Supporting students with the inevitable ‘post trials slump’

Sep 1, 2021

It is inevitable that once students put down that pen after their last trial exam that they are going to want to run away from the HSC and have a (well deserved) break. 

BUT before you throw in the towel on Mount HSC – this is the most important time to demonstrate your GRIT, and utilise your vision to motivate you into finishing this last leg of the climb to the peak of Mount HSC. After 4500 + days of school since kindergarten, HSC students have less than 90 days until it is all over. We can’t give up now!

Whilst this year has been like no other, and the announcement of a delayed HSC will be disheartening for students, it is a fantastic opportunity to dig deep and demonstrate what you are made of. 

In saying that, it is also important to realise that without giving yourself a break to rest and recoup, finding that motivation and getting started again for the final leg will be difficult. Our advice for HSC students right now is to take a week (or more) after trials to have a break and rest up. This time could be used to rethink your vision (WHY you are working so hard/WHAT are you working for – Is it a degree? A feeling of satisfaction and pride? An ATAR?), and seek out some feedback post trials. 

We recommend continuing to attend your HSC CoWorks sessions (even if this is all you do during your break time), in order to maintain some routine and connection to your peers and coaches. These sessions are a fabulous time to chat with coaches about your vision post HSC, exam techniques, look through trial feedback and make plans for the HSC run up period. 

So let’s not let this last leg of the race get away from us – it’s time to dig deep, find that GRIT and finish the marathon the best you can! 

Remember if you attend all your sessions in September (8/8 sessions), you earn your very own CoWorks hoodie!

We also have 3 x $250 vouchers at an online store of your choice for our September Student Raffle. Students earn raffle entries for Challenge Question submissions in September (minimum 25 to be eligible to win). The raffle will be drawn on September 30th at 6pm and winners will be notified by email. 

Video content for overcoming the post trials slump

Parents – please watch the video below with HSC CoWorks Education Performance Manager and Head Marker, Donna, for some guidance on how to help your child navigate these final stages of their schooling life.  

Students – please join Coach Charli in discussing how to maintain motivation and continue the grind in the final push to the top of Mount HSC. 

 

 

Please note that these videos were recorded prior to the announcement that the HSC exams would be further delayed and so some dates may be incorrect. 

Our HSC Specialists are ready to take any questions you have about the HSC process or about how your child can take control of their HSC year and achieve the results which they deserve.

Get in contact with us via our live chat or calling us on 1300 967 890.

Check out our previous blog post on how to maintain motivation during the Sydney Lockdown here.

“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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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
🚨 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