HSC Preparation Yr 11–12

HSC —

Higher School Certificate

Realistic mock exams for every major HSC subject — helping Year 11 & 12 students build confidence and maximise their ATAR

Aligned to HSC Curriculum

Instant Feedback

Real-Time Performance Insights

Explore HSC Mock Exams

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7

SECTIONS

37+

QUESTIONS

990 min

TOTAL TIME

Paper

DELIVERY MODE

Yes (Maths)

CALCULATOR

Self-Assessment

WRITING & FEEDBACK

Exam At a Glance

Age / Year

Year 11–12 (Age 16–18)

Subjects

7 Sections

Total Duration

990 minutes

Format

Paper-based end-of-year exams

TARGET SCHOOLS

7 Sections. 990 Minutes.
One Chance.

Here's exactly what your child will face — broken down by subject, question count, time limit, and format.

01

2–3 papers per course

120–180 min

English

Compulsory for all HSC students. Choose from English Standard, English Advanced, English EAL/D, English Extension 1, or English Extension 2. Standard and Advanced have two papers: Paper 1 (Common Module — Texts and Human Experiences) and Paper 2 (Modules). Extension 1 has one 2-hour paper, and Extension 2 is a Major Work with a reflection statement. All papers require extended analytical and creative responses.

02

1–2 papers per course

150–180 min

Mathematics

Choose from Mathematics Standard 1, Mathematics Standard 2, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, or Mathematics Extension 2. Standard 2 and Advanced have a single 2.5-hour exam. Extension 1 has one 2-hour paper, and Extension 2 has one 3-hour paper. Approved calculators are permitted for all maths exams. Topics include calculus, probability, statistics, financial maths, trigonometry, vectors, and proof depending on the course.

03

30–80 marks

180 min

Sciences

Choose from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, or Investigating Science. Each exam is 3 hours and includes multiple-choice questions (20 marks), short-answer questions requiring calculations or explanations, and extended-response questions (5–8 marks each). All science exams test skills in working scientifically alongside content knowledge. Physics and Chemistry include significant mathematical problem-solving.

04

Essays + Source analysis

180 min

Humanities & Business

Choose from Modern History, Ancient History, Legal Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Geography, Studies of Religion, or Society & Culture. Most exams are 3 hours with a mix of short-answer, source-based, and extended essay responses. History subjects require detailed analysis of sources and historiography. Economics and Business Studies include data interpretation and case study analysis. Legal Studies tests case law analysis and structured legal reasoning.

05

Analysis + Creative

90–180 min

Arts & Media

Choose from Visual Arts, Music 1, Music 2, Drama, or Dance. Visual Arts requires analysis of artworks and art practice (Body of Work is a Major Work component). Music includes aural analysis, musicology, and performance. Drama involves analysis of performance and theatre texts. All subjects combine analytical writing with subject-specific creative or technical knowledge.

06

Problem-solving + Design

90–180 min

Technology & Design

Choose from Software Design & Development, Information Processes & Technology, Engineering Studies, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Design & Technology, or Textiles & Design. Software and IPT exams test algorithm design, data structures, networks, and project management. Engineering Studies involves technical drawing, mechanics, and materials analysis. Food Technology covers nutrition science, product development, and food industry practices.

07

Short + Extended

180 min

PDHPE

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education. The 3-hour exam covers two core modules: Health Priorities in Australia and Factors Affecting Performance. Includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. Tests knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, health promotion, sports psychology, and Australia's health system. Data interpretation and case study analysis are common question types.

Overview

The HSC is the highest educational award in New South Wales — your pathway to an ATAR and university entry.
External exams typically count for 50% of your HSC mark, with the other 50% from school-based assessment tasks.
Our mock exams replicate the exact NESA paper format so you know what to expect on exam day.
We cover every major subject area except languages.

Who Is This For?

This page is for Year 11 (Preliminary) and Year 12 (HSC) students preparing for HSC exams in NSW.
If you're a parent helping your child prepare, use the guide below to choose the right pack.

