2017 HSC Talent On Display

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO David de Carvalho said this year’s Showcase program, which kicks off with the opening of ARTEXPRESS this evening, allows the wider community to see the amazing talent of NSW HSC students.

“The eight HSC Showcases are part of the state’s annual cultural calendar, and are attended by current future HSC students and their teachers for both enjoyment and as inspiration.”

Students attending this year’s Showcase launch include:

• Austin Marandos from Trinity Grammar School who for his HSC Design and Technology project designed, coded and produced a watch which monitors your heart rate to alert you to the onset of a panic attack, and then helps you manage your anxiety by providing on-screen instructions for breathing exercises. The invention draws on Austin’s love of electrotechnology and programing, along with his own experience of anxiety and panic disorder.
• A group of four actors from Hunter School of Performing Arts whose hauntingly beautiful HSC drama performance of a series of moments explores the relationship between memory, the present, identity, and family. Inspired by the impact of dementia on each of their families, these four young people collaborated to write, direct and produced the performance.
• Kaitlin Smith from St Joseph’s Regional College who has cleverly used a series of brightly coloured throw away plastic objects to sculpt her HSC Visual Art major work which depicts the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef while also drawing attention to the seven environmental threats currently facing the Reef.

“I would not be surprised to see a young Nicole Kidman, Ben Quilty or Lance Hill, inventor of the Hills Hoist, emerge from this year’s performers and exhibitors,” Mr de Carvalho said.

“Selection for a HSC showcase is an outstanding achievement which reflects the dedication of students, teachers and schools to developing creativity – a skill considered to be critical to success in the 21^st century.

“The HSC has a strong history of nurturing creative and design talent.

“In addition to congratulating the 441 students selected for a Showcase, I wish to congratulate the students who achieved the highest marks possible for their performances and projects and were nominated for a Showcase,” Mr de Carvalho said.

2017 HSC Showcase Facts and Figures

• 456 selections, 441 students featured
• 13 students were selected for more than one showcase and two students are featured twice in OnSTAGE and Callback.
• 17 schools with selections across three or more showcases

2017 HSC Showcase Season

Further details: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/events/hsc-showcases-and-events

*Selections for the Young Writers Showcase of English Extension 2 works are yet to be completed. This exhibition will be held at the State Library of NSW in August.