HSC Day “made a big difference” says student

Like many who study for their Higher School Certificate each year Lismore teenager Michael Thomas admitted that 2003 was a daunting assignment – but he believes he had one secret weapon.

Michael attended Southern Cross University’s annual HSC Day last year and walked away with extra confidence to tackle the task ahead.

“It was a very calming experience because I was very stressed about it and it was good to find out that many other students felt the same,” the first year SCU business student recalled.

“It was a good opportunity for me to look at my subjects from the perspective of a different teacher and to get advice on exams and summarising the content.

“Overall it was a wonderful day.”

Now in its fourth year, the day - a joint initiative of Southern Cross University, the Department of Education and Catholic Education - aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of students and teachers preparing for the 2004 NSW Higher School Certificate.

The HSC Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday 24 June 2004 in SCU’s School of Education.

Topics include HSC exam preparation techniques and specific subject information including Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Music, Physics and Visual Arts.

HSC subject experts have been sourced from throughout NSW and include Rick Connor, from the School of Physics at the University of NSW, HSC Advice Line Adviser and HSC Senior Marker Jo-Anne Drayton, experienced Senior Science teacher and HSC marker Harry Docking, Byron Bay Biology teacher Shirley Graham, a HSC Biology question setter and marker and Cathy Smith, a senior marker in Hospitality Operations and writer for the Board of Studies support documents in Hospitality.

Graeme Muldoon, Head Science Teacher at Glen Innes High School, who has presented over 50 study skills sessions to students in Northern NSW schools, will also present. Mr Muldoon will address the common mistakes that people make when studying, effective study strategies, how to maintain enthusiasm while in study mode and how to set up for an effective study period

Lee MacMaster, Dean of Studies at Trinity Catholic College, Lismore and currently an HSC Examiner for the Board of Studies, will also be presenting an invaluable session entitled “From Guidelines to Marks to UAI.”

Michael said mixing with other students was one of the highlights of the day for him.

“That really helped calm my nerves because I was quite stressed about it. I realised I was not alone (in feeling like that) and there were other people struggling with aspects of their subjects.”

“It helped me refocus and made me more committed to putting in the hard yards.”

Last year more than 700 teachers and students from throughout the North Coast attended the day and organisers are hopeful that about 1000 will attend this year’s event.

The day only costs $20 for students and they could attend up to seven separate sessions.

Students who are interested in attending should contact their Career Adviser or Year 12 Adviser for further information.