Hard lessons for students

THERE is no doubt 2020 will be remembered as a year that changed society in so many ways. Workplaces, travel, healthcare and social interactions are all likely to be very different after the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

Individually it will have a big impact on many – especially those in their final year of college or university studies.

Year 12 is considered one of the most – if not the most – important years of a young student’s life.

How a student finishes off their final year can be critical for future careers. Final Tasmanian Certificate of Education results determine a student’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and many will be aiming for entrance scores that will allow them to continue their study at university in the subject of their choice.

It’s a high-pressure year. The hours of study, exam practice and lessons from teachers all add up to make it stressful for students and their families.

Most students are now working from home and there is doubt over how and when exams will be held.

However, there are some subjects that will be nearly impossible to assess like outdoor leadership, musical performance and drama.

Socially it is a big year too. There are formal dinners, school productions and sporting events, which have all been put on hold.

Some schools have adapted quickly and organised

THERE IS STILL A LONG WAY TO GO IN THIS PANDEMIC AND THE DISRUPTION FELT BY OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT

online learning with virtual classrooms and tutorials. However, it is not an even playing field. Some schools with fewer resources will struggle to meet the new challenges and not every student will have the technology at hand to complete education from a distance. The Government must work with the education department to make sure all students have the means to study from home or a way of accessing lessons in a safe environment.

The nation’s education ministers met last week and will meet again this month to determine a national approach for senior students, including possible adjustments to the university admission processes. Some of the options on the table include artificially boosting subject scores to reflect new learning arrangements.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday played down such a move. “We don’t want people going to university who shouldn’t be,” he said.

But the Premier did say recommendations based on a student’s school record could be used, in much the same way as someone who falls ill can gain an ATAR score.

Whatever happens there may be some silver linings in studying at home.

Experts say learning from home will allow students more flexibility and they will be able to choose what and when they learn. Online lessons will be able to be replayed if a student doesn’t understand.

There is still a long way to go in this pandemic and the disruption felt by our students will be particularly difficult. However, it will be an experience that teaches us all a lot about ourselves and society. We are likely to all emerge wiser and more resilient.

These are lessons that will last a lifetime.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000