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Archive – President’s message

Welcome to the 2012 HSC

Photo of Tom Alegounarias

Achieving the Higher School Certificate (HSC) has become more than just an academic process; it offers tangible and intangible benefits to the student. The tangible aspect is the internationally recognised official credential detailing a student’s academic achievements. The intangible aspect begins long before as students work towards their HSC and are required to exercise the qualities of diligence and discipline, preparing them for the challenges of life beyond school, regardless of their individual aspirations.

The HSC is clearly an asset for those students who want to move on immediately to university or other forms of tertiary education or training. It is a credential recognised not just across the nation, but around the world as a representation of a diverse and rich learning experience.

However, the HSC is a course of study, not just a set of exams. The options available in NSW mean that a student can also tailor his or her course of study to cater for other aspirations. It can meet the needs of students whose interests – either professional or personal – lie in artistic, vocational, technical, or academic areas. To the great satisfaction of many students, it also allows a course of study that combines several of those elements.

‘ … the HSC is a course of study, not just a set of exams.’

As the start date for the HSC written exams approaches I always feel a sense of pride in the resilience of this credential. It has remained a credential of international standing throughout many changes in education. That longevity is, in no small part, due to the Board of Studies’ determination to focus on best practice and to ensure that quality pervades all our planning, implementation and assessment practices.

If the HSC were a person I would describe them as someone who likes to consider all the options so they make informed choices then applies themselves with ongoing diligence to optimise what works and adjust what could be better so that continual improvement is the norm.

The high regard with which the HSC is held is embodied by the positive attitude found throughout the Board of Studies as they deliver a quality credential each and every year.

Education is much more than getting in the top band for your course – it should be the catalyst for a lifelong love of learning.

It is my hope that after they receive this year’s results, the 2012 students will embrace the importance of learning. Education is much more than getting in the top band for your course – it should be the catalyst for a lifelong love of learning. I hope that students completing the HSC come to appreciate that each time they WANT to learn something, the rewards will always outweigh any effort required.

My hope is that students don’t see the HSC as an end point, but rather use it as a springboard to their life experiences as an adult. I know the lead-up to the HSC is a time of dedication, focus and – let’s be honest – hard work, but making that tough choice to put your head down and study will be worth it. In the words of Thoreau:

‘If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.’

~Henry David Thoreau

My sincere best wishes to all students sitting the 2012 HSC.

Tom Alegounarias BEc, DipEd

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