The majority of Year 12 students from Irrawang High School that the Examiner spoke with after the English exam said they were pleased and relieved they were able to get the first one out of the way.

Adrian Hirst, 18, who is Irrawang’s dux student, said he had felt far more comfortable with the English HSC exam than the trial paper.

“I feel it went pretty well actually. I was far better prepared than the trials and had studied quiet hard for these exams,” said Hirst, who is hoping to study engineering at Newcastle University next year.

Georgia Sulis, 17, is also hoping for a Newcastle University entrance mark to study occupational therapy.

“My first preference was medicine but that could be out of my reach so I’m hoping to get into OT … I want to help people with disabilities,” she said.

“I thought I went well in the exam. I probably could have done a little more study but I’m happy it’s over. Just two weeks to go.”

Mates Jack Fleming, 18, Lochie Rutherford, 17, and Tom Mildren, 18, managed to finish their paper a few minutes early and were keen for a quick catch up before returning for part two of the English exam tomorrow.

“I went as well as I could expect,” said Fleming, who hopes to win a plant mechanic apprenticeship. “I probably didn’t study as much as I should have but I’m happy.”

Both Rutherford and Mildren said while the exam was a little challenging they were not stressing. Both are seeking careers as electricians.

HSC written examinations will wrap up on November 9. See the 2018 HSC exam timetable here.

Examination results will be released on December 13. The following day, on December 14, Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATARs) will be released.