Beware of the Post HSC Trials Slump…

Aug 13, 2019

With many students mid HSC Trials right now, we wanted to discuss a very common obstacle that students tend to face in a couple of weeks: the post-trials slump. Yes it’s a real thing!
After (hopefully) working very hard in the lead-up to trials, and an intensive exam period, it’s very natural for students to want to take a small break from study and we completely understand the need for a week off. However, if the week-long break turns into a second or third week, students will look back and realise that they’ve lost nearly an entire-term’s worth of study time before their HSC.

From the day of finishing Trial Exams to walking into the exam room for English Paper 1 on October 17th is 59 days (for those students finishing exams on August 20). While that might seem like a fair chunk of time to prepare for the final set of exams, your child’s motivation and focus on the task at hand is up against many potential distractions. Distractions which can lead to low levels of focus and motivation… 

Distractions such as:

  • 18th Birthday parties and other socialising events will become more frequent and more attractive
  • Graduation week and other end of year 12 events
  • For Rugby fans we have the Rugby World Cup (Sept 20 to November 2nd) to contend with
  • For NRL and AFL fans we have the finals every weekend in September
  • Schoolies talk and preparation amongst peers
  • As well as all the other ever pervasive distractions of social media, netflix, youtube, relationships
  • Warmer weather 

As you can see there are a lot more attractive things to be doing as a 17/18 year old rather than re-working that English essay that they know they need to do.

So – what do students need to do to ensure that they stay on track? As per usual, we can harness the HSC CoWorks Key Behaviours, and in particular Key Behaviour Number 5 – Grit.

Grit refers to our level of resolve, resilience, and determination. Grit is sitting down, and just getting through the work – no matter what’s going on externally. This is of vital importance during this period, because unless someone scored 100% for every trial exam, there’s going to be something they need to work on. Grit is harnessing your passion, reminding yourself of your vision, and taking the necessary steps, no matter how difficult, to get there.

As a parent, you will of course want your child to be gritty. Your own life experience tells you that if an individual can have the self discipline to stick it out and overcome obstacles, all that extra effort will be worth it in the end.

Read our next blog on how your child can stay GRITTY post Trials.

 

“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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🚨 REMINDER: HSC 2027 OPEN/LAUNCH DAY IS THIS WEEKEND!
If you’re heading into Year 12 next term, come along to our Mosman or Balgowlah Open Day this Saturday and see how HSC CoWorks will support you through your HSC year.
Open to parents and students, whether you’re already a CoWorks student or considering joining us for HSC 2027.
⭐ Meet some of our coaching team and hear their HSC and University stories
⭐  Hear how we approach the HSC year and support students finish with no regrets
⭐  Get practical advice for starting Year 12 strong
⭐  Ask questions and explore the campus
Puppy cuddles are included! 🐶
PLUS one lucky attendee will win a FREE 2027 Study Bootcamp valued at $695! 🎉
📍 MOSMAN
Saturday 19 September | 10:30am – 11:30am
Level 2, 1–3 Gurrigal Street, Mosman
📍 BALGOWLAH
Saturday 19 September | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ground Floor, 398 Sydney Road, Balgowlah
We’d love to see you there!
#HSC2027 #HSCCoWorks #Year12 #HSC #OpenDay
Year 11 is all but over. Year 12 HSC Exams are still 30 days away.
So what does a CoWorks session look like right now?
For our Year 11s, prelims might be over but that doesn’t mean there’s “nothing to do”! This is the perfect window to get proactive: review what you learnt from prelims, understand your Year 12 syllabus, look at past HSC papers and start building the knowledge and exam skills you’ll need when Year 12 begins on 12 October.
For our Year 12s, it’s all about turning the lessons from Trials into action. Filling knowledge gaps. Refining and resubmitting responses. Closed-book recall. Exam simulation. Targeting those subjects and tasks you’d rather avoid and making every remaining moment count.
No wondering “What should I work on today?”
Students walk into their CoWorks session with a clear plan designed around exactly where they are in their HSC journey 💪
#HSCCoWorks #HSC2026 #HSC2027 #examprep
🚨 ONE SPOT LEFT at Bondi Junction!
Our Final HSC Study Bootcamp this September/October is almost full at Bondi Junction with just 1 place remaining.
What to expect:
✓ 4 hours of focused, structured exam preparation each day
✓ Dedicated exam simulation
✓ HSC Marker feedback
✓ Support from our experienced coaching team
✓ Accountability to tackle your toughest subjects & tasks
✓ A productive environment alongside other motivated HSC students
✓ Build confidence and momentum heading into the final exams
📍 Bondi Junction — 1 spot left
📍 Places still available at Mosman, Balgowlah & Chatswood
📅 Bootcamp Dates
Week 1: Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October
Week 2: Tuesday 6 October – Friday 9 October
⏰ 10am–2pm daily
Don’t miss out on the final Bootcamp of your HSC campaign🔥 
https://hsccoworks.com.au/bootcamp/
🔥 FINAL HSC STUDY BOOTCAMP
Finish your HSC campaign with zero regrets, knowing you gave it everything you had.
Our final Study Bootcamp of the year is all about making those last few weeks count.
🔥 Boost your productivity with focused, structured exam training.
💡 Stay motivated alongside other students pushing towards their goals.
✅ Get exam ready with unseen questions, practice under pressure and accountability to tackle those ‘frog’ subjects and tasks you’d rather avoid!
⏰ Four focused hours each day, supported by HSC CoWorks coaches who know what it takes to navigate the final stages of the HSC.
📅 Monday 28 September - Friday 2 October (ALMOST FULL) and Tuesday 6 October - Friday 9 October
⏰ 10am–2pm
📍Balgowlah, Bondi Jct, Chatswood, Mosman