Shoalhaven High School students were able to bid English farewell forever, as they sat the second exam for the subject on Wednesday morning.

School captain Sam Wright-Smith and vice captain Jackson Clarke agreed Tuesday's exam was easier than expected which brought some relief, but added Wednesday's was a little tougher.

"We were pretty confident with yesterday's exam but today was harder," said Sam.

"Yesterday was the unseen text, so you didn't really have to be as confident with remembering all your quotes. There was only so much you could be prepared for.

"But today, you had to be really prepared."

Related: Don't let HSC marks determine your path

Both students were glad to leave the subject (and studying Shakespeare) in the past after a tough year and multiple delays to HSC exams due to COVID.

"To be honest, it's just dragged on a little bit," said Jackson.

"Originally, exams were pushed back one week, and then another and another," said Sam.

"So I was meant to actually be finishing the exams last Monday, but only just started them this Tuesday.

"It's a bit rough. Now we're trying to organise the school's formal and graduation while studying for exams."

In other news:

While the test papers resemble that of previous years, the way exams are run look a little different this time around, with strict COVID-19 protocols in place designed to protect students, exam supervisors and school staff.

This includes mandatory mask-wearing across all exams and chairs at least 1.5 metres apart to satisfy social distancing requirements.

Jackson said it was a strange experience wearing a mask while sitting the exams and that it accounted for "foggy glasses".

"I understand why masks were needed but it was a nuisance fixing my foggy glasses while trying to write."

Fellow student Rhiannon Chappell-Rollo was also relieved to have the first two tests done and dusted, and believes the exam writers took into consideration the challenging year the students had.

"It's definitely a nice start to know that they have put the year into consideration and made exams fair," she said.

"It feels like we can round off the school year somewhat normally."

Rhiannon said while COVID and home learning intensified an already-stressful period, there was a sense of comradery among the small but tight-knit cohort.

"There were a lot of challenges for an already difficult and intense year," she said.

"But at the same time, I'm very grateful that we go to a school where the teachers do genuinely care and are really interested in making sure that we do do well, and check how we are traveling mentally.

"Also everyone was in the same boat, and everyone was struggling...so it was actually kind of good for everyone to bond and get through it together."

Shoalhaven High School has 35 students sitting the HSC exams across 18 different subjects.

Principal Michael Dolby expressed he is proud of the Year 12 students who have faced a turbulent two years.

"We've got a hardcore group who have made it through all the peaks and troughs of the HSC and what's happened with home learning over the last two years," he said.

"They've all done really well and I'm glad they're almost at the finish line."

Week 1:

Tuesday, Nov 9

Wednesday, Nov 10

Thursday, Nov 11

Friday, Nov 12

Week 2:

Monday, Nov 15

Tuesday, Nov 16

Wednesday, Nov 17

Thursday, Nov 18

Week 3:

Monday, Nov 22

Tuesday, Nov 23

Wednesday, Nov 24

Thursday, Nov 25

Week 4:

Monday, Nov 19

Tuesday, Nov 30

Wednesday, Dec 1

Thursday, Dec 2

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