Year 12 Class of 2013 Discussion Thread

[lala1911]

My term 2:
Definitely not like the first term. The workload is more intense and there are more frequent SACs popping up. A lot more stress. A lot more content. The thoughts of possible study scores overshadow you constantly. I feel that SACs are becoming much more important and that creates a load of stress to achieve higher marks.

Lol, in terms of my overall health, it's the worst it's been probably, although I can handle it. My overall health has been deteriorating since I started high school. My shoulders are strained like crazy. Every minute of the day, I feel my shoulder blades aching an screaming in pain. My legs feel as if venous pooling is occurring 24/7 and I've probably gone insane (if I wasn't already).

I'd say it's not that bad though. I can cope with this for a few more months. November 18th I will host the biggest celebration of my life (my final exam)

[simba]

I was at the point a few days ago that I just wanted to give up on VCE... I've been feeling like the biggest idiot in classes lately. Every class apart from methods I'm struggling in, and I can't concentrate on anything and was freaking out with all the SAC's punching me in the face!
Then my outlook totally changed when I was sitting in my study yesterday. I thought I'd be lucky to get 60% on my recent spesh SAC, and I got the result and I received a 'very high', which is 85-100%. I've just been too harsh on myself lately, and didn't realise until then..
 
I guesss a lot of us have been struggling, but only 7 months left and it will totally be worth it! We can freaking do it guys, the VCE demon will be defeated!!!

[jeanweasley]

A few days ago, I felt really intimidated by people doing science/math based subjects. I don't know why I felt like that but maybe it was just because of all the talk about study scores and scaling and I'm here doing all the low scaled subjects. Everyone keeps talking about how well they're doing, how good everything is but I can't help feel intimidated or looked down upon by those doing the "Asian 5" or similar subjects not that they are literally doing anything. I just feel intimidated.

I'm not saying that it's happening to me here but outside school and browsing through forum topics just targets, I guess, my insecurity and it really does affect me. I also feel like even though I work hard, I don't think it's going to be enough to get a raw 50 for any subject. I don't know if it's because I see too many discussions about study scores that I feel overwhelmed? I don't know. And whilst I'm comfortable with my subjects, I feel like I should have chosen something that scaled up just because I feel that I'd have to work hard to get a good score because my subjects do not or only scale by a fraction. I mean, past students keep saying that oh, they always almost got perfect scores for their SACs and they aced the exam, yada yada yada. And I'm here thinking, wait, I'm barely doing any of that. What will my outcome be?

Another insecurity of mine is that Revolutions is so hard and that whilst I enjoy it, there's a creeping fear that I'll never be good enough. I think of myself as Gaara, he was never born with powers like Naruto yet he worked hard and he eventually got to the point where he could use his ninjustsu skills. But on the other hand, I can't keep thinking that Naruto because he's born with the nine tailed fox will always be better, because he has innate powers. And I'm here likening myself to someone who always has to work hard to achieve their dreams and not blessed with any innate intellect.

I think I'm just thinking too much but I just can't suppress these feelings . Maybe it's just VCE sickness. I don't know. I would love to read a reply!

[Sapphire]

Hey guys,
I'm a little late but it's nice to meet you all Really nice support network you have going here!

Yeah, I'm going through that SAC overload too, I have one everyday from Tuesday to Friday. It's kinda overwhelming, but if so many people have done it before us, we can do it too.

jean, I think no matter what someone's subjects are, there will be those feelings of insecurity. I'm doing all Maths/science subjects, with English being a breath of fresh air, and like Simba, with the exception of Methods, I feel my abilities are inadequate. Unless you're somebody who is just really sure of themselves, those feelings are natural, and some awareness/feeling of not being good enough, and the strive for improvement is actually quite healthy I think so long as its balanced by a sense of 'I can do this'. Sorry, I haven't really addressed your concerns directly, but keep at it, and I'm sure you'll be more than fine

Side note: is there anybody else doing spesh with distance ed?

[simba]

Side note: is there anybody else doing spesh with distance ed?

Welcome eclipse!

I'm doing spesh by distance too How have you been finding it?

[s.ay]

I'm not saying that it's happening to me here but outside school and browsing through forum topics just targets, I guess, my insecurity and it really does affect me. I also feel like even though I work hard, I don't think it's going to be enough to get a raw 50 for any subject. I don't know if it's because I see too many discussions about study scores that I feel overwhelmed? I don't know. And whilst I'm comfortable with my subjects, I feel like I should have chosen something that scaled up just because I feel that I'd have to work hard to get a good score because my subjects do not or only scale by a fraction. I mean, past students keep saying that oh, they always almost got perfect scores for their SACs and they aced the exam, yada yada yada. And I'm here thinking, wait, I'm barely doing any of that. What will my outcome be?

