I have topped every exam over the past 2 years except one, mainly because I have memorised the case studies (however, alot of it is cramming. I have a brilliant short term memory and a horrible long term one) however I am ranked 3rd in the grade because I came 5th in both the assignments. The Bullshit thing is, the people who beat me obviously had help from other people (big brothers ect), where as I did them all on my own. My ranks do not reflect how good I am compared to everyone else as I top exams in geo, general maths, and finish alot higher then my rank suggests in advanced english. The only subjects where my true rank is reflected is PE and DRAMA. I do not think that assesment tasts should count towards the HSC mark. They should only be used as a guide/