The majority of the HSC is comprised of written exams - essays, short answer questions, solving equations, analysing sources etc. However, there are a range of subjects which employ a completely different part of your brain, giving you the opportunity to learn and showcase your knowledge in a hands on way. Among those are woodwork, drama, and music.
Personally, I studied music, not because I though that studying music 2 would be a mark booster or an easy subject, but because I wanted to ensure that I had the opportunity to train a skill which I had been honing since I was six years old, and which would give me a chance to perform in areas which didn't cramp my hand so much!
While the HSC is an incredibly intense, stressful, and new environment, it is still important for students to stimulate their brain in a way which is enjoyable for themselves. It's very easy to get caught up in studying and abandon the creative aspect of life which stressed, but incorporating a hands-on subject allows for students to find a happy balance.
For me, studying music provided a break from the rigidity of the rest of my subjects and strengthened my brain, improving my memory, building commitment, and making me happy!
This doesn't necessarily have to be through studying music: woodwork is just as creative of a subject, so is drama, and art! The most important thing is to just find that thing that balances the stress in your life and makes you happy!
