The HSC exams started today. Facebook and twitter were flooded with messages being sent to students and by students across NSW – “Good Luck”, “Just remember its only one exam” and “Hope you get the mark you need.” There is a perception that 13 years of schooling comes down to the completion of one exam and one final ATAR result. Where is this pressure coming from and how can any Year 12 students remain sane though the last weeks of their high school careers?
Here are FIVE of my stay sane hints for anyone in year 12 or supporting a year 12 through their final exams:
Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.Michael Jordan – Some really want the high ATAR result and have decided that is the right path for them. It is wonderful to have a clear goal and orient yourself towards it. Studies have shown that more than 50% of school stress comes from personal expectations. Make it happen but not at the expense of your own well being. There are so may more options available to students who don’t get the ATAR needed or decide to pursue a different path. If you really want to be someone, do something or study something, you can make it happen!
Youth Beyond Blue sum it up in a nutshell – Zombies are brainless! Studying is a great skill without spending countless hours cramming and pulling all nighters to memorise quotes for the poetry section of the paper. Studying is about a balance between input and output – there is still time for exercise, food and fun.
3. If you are bored or struggling with motivation, research Contiki tours! These are only possible once exams are complete and those year 12’s are ready to REALLY learn about the world. Greece Island Hopper or Egypt and the Nile? Live one day with no regrets!
4. 21 is not old! Mature age entry is not ideal for everyone but mature age applications are an excellent way to gain access to a course after you have gained some life experience. Some of the best years and memories i created were from travelling overseas, meeting people from all walks of life and working in many different workspaces. All these skills and experiences are not wasted. They add to the rich tapestry of your life and will help you discover who you are and what you want to study for you lifelong career. You might even discover your passion.
5. Access to education is changing the face of the world. There are so many different methods of accessing education and training that it can become overwhelming. Think about what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. This is the foundation to your career. This is where dreams are started and realities are created. It is amazing the number of jobs and careers that did not exist 20 years go, even the concept of a stay at home entrepreneurial mum is now possible! This article by leavingschool.com clearly identifies a range of professional areas that are booming! Not one of them can be considered mainstream with a single University or TAFE pathway.
So good luck year 12 with all your preparations for the HSC exams. Please rememeber who you are, where you might want to go and enjoy the journey. Even if you have no idea what you want to do the wise words of Drake might have the solution Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. GOOD LUCK!
