A note to HSC parents

As a parent, today has been a big day in our house. My son sat his first HSC exam.

Like many parents, I've spent the past few months watching him work incredibly hard. And like many parents, I've noticed something interesting.

The harder he's worked, the less certain he's become.

As the exams approached, he started focusing on the things he didn't know rather than everything he did.

Conversations with other parents suggest we're seeing the same thing across the board. Our children have put in the effort, but many are struggling with confidence and self-belief.

It's made me wonder if one of the biggest challenges facing HSC students isn't preparation, but perspective. 

Our children have put in the effort, but many are struggling with confidence and self-belief. 

How do they respond when an exam doesn't go as planned? How do they separate a result from their sense of self-worth? How do we, as parents, support them through the pressure, uncertainty and emotion that comes with this period?

These are conversations I think many of us are having around kitchen tables, in school car parks, and over group chats with other parents.

That's why I'll be hosting an upcoming HSC parents information session.

Rather than focusing on exams and study strategies, we'll take a step back and talk about the bigger questions many families are facing right now: supporting confidence, managing expectations and helping young people prepare for what's next.

...one of the biggest challenges facing HSC students isn't preparation, but perspective.

The HSC is important, but it's only one part of a much bigger journey.

I hope the conversation offers some reassurance, perspective and practical ideas for parents navigating this stage alongside their children.

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