The first task for all 77,000 students across NSW was a mandatory English paper that included a selection of short-answer questions, creative writing and an extended response.

A total of 205 students from Dubbo College sat Thursday’s paper and all will return on Friday for the second English exam.

As they came out of the gymnasium on Thursday afternoon, the majority of students said the exam had been fair and as expected.

College captain Amelia Prince said the nerves were there for the first few minutes but after that, it was down to business.

“I think I prepared as much as I could have. When you get in there, you just have to calm yourself down and remind yourself you have prepared for this,” she said.

“The first five minutes are tricky but after that you are alright.”

Just an hour after leaving the hall, Amelia was back for her music exam, and most students hit the books again on Thursday night to prepare for the second English exam.

English teacher Marie Speer said the students had prepared well and should have been happy with the first exam. She also expected the second exam, where standard and advanced English students sit different papers, to be a good one for the students.

For some lucky students like Nicholas Trappett and Tom Broome, they can go into the HSC with a bit less pressure.

The pair, who are both from Wellington, have been accepted into the Macquarie University Global Leadership Program. Nicholas will do a double degree in law and media while Tom will study a Bachelor of Arts – Media.

Zoe Webber had one distraction during her exam preparation as she will celebrate her 18^th birthday midway through the HSC. She said she would be able to take a couple of days to relax but then it would be back to the study.

Friday’s English exam takes place between 9.25am and 11.30am. Hospitality is one of the exams being held on Friday afternoon.

Exams will continue until Friday, November 4.