Two of New South Wales’ youngest students are demonstrating exceptional academic progress by undertaking Higher School Certificate (HSC) courses several years ahead of their age group as the state prepares for its annual exams. Both students, aged 14, are enrolled in advanced mathematics subjects while managing other commitments and future ambitions.

Maiia Salbieva, a student at Narrabeen Sports High School, is balancing her role as an effective Year 11 student with a demanding athletic career as an elite under-18 tennis player. This year, Maiia is studying HSC Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension One, managing her rigorous academic workload alongside a competitive tennis schedule. She credits her success to strict self-discipline and personal goal setting, including establishing internal deadlines for completing coursework ahead of official dates. Maiia first sat for an HSC exam at age 13 and is on track to fully complete the HSC by next year.

Similarly, Jude Sheehy, a student at Toongabbie Christian College, is also completing HSC Mathematics Advanced and Extension One at 14 years old, despite being part of the 2029 graduation cohort. Jude describes his experience as challenging but rewarding, emphasizing the learning opportunities that come from tackling difficult material at an accelerated pace. He has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering after finishing school.

Both students’ advances highlight the capacity for accelerated learning in younger students, balancing advanced academics with extracurricular and long-term career goals. Their experiences underscore a growing recognition of individual academic pathways beyond traditional age-based cohorts in New South Wales education.