As a tutor with five years of experience guiding students through the HSC, I’ve witnessed noticeable changes in the structure and difficulty of exams, particularly in mathematics. Over the years, predicting the types of questions that will appear has become increasingly challenging. Previously, exams typically consisted of around 16 questions, but now they feature approximately 36, while still being worth 100 marks overall. This shift has not only altered how students approach their studies but has also raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of this evolving assessment style.
The increase in the number of questions has led to shorter, more diverse problems that require students to think quickly and apply their knowledge across various contexts. While this approach can better assess a student’s overall understanding, it also places more pressure on time management. Many of my students find it difficult to maintain both speed and accuracy, especially when faced with unexpected question formats.
This trend towards more unpredictable and complex exams seems to be driven by the increasing number of students undertaking the HSC each year, as shown in the attached image. With more students competing for university placements, harder exams may be intended to better differentiate high-achieving students. However, this raises an important question: is increasing exam difficulty the best way to achieve fair and accurate scaling?
From my experience, while some students thrive under the challenge, others who have a solid understanding of the material may struggle to demonstrate their abilities within the time constraints. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which ultimately impacts performance. As educators, our goal should be to help students develop both knowledge and confidence. Striking the right balance between assessing critical thinking and maintaining a fair testing environment is essential. Moving forward, it’s crucial to consider whether the current approach truly reflects students’ capabilities or if adjustments are needed to ensure a more equitable system.
Theo Tselonis
