Crunch time: Everything to know ahead of Queensland’s Year 12 exams

With thousands of Queensland students gearing up towards their final Year 12 exams here’s how you can best prepare your child so they stay ahead of the pack

After a turbulent year of floods, flu and Covid-19 disruptions, thousands of Year 12 students across the state are ramping up studies ahead of final school exams.

Dining tables and bedrooms are set to become study nooks as students cram in information ahead of their last schooling chapter in less than two weeks’ time.

We have compiled a how to guide for parents and students including information on how the tests work, the key dates and expert advice.

The QCE system

QCE students results for general and extension subjects are based on their achievements in three internal assessments and one external assessment.

Internal assessment is developed and marked by schools and will count for the majority of subjects and courses.

As part of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority general subjects, students will sit external assessments at the end of Year 12.

All students will sit the external assessments under the same conditions, on the same day and time for every school. It is developed and marked by the authority.

For general mathematics and science subjects, external assessment results contribute towards 50 per cent of their final mark.

In all other general subjects it contributes 25 per cent.

Coolum State High School students sitting their Year 12 exams. Photo: File

What equipment can students bring to external assessments?

Students are encouraged to bring equipment in a clear container or zip-lock bag.

Black or blue pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, highlighters, water in a clean bottle and an asthma inhaler are all approved items.

Mobile phones, smart watches, dictionaries, erasable pens, blank paper, notes, written material, tissues and another electronic devices are all banned.

Key dates

The external exam block runs for more than three weeks from Monday, October 24 to Tuesday, November 15.

The exams kick off with English, English as an additional language and visual arts, and finishes with agricultural science, marine science, Japanese and Chinese.

Students must attend all the components of the external exams to receive a result.

For general subjects, students will receive a mark out of 100 and a grade of between A-E.

Final results will be available on Friday, December 16 from 9am.

Expert’s top tips for parents and students

Australian Christian College Moreton child psychologist Eunice Collins said the exam block was a stressful and demanding time for students.

Australian Christian College Moreton child psychologist Eunice Collins has provided her top tips ahead of Year 12 exams.

Ms Collins said has offered her top tips for parents around communicating with their children, providing perspective, balance and understanding.

Communication is key

“Talk to your child about how they’re feeling and what support they need. Respond with empathy and how you can help them,” she said.

“Help them have a study routine and how you can support their individual way of learning.

“Negotiate. Give them the opportunity to skip household chores if they have an important exam the next day.”

Offer perspective

“Remind them that failing exams is not the end of the world and that there are always alternative pathways,” she said.

“Keep expectations realistic to ease the pressure.”

“Remind your child they can only do their best and let them know you are proud of them.”

Find balance

“It’s tricky to find a balance with some students studying too much or too little. Help them reflect on what is best for them,” she said.

“Remember to sleep, eat, exercise and take a break to have unwind.”

Understand what they’re going through

“Don’t add to the pressure, they’re going through enough already,” she said.

“Let them lead. Ask if they need advice before offering it.

“Try to keep things consistent. Avoid radical changes that may disrupt studying.”