A full timetable of exams has followed in the days since, and will continue until November 7.
Finley High School students have taken it in their stride, and are prepared for what still lies ahead.
FHS school captains Chloe Rorato, Rosie Steel, Dan Eldridge and Olivia Campbell all said they were looking forward to completing the schedule after all the preparation they’d been through.
For each student, the final HSC exams are just the beginning of a larger pathway of education.
Dan said he found the English Advanced paper “alright” and felt that his teacher had prepared him well for the questions in the exam.
He hopes to undertake a gap year with the Australian Defence Force as an electrical engineer before heading to university to further study engineering.
Chloe said that she had made the most of the days before the exams by studying at school, where she could get extra assistance where necessary from her teachers.
She also sat the English Advanced exam and hopes to study next year to become an allied health assistant.
Rosie found the English Standard exam was “okay”, but felt the exam time flew quickly.
She is looking forward to doing some travelling after exams before undertaking an agricultural science degree.
Olivia felt her constant study, preparation of study notes, undertaking past papers and even deleting her social media to avoid distraction all helped to set her up for success in the exams.
She hopes to pursue politics and law at university next year.
FHS principal Jeff Ward said the students, while slightly nervous, were ready to tackle their first exam when they fronted up last week.
“The year adviser Mrs White, Deputy Mr Whitty and I, met with the students Thursday morning and wished them all the best.
“They were keen to start, yet a little nervous.
“They were in great spirits.”
HSC written exams continue until Friday, November 7.
Results are expected to be available on Thursday, December 18.