Queensland senior students hit hardest by COVID-19 chaos on schools

Queensland senior students admit they are studying less after the disruption to schooling caused by COVID-19.

MORE than half of senior students admit they are studying less because of COVID-19, according to shocking new research.

And more than one in four admitted the recent disruption to schools was “one of the most stressful experiences” of their lives, while upwards of 90 per cent agreed it was in some way stressful, when answering a new survey from Cluey Learning.

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It comes after Queensland school students, except those who were essential workers’ offspring or vulnerable children, home-schooled for up to five weeks.
The research showed more than one in three parents were convinced their child’s results would suffer because of COVID-19 disruption to schools, with more than half agreeing their child studied and learnt less.

And only a third of senior students’ parents said their child spent more than four hours learning each day at home.

St Andrews Anglican College Year 11 student Tiana Smith with her mother Naomi. Picture: Lachie Millard

Cluey Learning Chief learning officer Dr Selina Samuels said consistent study and good diet, sleep and exercise habits would help students get back on track, with enough time left before exams to improve.

Grattan Institute education expert Julie Sonnemann said senior students were under a lot of pressure already which COVID-19 compounded, making it a much more difficult year.

“I think for a number of students they will recover with time, we know that exams have been adjusted this year, and it’s likely that there will be more generous consideration given,” she said.

Noosa year 11 student Tiana Smith admitted the pandemic caused her to study less after her term one exams were cancelled.

“It was a big demotivator, since then I've been struggling to stay motivated as it disrupted my routine,” she said.

“I didn’t get to sit any of my term 1 exams which directly mirror my year 12 exams in term one, so I have been deprived of practice for year 12 which could impact my results and how I go next year.”

Mother Naomi Smith said despite her daughter being capable of catching up, she was worried about long-term impact after losing the foundational work preparing her for year 12.

“Going to school doesn't just represent study, it represents routines, social connection, grooming, having deadlines … which is what helps to create productivity, so there are a lot of things she missed out on in that period.”

Originally published as Queensland senior students hit hardest by COVID-19 chaos on schools