The Advanced English class at Oak Flats High School is excited to start the beginning of the end of their 13 years of schooling.   

The cohort of 56 students at the Shellharbour school will join thousands of others across the state and put their English knowledge to the test when they sit their first English paper tomorrow morning. 

Today, head of English Bronwyn Dalton held a final study session for her Advanced English students for final revision and reassurance.

Laila Zakeli was recently honoured with the Minister's Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and said she was excited and ready for the exams.

“I drove into school this morning and thought, I am ready to finish school and try my hardest and feeling confident that it is nearly over,” she said.

“I’ve been studying often, spending lots of time in the library and also hanging out with friends, making sure I get a break and getting enough sleep.”

The students have been working hard and studying throughout the school holidays, with big hopes for their futures.

Charlize Colwell said her confidence was thanks to the support and guidance of her teachers, who have prepared her for what to expect.

“I am nervous, but I have worked so hard and am feeling pretty confident,” she said.

“The teachers have prepped us well and we hype each other up and that has contributed to our positive attitude.”

Johnathan Corado is one of 17 students at Oak Flats High School to have received early entry into university, heading to UNSW next year to study politics, philosophy, and economics.

“I am doing subjects I am interested in and once I am there, I will hopefully find out what I want to do,” he said.

“To all my classmates, good luck, don’t stress, breathe and take your time.”

Bronwyn Dalton, head of English, has played an important role preparing students for the first two English papers they will sit.  

“My advice would be to start the day really well, have a good breakfast and when you get into the exam just remember this is the culmination of years of hard work,” she said.

“Take a deep breath, don’t stop writing when you are in there, and rely on your memory because it will all come to you.”