NSW: Less than 24 hours to go for nervous HSC students

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2006
NSW: Less than 24 hours to go for nervous HSC students

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - More than 66,000 year 12 students across NSW are counting down
the hours to the release of this year's Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.

After two years' hard slog, the state's 66,185 HSC students will be able to access
their results online and via SMS and phone from 6am tomorrow (AEDT).

In a preliminary to tomorrow's main event, 108 students who topped the HSC's 110 subjects
were honoured at a ceremony today at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

They came from schools across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and regional areas including
Dubbo, Grafton, Mullumbimby, Eden and Gol Gol.

Seven students finished first in two courses.

Speaking to reporters before the presentation, NSW Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt
congratulated the duxes for their outstanding results.

"It's (the HSC) a difficult exam, it's a rigorous two years," she said.

"To come first is a significant achievement."

Ms Tebbutt wished the state's 66,000-plus HSC students well for tomorrow as they nervously
await the release of their results.

But she said despite the importance placed on the Higher School Certificate, students
should not be too disappointed if they don't achieve their desired mark.

"I would say to all students, be excited to get your results," she said.

"But if you are disappointed with the results you get, just remember this is the beginning
of the next phase of your life.

"There are many options, whether it be further study at university or TAFE, or whether
it be moving into employment.

"Students need to take the time to examine their results, talk to careers advisers
and make their next step."

Support and advisory services would be provided to students from tomorrow, Ms Tebbutt
said, including the HSC Examination Inquiry Centre and a free Careers Advisory Service.

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KEYWORD: HSC

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