Seniors of ’20 call on resilience
THOUSANDS of Gold Coast Year 12 students will face their final examinations this week after tackling a number of COVID hurdles, but experts say the tough year has made the class of 2020 desirable future employees.
Known as the ‘ guinea pig’ year level, the class of 2020 was the first to have endured introduction of Prep, the move of Year 7 to secondary schools, a new senior curriculum, the change to Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) from Overall Position (OP), and a year of COVID restrictions.
From this week they will now undergo a 17-day external assessment period, which will make up 50 per cent of their overall mark for some subjects.
According to Southern Cross University’s Deputy
Vice Chancellor (Students) Professor Nan Bahr the journey to reach Year 12 has created a more resilient group of students, especially in Queensland.
“Yes, they’ll still fret about preparing for university, but the Queensland school leavers have been the test sample for their whole schooling to date,” Prof Bahr said.
“And yet, they emerged as students voice and as strong models for their schools.
“Their endurance through a parade of uncertainties across their schooling marks them out as a special bunch.
“I believe that they are more ready than any other cohort for the move to a more mature stage of their studies.”
At Robina State High School there is double the anticipation for the end of the school year, with five sets of twins set to graduate. have with role
For Sarah Scheuner and her twin sister Brooke, the week will mark the end of their education journey together.
Sarah plans to go on to study nursing at SCU while Brooke will study accounting, the first time they have taken separate paths.
“We are very excited to graduate after what we have been through this year,” Sarah Scheuner said.
“I know people think we have missed out on a lot but
really the teachers have helped us adjust all of the way through, we have stayed connected and feel tighter than ever.
“If anything this year has been about resilience. We are all so used to change, next year won’t seem that different.
“Having a twin has been an advantage all the way through because we could study together and if I don't know the answer she usually would.”
“It apart.”
In preparation for the new external exam regimen Robina State High School has rented out an airconditioned hall for students to ensure they are focused and comfortable and can achieve their best results.
Deputy Principal Melanie Woolnough said all of the students seemed confident with the new process.
“I think outside of their academic skills the class of
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2020 have learnt how to adapt and change and thrive in uncertainty.
“They have an outward focus to the community because of all they have taken on, so I have no doubt they will be a sought after group of people in the future.”
Students who are concerned about not achieving the required Year 12 results can apply for Transition to Uni, a free intensive course which will help to guarantee a place at Southern Cross.