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[elmobluey]

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[colline]

Hey elmobluey! I am so excited to see this journal pop up because I don’t usually see a lot of aspiring vets around the forum! I didn’t do QCE (I’m from Victoria) but I did the VCE equivalent of similar subjects and will be studying BSc/DVM at Melbourne Uni next year so if you have any questions I can have a crack at answering them. Good luck for your journey - I can’t wait to read more!

[Bri MT]

Hi!

Welcome to the forums!

Congratulations on all of your progress in clarinet! I played saxophone all through high school and planned on sitting an AMEB exam in year 12 but it didn't end up happening.

I'm the height of a 10 year old but I swear I'm not that young

I'm closer to average height now but this used to be a hard relate. I remember being asked if I was a visiting primary school student by another high school student when I was literally wearing the (completely different) high school uniform :/. I actually miss being super short though.


I don't think you're insane for your subjects at all. My school didn't offer spec but I did do all STEM subjects (except for having an English subject) and they can definitely complement each other quite well. If you've got any questions at all please do feel free to reach out . How are you going about your holiday study?

If you get 98.50 you should be well in the clear in terms of ATAR requirements for basically any course you want. It's a hard goal so just be careful that it acts as a source of motivation rather than a stressful cage.

From what I've heard your school is not at all alone. There's certainly been lots of students dropping out and panic about grades. It's fairly normal across other states for people to experience a temporary drop in their grades as they start the final two years but in Queensland that seem to be happening on a whole other level.

Best of luck with the journey ahead!

Hey elmobluey! I am so excited to see this journal pop up because I don’t usually see a lot of aspiring vets around the forum! I didn’t do QCE (I’m from Victoria) but I did the VCE equivalent of similar subjects and will be studying BSc/DVM at Melbourne Uni next year so if you have any questions I can have a crack at answering them. Good luck for your journey - I can’t wait to read more!

QCE does have a lot of overlap with VCE and HSC so lots of advice info etc. is still relevant

[K.Smithy]

Hi, welcome to the forums! The AN community is one of the most kind and welcoming communities I know, I hope you enjoy your time here 😉

• I play the Clarinet! (Grade 8 AMEB if anyone's interested lol. I'll be doing Certificate of Performance in May)

Oooh, I used to play clarinet (6 years ago in my school band)

Senior subjects

• English
• Maths Methods
• Maths Specialist
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology

Yes! A fellow STEM lover We are doing very similar subjects (except I study psychology instead of chemistry and religion is compulsory). I would have loved to study specialist but my school doesn't offer it, unfortunately  My friend is studying it externally, however, and she loves it! I'm keen to find out what you think of it.

Goals for 2020 and 2021
Maintain A's!! (clearly I couldn't do that this year. Unfortunately, I slacked off too much and I KNEW this would happen. I just gave up..)

This is a good goal and will definitely help you on your path to achieving your desired ATAR. Just make sure you don't put too much pressure on yourself tho! I had the same goal this year and I put too much pressure on myself and focussed too much on getting the grades I wanted - rather than actually focusing on learning. My tip would be to make it your goal to understand all of the content and learn everything you need to know. If you understand the content you won't have to worry too much about whether or not you'll get an A

Now, a lot of people have told me this already. Yes, I know i'm absolutely insane for choosing these subjects. However, I am prepared for the death that will come upon me during the next two years ><. I love maths and science. I know the amount of work people have to put in and I know how rigorous these subjects are. I've actually started preparing.. I bought many textbooks and I'm currently studying over these 8 weeks. I know. WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU'RE INSANE ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS11!!1. The thing is, I AM enjoying my holidays. I know my limits and when I need to take breaks etc. (actually taking a break from studying right now)

Haha everyone told me I was insane too. And yeah, the STEM workload can be overwhelming at times, but with organisation, discipline, and support (whether it be from friends, teachers, family or the AN community) you can get through it

My school is currently struggling at lot.. I guess Cairns isn't THAT rural of a city, but I don't know why our current year 11's are struggling so much. Many people aren't achieving well. A's in subjects are basically nonexistent and many people are dropping out of atar. A WHOLE ENTIRE METHODS CLASS dropped out... About 50% of the grade changed subjects too. Is this just happening in my school?

Don't worry, my school is the same. A lot of people have opted out of taking an ATAR path or dropped out of school completely. And pretty much everyones grades dropped (it is a big jump - if you're grades drop at the beginning too, dw too much about it. You will still be able to get back up to As one bad test/assignment won't completely ruin your report card). As for methods, my school only has one methods class and we lost about half of class by the end of Unit 1...

A lot of people change subjects because they realise that it may not be necessary for uni or it may just be placing too much pressure them. It's ok to change your mind about subjects, but from the sounds of it you seem pretty set and I'm sure you'll do really well

Now, our school is becoming really strict on who is able to do atar subjects and is attempting to lower the amount of students changing subjects
Basically,

• If you get <B in English, you are only allowed to do applied subjects and you can't get an atar
• If you get <B in maths, you are only allowed to do general or essential maths
• If you get <B in science, you can only do aquatic practices

My school did something similar, not to this extreme however. For most general subjects, you were able to get in with only a C in grade 10 English (the only exception being literature - where you needed a B I'm pretty sure).
Maths was the same.
As for the sciences, the requirements were only a C in English and a C in science. Except for physics where there was a requirement for a B in maths, and chemistry where a B in science was required.

Even if you didn't achieve the required grades, however, after discussions with the head of curriculum at our school, you may still be able to get into a desired subject.

Ah.. another ridiculous thing. My school has suddenly banned mobile phones!? Maybe I'll rant about it another day..

Same here. Ours wasn't for academic reasons however. Some students were using their phones and social media inappropriately so now we are not allowed on our phones. If you continuously use your phone after being warned you can get expelled. They also banned headphones too for some reason??? which is driving me insane because I can't concentrate in class without them...

I will update when I can! Probably on the first day of school. Have a nice day! ><

I'm excited to see where this journal goes! Enjoy your holidays

[SmartWorker]

Hi all!
I hope y'all are having a great Christmas holidays:)) I came across AN a few months ago and I think it's amazing! Hopefully one day, I will gain enough knowledge and confidence to share tips and advice for this community!

A little about me?

• Class of 2021!
• I live in the small town of Cairns and I go to a public school of around 1700 students ><
• I play the Clarinet! (Grade 8 AMEB if anyone's interested lol. I'll be doing Certificate of Performance in May)
• Yeah I play the clarinet, but I my interest for it is basically non-existent now...
• I speak cantonese
• I'm the height of a 10 year old but I swear I'm not that young
• uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Senior subjects

• English
• Maths Methods
• Maths Specialist
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology

Goals for 2020 and 2021
Wishing for that 99.95. My actual goal is for at least a 98.50. I'm currently keeping an eye on this BSc/DVM course at UoM. But really, if any uni accepts me that would be great lmao.
Maintain A's!! (clearly I couldn't do that this year. Unfortunately, I slacked off too much and I KNEW this would happen. I just gave up..)
Stay motivated!
Work hard because it will all pay off in the end!


Now, a lot of people have told me this already. Yes, I know i'm absolutely insane for choosing these subjects. However, I am prepared for the death that will come upon me during the next two years ><. I love maths and science. I know the amount of work people have to put in and I know how rigorous these subjects are. I've actually started preparing.. I bought many textbooks and I'm currently studying over these 8 weeks. I know. WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU'RE INSANE ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS11!!1. The thing is, I AM enjoying my holidays. I know my limits and when I need to take breaks etc. (actually taking a break from studying right now)

I've had many senior friends and I've always wanted to understand what they go on about in chemistry etc. I know what I'm getting myself into.. and I'm excited for it (lol nerd alert). I'm literally so excited to get more in depth in science. I've heard that they overlap a lot and I'm already seeing it in what I've been studying which is exciting. The amount of physics in specialist maths is also really surprising? And of course there is a lot of maths in physics especially. I think overall, each of my subjects will appear or possible help in one way or another.


My school is currently struggling at lot.. I guess Cairns isn't THAT rural of a city, but I don't know why our current year 11's are struggling so much. Many people aren't achieving well. A's in subjects are basically nonexistent and many people are dropping out of atar. A WHOLE ENTIRE METHODS CLASS dropped out... About 50% of the grade changed subjects too. Is this just happening in my school? Now, our school is becoming really strict on who is able to do atar subjects and is attempting to lower the amount of students changing subjects
Basically,

• If you get <B in English, you are only allowed to do applied subjects and you can't get an atar
• If you get <B in maths, you are only allowed to do general or essential maths
• If you get <B in science, you can only do aquatic practices

However, there are SOME expectations e.g. if a student fails science one term, but have been getting A's in the past, they are still about to do chem, bio, physics etc. So, because of these new rules, a good 100 students in my grade of around 300 aren't able to do the science/maths subject they want. It seems pretty strict? Is this just happening in my school?
Ah.. another ridiculous thing. My school has suddenly banned mobile phones!? Maybe I'll rant about it another day..

I will update when I can! Probably on the first day of school. Have a nice day! ><

Hey elmobluey, I am in the class of 2021 too and doing the exact same subjects as you! How do you find Bio?

[Bri MT]

Hey!

You've got a couple of lectures that would be suitable for you running at the same time, which ones have you picked?

The text list for QCE English can be found here. There's quite a lot on there for teachers to choose from but Hamlet is on the list so it could come up

If you need to take a break in the next 10 days please also feel free to do that to help you be refreshed for the new school year. Sounds like you've taken a studious and focused approach - most students don't study every day of the holidays!


Can't believe everything is coming up so soon, best of luck for it all

[ashmi]

Hi elmobluey! Just stumbled onto your journal and I love how you are aiming for the stars

I've picked Unit's 1&2 Chemistry and Methods!

Chemistry and Methods are definitely going to be one epic combo. Out of the subjects you do (or will be doing in the future), which one do you think you will enjoy the most?

I guess I've had a mini break around christmas, but I will take a break if I feel the need, definitely!

100% recommend taking a few more breaks before the academic year starts. You never know what inspiration you might find
I'm really looking forward to reading more about your QCE journey and good luck!

[Bri MT]

Thank you for reading ashmi!
Hmmmm. I've been doing a mix of the science subjects. I find them all really interesting! So I will probably enjoy one of them the most. I will give my impressions of my classes after a few weeks maybe.
To my surprise, Specialist maths is actually quite helpful too!
As for a bigger break, I will probably get back into some drawing and painting before school starts again !

Again, I hope you all have a great day!

I very much approve of the science message

If you feel comfortable, you could always share your artwork here or in the creative corner - could help make sure you don't indefinitely procrastinate it (which is 100% what I tend to do with things like that).

[Bri MT]

Hey

I hope your homework isn't too overwhelming! Seems like you're not having much trouble with your subject content so I'm guessing it's just the sheer quantity of it that's the issue?

Glad you're finding bio - the best science - really interesting!

Good luck to you for this term too

[Bri MT]

HELLO!!
Oh my goodness. I haven't updated in a WHILE. I've been studying quite a lot... And looking back, I just realised how much has changed in the past month!
I think I'll post my Term 1 results here so I can reflect on them again in the future.

Spoiler

English: B
Expected honestly? My teacher doesn't give very good feedback. All she gave us was a vague checklist and whenever I asked for further help, she just went back to the checklist and didn't help me. But with the amount of effect I put into the Biographical essay we had to do, a B is reasonable

Methods: B+
Okay I was really disappointed because my expectations of myself are too high.. I thought I was pretty prepared but I misinterpreted a Complex Familiar question incorrectly and lost 4 marks . But I've been studying maths a lot. I'm trying my best to get better!!   

Biology: B
Again, with my high expectations, I was pretty sad for a few days. With the amount of work I put in, i thought I would've done better and because I double up on Bio, i probably should've lmao.

Chemistry: B/B+? (a 7/10)
Expected. Made a few silly mistakes. There was quite a whacky question too.

SL Bio: 6
Really happy with this. Got a few calculations wrong and made some silly mistakes again. I need to do better in QCAA Bio though.. I'm getting a head start in Ecology and genetics soon

Physics: C
HAHAHA OH MY. Physics this term was chaotic. We did a practice exam which i kept falling asleep in. I did not take it seriously AT ALL. 0% EFFORT. Because it was a practise exam. I slept through most of it. And I was going to study a lot more for it after, based off the exam. Then Covid-19 kicked in and my actual exam was cancelled so they used the practice exam results for my report card... BUT luckily the teachers bumped up everyone's scores up a mark. But still......... BIG OOF.

MORAL OF THE STUDY: TAKE YOUR PRACTISE EXAMS SERIOUSLY BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHEN A PANDEMIC MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN!!

Anyways, after some moping, i got over it. I guess I was disappointed because I had studied on ~170 hours a month.. I have a lot to improve on and I realised this is an excellent time to develop better studying techniques and on myself.

I think I might start a blog too? Mostly focusing on studying as well and other high school topics. I wanna earn a little side money from content creation at some point hehe.

I hope everyone's been holding up well with quarantine!
Time to head to the physics thread to ask a question.
Bye !!

Ooft. Over in the VCE section there's talk about people using year 11 results as a back up plan for calculating the ATAR. This year has really thrown havoc with the idea of "safe" assessments.

I would really encourage you not to measure your success in studying by your results but by your understanding. I'm glad you've come to the realisation that year 11 is a great time to learn about yourself and what works for you because I couldn't agree more!

Also I love ecology (it's my major at uni) so definitely hit me up if you have any questions about that


How are you finding the change to online learning?

[s110820]

HELLO!!
Oh my goodness. I haven't updated in a WHILE. I've been studying quite a lot... And looking back, I just realised how much has changed in the past month!
I think I'll post my Term 1 results here so I can reflect on them again in the future.

Spoiler

English: B
Expected honestly? My teacher doesn't give very good feedback. All she gave us was a vague checklist and whenever I asked for further help, she just went back to the checklist and didn't help me. But with the amount of effect I put into the Biographical essay we had to do, a B is reasonable

Methods: B+
Okay I was really disappointed because my expectations of myself are too high.. I thought I was pretty prepared but I misinterpreted a Complex Familiar question incorrectly and lost 4 marks . But I've been studying maths a lot. I'm trying my best to get better!!   

Biology: B
Again, with my high expectations, I was pretty sad for a few days. With the amount of work I put in, i thought I would've done better and because I double up on Bio, i probably should've lmao.

Chemistry: B/B+? (a 7/10)
Expected. Made a few silly mistakes. There was quite a whacky question too.

SL Bio: 6
Really happy with this. Got a few calculations wrong and made some silly mistakes again. I need to do better in QCAA Bio though.. I'm getting a head start in Ecology and genetics soon

Physics: C
HAHAHA OH MY. Physics this term was chaotic. We did a practice exam which i kept falling asleep in. I did not take it seriously AT ALL. 0% EFFORT. Because it was a practise exam. I slept through most of it. And I was going to study a lot more for it after, based off the exam. Then Covid-19 kicked in and my actual exam was cancelled so they used the practice exam results for my report card... BUT luckily the teachers bumped up everyone's scores up a mark. But still......... BIG OOF.

MORAL OF THE STUDY: TAKE YOUR PRACTISE EXAMS SERIOUSLY BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHEN A PANDEMIC MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN!!

Anyways, after some moping, i got over it. I guess I was disappointed because I had studied on ~170 hours a month.. I have a lot to improve on and I realised this is an excellent time to develop better studying techniques and on myself.

I think I might start a blog too? Mostly focusing on studying as well and other high school topics. I wanna earn a little side money from content creation at some point hehe.

I hope everyone's been holding up well with quarantine!
Time to head to the physics thread to ask a question.
Bye !!

Hi, Elmobluey,

I definitely agree with what Bri was saying about don't "measure your success" by your results. I was actually going to say something similar -- that your grades should not define you as an individual or how much you understand a certain subject, but of course, Bri beat me to it!  Anyway, if you do need any help with English or Biology, I would be more than happy to help, especially because I don't do Methods, Chemistry or Physics lol.

And about your blog, go for it! I would love to read it. And yeah quarantine has been okay for me, in terms of school and stuff, except for my "heavy content" subjects of General Maths and Bio, oops but I'm working on it

Have a great weekend,

Darcy Dillon.