Understanding the HSC journey

Jul 19, 2019

My teacher is no good. I can’t write essays. I have too much homework. You don’t understand how hard this is.

If this is sounding all too familiar to you, then it’s likely you have a child sitting the HSC in the next 2 years. Don’t worry… you are not alone.

As a student approaches year 12 and the reality settles in that the study techniques and approach they have been using to date are no longer working, the confusion starts to set in, and with confusion and poor results, comes excuses.

The HSC is no different to any challenge that life throws at you. The only issue for many students is that this is the first big challenge they have had to undertake in life and they just don’t know how to approach it.

As a parent who has overcome many obstacles and challenges in life, you probably already know the answer. Your child just needs the right mindset to achieve success! At HSC CoWorks, we say no to excuses and yes to results! 

Here’s how:

  • Have a vision. A goal. Whether it be short term (I want to get 80% in my next maths exam / I want to beat my best friend in my next English assessment) or long term (I want to be a Fashion Designer in New York and need 95 to get into the UTS Course).
  • Have a Plan. How are you going to achieve your goal? What steps do you need to take to make incremental progress. After all, a goal without a plan is just a wish!
  • Take some action! The spot in the 1st rugby team won’t come by watching rugby on TV, the great maths result won’t come by watching YouTube videos and scrolling Facebook every 20 minutes. Breaking down tasks into smaller goals and working through these tasks each day will ensure that your child is making traction towards their HSC goals. 
  • Do more than you think you need to. By pushing your comfort zone consistently, you will see results! Practice until getting outside of your comfort zone through completing challenging, exam-style tasks feels comfortable!
  • Keep at it! Bad results are a part of the journey. Obstacles will come up throughout the HSC and throughout life. It is how an individual deals with these obstacles that will set them apart from the rest of the pack. Embrace your mistakes and learn from them!
  • Take responsibility and own it! This is your HSC. This is your life. No one else can do this for you. Not your teacher, not your parent, not your tutor, not a YouTube maths guru. This is on you!

At HSC CoWorks we will ensure your child has the resources and support to develop these skills in time for a successful HSC result and more importantly a successful life after the HSC. In a world where 66% of the jobs your children will have don’t even exist yet, where collaboration and the ability to think critically will reign and where the ability to overcome obstacles and conquer challenges is crucial, this is the time for students to take control of their HSC year and develop these skills for a great ATAR and a great future.

HSC CoWorks supports much more than just a great ATAR.

Enrol today – CLICK HERE page to find out more about our service!

“Let’s Talk About the HSC”

The ultimate podcast for students and parents navigating the journey of the HSC. Presented by HSC CoWorks, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of the HSC experience, offering expert advice, study tips, and insights into achieving academic success.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, managing stress, or looking for ways to stay motivated, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things HSC. Join us as we chat with educators, students, and professionals to help you thrive during this important academic milestone!

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For most Year 12 students, Trial Exams are officially behind you! 🎉 Take a few days to switch off, reset and enjoy the feeling of having made it through!
Then it’s time to turn your attention to the final stretch. Trials aren’t meant to be perfect. They’re exactly what the name suggests, a trial run for the real thing.
So embrace the mistakes. Look closely at where marks were lost. Get feedback. Work out what needs to change and adjust your approach.
The next few weeks aren’t about starting again. They’re about refining, improving and building confidence from everything you’ve already done.
You’ve come this far. You’ve got this. 💪
#HSC2026 #HSCTrials #HSCStudy #Year12 #HSCTips
Celebrating 30 years of HSC CoWorks! 💫 
In 1996, @fergusgardiner started working with a small group of HSC students in Bondi Junction. His ability to inspire a genuine passion for learning particularly in English quickly saw that small group grow through word of mouth. 
Fergus’ wife @carollgardiner alongside their son @jesseperformancecoach and his wife @sarahgards7 joined the business as it grew, helping to establish campuses in Mosman, Chatswood, Lindfield, Dee Why and Balgowlah. Jesse and Sarah now lead the organisation alongside an incredible team of more than 100 coaches, markers, teachers, an amazing Head Office and Web Development team, and also Emily and Nick who joined our team this year. There have been plenty of ups and downs, milestones, obstacles and lessons along the way, and HSC CoWorks wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible people who have been part of it over the years.
And to every student who has walked through our doors and every parent who has trusted us to play a part in their child’s education, THANK YOU. Your support and trust over the past 30 years means more to us than we can say. We are so grateful to have worked with your child during the most important stage of their schooling career and thank you for championing our program as we strive to support young people develop the skills, habits and mindset that will support them long after their HSC.
And of course to our own family, especially our three children who put up with having both parents in the business and many weekends and evenings spent around the dinner table building new ideas, solving problems, packing study toolkits and everything in between!
We’re incredibly proud of what has been built over the past three decades, but even more excited about what comes next.
Thank you,
Jesse, Sarah, Fergus & Carol Gardiner
The HSC matters. But what students build along the way matters even more.
The HSC year is your training ground for life.. where you can develop skills like how to plan ahead, take ownership, tackle challenges, respond to feedback and perform under pressure.
These aren’t just skills for getting through Year 12. They’re the skills, mindset and habits that you will take with you into university, work and whatever comes next.
At HSC CoWorks, our role is to provide the structure, support, coaching and accountability that helps students develop these capabilities, while working towards their HSC goals.
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscstudyskills #hscmotivation
The HSC isn’t meant to feel easy. But every time you choose to keep going, you’re building the confidence you’ll take into that exam room.
Do the hard work now. Thank yourself later. 💪
#HSC2026 #HSCMotivation #HSCStudy #HSCCoWorks
HSC CoWorks Open Days are coming this September!
If you’re heading into Year 12 (HSC 2027), come and experience HSC CoWorks for yourself.
Meet our team, explore the space and discover how we help students build the structure, study habits, accountability and exam skills needed to reach their full potential in their HSC year.
📍 CHATSWOOD — 12 Sept | 10–11:30am
📍 BONDI JUNCTION — 12 Sept | 2–3:30pm
📍 MOSMAN — 19 Sept | 10–11:30am
📍 BALGOWLAH — 19 Sept | 2–3:30pm
⭐ Hear from our Head Performance Coach
⭐ Tour your local campus
⭐ Meet our Coaches & hear their stories
⭐ Ask questions and learn how the program works
FREE TO ATTEND | Students + parents/carers welcome
Places are limited so please book your spot via the link in bio.
#HSCCoWorks #HSC2027 #Year12 #HSCStudy #HSCMotivation