NEW England year 12 students are gearing up for what could be the biggest tests of their young lives so far with the first of their High School Certificate Exams on Monday.
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In Tamworth, McCarthy Catholic College students are among those preparing for four weeks of tests with the first being an English exam on Monday. While some are cramming in last minute study sessions, others are not worried about the results with other career paths in the pipeline.
“I’m pretty nervous, but I’m excited for them to be over and done with because I think it’s the build up that gets everyone so hyped because it is very daunting,” Anne Coates said.
“Once they’re all over, there will be a sense of accomplishment that you did the best that you could. I’ve been really studying for my two most content-heavy subjects which is ancient history and biology.”
Jasmine Tan is studying and compiling a portfolio for her course of choice.
“I’m making a portfolio for photography and hopefully putting it into Wollongong and UNSW and National Art School. I need an ATAR for a couple of them,” she said. “I’ve been working on the higher scaling subjects that would get me in that ATAR level.”
While Taylah Roach has been studying hard.
“I’m completely and utterly stressed out. I have been studying so much and there is so much pressure put on to do well and get the right marks,” she said. “My aim is to own my own business and to expand it into other areas. I did really well in my trials, it has made me more comfortable. (But) I’ll be stressing on Monday.”
Faith Melvey said she was nervous and didn’t feel she was prepared but she’s hoping to gain university entry for a Bachelor of Arts.
“I studied over the break but it feels like what I have might done not be enough,” she said. “I want something to say that I do have a degree.”
Meanwhile Liam Crowell and Maddie Michie could have employment lined up in other fields.
“The trials get you so worked up, but I have a traineeship lined up,” Ms Michie said. “I’m not really nervous about it but I’m not looking to go to university,”
“I’m hoping to already have a job lined up,” Mr Crowell said. “But if I do want to go to university there are ways around it if I want to choose another career. I’m just hoping I go alright and pass the exams.”