Key Details

Year Levels

Year 11 (Preliminary) & Year 12 (HSC)

Run by

NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority)

Exam Weight

50% external exam + 50% school assessment

Exam Period

Mid-October – Late November each year

Key Outcome

ATAR score for university entry via UAC

Application & Exam Process

Follow each step to stay on track and maximise your child's chances of success.

🕒 Feb – Mar

Pick Your Subjects & Plan Ahead

Confirm your HSC subject selections.
If you're in Year 12, identify which exams carry the most weight for your ATAR.

Step 1

🕒 Apr – Jun

Start Practising Early

Sit your first mock per subject to identify strengths and gaps.
Year 11 students — this is when to build exam technique.

Step 2

🕒 Jul – Sep

Ramp Up Exam Prep

Work through multiple mocks under timed conditions.
Review model answers carefully and refine your exam technique.
Trial exams happen in August–September.

Step 3

🕒 Oct – Nov

HSC Exam Period — You're Ready

Walk into your HSC exams with confidence.
You've practised with realistic NESA-format papers and know exactly what to expect.

Step 4

Mock Exam Packs

Each pack includes full mock exams, detailed answer keys, and performance insights. More packs = better preparation & bigger savings.

Year 11 — Preliminary (Build Your Exam Skills Early)

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Not happy? Contact us within 7 days for a full refund. No questions asked. All packs include 12 months of unlimited access.

Everything your child needs
to succeed

Prepare with real exam-style questions written by teachers

Identical to Real Exams

Our mocks replicate the exact structure, question types, and timing so your child knows exactly what to expect.

Pinpoint Weaknesses

See a clear breakdown by section and skill area after each test — know exactly where to focus revision.

Built by Educators

Content designed by experienced Australian educators and markers who understand the marking criteria.

Unlimited practice attempts

Works on any device

Results emailed to parents

Teacher approved content

Zara Khan's Test Report

Here is a detailed report on your child's progress

Language Conventions

Attempts 6

Best Result 85%

Average Result 67%

Lowest Result 41%

National Average 69%

Results summary

Clear summaries show overall performance, strengths, and areas for improvement at a glance.

Student Dashboard

Writing Numeracy Reading Grammar

AprMayJunJul

Progress tracking

Visual tracking shows how your child's skills develop over time across subjects and tests.

Liam Thompson's Test Report

Here is a detailed report on your child's progress

Language Conventions

Average Result

Highest Result

National Average 69%

National comparison

Compare your child's results with national averages to see how they are performing overall.

Top HSC Performing Schools in NSW

James Ruse Agricultural High School

📍 Carlingford

#1 HSC

North Sydney Boys High School

📍 Crows Nest

#2 HSC

North Sydney Boys High School

📍 Crows Nest

Top 5

Sydney Boys High School

📍 Moore Park

Top 5

Sydney Girls High School

📍 Surry Hills

Top 10

Baulkham Hills High School

📍 Baulkham Hills

Top 10

Hornsby Girls High School

📍 Hornsby

Top 15

Fort Street High School

📍 Petersham

Top 15

The HSC is completed at all NSW secondary schools. The schools listed consistently produce high ATAR results and Band 6 performances.

Helpful Links & Official Information

Trusted government and institutional sources to support your child's preparation.

NESA — HSC Exam Information

Official NSW Department of Education page with full list of selective and partially selective high schools.

HSC Syllabuses

Browse the official NESA syllabuses for every HSC course — know exactly what's assessed.

Past HSC Papers

Access past NESA HSC examination papers, marking guidelines, and notes from the marking centre.

UAC — University Admissions

Universities Admissions Centre — ATAR calculations, scaling, and university preferences for NSW students.

What's in Our Mock Packs?

HSC external exams are worth 50% of your final HSC mark — targeted exam practice makes a real difference

Every mock replicates the exact NESA paper format, including multi-paper structures for English and Mathematics

All major subjects covered except languages — 7 subject areas with 30+ individual courses to choose from

Year 11 packs build exam technique early; Year 12 packs focus on the ATAR-counted HSC exam format

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents ask about this exam — answered clearly.

