‘I haven’t seen that before’: Surprise wording in the HSC modern history exam

"I haven't seen that before": Surprise wording in the HSC modern history exam Rose Bay Secondary College teacher Emily Lawson expressed surprise at a question in the recent Higher School Certificate (HSC) modern history exam, saying she had not encountered such phrasing in previous papers. The exam, taken by 11,012 students across New South Wales on Friday, covered topics ranging from the Russian Revolution and World War II to the apartheid regime in South Africa. Students were required to demonstrate a strong grasp of historical knowledge, interpretation, argumentation, and engagement with scholarly work. Lawson noted that while she was generally satisfied with the exam's content, certain questions could pose challenges. One particular query focused on a 1934 article from The Daily Mail, a pro-Nazi piece detailing the Night of the Long Knives. The question asked students to explain the problems the article raises for historians. "Explain the problems," Lawson remarked. "I haven't seen that in a paper before." She added that students typically encounter value-based questions, making this one stand out. Asher Jacoby, 17, who prepared extensively for the exam using 600 palm cards filled with historical facts and quotes, found the question on Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union particularly challenging. The question required students to assess whether social and cultural change was an essential component of Stalin's totalitarian control. Jacoby explained that the task allowed for broader discussion encompassing social, political, and economic aspects. Auriane Lacroix, 17, addressed an essay question on Allied leadership during World War II. She argued that Allied leadership played a crucial role in securing victory, citing examples such as Britain's strategic use of air power and the D-Day landings. In contrast, Teya Whitcombe, 18, felt the question on Allied leadership was overly specific. While she described the overall exam as "a bit weird," she acknowledged it was manageable. Whitcombe initially enrolled in the course on impulse, influenced by her peers, but now appreciates the knowledge gained. Despite not planning to pursue history further, she expressed gratitude for the experience. Lawson, whose teaching methods appear to resonate well with students, received praise from one of her pupils, who called her "the best teacher in the whole entire world." However, Lawson dismissed the compliment as unearned. The HSC modern history exam continues to be a rigorous test of students' ability to analyze complex historical issues and present well-supported arguments. As the results are processed, educators and students alike will reflect on how these questions shaped their understanding of history.