Nihao, fellow nerds!
(don’t pretend you aren’t a nerd. Why else are you reading about some random dude’s VCE journey on a study forum?)
I got a raw 42 in Portuguese last year, which far exceeded my expectations. My school hasn’t had more than two 40+ study score in YEARS, unfortunately for them I did it through VSL so they got no credit. This year, I’m also doing Russian and Chinese through VSL.That's amazing! I dropped French and Chinese as fast as I could, but this is kind of making me wish I kept them.
Hi Remy33!Oops, sorry for the late response. Hey Evolio :) I love reading your VCE journal btw.
Nice to meet you!
Great that you have specific goals to achieve!
What's your favourite subject and why?
What do you have in mind career wise?
:)
LOL :P I guess we are all nerds.
That's amazing! I dropped French and Chinese as fast as I could, but this is kind of making me wish I kept them.
Good luck this year!!!
I want to get in without any adjustment factors as it’s kind of cheating, and unfair for other students who don’t get SEAS but have also worked hard.
Oops, sorry for the late response. Hey Evolio :) I love reading your VCE journal btw.Aww, that's so sweet! Thanks!
Favourite subject at the moment is probably Chinese. Hard to put my finger on it, but I've always loved the language and the culture. I also have a pretty awesome teacher for it, which is always great.Is Chinese hard? Yeah, it's always really good to have an amazing teacher who is always there to answer questions and guide you!
Career wise, I'm hoping to go into international relations, maybe work at the UN?? I don't actually have anything specific AND achievable in mind presently, but politics is something I aspire to go into.
That sounds a lot like how my school was and then in my year we had 3 95+ ATARs - so don't doubt that you can break the trendHi Bri MT,
Is Chinese hard? Yeah, it's always really good to have an amazing teacher who is always there to answer questions and guide you!Yeh, chinese is probably my hardest subject right now. Speaking/listening ain't bad but reading/writing is insane especially when it ain't your native language lmao. Still, it's enjoyable once you get into it.
Hi Remy! It's always nice to see a new journal pop up. I only recently stopped being a lurker too. It's great to see someone do so many languages - I'm pretty jealous, since my only talent when it comes to languages (apart from Latin) is grammar, and occasionally downloading Duolingo for a week (haha, I try).Well, hey there, fellow ex-lurker ;)
Looking forward to your updates! Keep up the good humour.
Hi Bri MT,That's a real shame about people at your school taking that approach. It would be interesting to run an experiment and see how SEAS impacts attitudes to studying & achievement; I suspect that for some students SEAS gives them motivational hope - I wonder if that's enough to balance out what you've observed.
That's really amazing. 95+ ATARs are unheard of at my school, let along THREE. Back in 2012 someone got a 91 and they got in the local paper :o
RE: SEAS - I get what you mean, and I know the intention is to balance things out. But IMO it does a lot more harm than good as kids at my school usually end up slacking bc "the SEAS will carry me" and it ends up backfiring when they miss out even with these bonus points.
Just wondering, since you also went to (I'm assuming) an underrepresented school, did you get any external help with your subjects, like tutoring or buying notes/practice exams? If yes, did you find them helpful at all?
That's a real shame about people at your school taking that approach. It would be interesting to run an experiment and see how SEAS impacts attitudes to studying & achievement; I suspect that for some students SEAS gives them motivational hope - I wonder if that's enough to balance out what you've observed.
Yeah the school I went to was underrepresented. I didn't do any tutoring and I got my practice exams from school. I studied eng lang by distance ed w/o doing units 1&2 so I bought AN notes for that (they were good but what I really needed was feedback on my work) and went to a paid VATE lecture. I also went to the free atarnotes lectures and since TSFX had free-for-charity-donation lectures at the start of the year I tried some of them. I also attended VCESS but that only runs over the summer holidays.
I liked going to lectures as a form of revision and to see a different perspective on the content & found that I had access to enough practice exams through school without buying any.
I hope everything I've written is clear and answers your questions - let me know if you have any more :)
I'm personally not a fan of TSFX (really disliked some of their marketing I got in VCE) - so it's kind of ironic that that's what you didn't know about - but I hope that you find the info beneficial anyway.