How do I choose the right pack for my child?

It's simple: if your child is in Year 11, choose a Year 11 (Preliminary) pack. If they're in Year 12, choose a Year 12 (HSC) pack. Year 12 exams count toward the ATAR, so they're the most important. If your child has time across both years, the Combo packs give you the best value.

How much do HSC exams count toward the ATAR?

External HSC exams are worth 50% of the final HSC mark for most subjects. The other 50% comes from school-based assessment tasks completed during the year. Only Year 12 (HSC) exams count toward the ATAR — Year 11 (Preliminary) is assessed internally by your school.

Which subjects are available?

We cover every major HSC course except languages: English (Standard, Advanced, EAL/D, Extension 1, Extension 2), Mathematics (Standard 1 & 2, Advanced, Extension 1, Extension 2), Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Investigating Science), Humanities & Business (Modern/Ancient History, Legal Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Geography, Studies of Religion, Society & Culture), Arts & Media (Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance), Technology & Design (Software Design, IPT, Engineering Studies, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Design & Technology, Textiles & Design), and PDHPE.

Can I mix different subjects in a multi-mock pack?

Yes — all multi-mock packs let you choose any combination of subjects. A 3-pack could be 1 English Advanced + 1 Maths Advanced + 1 Chemistry, or 3 English mocks for focused practice. You choose when you activate each mock.

What's the difference between HSC trials and the actual HSC?

Trial exams are run by your school in August–September and contribute to your school-based assessment mark. The actual HSC is the NESA external exam in October–November. Our mocks mirror the external HSC format — practising with them prepares you for both trials and the final exam.

When should my child start preparing?

The earlier the better. Year 11 is the ideal time to build exam technique without the pressure of ATAR-counted exams. For Year 12, we recommend starting mock practice by April–June at the latest, with intensive preparation from July onwards leading into trials.

What's the difference between Combo packs and individual packs?

Individual packs cover one year level (Year 11 or Year 12). Combo packs bundle both years together at a significant discount — the Year 11 + 12 Combo gives you 8 mocks for $349 (saving $210), and the Mega Combo gives you 12 mocks for $449 (saving $350).

Are your mocks aligned to the latest NESA syllabuses?

Yes. We update all mocks annually to match the current NESA syllabuses and exam specifications. You'll always be practising with the most up-to-date format.

Ready to Start Preparing?

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By State

By Exam Type

By Age & Grade

How It Works

Pricing

HSC —

Higher School Certificate

7

37+

990 min

Paper

Yes (Maths)

Self-Assessment

Exam At a Glance

Age / Year

Subjects

Total Duration

Format

TARGET SCHOOLS

7 Sections. 990 Minutes. One Chance.

Here's exactly what your child will face — broken down by subject, question count, time limit, and format.

01

2–3 papers per course

120–180 min

English

02

1–2 papers per course

150–180 min

Mathematics

03

30–80 marks

180 min

Sciences

04

Essays + Source analysis

180 min

Humanities & Business

05

Analysis + Creative

90–180 min

Arts & Media

06

Problem-solving + Design

90–180 min

Technology & Design

07

Short + Extended

180 min

PDHPE

Overview

Who Is This For?

Key Details

Application & Exam Process

Follow each step to stay on track and maximise your child's chances of success.

Pick Your Subjects & Plan Ahead

Step 1

Start Practising Early

Step 2

Ramp Up Exam Prep

Step 3

HSC Exam Period — You're Ready

Step 4

Mock Exam Packs

Year 11 — Preliminary (Build Your Exam Skills Early)

Category

Subcategory

ACER Scholarship

HSC

NAPLAN

NCEA

NSW Opportunity Class

NSW Selective

QCE

QLD Academies

SA Ignite

SACE

TCE

VCE

VIC Selective Entry (SEHS)

WA GATE

7 Sections. 990 Minutes.
One Chance.

Everything your child needs
to succeed