Reporter Andrea Cantle spoke to four Batemans Bay High students at Hanging Rock after they finished their first exam: English.

Jess Anderson and Montana Shaw were one of many other students whose fingers were aching.

The girls were keen to get their exams over and done with, so they could begin their next chapter helping others.

After school, Jess, who studies Ancient History, Food Technology, Legal Studies and Visual Arts, wanted to study mental health at TAFE.

She hoped to support the community by becoming a psychologist or working at a psychiatric hospital.

Montana, who studies Legal Studies, Biology, Agriculture, Modern History and Extension History, had been accepted to study a Bachelor of Law at the University of Canberra.

She aimed to work in juvenile justice to help children.

While she wanted to do well in her exams, peace of mind came through her unconditional university offer.

However, moving to Canberra was nerve-wracking.

"I'm a little bit nervous. I'm playing with the big boys now," she said.

The girls, who both work at Kmart, said the COVID-19 pandemic also added a lot of stress to the year.

"We'll get through it," Jess said.

Shannon Gunson and Dayne McCartney said English was not their strong suits, however they felt calm knowing they would do better in subjects they preferred.

Maths was a favourite subject for Shannon, who also studied PDHPE, Food Technology and Business Studies.

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After he finished school, he wanted to work as much as possible at either of his current jobs with McDonald's or with his dad, who owned a concrete landscaping business.

More importantly, he wanted to eventually find work as an accountant in a small business, and move to Adelaide when he could.

Dayne, who studied Information and Digital Technology, Music, Design and Technology and PDHPE, was also a junior cook in his spare time.

He wanted to continue his passion for music at university.

The sports lover said completing year 12 was the main mission after a big year, rather than reaching a high ATAR, and he was relieved the exams had finally begun.