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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Absolutely loved catching up with Coach Caitlin from HSC CoWorks Bondi Junction in our latest Podcast Episode! In this episode we chat about her Journalism degree paired with a Bachelor in Creative Intelligence at UTS! Caitlin gives us the inside scoop on the course, how she got there and where she wants to end up.
Caitlin has also worked with hundreds of HSC students over the past 2.5 years at HSC CoWorks and shares her top tips for HSC 2026 students. Ever wondered what it takes to thrive during the HSC? Wondering what the top students do differently? Caitlin talks about maintaining balance, keeping up your hobbies, and effectively using your precious study time working on the tasks that drive results in the exam room.
Full episode - link in bio.
#HSC #StudyTips #StudentLife #Motivation Education
Halfway through Year 12… and this is where things can start to feel real.
The early momentum and motivation from the start of Year 12 is waning, you have been through a few assessment cycles and there is a rush to finish the syllabus before next term.
At this stage of the year, feeling overwhelmed is normal! It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, it means you’re in the middle of something demanding. The HSC year IS demanding,
You don’t need to have everything mastered right now. You just need to have a plan and keep moving forward strategically, consistently, and with purpose. 
Our top 3 tips…
🔹 Don’t ignore Term 1 content
🔹 Stay on top of new topics (without burning out)
🔹 Start building real exam readiness
5 months from now, school will be over. Keep your goals in sight and keep showing up.
Read the full blog for practical tips to stay on track through Term 3.
#hsccoworks #hscstudytips #hsc2026
Are you looking for a complete solution for your teen in Year 11 or 12? 
HSC CoWorks provides a coaching program with expert coaches, markers and teachers, built to develop the habits, mindset and skills that drive results long after school has finished.
Limited places to trial each week. Call us to book or click the link in bio. We hope to see you soon! 
#hsccoworks #hsc2026 #hsc2027 #hscmotivation
A great HSC result and Uni degree might get you into the room. What will keep you there is your ability to think, adapt, collaborate and keep learning. 
The HSC year is one of the last structured chances teenagers have to build these skills before the workforce starts demanding it.. Read more on our blog #linkinbio #hsccoworks
We are open! Attend your Monday coaching sessions as normal today and get on top of your week 💪 #hsccoworks