It was the first day in the three weeks of testing designed to give students their ATAR score, which they can  use after school, whether it be in work, training or further study. 

Issac Leclaire, Ila Winterburn, Jasmin Ascencio, Abby Sutherland and Emma Davidson all spoke to the Argus about how it felt to finally reach the beginning of the end, after 13 years of schooling building to this moment. 

“The HSC is a lot better than we expected,” Issac Leclaire said. 

“The most difficult part was the unknown, not knowing what the essay questions would ask and if your quotes would fit the question,” Ila Winterburn said. 

“We had to mould our quotes to fit the question.”  

None of the assembled students finished section one and instead chose to focus their attention on the rest of the exam, with the intention of returning if time allowed. 

“The third section essay was the best though,” they all agreed. 

All the students of Melville High School face at least another few weeks of testing, and part two of English is due to start tomorrow. 

“Day two English starts tomorrow, and we are really stressed, there are three essays tomorrow” Ms Winterburn concluded. 

The Higher School Certificate exams will take place over the next three weeks, with written exams for 118 subjects running until November 9. 

Its not only the students who are deserving of praise for reaching this moment but all the dedicated teachers, parents and entire school communities who have supported them in their schooling journey. 

HSC results will be available for all students to view from Thursday December 13, onward.