The graduating class of Wagga High School has officially begun their Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, marking a pivotal moment in their academic journey. On October 16, 2025, students commenced their first exam, English (paper 1), at 09:50. For many, this day symbolizes the culmination of 13 years of schooling.
As students exited the exam room, their reactions varied significantly. Dima Hamka expressed relief, stating, “I’m so relieved,” while her classmate Alyssa Miners admitted, “[I’m] still stressed.” Riley van Tol conveyed confidence, saying he was “feeling great about myself,” but acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead. Louis Douglas pointed out a common concern among his peers: the limited time allotted for the exam. He attributed this to a decrease in handwriting practice, as many students rely heavily on computers for their studies.
The HSC exams will continue over the next four weeks, concluding with the final papers on November 7, 2025. As the end of their high school experience approaches, Hamka shared her disbelief: “Honestly, it doesn’t feel real.” Miners planned to dispose of her exam materials post-exam, while Hamka noted she would feel a mix of sadness and relief. Van Tol reflected on the bittersweet nature of graduation, highlighting the loss of daily interactions with friends and the familiar school environment.
Principal Chris Davies acknowledged the resilience of this year’s cohort. He stated, “They’ve had a number of challenges through their six years here, but they’ve kept together and worked really well together.” Davies emphasized the school’s commitment to supporting students throughout their exam preparations. “We have run study sessions in the previous holidays, and we also have staff accessible for the students via their email and Google Classroom.”
Wagga’s Kooringal High School has similarly offered holiday study sessions to assist its students facing the HSC this year. Beyond institutional support, former student Tisha Bahri, who completed her HSC at Wagga High School in 2024 before pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney, has shared her advice for current students.
Bahri reflected on her own experience, acknowledging a common sentiment among students. “I think that feeling is normal; everyone feels like they could have done more, no matter how much you have studied,” she remarked. She encouraged students not to “overthink it” and reminded them that “no one expects perfection.”
Her study strategy focused on quality over quantity. “Set small, achievable goals for each day or session,” she advised, suggesting tasks like completing two math papers or revising specific modules. Bahri also recommended altering study environments when feeling stuck and emphasized the importance of personal time for relaxation and focus.
To families of HSC students, Bahri urged patience and understanding during this pressured period. “It sounds cliched, but make the most of it. The time flies by,” she said. She highlighted the significance of friendships and memories formed during Year 12, advising students not to let stress overshadow their experiences. “Enjoy the milestones along the way and find what study routine works for you, not what everyone else is doing.”
As Wagga High School’s students embark on this critical examination period, the balance of academic rigor and personal well-being remains essential, underscoring the importance of both achievement and the journey itself.
