Most students sat for their first exam paper, English, on Wednesday, with a handful starting the day before with Business Studies and Agriculture.

Kempsey High School student Danny Cooper told The Macleay Argus he felt happy and relieved to have finished his first exam (English paper one).

“When I first got into the exam I was a bit nervous but once the exam started I was fine,” Danny said.

“There were no surprises and I finished within the time so I think I did well.”

Danny is aiming for an Australian Tertiary Admission rank (ATD) of 76 that would allow him to study electrical engineering at university.

Students were asked to answer questions on the topic of ‘belonging’ during Wednesday’s English exam.

Fellow student Bina Ring said she had been studying for about four hours per day during the school holidays.

“The study definitely helped because I remembered a lot more than I thought I would,” she said.

There are 202 HSC students in the Macleay Valley who will sit exams over the next three weeks.

Education Minister Verity Firth said HSC students should already feel pleased with their efforts.

“This is a challenging time for our students but they should remember that whatever the outcome, they have already accomplished a great deal in reaching this point,” Ms Firth said.

“Be positive and have a good support network of people you can talk to and seek help if you need it.

“Remember, nerves are normal and can actually help you to focus.”

The exams end on Friday, November 13, with the final exam Information Technology.

HSC results will be available to students by internet, SMS and automated telephone message from 6am on Wednesday, December 16.

Students will receive their HSC Results Summary Notice in the mail from December 18, and their formal HSC credentials on January 12, 2010.