At North Sydney Girls High School, one in two HSC students will sit today’s Chemistry exam - giving the school one of NSW’s best participation rates for the subject.

North Sydney Girls High School Principal David Tomlin said North Sydney girls are inspired by the spirit of inquiry and the many career paths the study of science offers.

“Excellent teachers and programs throughout all years develop and cultivate our students’ passion for science,” Mr Tomlin said.

BOSTES President Tom Alegounarias said North Sydney Girls has an outstanding reputation for engaging girls in Chemistry, as well as other science and maths courses important for success in the 21st century.

“The internationally recognised HSC has very strong enrolments across its 18 STEM courses. In 2015, nine in 10 HSC students chose to study at least one STEM course and eight in 10 a Maths course.

“Chemistry and other HSC STEM courses provide students with opportunities to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills highly valued by employers.

“We need to ensure we are encouraging students to apply themselves at the highest level of STEM courses for which they are capable.

“The practices used in the study of STEM are essential life skills useful in any career,” Mr Alegounarias said.

BOSTES is currently seeking feedback on directions for new Senior Years Maths, Science, English and History syllabuses.

HSC Chemistry enrolment facts

• More than 11,000 students (14%) from more than 650 schools will sit the exam
• 90 per cent of HSC students are studying one or more Science, Technology or Maths courses, including Chemsitry
• Chemistry is the second most popular HSC science course, after Biology
• Chemistry is the seventh most popular HSC elective
• Female students represent 45 per cent of HSC Chemistry enrolments

View the 2015 HSC fact sheet: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/news-media/hsc-media-guide-2015/fact-sheet.html