Tasmania college exams start on Monday, here’s tips on how to deal with the stress

Senior secondary students across the state will begin their exams on Monday, with a clinical psychologist saying it’s often the ‘unknown’ that can lead to stress. Here’s how to beat it.

SUN TAS. Back L-R Emily Palmer 18, Zara Fenton 18, Zoe van Riet 18. Front L-R Robbie Reeves 18 and Isaac Bonsey 19. Hobart College year 12 students ahead of final exams for the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

More than 6200 Tasmanian senior secondary students will begin their end of year exams on Monday at centres across the state.

Hobart College acting principal, Trish Rowley, emphasised the importance of supporting students as they approached the final exam period, ensuring they feel prepared and confident.

“Our dedicated team of teachers, counsellors, and staff are here to provide both academic and emotional support, offering tutorial sessions, wellbeing hub and resources, and guidance to help students manage their health and wellbeing,” she said.

“We are committed to walking alongside our students every step of the way — before and during the exams — to ensure they reach their full potential.”

A 2021 student survey showed 76 per cent of students said they were nervous before external assessments.

Cassie Xintavelonis child psychologist with daughter Calliope Xintavelonis 9 and good friend Sydney McInnes 10. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Clinical psychologist Cassie Xintavelonis said fear of the unknown in year 11 and 12 exams “can produce a lot of anxiety”.

“It is easy to think that everything – our future, self-worth, culmination of 12 years of schooling – rests on exam results and this can create a lot of stress,” she said.

“For a lot of teenagers, exams are this often-talked-about, not-really-experienced event and the unknown can produce a lot of anxiety.”

Ms Xintavelonis urged students to take care of themselves and seek help from teachers and parents.

“Try not to let the period overwhelm you because there feels like there is so much to do,” she said.

“Plan out the time you have available and schedule study time for each subject.

“Sometimes it helps to take one study period, one day or one exam at a time. Focus on this task or period of time and then reset and focus on the next one.

“Don’t forget the importance of self-care, eat well, keep a good sleep routine and take regular breaks.”

SUN TAS. Back L-R Emily Palmer 18, Zara Fenton 18, Zoe van Riet 18. Front L-R Robbie Reeves 18 and Isaac Bonsey 19. Hobart College year 12 students ahead of final exams for the year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Year 12 Hobart College students Isaac Bonsey and Zara Fenton are well prepared ahead of the exams.

Isaac will sit exams in English and Health Studies and is planning a gap year before studying physical education at university.

“I’m feeling confident, I’ve been to after school tutorials and asked teachers for advice,” he said.

“I write my thoughts in dot points in the 15 minutes planning time before the exam.

“I’ve been nervous in the past but every exam you do you get better.

“Going into the unknown can be a bit nerve-wracking though.”

Zara Fenton has an exam as part of university for high achievers but it is online over 24 hours and open book, as well as exams in economics and legal studies.

“I’m usually a very stressy person but I’m fairly chilled,” she said.

“I’ll try to do as many practice exams in the lead up as I can.

“Honestly I’m not nervous because I have a place at uni so all I have to do is finish and get an ATAR.”

Zara has been accepted into the Australian National University for a double degree and will move to Canberra in January.

The Education Department says there are 52 level 3 and 4 courses that have an external assessment, with 40 of them having a written exam.

The first exams for Chemistry, Modern History and Music start on Monday and the final exams in Computer Science, Geography and Studies of Religion are on Thursday November 21 November.

There are 31 exam centres for students to sit their exams around Tasmania.

Education Minister Jo Palmer and Federal Minister Jason Clare after signing schools agreement. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Education Minister Jo Palmer said end-of-year exams were an important milestone for many young Tasmanians.

“I’d like to encourage students who are preparing for exams to believe in yourself and be confident in what you can achieve, now and in the future,” she said.

“Your teachers, your families and friends are supporting you as you get ready to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed in your chosen courses.

“We recognise that education is the most powerful driver for improving economic and social outcomes in Tasmania, and an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is to lift literacy outcomes for all students.”

More than 6,270 Tasmanian senior secondary students received a Notice of External Assessment to undertake one or more external assessments during Term 4, with oral, practical, performance and project assessments as well as the written exams.

The completion of at least four Level 3 and 4 courses during Years 11 and 12 enables students to achieve an overall Tertiary Entrance Score, which determines their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

All of Tasmania’s Year 11 and 12 students will receive the results for their 2024 courses from Wednesday December 18.

Tips for staying calm during exams and managing exam stress are available from www.tasc.tas.gov.au

Originally published as Tasmania college exams start on Monday, here’s tips on how to deal with the stress