New South Wales is Australia's most populous state, located in the south-east of the country, north of Victoria and south of Queensland. It was founded in 1788 and originally comprised much of the Australian mainland, as well as Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. During the 19th century large areas were successively separated to form the British colonies of Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland.

New South Wales is renowned for the picturesque Port Jackson, the main harbour in the capital city Sydney, where approximately two thirds of the state's population resides and various rural towns such as Tamworth, Australia's 'home of country music'.

An inhabitant of New South Wales is referred to as a New South Welshman or, in gender-neutral language, as a New South Welsh person.

It is unknown whether New South Wales refers to the area being an area similar to South Wales, or a New Southern area similar to the whole of Wales.

The NSW school system comprises a kindergarten to year twelve system with primary schooling up to year 6 and seconday schooling between year 7 and 12. Within these to sets of schooling are various stages. Stage one or 'infant' includes years kindergarten to year 2. Stage 2 incorporates years 3 and 4. This cycle continues until it reaches stage 6 and ends with the Higher School Certificate

Schooling is compulsory until completion of the School Certificate at the end of year 10. This test has no pass or fail but is designed to grade a student on his or her ability. The results of this test are categorised into bands 1 through to 6 with band 1 as the lowest and band 6 as the highest.

As of 2006, there are five subjects that are compulsory for this examination. They are English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and Computing Skills. Along with this, there are two 'elective' subjects that are assessed throughout the year.

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) was originally intended for those that were keen to move on into university. However, in modern times it is quite normal for most students to complete the HSC prior to entering the workforce or going on to study at either college, university or TAFE.

The HSC is usually comprised of twelve units (usually six individual courses worth two units each) however up to fourteen units can be studied at some schools.English is the only mandatory subject & candidates conventionally choose five other subjects. If desired, Extension 1 or 2 courses may also be studied (each being worth one unit). This may lead to one subject taking up several units. For example, if a student wanted to do mathematics for his/her HSC he would indicate Mathematics as a choice of subject on his/her subject election form. However if the student wanted to do more mathematics they may select Mathematics Extension 1 & subsequently (if desired) Mathematics Extension 2. This may push the student over the standard twelve units. It is not uncommon for universities to have minimum required marks in these subjects for entry into certain degree courses.

Distinction courses are available for those that complete the HSC early. (Ref Wikipedia)