Transition to the VCE

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A shout out to Joseph 41’s (How VCE Works). How VCE Works

Hello there! This thread addresses the transition to the VCE!

>The academic transition
For some it may be easy and for some, it may be hard depending on the person. As marks in unit 3 and unit 4 do matter for the ATAR, there are higher stakes.

The transition from year 10 to the VCE can be difficult for various reasons.  A lot more independent study is required and subjects require more knowledge as well as practice.  If you don’t keep up with the homework, it can snowball. Thus resulting in a lack of basis for unit 3 and unit 4 courses, which will hinder you!

It helps to have an organisational system that works for everyone to help manage and bring some control to the transition!

> Social transition
With less time to go out and more time spent on revision, personal friendships and relationships will be tested.  There will be less time to go out with friends or loved ones and with extracurricular activities too!

Your friends will have less time for you and this can result in personal stress. This will be a part of reality. Studying with friends will make studying and the social transition better.

The notion of family support will become more important as they will stabilise things for you, especially when relationships become unstuck.

There is also an element of isolation that will come with spending less time with friends (and maybe even family). As more hours and days will be spent buckling down in the basement or the bedroom, it can become rather isolating and there will be days where you feel that you want to get out.

Occasionally, take some time out to bring yourself back to Zen.

> Personal transition
The VCE can be a rather testing time on the body and you will need to stay up later or spend less time outdoors.  Students either gain weight from exercising less or lose weight from forgetting about eating due to stress or study.

Good sleep habits, healthy food and a balanced schedule is encouraged to improve your personal health.

>Ending note
It sounds like a rather pessimistic view on things, but these challenges make you stronger and help you mature! If you do ever trouble managing things, speak to a school counsellor (and teachers too), speak to friends and resort to online services (such as headspace and lifeline).