Another insecurity of mine is that Revolutions is so hard and that whilst I enjoy it, there's a creeping fear that I'll never be good enough. I think of myself as Gaara, he was never born with powers like Naruto yet he worked hard and he eventually got to the point where he could use his ninjustsu skills. But on the other hand, I can't keep thinking that Naruto because he's born with the nine tailed fox will always be better, because he has innate powers. And I'm here likening myself to someone who always has to work hard to achieve their dreams and not blessed with any innate intellect.

I think I'm just thinking too much but I just can't suppress these feelings . Maybe it's just VCE sickness. I don't know. I would love to read a reply!

Hey Jean!

Okay, so I can definitely relate with those overwhelming feelings when it comes to hearing/reading discussions around study scores and SAC marks. I find it so hard to get away from the numbers and separate them from the subjects, but recently I have been trying to see the year as an opportunity to learn rather than an arena for insane competition. I don't know, maybe it's better to not focus on the rankings and to just immerse yourself in a class. The numbers will take care of themselves.

Also, with Revs, I was always questioning my ability. The amount of content and depth of understanding makes it difficult to ever feel 100% confident, but don't fear. From what I have experienced it is a feeling which is fairly universal. Our whole class felt like that for majority of the year, but with constant revision it came together I adored Revs and miss it so so much. Try to focus on each component of the course as it comes along and make notes accordingly. Organisation is key!

Sorry if this is of no help whatsoever, but I really do hope VCE sickness subsides soon!

[Sapphire]

Thanks Simba

I thought I'd be lucky to get 60% on my recent spesh SAC, and I got the result and I received a 'very high', which is 85-100%.

Exactly what happened to me... Except I thought I'd get 50%. After that SAC, I was considering dropping the subject. I got a bit teary when my coordinator handed me back the result haha. So, I'm finding it okay. I'm struggling more with self-teaching, than actually doing the work. That's why I'm going to get a tutor. I spend way too much time trying to understand all these new concepts on my own and while its doable, it's just not time efficient, or any type of efficient.

How are you finding Distance?

[McFleurry]

this is kinda random, but I MET THUSHAN TODAY!!
*mind blown*

1. A few days ago, I felt really intimidated by people doing science/math based subjects.
2. I feel like I should have chosen something that scaled up just because I feel that I'd have to work hard to get a good score because my subjects do not or only scale by a fraction.And I'm here thinking, wait, I'm barely doing any of that. What will my outcome be?
3. Another insecurity of mine is that Revolutions is so hard and that whilst I enjoy it, there's a creeping fear that I'll never be good enough. And I'm here likening myself to someone who always has to work hard to achieve their dreams and not blessed with any innate intellect.

I've numbered for convenience.
1. Wow, I actually feel the opposite. I've always been sh*t scared of humanities subjects simply because there's no perfect answer. All these dates and why someone did something(what was their one, true motive?!!!!) just boggles me. So, I have this massive admiration for people who decide that they're gonna dedicate one or more of their subjects in vce to history etc.
2. Do you think you would have enjoyed such a subject?    re: bold bit. Hum: I think we all feel that way, what ever subjects we take. I'm sure each and every student in vce is worrying about how much they're doing, if it's enough, if there's anything more. I would say to take a deep breath, and just work efficiently, and persevere, and not feel deflated and stressed when you hear someone else say they've studied for 4 hours each day on this sac, for the past 30 years, when you've only started during the weekend.
3. re: 1&2.  BE POSITIVE! Ask yourself why you chose Revs in the first place. I'm sure you love history, or at least you are interested in it. Keep reminding yourself why. Hard work is hard, but it is worth it. Keep on going and stay positive. (nb, if the threads are making you feel sad, don't look at them. Being mentally strong during vce is key.)

I would love to read a reply!

Was my reply okay?

[Lasercookie]

A few days ago, I felt really intimidated by people doing science/math based subjects. I don't know why I felt like that but maybe it was just because of all the talk about study scores and scaling and I'm here doing all the low scaled subjects. Everyone keeps talking about how well they're doing, how good everything is but I can't help feel intimidated or looked down upon by those doing the "Asian 5" or similar subjects not that they are literally doing anything. I just feel intimidated.

Scaling really isn't a measure of difficulty of a subject either, it's a measure of something statistical of which the details I forget. I guess you have to consider that quite a few science/maths students aren't overly geared to arts subjects, or even VCE English.

I also feel like even though I work hard, I don't think it's going to be enough to get a raw 50 for any subject. I don't know if it's because I see too many discussions about study scores that I feel overwhelmed? I don't know.

Yeah, I think the best approach is really to just focus on the things that you can change right now. The calculation of study scores isn't something students have to decide, VCAA does that work for us. I really do think it's best to forget about those details and just focus purely on doing the best you can and enjoying your subjects and year 12.

And whilst I'm comfortable with my subjects, I feel like I should have chosen something that scaled up just because I feel that I'd have to work hard to get a good score because my subjects do not or only scale by a fraction.

I kinda figured at some point last year what's the point of education if you're just in it for a score at the end? It's much better to do the subjects that interest you, rather than just trudging through a subject you hate just because it scales up. It's easier to put in the effort when you like a subject too.

I should also point out that some subjects like Revolutions does actually scale up once you look at the 40+ interval. And below that for Revolutions it pretty much stays the same.

[jeanweasley]

I have been trying to see the year as an opportunity to learn rather than an arena for insane competition. I don't know, maybe it's better to not focus on the rankings and to just immerse yourself in a class. The numbers will take care of themselves.

Thanks. I guess that really is the best way of trying to think about it. I'm slightly feeling better since everyone's replies to point out the fact that VCE shouldn't be competition. It should be about learning, about doing the subjects that you love and makes you feel comfortable. Thanks again for reminding me. Sometimes, I, like all the other students feel like we're competing when what we should be doing is enjoying education.

I would say to take a deep breath, and just work efficiently, and persevere, and not feel deflated and stressed when you hear someone else say they've studied for 4 hours each day on this sac, for the past 30 years, when you've only started during the weekend.

That's really good advice. I think I find that when people talk about how much time they've studied, how many practice questions they've done and all that, stresses me out. It's not like  I haven't studied. If I think about it, I've probably done the same as them but it's the mentality that 'oh my god, how will I cope if she/he studied for x amount of times' or the stereotypical 'x is so smart, I feel bad already."

re: 1&2.  BE POSITIVE! Ask yourself why you chose Revs in the first place. I'm sure you love history, or at least you are interested in it. Keep reminding yourself why. Hard work is hard, but it is worth it.  Keep on going and stay positive. (nb, if the threads are making you feel sad, don't look at them. Being mentally strong during vce is key.

Yeah. I love history and I like facts and past events. I feel like it gives me an insight into the future and how the world works. But sometimes it's like walking uphill and you're doing fine for the first 200 m and then you've no energy left to proceed and or you're feeling down because you're the last one in the race. I'll definitely keep in mind your advice. I'm usually positive but lately, I have fallen into the trap of thinking that if you're too positive, you're just setting yourself up for a tragic ending.

I kinda figured at some point last year what's the point of education if you're just in it for a score at the end?

Fair point. I think I'm just going to push away all the negative thoughts and believe in myself. I can do it. I will be able to do it. And I will get where I want to be when I work hard enough.

--
Also, I just want to say how I'm thankful to each and everyone of you that has replied. I've been reminded that the point of education isn't competition, it's learning and that even though you might have insecurities, you just have to be positive.

I LOVE YOU ALL ~

[McFleurry]

I love you guys too <3

(not being that creepy person through internet...)

[Stick]

When VCE's done, I want all of us to meet in a park and sit down on the grass in a circle and hold hands with our eyes closed and do absolutely nothing else. Who's in?

[McFleurry]

ME!

We have to meet up! It would be great to meet everyone in our 'online cohort'

[Stick]

I put more emphasis on being able to sit on the grass in a circle and holding hands with our eyes closed.

[simba]

Exactly what happened to me... Except I thought I'd get 50%. After that SAC, I was considering dropping the subject. I got a bit teary when my coordinator handed me back the result haha. So, I'm finding it okay. I'm struggling more with self-teaching, than actually doing the work. That's why I'm going to get a tutor. I spend way too much time trying to understand all these new concepts on my own and while its doable, it's just not time efficient, or any type of efficient.

How are you finding Distance?

Oh that's great that you did well, congrats!
Yeah, the concepts are fairly hard to get a grasp on doing it alone, but there aren't really any spesh tutors around where I live, and I don't think the travel sacrifice is worth it...
I get really confused haha, one second I'll think 'oh, spesh is fine,' then next second I'll be having a mini mental breakdown. So I have mixed emotions towards doing it by distance. Either way it beats HHD, which is what I would have been doing if I decided against spesh!