Research shows that this generation of students prefer to obtain their information via the internet so we are addressing that need.

"The Board of Studies NSW web site features HSC syllabuses, past exam papers, practice tests and other support materials, from the one easy location which allows students to customise the site to suit their needs.

"Each of the 67,000 plus students will have a unique experience when they log in using their student number and PIN, and will be able to use Students Online as their HSC home base," Mr Della Bosca said.

The new web site includes:

• Quick access to details of all the courses they are studying, past exam papers in those courses and their own personalised exam timetable
• Access to a variety of pods, such as News, Past Papers and Practice Tests, and the ability to keep the pods they want and hide the ones they don't to create their own home page
• Links to all relevant HSC materials, including key dates and news, syllabuses, notes from markers of previous exams and other related materials
• An interactive 'To Do' pod where they can make notes and set their study and assignment priorities
• An interactive essential links pod where students can add links to their favourite sites
• Answers to more than 100 frequently asked questions about the HSC
• Access to Assessment Rank Order Notices.

"Year 12 students are well into their school assessment program and are now preparing for exam trials. With just over four months until the HSC written exams begin, it is important students are putting in a consistent effort to their studies," the Minister said.

"Student PIN numbers will be issued in schools next week, and I encourage all HSC students to log in to Students Online to take advantage of this invaluable study tool," he said.

"The Board of Studies will provide a $50 book voucher, donated by The University Co-operative Bookshop Limited, to the 1000th student to log in for the first time as well as to one student selected randomly from every five thousand who log in up until 30 November 2008," the Minister said.

"The 2008 Advice Line will continue to provide support for students in 26 of the largest candidature HSC courses - the same number supported in 2007.

"This year a more targeted Advice Line service will use a streamlined timetable to more effectively meet the usage patterns of students. An upgraded 'reception' service will ensure that all students receive prompt answers to their inquiries.

"Students Online will be regularly updated to include even more customised features, and will eventually be expanded to provide a service to Year 11 and Year 10 students," he added.

The new web site is located at: studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au