TWO students will dip into the role of the director-general of the Department of Education and Communities as part of the activities lined-up for Education Week, which begins today.

Sharon Mo, a year 11 student at James Ruse Agricultural High School, beat hundreds of other applicants for the chance to follow acting director-general Pam Christie on Wednesday.

She will be joined by Luke Chapman, a year 11 student from Pennant Hills High School, who said he looked forward to observing the daily duties and obstacles encountered by the department's most senior officer.

Mo's greatest curiosity is about how a leader can please everyone in the state. "I'm going to be school captain next year," she said. "It's hard to be a voice for everyone, so I want to see how she does it."

The students will join Christie for the opening of the Sparkies, Foodies and Fashionistas exhibition at the Sydney Institute and a meeting at Parliament House with the Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli.

Education Week celebrates the achievements of schools and the academic results of students. "It's a chance to reflect just how far we've come and where we're headed,'' Mr Piccoli said.

Both students said they hoped to play a role in shaping the future of the public education system.

"I think our teachers are the driving force and this should be recognised," Chapman said. "As we improve our education system, I would like to see a cultural change so that our teachers gain the professional recognition they deserve."

Mo wants to see the program for educating gifted and talented students revamped to encourage gifted students to learn independently.

Applicants for the Director-General for a Day program were judged on their leadership experience, school participation, personal qualities and areas of interest. Eighteen other students will also step into the shoes of department figures.

Education Week highlights include:

? A meeting of 130 student leaders for the Students' Representative Council state conference, August 2-5;

? The Great Schools ''Show-off'', an awards night for students who have created digital works to reinvigorate their school website, August 3;

? The Formula One Technology Challenge Exhibition, which will display the best school engineering projects at the NSW Department of Education and Training Atrium, Bridge Street, until the end of August.