I'm not sure if there are many LOTE resources on AN but I know that some of our active users studied Chinese so hopefully you're able to find help/advice easily
Hi! I'm a bit late to the party but nice to meet you!Hey there, I’d say Chinese and GloPol are my favourites atm. Russian is awesome too, and English and maths are slightly shitty 😂
Your choice in subjects is really cool :) which one is your favourite at the moment?
Hey Remy,Hi Joseph, I don’t know too much about linguistics, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn more off. My school sadly didn’t run Eng Lang and I thought 4 external subjects was too much so I settled for English. I’d love to maybe learn more at uni. In particular I have an interest in learning about language use in the media, especially around political issues (is that socio linguistics?)
Have really enjoyed this journal. Honestly I think you might be the first person I've come across to study three LOTEs, and I absolutely love it. Do you have any interest in studying Linguistics at all? ;D
Hi Joseph, I don’t know too much about linguistics, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn more off. My school sadly didn’t run Eng Lang and I thought 4 external subjects was too much so I settled for English. I’d love to maybe learn more at uni. In particular I have an interest in learning about language use in the media, especially around political issues (is that socio linguistics?)
If I fall short of the ATAR needed for global studies or media, I might do arts at Monash with majors in linguistics and either media or int’l relations. I’m just not so sure about job prospects for such a broad degree like arts.
english... I don't even know what's happening. Does anyone get the feeling in english class that nothing ever gets covered and that nothing productive happens?Can relate. Mainly bc Literature stuff goes above my head. Hope that changes tho lol
Unffff. Yeah, that'd fall under sociolingustics - and that's pretty much exactly what I looked at through Honours! So, *more* than happy to chat about it further if you're interested. :)
Job prospects - I think it's a valid concern but would be equally valid with a number of other degrees.
Late hi from me,
Seeing as your learning so many languages, I am curious about your strategy to help you learn so many languages. Also:Can relate. Mainly bc Literature stuff goes above my head. Hope that changes tho lol
Get ready for the most S C A T T E R E D exam schedule which you most likely do not have the misfortune to have:
October
23: Russian
30: English
November
6: Methods #1
7: Methods #2
18: GloPol
20: Chinese
And this isn't including oral exams for Russian and Chinese which will be even earlier! How great, an exam period which spans from Day 1 to Day 1 if you go from the end.
I don't think my concentration can last that long.yeet
Yikes!Prolonged suffering for more revision time? Seems like a fair trade.
I mean, in one respect, I guess it's kinda good that they're spread out?
English - I've started an "essay-exchange" system with a classmate who also wishes to do well, a rare breed at my school. We started this about a month ago - at the start of each week we each write an essay, then we'd email each other what we wrote, correct the other's response, and send back with our comments, corrections and suggestions.
So far it's working out well and we haven't missed a single week. Hopefully we'll keep this going throughout the holidays. I think it's a great system as it ensures I'm writing at least one essay a week and am getting feedback for it. Also, marking others' work is really conductive in helping yourself improve. Go give it a try yourself, highly recommend ;)
Hey Remy!Thanks smallbean! Agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment there about methods ;D Yeah I agree, VCE may be a competition but that doesn't mean you can't work collaboratively with others and help each other improve. Chinese is definitely a great subject. A lot of work, but worth it. Would love to hear any tips if you have some!
I love your subject choices and am so keen to follow your LOTE-filled journey.
As someone who did Chinese 3/4 last year as a yr 11 subject and had to wait until the very end of the exam period when everyone else had already completed their exams and were rejoicing in holiday mode, I can definitely relate to the struggle of such a scattered exam schedule. On the bright side, you'll have plenty of time to study and prepare for each exam in between. :)
Chinese exchange sounds like such a wonderful opportunity to improve your vocab and also learn more about the unique culture there. Chinese is such a great subject that's actually applicable to real life, unlike *cough cough* Methods.
The system of collaboration that you have started with your classmate is such an amazing idea, as sometimes in Year 12 it's so easy to get caught up in rankings and to forget that other students can also be helpful teachers as well.
