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2 clusters · 6 sources · 2 days · First seen · Last updated
Australian educational trends and HSC examinations
Overview
In New South Wales, more than 60,000 students have commenced the 2026 Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations. The process began with English Paper 1, which included short questions based on unseen texts—such as an extract from Lang Leav’s poetry collection, ‘Soon It Will Be Sunday’—and a 20-mark essay regarding prescribed texts.
Initial student reactions to the exam were mixed, with some finding the essay questions regarding the human spirit manageable and others describing the paper as difficult. However, subsequent reports from educators and students indicated that the exam was accessible.
Separately, in Tasmania, homeschooling registrations have seen a significant increase, rising by more than 50 per cent since 2018. As of March 2026, 1,606 children across 1,012 families were registered for home education, with parents citing local school availability and flexibility as primary drivers.
Entities
New South Wales · Strathfield Girls High School · Higher School Certificate · Tasmania · Lang Leav
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesNew South Wales students begin 2026 HSC exams
Over 60,000 New South Wales students commenced their 2026 HSC exams with English Paper 1, which featured accessible texts and themes of resilience and success.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesEducational trends emerge in Australia as HSC exams begin and homeschooling rises
Australian students face the start of the HSC exam period in New South Wales, while Tasmania sees a 50 per cent rise in homeschooling since 2018.
Sources
defimedia.info · examiner.com.au · m.smh.com.au · portnews.com.au · theage.com.au · westernadvocate.com.au