Developing the skill of essay writing

Mar 2, 2021

Fergus Gardiner, Founder of HSC CoWorks + an English and Modern History Teacher, outlines the secret to writing a strong HSC Essay in this video and also highlights WHY essay writing is a critical skill for students to develop at school and take with them into the next stage of their life.

How can students write a strong HSC Essay?

Eat the Frog – watch the video below to find out more 🙂
Have a Strategy and Plan for your essay – Students need a process to follow and at HSC CoWorks this is the Essay Building Template, an essay plan which deals with HSC outcomes and gives students the structure to write their essay
Click here to view our Texts and Human Experiences Essay Building Template.

Why is the skill of essay writing important?

Understanding and using language effectively is a critical skill which is needed beyond a student’s school years.
Developing the skill of essay writing at school gives students the capacity to write and express their ideas.
Writing is an understated behaviour and has been challenged in the “digital” world which our children have all become accustomed to. Our mission is to engage students in reflective thinking and improve their ability to communicate with other people.

Watch the video below to find out more!

HSC CoWorks provides HSC support for students across our Mosman, Bondi Junction, Chatswood, and Dee Why locations. We are also able to provide support to students across NSW virtually!

Our Navigating the HSC series provides parents and students with the knowledge they need to navigate their way through the HSC.

TOOLS

LITERARY TECHNIQUES

TEXTS AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Module C - The Craft of Writing

PDF of our planning pad for download

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PDF of our Mind Map pad for download

“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!

Listen Here

Watch Here

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Most students will start their year 11 prelims in just a couple of short weeks which is enough to make a significant difference to your exam results if you use it wisely.

The key now is to stop simply studying and to start training for your exams.

In our latest article, we break down 4 Steps to Exam Prep Success:

1️⃣ Know where you stand: identify the topics that need your attention most.

2️⃣ Recall, don’t just re-read: practice producing what you know without your notes.

3️⃣ Start exam training now: get into exam style questions and timed practice now.

4️⃣ Practice → Feedback → Improve: find out where you’re losing marks and fix it before exam day.

You don’t need two weeks of panic. You need two weeks of consistent, focused action.

👉 Read the full blog #linkinbio and make the next two weeks count.

#Year11 #StudyTips #HSCCoWorks #ExamTraining

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Most students will start their year 11 prelims in just a couple of short weeks which is enough to make a significant difference to your exam results if you use it wisely.
The key now is to stop simply studying and to start training for your exams.
In our latest article, we break down 4 Steps to Exam Prep Success:
1️⃣ Know where you stand: identify the topics that need your attention most.
2️⃣ Recall, don’t just re-read: practice producing what you know without your notes.
3️⃣ Start exam training now: get into exam style questions and timed practice now.
4️⃣ Practice → Feedback → Improve: find out where you’re losing marks and fix it before exam day.
You don’t need two weeks of panic. You need two weeks of consistent, focused action.
👉 Read the full blog #linkinbio and make the next two weeks count.
#Year11 #StudyTips #HSCCoWorks #ExamTraining

The Trials are now over for many students… so what happens next..!?!

For many Year 12 students, this is when the post-Trials slump kicks in.

After months of assessments, revision and exam pressure, the intensity suddenly drops. Graduation is around the corner, the HSC still feels a little way away, and motivation can disappear fast.

But Trials are not the finish line. They’re the dress rehearsal and they have just given you incredibly valuable information about where marks are being lost and where to focus your energy before the real HSC exams begin.

In our latest blog, we share our 5 tips for getting out of the post-Trials slump and finishing your HSC strong:
1️⃣ Take a short, intentional break - Recover and reset, but give your break an end date.
2️⃣ Turn your Trial results into a game plan - Use your results and feedback to identify exactly where you can improve.
3️⃣ Don’t wait to “feel motivated” - Reconnect with your goals and start taking small actions. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
4️⃣ Move from studying to exam training - Past papers. Timed responses. Essays. Feedback. Corrections. Make your mistakes now, not in the HSC exam room.
5️⃣ Use the support around you - The HSC CoWorks Teachers, Coaches, HSC Markers and subject experts can provide the structure, accountability and feedback you need through the final stretch.

There is still plenty of opportunity between Trials and the HSC to improve.

Read the full blog via the link in our bio.