What a great idea! Is writing practice essays particularly time-consuming or no more time consuming than other study methods? Also, what criteria do you use when marking? :D
50s for Chinese and Russian?
Does the Russian alphabet confuse you?
Hi Remy! I just read through all your updates and I love your journal! The way you write is so entertaining. Your essay exchange system sounds like a good idea, I’ll definitely try to implement it among my peers somehow!Hi, thanks for reading! Glad you find the essay-exchange system useful.
3 LOTEs sound very hectic! Did you take scaling into account at all when choosing your subjects? You mentioned that you initially wanted to do Eng Lang or EAL, if you don’t mind me asking, what is your native language?
It’s amazing that despite the not-so-motivating environment you are aiming high and being independent and accountable for yourself. Can’t wait for your next update and good luck with your journey!
Only a little more to go, your almost there!
Do you have people to practice Russian with or is is it mainly just your classmates/ teachers. I only know small amounts of Russian/Ukrainian from all my research on history or the soviet union, Chernobyl and a few of the TV shows. I haven't met anyone who speaks the language in Victoria, so I was just wondering were you practiced.
How did you language exams go? I know the Chinese one is in the last week of exams, but did you find your orals and written to be okay?Thanks for reminding me Geoo! Sorry for the hiatus hehe, exams aren't fun.
How was english and methods?
Final thoughts:What an exciting prospect! Have you got any plans for the next little while?
NO MORE MATHS YAY.
any advice for a fellow language student (one LOTE 3/4 and a LOTE 1/2 next year/in Yr 11)?
Awesome to see another language enthusiast.Same!!!
So are you doing one LOTE in year 11 and another in year 12?Yep, next year I'm in Yr 11 but doing Units 3/4 of one of my LOTES while simultaneously doing Units 1/2 of another LOTE which I will do the 3/4 of in Yr 12.
The scripts should be refined continuously throughout the year and you should be practicing throughout the year so that you can sound more natural on the exam, especially if it’s not your native language.Yeah, I definitely think that I need to sound more natural while I'm doing Orals. For some reason, my intonation is so stuffed up. Either I sound like I'm asking a question (cos my voice goes high at the end of a sentence) or it's all monotone. For my Unit 2 Oral Exam, my teacher said that it sounded too memorised and not natural enough.
Same!!!Good choice spreading the two out. :)
Yep, next year I'm in Yr 11 but doing Units 3/4 of one of my LOTES while simultaneously doing Units 1/2 of another LOTE which I will do the 3/4 of in Yr 12.
Yeah, I definitely think that I need to sound more natural while I'm doing Orals. For some reason, my intonation is so stuffed up. Either I sound like I'm asking a question (cos my voice goes high at the end of a sentence) or it's all monotone. For my Unit 2 Oral Exam, my teacher said that it sounded too memorised and not natural enough.From listening to all the other students (mostly native speakers) in my classes doing oral, I can honestly say that 99% of the time, they all sound memorised, even in the weeks leading up to the final exam. I struggled with this a lot throughout the year. It's a common problem and only practice will help.
Neither of these are my native languages either so :-\. Also, do you think that while I'm learning my general convo script, it's okay to like whisper it out loud. I don't know, I find it very awkward to just speak it out loud unless I'm like the only person home! What are your thoughts on this?Neither Russian nor Chinese are my native languages either.Chinese is slightly easier but most if not all the students doing Russian are native speakers. <yikes>
Good choice spreading the two out. :)Thanks. I literally just hope that I never have 2 Sacs for both Languages in the same day!
From listening to all the other students (mostly native speakers) in my classes doing oral, I can honestly say that 99% of the time, they all sound memorised, even in the weeks leading up to the final exam. I struggled with this a lot throughout the year. It's a common problem and only practice will help.Yeah, I think that I need to practice a lot more and will definitely go to the LOTE clubs to practice with my teacher or language assistants who are both native speakers.
Neither Russian nor Chinese are my native languages either.Chinese is slightly easier but most if not all the students doing Russian are native speakers. <yikes>Best of luck for your LOTEs. I hope that you smash them and get the SS you aimed for in both of them.
