Abigail is studying dance, PDHPE, food technology, Japanese continuers, English advanced and English extension and said staying motivated while studying from home is more challenging than it was during previous lockdowns.

However, she said her teachers have been helping her create a study routine during the extended HSC period and have been giving her feedback to help with her preparation based on the recent HSC trials.

She said both her parents are essential workers so are at work during school hours so she and her two high school age siblings study independently in their bedrooms. However, she said more recently she's been joining her younger sister in the dining room for study sessions so they can motivate each other when they get tired.

"It did add a few more weeks of stress in seeing that light at the end of the tunnel being pushed back a bit further but we now have more time to catch up and prepare for it so it should be good," she said.

However, while her her HSC exam preparation is coming together she's delaying entering into her desired profession.

"I'm a dancer, I had planned to be auditioning for dance schools in Sydney," she said.

"Because of COVID I haven't been able to do as much training and conditioning of my body so I'm looking forward to taking a gap year and training and working on my skills."

She said she still plans to audition next year and she has been getting a lot of assistance from her dance teacher Jamie Kaye from Central West Performing Arts who has also been linking students to external professional dancers via video meetings.

Orange High School relieving principal Kristie Anderson said she is proud with the way all the 12 students at the school have engaged and adapted with their learning and exam preparation.

"The kids seem to be really rising to this challenge at a time when they could always disengage," Ms Anderson said.

"There's no doubt that these are challenging times for HSC preparation and keeping up the rigors of study."

Ms Anderson said teachers have been going above and beyond to help them through online HSC trials and donning PPE to drop off resources.

She said there has also been a focus on student wellbeing and mental health and they have been encouraged to stay connected with peers without meeting face to face.

Abigail said she and her friends have held zoom type events and also had a secret Santa to show each other they weren't alone.

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