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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We asked our coaches for their #1 tip to Year 12 students going into Term 2 (term 3 of your HSC year). Here’s what they said 👇
Zara (English): Stop memorising essays.
Alex (Maths): Do past papers with no notes first.
Jack (Economics): Teach a topic. Stumbling = your next study target.
Ella (All Rounder): Know your syllabus inside out.
Which tip will you implement first?
#HSCCoWorks #Term2 #StudyTips #HSCCoaching Year12
Your HSC mountain won’t climb itself 🏔️ 
Daily plan ✅ 
Daily mindmap ✅ 
Daily submission ✅ 
Ask a Coach ✅
Tick them all off and keep that streak alive. 625 days is the record. What’s yours? 🔥
3 mistakes most HSC students make in Term 2…
And yes, you’re probably doing at least one of them.
1. Spending most of your time on subjects you’re already good at. Feels great. Does nothing for improving your end results. Your weakest subject has the most room to move and that’s where the immediate gains are.
2. Saving past papers for the week before trials. Past papers aren’t revision. They’re practice that identify strengths and weaknesses. Do them early enough that you can actually act on what they tell you.
3. Studying more hours but without intention. Re-reading notes. Highlighting. Rewriting summaries for the 4th time. Your brain is comfortable but it is not pushing you into the next level. Active recall and practice questions are uncomfortable for a reason. Get them done every day, not just in the lead up to the assessment. 
Term 2 is where the biggest progress can be made. Small adjustments now = big results in October.
#hsccoworks #hscstudytips #hscmotivation #hsc2026
After working with hundreds of HSC students, we can tell you that the highest achievers are simply following a formula. A simple formula which anyone can follow... 
They’re not necessarily studying 10 hours a day or sacrificing their entire social lives. What sets them apart is a mix of habits, mindsets, and strategies that most students either don’t know about or know about but don’t consistently apply. Here’s what we’ve observed and how you can apply it.
Motivation fades.
Habits don’t.
The students who perform at their best are the ones who train daily, stick to their systems, and keep showing up, especially on the hard days.
P.S. No suffering actually required… just discipline and direction 💪