SCU’s HSC Day aims to take the stress away for students and teachers

Up to 1000 Higher Schools Certificate students and more than 100 teachers from throughout the North Coast are expected to descend on Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus next month for the annual HSC Day.

Now in its fourth year, the day - a joint initiative of Southern Cross University, the Department of Education and Catholic Education - aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of students and teachers preparing for the 2004 NSW Higher School Certificate.

The HSC Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday 24 June 2004.

Topics include HSC exam preparation techniques and specific subject information.

Among the subjects to be discussed are Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Music, Physics and Visual Arts.

Presenters have been sourced from throughout New South Wales and include Rick Connor, from the School of Physics at the University of New South Wales, Hornsby Girls High School English teacher Jo-Anne Drayton, experienced Senior Science teacher and HSC marker Harry Docking, Byron Bay Biology teacher Shirley Graham, a HSC Biology question setter and marker and Cathy Smith, a senior marker in Hospitality Operations and writer for the Board of Studies support documents in Hospitality.

Graeme Muldoon, Head Science Teacher at Glen Innes High School, who has presented over 50 study skills sessions to students in Northern NSW schools, will also present.

Lee MacMaster, Dean of Studies at Trinity Catholic College, Lismore and currently HSC Examiner for the Board of Studies, will also be presenting an invaluable session entitled “From Guidelines to Marks to UAI.”

HSC Day co-ordinator Marilyn Chaseling said the event was aimed at giving students the skills necessary to confidently progress in both their studies and course teaching.

“Studying for your HSC is a particularly stressful experience for most students and that pressure is also felt by teachers who are keen to ensure that they are adequately equipped to give their students the best possible guidance,” she said.

“What we hope to provide to students is the confidence that while the HSC is tough, it is not impossible to achieve results consistent with the effort put in.

“Teachers also feel under pressure at this time as they strive to ensure that they are providing the right information to their students. These sessions can give them that extra confidence they need.”

Ms Chaseling said the feedback from past days indicated that it had been well received by both students and teachers alike.

“Last year more than 700 students and their teachers attended the day with some travelling from as far away as Port Macquarie, Glen Innes and Tweed Heads and already this year we have had an inquiry from a Port Macquarie student before the day has even been promoted,” she said.

“Student evaluations indicate that 86% of attendees felt that the day was effective in assisting them to prepare for the HSC.

Ms Chaseling said the day only cost $20 for students and they could attend up to seven separate sessions on the day.

She said students who were interested in attending should contact their Career Adviser or Year 12 Adviser for further information.