You Think You’ve Got It Tough?

May 20, 2015

As we reach the more difficult stages of the climb up Mount HSC it is both easy and common for students to start to feel like the challenge of the HSC is too much to cope with as they start to forget what is at the top of the mountain(Why they are climbing it) and instead focus on their immediate experience of being “over it”.

It might be worth reminding you at this point on what I believe the HSC is all about. It’s about dealing with a big challenge that is put on the table in front of you. It’s about saying “Hello Challenge, let’s do this”. This challenge can either push us around or we can embrace the challenge and take control of our situation.

If we embrace the challenge then students are able to create a path towards the peak of Mount HSC and remain in a “toward state” (a positive state). Conversely if a student says “this is all too hard” they will be put into an “away” state which disempowers students to be able to build there path to the top of Mount HSC.

When I came across this Ted talk by Amy Purdy this week, it reminded me of what is really possible if we believe that change really is possible for us (that is, having a growth mindset).

If Amy Purdy can achieve what she has then you can get to the top of your Mount HSC. I know you can.

Each week we put up motivational and inspirational videos to provide a different perspective on dealing with and overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Below is a screen shot of the student dashboard.

Student dashboard in the student portal

 

 

 

“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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Got questions about the HSC?
We’re going LIVE this Thursday to answer them.
From essays and quotes… To study balance, trials prep, and everything in between!
Join our Head Performance Coach + team as we break it down and give you real, practical strategies you can actually use.
📅 Thursday, April 9
⏰ 6PM
P.S. Bring your questions and we’ll answer them live.
🚨 MARCH RAFFLE – FINAL DAYS TO WIN A $75 WESTFIELD VOUCHER 🚨
Every rep = a shot to win.
Upload a Mind Map → 🎟️ 1 entry
Submit a Challenge Question → 🎟️ 1 entry
The more you submit… the more chances you have. Simple.
But here’s the real win 👇
Every submission = feedback
Every feedback = chance for improvement
🎯 Practice. Submit. Win.
One of the biggest mistakes students make in the HSC is trying to avoid getting things wrong.
❌ They delay practice.
❌ They wait until they feel ready.
❌ They leave feedback too late.
Confidence doesn’t come from getting your answers right the first time. It comes from getting it WRONG early enough to improve.
The students who perform best:
✅ Practice questions early 
✅ Practice their writing consistently 
✅ Get feedback weeks (not days) before exams 
🎯 The goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it, early, so you can walk into exams calm, prepared, and confident.
The students who stay consistent during the HSC?
They’re not more disciplined. They’re more connected.
Connected to:
🏔️Where they’re going 
🏔️ Who they want to become 
🏔️ What’s possible if they follow through 
Because when your vision is strong, you stop negotiating with yourself.
You don’t wake up and ask: “Do I feel like studying today?”
You wake up and ask: ““What do I need to do today to get closer to the top of Mount HSC?”