By Alex Crowe
Thousands of Victorian teenagers are about to walk through their high school gates for the last time – but they’ve got to get through year 12 exams first.
Many students enrolled in VCE language, music and dance subjects have already had their first assessments, while everyone else vying for an ATAR is now in study mode.
MLC student Mackie Hunter is a competitive swimmer who uses exercise to socialise and clear her head.Credit: Joel Burnie
To prepare, students should do practice exams to ensure there are no surprises on the day, Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) vice principal Margaret Horton said.
“Ask your teachers as many questions as you can, whether it’s a summary of a concept, getting feedback on practice exams you have completed, what the examiners might be looking for, or how to best approach a question,” she said. “They are your biggest cheerleaders and want to see you succeed.”
She said making an exam study timetable was often helpful, and getting enough sleep and exercise would mean a better performance on the day.
Mackie Hunter, 18, knows more than most about time management.
A competitive swimmer, Hunter typically juggles about 18 hours of training each week alongside the demands of year 12 at MLC.
Heading straight to the pool after school and getting home exhausted at 7.30pm doesn’t leave much time for study, so Hunter uses free periods, recess and lunch to catch up.
“The organisational skills swimming has taught me are so helpful,” she said.
As well as pursuing swimming, Hunter hopes to study science at university next year.
She has pared back her demanding training regimen ahead of exams but still swims laps most mornings before school.
Hunter said exercising inside and outside the pool helps clear her head and maintain focus.
“It’s not just swimming, but also things like going for a walk, walking the dog and catching up with friends through exercise,” she said.
“To have this physical activity every day but to catch up with someone during this exam period is so important – just to talk with them, take your mind off stress.”
Anuk Ratnatunga, 17, and his classmates at Melbourne High School have been studying online together after school this week.
Anuk Ratnatunga has kept up his dance training as a way to de-stress during exams.Credit: Jason South
As well as following a study timetable and using the pomodoro technique – working for 25-minute intervals before taking a five-minute break – Ratnatunga said seeing his friends studying keeps him motivated.
“When you look up, and you see them working you’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, I better work too’,” he said. “We keep each other accountable.”
The son of Sri Lankan parents, Ratnatunga was born into the world of dance by way of his family’s Melbourne dance studio.
He said training, competing and performing have helped with stress throughout year 12.
“I have exams coming up soon, but I’ve still been going to weekly dance lessons, as well as my weekly performances,” he said.
“That just helps me forget about exams, forget about stress, but also just gives my brain a break from all this studying.”
Zac Ristevski, 18, has kept his cool through the stress of year 12 by maintaining a healthy boundary between school and home.
Brighton Grammar School student Zac Ristevski uses music to relax through the stress of exams.
Ristevski, who plans to study commerce at university next year, is among a focused group of mates at Brighton Grammar School who stay behind after the bell to get homework done.
After dinner, the friends meet at the gym, where study can be forgotten for an hour or so. He also plays around on his DJ decks at home, recording music and posting it online.
Ristevski said he and his classmates are beginning to feel the pressure of the looming English exam. But he said making music and going to the gym have been keeping him grounded.
“I’m just excited to see what next year will look like with uni and even after that,” he said. “It’s a new chapter.”
Isabella Alcock, 18, developed a love of cooking from her grandparents. Keen travellers, they introduced her to global cuisines, particularly desserts.
MLC student Isabella Alcock is spending time in the kitchen to de-stress ahead of her first exam.Credit: Joel Burnie
“We have quite a sweet tooth,” she said. “I would say my most popular dish is probably my cookies – everyone likes a good cookie.”
Alcock, an MLC student, has three university-aged brothers at home, which means plenty of willing taste-testers.
She has just been accepted to study at a French culinary school next year in Meudon, just outside of Paris.
Alcock says cooking has also helped with stress relief.
“Whenever I get stuck on something or I’m in the middle of writing an essay and I just can’t think of what’s next, it’s good for me to be able to go make myself a snack …and then come back to it,” she said.
Will Crocker, 18, lives a 10-minute walk from Elwood Beach, meaning regular beach runs have become routine throughout year 12 at Brighton Grammar.
Crocker, who plans to study arts/law, typically runs with friends at sunset.
Brighton Grammar School student Will Crocker finds stress relief in reading or running on the beach.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui
“We can either talk about our subjects that we do together, almost quiz each other whilst we’re running, or just talk about other things and take our mind off it,” he said.
Crocker said a good book also helps to take his mind off school.
“When I’m a bit tired and I don’t have the energy to do physical activity, reading is more of a brain break,” he said.
“All you can really do is put in the work and be happy once you’re done.”
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