What’s next for Yr 12s?

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YEAR 12’S - YEAR 13?

What a year it’s been for the Coronavirus Class of 2021. The cohort entered its final year of secondary education having barely recovered from the chaos of 2020, and dove head first into what probably takes the cake as the hardest year of schooling ever.

But after a long and stressful year characterised by lockdowns, remote learning and social isolation which took its toll on Year 12s, approximately 76,399 students. As it stands the world has changed remarkably over the past two years, let alone the last 100 years, however the school-to-life transition has remained largely the same. Thousands of teens year after year are feeling intense pressure to make the right choice for their future as the world rapidly changes around them but their support structures do not. The result of this of course has been increased rates of stress on teens who are struggling to find their place.

So, how can we, as parents, support and empower our teens to forge their own pathways in life?

Saxon Phipps, co-founder of Gen Z Digital Platform, Year13, understands this dilemma all too well.

“Growing up, we lost one of our best mates after they couldn’t come to terms with what was next for them following high school. We quickly realised that there was a lack of institutional and societal support for young adults as they embark on one of life’s big moments; the transition within young adulthood. “The transition from twelve years of institutionalised education to an abundance of freedom in making your own big life decisions can be one of the most frightening and stressful experiences in young adulthood, especially for this cohort of Year 12’s who are more accustomed to isolation as a result of remote learning, home schooling and reduced face-toface interactions.” says Saxon. “All of these pressure points alone can cultivate a significant amount of stress and anxiety within our teens, not to mention the additional pressure they place on themselves to achieve their “perfect score”. Modern education has taught our youth that ATAR scores and grades are the greatest measurement of success, which is simply not true in the real world.”

So with all of this in mind, how can we support our teens if they don’t get their magic ATAR score? Remind your teen that their ATAR score is not the only measurement of success.

The ATAR system only measures a very specific way of thinking and ignores all the other ways that somebody can find success. It’s not just parents thinking this either; we surveyed students and recent school-leavers across the country and only 13% of youth agree with the ATAR system. Schools and teachers can be so singular in their approach to the future that we have trouble figuring out what we’re going to do if we don’t achieve the ATAR we set for ourselves. The truth is, using this mark is one way to get where you want. It may be the most direct, but it just isn’t for everyone, nor is it the only way.

While there is an abundance of courses and pathways to choose from, it can be easy for teens to feel lost and overwhelmed with the options after receiving their ATAR score: “Do I want to go straight into uni?” “Do I want to take a gap year?” “Do I even like science or is it just one of my strengths?”

“What if I go straight into full-time work?” This is where it is important for parents to remind teens to gravitate towards their hobbies, strengths and passion-points. Encourage them to put more time into the things that fuel them with the most passion and excitement, even if it means trying something new and unexpected. Big things never came from comfort zones.

Encourage your teen to take a gap year.

Whether you love it or hate it, gap years are where young adults can learn the most about themselves.

Now that your teen is entering an exciting new world of adulthood, it is truly a great opportunity for them to venture out of their comfort zone, take the time to re-assess their priorities and perhaps revisit tertiary education once they have had some more life experience. Taking a gap year to travel abroad (internationally or locally) is an incredible way for Z’ers to immerse themselves in a new environment, own their independence as well as celebrate their achievements after a tough year.

Attend open days and get to know course coordinators.

If your teen has their heart set on a specific course but didn’t get the score, be sure to attend university open days and get to know the course coordinators. It’s a great way for your teen to get their foot in the door and to be considered for mid-year university intake.

Check out year13.com.au for tools and advice.

We work with Gen Z’ers everyday and understand how tough it can be. Year13 exists to help alleviate the additional stressors for young people by sharing unique life hacks and real world advice to help them with their next big life decision. We want to empower young people to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives by providing career and life advice that help young people find the right opportunity that is true to their being.

For more information visit www.year13.com.au