Two Year 12 students voyaged into the unknown when they sat the first Science Extension exam, which was unlike any other in the history of the HSC.
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It's a brand new subject with a heavy emphasis on scientific research, and it was also the first HSC exam to be held entirely online.
It's the way of the future, according to the NSW Education Standards Authority, which has indicated that more exams would be transitioning online in the coming years.
Marian Catholic College students Ruby Bennett and Tarnpreet Kaur were two of the 650 students in NSW who tackled the new format and lived to tell the tale.
Miss Kaur said she didn't know what to expect going into the exam, especially since there were no past papers or resources to go off of.
"The exam was nothing like I expected," Miss Kaur said.
"In fact, all of the exams we've had so far have had curveballs thrown in."
Curveball questions and on-the-fly analysis has been the theme of this year's HSC, particularly the English exam which took students by complete surprise.
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Miss Kaur is considering a STEM career once she graduates high school, and she's already received an early offer to study a bachelor of nursing and midwifery.
Her only other Science Extension classmate Ruby Bennett is contemplating a career in environmental science and sustainability.
Miss Bennett's research report was on gut enzymes on wax worms, which could one day hold the key to breaking down plastic waste that would otherwise end up in the ocean.
She said the research project was an interesting experience, however she said she's not in a hurry to do it again any time soon.
"Science Extension has taught me that research is not as exciting as I'd like it to be," she said.
Both of them say they're still weighing up their career options, and thoughts of university are still far away given they're smack-bang in the middle of the HSC.
"We can't wait for it to be over," Miss Kaur said.
"The sooner it's done the better."
There is light at the end of the tunnel, with less than two weeks left to endure before the 2019 HSC is banished to the realm of unpleasant memories.
The final exams will be held on November 11, with Physics, Spanish Beginners, Design and Technology, and Textiles and Design bringing up the rear.
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