Study tips and materials

Study tips and materials 

There are a range of study tools, materials and support services to help you prepare for your exams. Read about each of the below produced by the Board. There are also new exam workbooks available to buy. 

HSC syllabuses 

Check each syllabus, particularly HSC content and outcomes, to see that you have covered everything you need to learn. 

Past HSC exam papers

Completing past HSC exam papers will help you understand the kinds of questions you might get so you can plan your study accordingly.

Marking Guidelines

Markers use the criteria in the marking guidelines to make judgements about awarding marks for different levels of performance in the exams. These can help you to understand the nature and scope of the responses that are expected of students. Find the guidelines with each past exam paper. 

Notes from the Marking Centre

These documents contain comments on candidate responses from past HSC exams, indicating the quality of the responses and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Find the Notes from the Marking Centre with each past exam paper.

Standards Packages 

Standards Packages contain examples of real HSC responses from students whose exam performances place them on the borderline between two Performance Bands. They illustrate the level of performance required to achieve these marks. 

Glossary of Key Words 

The Glossary of Key Words contains some terms commonly used in exam questions. A definition of these terms has been provided to assist you understand what you are required to do in each question. It is a useful guide to question formats, but it is not exhaustive and you must be prepared for many kinds of questions.

NSW HSC Online

NSW HSC Online gives you access to a wealth of HSC resources and support. HSC Online materials have been developed by highly experienced HSC teachers and markers. Each subject site has sections for tutorials, exams and resources, and provides detailed information on core and elective topics. The site also includes study and exam techniques.

Multiple-choice question quizzes

Test yourself on a selection of multiple-choice questions from some past HSC exam papers with the Multiple-choice question quizzes. This will help you better understand the kinds of multiple-choice questions you may be asked in the HSC exams. 

Tips for effective study

1. Study in a quiet environment. 

2. Break big tasks down into manageable chunks so you're not overwhelmed.

3. Use a variety of study techniques - reading, writing, diagrams, question-and-answer, note-taking, summarising and essay formats all help you prepare for the different types of questions you will get in the exam. Plus, they work in different ways to help you learn and remember.

4. If you don't feel well prepared, don't worry about what you can't change and focus on what you can do in the time remaining. 

5. Try to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

6. Get sufficient sleep and try to stick to a routine.

7. A little bit of anxiety is not a bad thing - it's to be expected and can enhance performance. However, let someone know if you're feeling overwhelmed. 

8. Have regular breaks. After a while concentration decreases and you become less productive.  

9. When you take a break - enjoy it. Don't spend this time worrying about what you should be doing.

10. Stay positive.