1. Big picture things. The year 12 exams are an assessment of 12 years of learning. Most of what you will
be assessed on you already know and have learnt. It’s stored away in your memory banks. You‘re not expected to cram 12 years of studying in one year. Trust that some of the information you’ve learnt
has stuck. Be organised and steady in your revision.
2. Average out your marks. That will give you a baseline entry score. Anything more than that is a challenge between you and yourself. No-one else. This isn’t a competition with your school friends. Any score above your baseline is a success. And a bonus! If you average around the 70 to 80 mark than be realistic. Don’t suddenly focus on achieving +98, you could do it but expect on a good day a score between 80 and 90. Remain realistic and optimistic.
3. Check where your baseline scores will get you in terms of work, university and TAFE’s. Remember you can enter into a course that may not be your preferred course and then move around from there. Of course you can always take time away from study and get a job returning as a mature age student if you want. Learning and achieving is an open age event. Keep a flexible, open mindset about the future and opportunities.
4. Your academic role is one of many things you will and can excel at. Draw a pie chart and fill it with all the things you enjoy and succeed at, no matter how small. Add your strengths as a person- humour, loyalty, determination etc. Remind yourself how many parts there are to being you. No one part is more important than another. Remember to stay balanced about who you are.
5. Your final year score is not a representation of who you are but an indicator of how well you can study and remember things and how well you function in academic settings. Do not get your sense of self and final score mixed up. One is an academic number that may or may not help you move forward into adulthood. The other is a unique, complex and wonderful human being that is capable of many other amazing achievements. Equally important as school and work are the relationships you have, the person you grow to be and the challenges that you accept in life.
Finally remember to RELAX. This is the last year of school for you. You’ve worked hard and sacrificed a lot. You’ve made it through childhood, survived adolescence and now are about to discover the wonderful world of adulthood. This is a year of celebration!
Take time to be with family and friends.
Take breaks in study to think about other things then just school work and exams.
Ask for help and support. Give help and support.
Don’t get caught up in the DRAMA of year 12 exams.
Stay grounded, optimistic and open to the experience not caught in the WHAT IF’s of what might happen.
Seek professional help if you’re anxiety and stress is overwhelming.
But most of all ENJOY YOURSELF. Make it a year that you’ll look back on remembering all the fun you have had, people you’ve met and experiences you enjoyed.