Reflections on My HSC 2019 Board Exam Experience
It was a whirlwind of emotions during my HSC 2019 board exams. I remember going into the exams with little expectation, having hardly cracked open my books throughout the year. But as I walked out with my results, I found myself experiencing a blend of joy and disappointment, simultaneously feeling relieved and disheartened. This article takes a closer look at my journey, the subjects I excelled in, and those that caused me the most trouble. If you're a HSC student or just someone interested in the intricacies of board exams, you might find my reflections insightful.
English: Unexpected Success
My first subject, English, was a pleasant surprise. I scored 87, well above my expectations. There were a few mistakes I made, especially on the 4–5 mark questions, but overall, I'm quite content with this score. English has always been one of my stronger subjects, and it was gratifying to see this reflected in my result.
Mathematics: My Strongest Suport
Mathematics was no surprise. It was my strongest subject, and I had scored 100 in pre-boards. As such, getting a score of 70 wasn't as disappointing as it could have been. However, had I aimed for even higher, the stress and pressure leading up to the exams would have been considerable.
Chemistry and Physics: A Lesson in Unrealistic Expectations
These subjects, on the other hand, were areas where I struggled. Chemistry and Physics both contributed to me being a second divisioner with a score of 299/300, equivalent to 59.8%. Here, I had just 1 mark short of the perfect score. Despite my best efforts, I managed to cover only 50% of the portions in both subjects due to a lack of preparation time. If I had left chemistry entirely out, the scores would not have been as bad.
Computer Science and EVS: Practical Assurance
Computer Science and Environmental Science (EVS) were subjects I approached more practically, rather than with intense book-study. Computer Science was my secure subject, as I scored 185, reflecting my confidence in both theory and practical aspects. EVS, a last-minute addition to the syllabus, was challenging due to the lack of preparation. However, I managed to get a decent score of 48, although I had not studied at all for the subject.
Practical Scores
It's worth noting that I managed to score full marks in my practical exams. Chemistry and Physics both yielded a perfect score of 30/30, while Mathematics gave me 20/20. Computer Science had a score of 99/100, and EVS scored 48/50. This shows that my preparation for practicals and labs was quite rigorous, and I managed to deliver consistent performance even under pressure.
Lessons Learned
While my HSC 2019 board exam experience was full of ups and downs, it did offer some valuable insights. Firstly, the importance of having a balanced approach to preparation. While I excelled in subjects like English and Mathematics due to consistent effort, I underperformed in subjects that required more preparation time. Secondly, the value of practical exams cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in determining the final grades.
For any HSC student, this experience serves as a reminder to strike a balance between theory and practical preparation. It also emphasizes the need to stay focused and manage stress effectively during this crucial period. Wish you all the best in your board exams! HSCstudents, may your results reflect your hard work and dedication.