Maybe when there's still months to go, yeah it's not a problem. But whispering doesn't have the same effect as saying things out loud. It's amazing all the mistakes you can pick up through talking loudly. If you find it uncomfortable, maybe lock yourself in your room and practice. I liked to borrow my school's soundproof music rooms whenever I wanted to practice my scripts.Yeah, I guess I just have to suck it up and start practicing out aloud. I mean eventually I will get used to it.
Thanks. I literally just hope that I never have 2 Sacs for both Languages in the same day!Ahhhh yes. I had that last year when I was doing French and my Portuguese and French SACs were scheduled for the same day. Luckily as Portuguese is my native language there were no slip ups, but this year I often find myself slipping into Chinese during Russian SACs, and Russian during Chinese SACs. :P
Yeah, I think that I need to practice a lot more and will definitely go to the LOTE clubs to practice with my teacher or language assistants who are both native speakers.One thing that's even better than LOTE teachers is just your everyday native speaker. I work at a Chinese restaurant which gives me a lot of oral practice for Chinese, and also spend a lot of time talking to Russian immigrants. Talking to them as opposed to teachers make your style of speaking sound much more conversational and less like reciting a rote-learned script.
All I can say now is, I did it without SEAS. Without tutoring. I did it, as a student at one of the lowest ranking schools in one of the lowest SES suburbs in VIC. I did all that while working 2 jobs with graveyard shifts, while taking care of 4 younger siblings while my single mum works 12 hours a day, everyday. And I did it while being school captain and debating captain. And you know what? I am fucking proud of myself.
And we’ve arrived at my final update!
So — the ATAR. I honestly started crying when I saw it. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but for once I felt so overwhelmed. I had gotten above what I needed for my course, but that wasn’t why. My prediction had been a 96, which is more than enough.
My results:
English: 50 (A+, A+, A+)
Global Politics: 46 (A+, A+, A+)
Methods: 41 (A+, A, A+)
Chinese: 36 (A+, B+, A+)
Russian: 35 (B, A, A+)
Portuguese: 42 (A+, A, A+) - 2018
ATAR: 99.40
My LOTE scores were disappointing. I figured I had a solid chance at high 30s or even low 40s in Russian, I didn't expect a B in my SACs at all as I was averaging A's all year. I was also aiming for a 37 in Chinese so that was a let down too.
Overall, I am really happy with my scores. Never once in my life would I have imagined that getting a 99 ATAR was remotely possible. My biggest surprises were English and Methods. I'm not a maths person at all, frankly I didn't understand half of the content this year! And English... Oh my god!
Also my English buddy, the one I had the essay-exchange system with, got a 43 in English! I don't think our school has ever had more than two 40+ SS in one year before so hopefully our ranking on better education shoots up this year!
I duxed, and also became the first person at my school to get a 90+ ATAR in 7 years! I also duxed English and methods (I would also say GloPol, but I'm also the only person in my cohort). Finally, and most importantly, I got the ATAR needed for my top preference, Global Studies / Commerce at Monash!!!!
All I can say now is, I did it without SEAS. Without tutoring. I did it, as a student at one of the lowest ranking schools in one of the lowest SES suburbs in VIC. I did all that while working 2 jobs with graveyard shifts, while taking care of 4 younger siblings while my single mum works 12 hours a day, everyday. And I did it while being school captain and debating captain. And you know what? I am fucking proud of myself.
I know my opinion on SEAS doesn't sit well with the rest of the community here, but I will say it regardless. I am glad I did not apply for SEAS, even though I qualified for all 4 categories. I'm glad I didn't apply, even though I would've had it so much easier if I did. I am so glad I did not apply, because now I can say I got into Monash on my own accord, because of my own efforts, rather than because some policymaker sitting in an office decided that I cannot possibly score as well as some rich kid from St Kevins.
As this is the final update, I want to end with a word of advice to the class of 2020. Do not believe for one second that you are limited by your situation. Doesn't matter if you go to an elite private school in the eastern suburbs, or a rural public school in the west, your result is a reflection of how hard YOU worked. If anyone reading this is in a situation similar to my own, I hope this is proof that you can certainly do well if you put in the effort. Do not give up hope, have confidence in yourself, and most important of all, be accountable for your own studies. If you do well, be proud of yourself. If you fall short, think how you can improve. Whatever the case, remember that you do not have a disadvantage, unless you choose to see it as such.
Anyway, I'll sign off now. Hope to see some of you at Monash next year!
I have so much respect for that. TWO LOTE SUBJECTS IN YEAR 12Thank you brothanathan! :) Well done to you too for tackling Chinese, all the best for next year!
Well done Remy! What a fantastic achievement, you should be so so proud of how hard you worked this year. It's so inspiring to see that you have done so well through hard work and perseverance alone whilst overcoming many personal barriers. Chinese is so hard as well, I did it last year and honestly getting a 36 is no easy feat :) all the best with uni!!Thanks for the encouragement smallbean! Hope you're happy with your results, best of luck next year!! :D
Despite our different views on SEAS and the impact of disadvantage on educational achievement, I 100% echo that in difficult circumstances it can be possible to achieve well above what your demographics would predict.Thank you so much Bri. You're honestly amazing and your own phenomenal achievements have inspired me so much this year. I'm glad that despite having different views we can find common ground in that we have the same values and goals in helping our community. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
I'm glad you're proud of what you have achieved because you absolutely should be & I'm glad that in the end you're happy with the choices you made about how you want to approach your education. Huge congratulations & I'm glad that you now have the security of knowing you'll easily make it into your first preference.
P.S. Be prepared to receive messages years from now from students in your school (that you never met) wanting advice.
Awesome results Remy! Super happy for you that all your hard work paid off, and it still amazes me that you manged to do so many languages!Thank you so much Geoo! :) All the best to you for next year!!
Well done, Remy33!!!Thanks Snow Leopard! Good luck with your LOTEs, my PM's are always open if you have any questions on them :)
That is such a phenomenal ATAR, especially considering all of the challenges that you overcame! :)
Congratulations, that's absolutely insane! I'm honestly in awe of all you've managed to accomplish.Thank you Emma! :) :)
And we’ve arrived at my final update!DAMN THAT SPEECH! Could have been a graduation speech!! Congratulations on your results!! I am sure you are a role model for many!
So — the ATAR. I honestly started crying when I saw it. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but for once I felt so overwhelmed. I had gotten above what I needed for my course, but that wasn’t why. My prediction had been a 96, which is more than enough.
My results:
English: 50 (A+, A+, A+)
Global Politics: 46 (A+, A+, A+)
Methods: 41 (A+, A, A+)
Chinese: 36 (A+, B+, A+)
Russian: 35 (B, A, A+)
Portuguese: 42 (A+, A, A+) - 2018
ATAR: 99.40
My LOTE scores were disappointing. I figured I had a solid chance at high 30s or even low 40s in Russian, I didn't expect a B in my SACs at all as I was averaging A's all year. I was also aiming for a 37 in Chinese so that was a let down too.
Overall, I am really happy with my scores. Never once in my life would I have imagined that getting a 99 ATAR was remotely possible. My biggest surprises were English and Methods. I'm not a maths person at all, frankly I didn't understand half of the content this year! And English... Oh my god!
Also my English buddy, the one I had the essay-exchange system with, got a 43 in English! I don't think our school has ever had more than two 40+ SS in one year before so hopefully our ranking on better education shoots up this year!
I duxed, and also became the first person at my school to get a 90+ ATAR in 7 years! I also duxed English and methods (I would also say GloPol, but I'm also the only person in my cohort). Finally, and most importantly, I got the ATAR needed for my top preference, Global Studies / Commerce at Monash!!!!
All I can say now is, I did it without SEAS. Without tutoring. I did it, as a student at one of the lowest ranking schools in one of the lowest SES suburbs in VIC. I did all that while working 2 jobs with graveyard shifts, while taking care of 4 younger siblings while my single mum works 12 hours a day, everyday. And I did it while being school captain and debating captain. And you know what? I am fucking proud of myself.
I know my opinion on SEAS doesn't sit well with the rest of the community here, but I will say it regardless. I am glad I did not apply for SEAS, even though I qualified for all 4 categories. I'm glad I didn't apply, even though I would've had it so much easier if I did. I am so glad I did not apply, because now I can say I got into Monash on my own accord, because of my own efforts, rather than because some policymaker sitting in an office decided that I cannot possibly score as well as some rich kid from St Kevins.
As this is the final update, I want to end with a word of advice to the class of 2020. Do not believe for one second that you are limited by your situation. Doesn't matter if you go to an elite private school in the eastern suburbs, or a rural public school in the west, your result is a reflection of how hard YOU worked. If anyone reading this is in a situation similar to my own, I hope this is proof that you can certainly do well if you put in the effort. Do not give up hope, have confidence in yourself, and most important of all, be accountable for your own studies. If you do well, be proud of yourself. If you fall short, think how you can improve. Whatever the case, remember that you do not have a disadvantage, unless you choose to see it as such.
Anyway, I'll sign off now. Hope to see some of you at Monash next year!
And we’ve arrived at my final update!
So — the ATAR. I honestly started crying when I saw it. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but for once I felt so overwhelmed. I had gotten above what I needed for my course, but that wasn’t why. My prediction had been a 96, which is more than enough.
My results:
English: 50 (A+, A+, A+)
Global Politics: 46 (A+, A+, A+)
Methods: 41 (A+, A, A+)
Chinese: 36 (A+, B+, A+)
Russian: 35 (B, A, A+)
Portuguese: 42 (A+, A, A+) - 2018
ATAR: 99.40
My LOTE scores were disappointing. I figured I had a solid chance at high 30s or even low 40s in Russian, I didn't expect a B in my SACs at all as I was averaging A's all year. I was also aiming for a 37 in Chinese so that was a let down too.
Overall, I am really happy with my scores. Never once in my life would I have imagined that getting a 99 ATAR was remotely possible. My biggest surprises were English and Methods. I'm not a maths person at all, frankly I didn't understand half of the content this year! And English... Oh my god!
Also my English buddy, the one I had the essay-exchange system with, got a 43 in English! I don't think our school has ever had more than two 40+ SS in one year before so hopefully our ranking on better education shoots up this year!
I duxed, and also became the first person at my school to get a 90+ ATAR in 7 years! I also duxed English and methods (I would also say GloPol, but I'm also the only person in my cohort). Finally, and most importantly, I got the ATAR needed for my top preference, Global Studies / Commerce at Monash!!!!
All I can say now is, I did it without SEAS. Without tutoring. I did it, as a student at one of the lowest ranking schools in one of the lowest SES suburbs in VIC. I did all that while working 2 jobs with graveyard shifts, while taking care of 4 younger siblings while my single mum works 12 hours a day, everyday. And I did it while being school captain and debating captain. And you know what? I am fucking proud of myself.
I know my opinion on SEAS doesn't sit well with the rest of the community here, but I will say it regardless. I am glad I did not apply for SEAS, even though I qualified for all 4 categories. I'm glad I didn't apply, even though I would've had it so much easier if I did. I am so glad I did not apply, because now I can say I got into Monash on my own accord, because of my own efforts, rather than because some policymaker sitting in an office decided that I cannot possibly score as well as some rich kid from St Kevins.
As this is the final update, I want to end with a word of advice to the class of 2020. Do not believe for one second that you are limited by your situation. Doesn't matter if you go to an elite private school in the eastern suburbs, or a rural public school in the west, your result is a reflection of how hard YOU worked. If anyone reading this is in a situation similar to my own, I hope this is proof that you can certainly do well if you put in the effort. Do not give up hope, have confidence in yourself, and most important of all, be accountable for your own studies. If you do well, be proud of yourself. If you fall short, think how you can improve. Whatever the case, remember that you do not have a disadvantage, unless you choose to see it as such.
Anyway, I'll sign off now. Hope to see some of you at Monash next year!