The Hunter School of the Performing Arts students completed their Drama Higher School Certificate exam on Wednesday, marking the final curtain for the cohort that saw the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt their preparation. "I am so relieved," Lilly, 18, said, adding that the questions in the paper were "quite lenient". Tawanda, 17, said it "felt good". "We had so much stress on us for the whole year so to be done now is a huge relief."

The exam usually consists of the written paper worth 40 marks and requiring two extended responses, a group performance worth 30 marks and an individual project worth 30 marks, either critical analysis, design, performance, script writing or video drama. Due to COVID-19, the group performances were cancelled and the two remaining components given equal weighting. Students with individual performances were allowed a "marker-only audience" .

Tawanda said it was "bittersweet" having group performances cancelled, "because they were something we were looking forward to for so long". "But it was good having extra time in other areas - I was able to knuckle down on my essay writing skills," he said. Lilly said it was a "shame" not having an audience for individual performances. While it may have affected the timing in her comedic piece, she said it was still fun and she was grateful her teacher put faces of actors - including the Friends cast and The Muppets - on the seats.

Tawanda said he was looking forward to relaxing and "doing nothing" now exams were finished, while Lilly said she would "go out with friends". Both want to pursue careers as professional actors, Tawanda on television and Lilly in theatre. Tawanda has also applied to study medicine and Lilly has been offered a place in biotechnology at the University of Newcastle.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: