More than 65,000 NSW students have received their much-anticipated HSC results, capping off an extraordinary year for students and teachers alike.
The release follows the HSC First In Course (FIC) results, awarded to 126 students at the University of New South Wales yesterday at a ceremony attended by NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson, and NSW Education Standards Authority chief executive Paul Martin.
The HSC results for this year showed no significant changes compared to previous years, even for students who were impacted by the catastrophic floods that ravaged parts of the state.
The All-round Achievers list saw 1,412 students recognised for their exceptional results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 780 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
A total of 17,473 students received at least one Band Six, earning them a spot on the Distinguished Achievers list.
Read more: HSC First in Course awardees recognised
NSW Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, said young people are finishing the HSC more prepared for life after school than ever before.
“The fact that more school leavers than ever before are engaged in employment, education or training is incredible and a sign of bright future ahead for the Class of 2022,” Mitchell said.
“My message to all those who received their HSC results today is to take all that you have learnt and the resilience and determination you have shown over your final years of school into whatever it is you choose to do next – whether that be university, training or work.”
A recent post-school destination survey shows that last year, more than 90% of all school leavers were in education, training or employment. This is up from 86% on the previous year and the highest rate since the survey began in 2014.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government’s focus on the transition from school to university or vocational education and training (VET) was helping more young people kick-start their future careers.
“Many young people want the real-world skills that VET delivers and the NSW Government’s investment in fee-free training is seeing the number of young people entering apprenticeships and traineeships after school increasing,” Henskens said.
“There’s so many exciting post-school opportunities available for young people and our new Pathways for Secondary Students Strategy is strengthening the suite of options for young people to explore their next destination, forge their career path or land their dream job.”
‘Every option is still available’
Professor John Fischetti from the University of Newcastle’s College of Human and Social Futures said this year’s graduating class has been through disruptions “unprecedent since war times” and commended their “resilience, fortitude, and perseverance”.
“As ATAR scores are released, senior students should remember that every option is still available for them,” Professor Fischetti told The Educator.
“Should the score unlock prestigious degree programs, then preferences can be confirmed for those degrees. If it turns out that the score is lower than hoped, all options are still available.”
Professor Fischetti pointed out that in many universities, bridging courses are available to boost basic skills and that first year programs in a different degree can be transferred into preferred degrees after a year of successful study.
“Enabling pathways are available for those who need extra support before undertaking full-time study in a chose field,” her said.
“So, my message to the class of 2022 is don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. There is a place for you, and we are here to help you have a great future.”