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsctrials #hscexams #hscmotivation

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The Trials are now over for many students… so what happens next..!?!
For many Year 12 students, this is when the post-Trials slump kicks in.
After months of assessments, revision and exam pressure, the intensity suddenly drops. Graduation is around the corner, the HSC still feels a little way away, and motivation can disappear fast.
But Trials are not the finish line. They’re the dress rehearsal and they have just given you incredibly valuable information about where marks are being lost and where to focus your energy before the real HSC exams begin.
In our latest blog, we share our 5 tips for getting out of the post-Trials slump and finishing your HSC strong:
1️⃣ Take a short, intentional break - Recover and reset, but give your break an end date.
2️⃣ Turn your Trial results into a game plan - Use your results and feedback to identify exactly where you can improve.
3️⃣ Don’t wait to “feel motivated” - Reconnect with your goals and start taking small actions. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
4️⃣ Move from studying to exam training - Past papers. Timed responses. Essays. Feedback. Corrections. Make your mistakes now, not in the HSC exam room.
5️⃣ Use the support around you - The HSC CoWorks Teachers, Coaches, HSC Markers and subject experts can provide the structure, accountability and feedback you need through the final stretch.
There is still plenty of opportunity between Trials and the HSC to improve.
Read the full blog via the link in our bio.
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsctrials #hscexams #hscmotivation

🎳 We’re bowling over the “Post Trials Slump” and bringing a little extra fun and motivation into your CoWorks Chatswood sessions🔥

This is the period where the intensity suddenly drops, motivation disappears and the thought of getting back into serious study (for HSC Final Exams) feels almost impossible.

So for students who hit a 7+ day streak & complete all their session goals in this period, you will be eligible to score a FREE game at Strike Bowling! Because consistent action deserves to be celebrated 🌟

#HSCCoWorks #StrikeBowling #HSC2026 #StudyMotivation #ConsistencyCounts

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🎳 We’re bowling over the “Post Trials Slump” and bringing a little extra fun and motivation into your CoWorks Chatswood sessions🔥
This is the period where the intensity suddenly drops, motivation disappears and the thought of getting back into serious study (for HSC Final Exams) feels almost impossible.
So for students who hit a 7+ day streak & complete all their session goals in this period, you will be eligible to score a FREE game at Strike Bowling! Because consistent action deserves to be celebrated 🌟
#HSCCoWorks #StrikeBowling #HSC2026 #StudyMotivation #ConsistencyCounts

🚨 FINAL HSC 2026 STUDY BOOTCAMP 🚨

Make those final weeks count.

Join us for our final HSC Study Bootcamp and get the structure, support and expert coaching you need to turn your preparation into exam performance.

📅 WEEK 1
Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 Oct

📅 WEEK 2
Tues 6 Oct – Fri 9 Oct

⏰ 10AM – 2PM DAILY

📍 Balgowlah
📍 Bondi Junction
📍 Chatswood
📍 Mosman

✓ Practise past papers & exam-style questions
✓ Get expert Coach support when you’re stuck
✓ Receive feedback and identify where marks are being lost
✓ Stay focused, accountable and productive
✓ Build confidence before walking into the HSC exam room

🔥 PLACES ARE LIMITED & SELLING FAST

Secure your Bootcamp place now #linkinbio

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🚨 FINAL HSC 2026 STUDY BOOTCAMP 🚨
Make those final weeks count.
Join us for our final HSC Study Bootcamp and get the structure, support and expert coaching you need to turn your preparation into exam performance.
📅 WEEK 1
Mon 28 Sept – Fri 2 Oct
📅 WEEK 2
Tues 6 Oct – Fri 9 Oct
⏰ 10AM – 2PM DAILY
📍 Balgowlah
📍 Bondi Junction
📍 Chatswood
📍 Mosman
✓ Practise past papers & exam-style questions
✓ Get expert Coach support when you’re stuck
✓ Receive feedback and identify where marks are being lost
✓ Stay focused, accountable and productive
✓ Build confidence before walking into the HSC exam room
🔥 PLACES ARE LIMITED & SELLING FAST
Secure your Bootcamp place now #linkinbio

Students hitting the challenge board in Chatswood tonight 💪

#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscexamskills

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Students hitting the challenge board in Chatswood tonight 💪
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscexamskills