HSC Dance – Callback Nominations

Each year, the HSC Dance Callback showcase shines a spotlight on the most exceptional young dancers across New South Wales, celebrating their artistry, technical skill, and creative vision. In 2025, nominations for Callback were announced in September, marking a moment of pride and recognition for students whose practical works—Core Performance, Core Composition, and Major Study—stood out among thousands submitted across the state. Callback is not just a performance event; it’s a curated showcase of the top practical works from the HSC Dance examinations.

Students are nominated based on their HSC practical examination results. These nominations are a testament to their outstanding execution and interpretation of dance as an art form.

This year, students from Catholic Schools Maitland- Newcastle have received an amazing 13 nominations for Callback. Along with the students nominated, Isabella and Makayla from St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton, Cleo, Lainie and Jamie from St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul and Marissa from All Saints College, Maitland, we also recognise two HSC Dance teachers, Kate Ralph and Millie Hartcher.

Final selections for the Callback performance are made in November, with the showcase scheduled for February 13–14, 2026 at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. Wishing students all the best in this process.

Year 11 Examinations

As Year 11 students approach the final stretch of their academic year, many of our schools are embarking on Year 11 examination period. We also recognise the staff and students at Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown, who have embarked on their first Year 11 examinations and are preparing to begin the HSC in Term 4. These exams are not just a measure of knowledge—they're a stepping stone toward the HSC and beyond.

Why Year 11 Exams Matter

While Year 11 results may not directly contribute to the ATAR, they play a crucial role in:

• Building foundational knowledge for Year 12 subjects.
• Developing exam techniques and time management skills.
• Identifying strengths and areas for growth before the HSC year begins.
• Boosting confidence and academic resilience.

Good luck to our staff and students for Year 11 Examinations.

University Early Offers

As secondary educators, we play a pivotal role in helping students navigate the transition from school to post-school pathways. One increasingly popular option is the university early offer—a process that allows students to receive conditional or unconditional offers before their final HSC exams.

Early offers are admissions made by universities based on criteria other than (or in addition to) ATAR results. These may include:

• Year 11 or mid-Year 12 academic performance
• School recommendation or principal’s report
• Personal statements or portfolios
• Co-curricular involvement or leadership
• Completion of university preparation programs

Programs like the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) through UAC, and direct early entry schemes offered by universities such as the University of Newcastle, ACU, UNE, and Charles Sturt, are common pathways.

Early offers are both beneficial and challenging in an HSC environment. Students can often receive an offer for a less desired course, hoping that the ATAR will deliver their more preferred pathway, or not receive an early offer as expected.  Some students will be striving for scholarships and other methods of supporting their university opportunities, and some will see their early offer as relief, and their focus will shift away from the HSC Examinations.  Our secondary schools continue to assist students with navigating post-school pathways, celebrating and supporting students in a variety of ways, especially over the coming weeks.

Sincerely

Liz Stokes