Change of preference 2015 (low res)

SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

13

Change of Preference

A gui guide to hi higher education

Students urged to seek advice Shepparton Christian College VCE teacher Jason Ross said careers advisers continue to be a valuable source of information for graduated Year 12 students.

School may be out for the region’s Year 12 student cohort but graduates are advised to maintain close contact with career advisers when VCE results are released on December 14.

Shepparton Christian College VCE teacher and career adviser Jason Ross said results time could be emotional and challenging for some students but encouraged them to consult their families and teachers about their study aspirations.

“My advice to students all along has been to place their dream course at number one,” Mr Ross said.

“Have a back-up plan and be happy with the study preferences you choose so that even if you don’t get the required ATAR for your favoured course those other courses will still work for you.”

Mr Ross said students who didn’t receive the required ATAR for their chosen course had many pathways available including TAFE courses, work experience or bridging diplomas offered by some universities.

Another option was to canvass different institutions that offered courses with the same qualification but a reduced entry score.

He said the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre change of preference period opened on November 23 and students would be able to add, remove or reorder course preferences up until December 21.

“There are several opportunities for students to change their preferences, for the first time VTAC will re-open change of preference

when the first round of university offers are made in January,” Mr Ross said.

He encouraged parents to continue to be supportive during the postresults period and ask open-ended questions to help determine what their individual student’s strengths were and how they may relate to further study.

Various websites were helpful to students researching their options including the VTAC website, myfuture.gov.au and the Australian government job guide site that gives general career information and the qualifications and skills required for different careers.

“Now that the pressure of exams has finished, students can get a clear head and take their time to think about the next step,” Mr Ross said.

Dates to remember November 23 Change of Preference opens at 10 am on the VTAC website for undergraduate and graduate entry courses (non teaching).

December 14 VCE and ATAR results available from 7 am online and through the post on Wednesday, December 16.

La Trobe University’s Change of Preference consultation week, Shepparton campus is open from Monday, December 14 to Friday, December 18, 9 am to 5 pm. Register at latrobe.edu.au/ events/all/change-of-preference/registration December 15 Australian Catholic University information session, Melbourne is open from noon to 4 pm. Register at life-less-ordinary.acu.edu.au/campaign/vicschool-leaver-change-of-preference Deakin University information night, Burwood campus 4 pm to 7 pm. Register at choose.deakin. edu.au/events December 16 Melbourne University’s information day, Parkville campus is open from 10 am to 2.30 pm. Register at coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au/change-ofpreference#campus Monash University’s change of preference expo, Berwick campus is open from 10 am to noon. More information at monash.edu/news/events/show/ change-of-preference-drop-in-expo RMIT’s change of preference expo, Melbourne City campus at 445 Swanston St from 11 am to 2 pm.

Australian Catholic University information session, Ballarat is open from 5 pm to 7 pm. Register at lifeless-ordinary.acu.edu.au/campaign/vic-schoolleaver-change-of-preference December 21 Change of Preference closes at noon on the VTAC website for undergraduate and graduate entry courses (non teaching).

January 18 Round one offers released on VTAC user accounts at 2 pm — each university will have specific dates by which you must accept or defer your offer.

February 4 Round two offers released on VTAC user accounts at 2 pm — each university will have specific dates by which you must accept or defer your offer.

February 22 to 26 University orientation week — check with individual universities for specific dates and activities.

Uni studies close to home

Casey Livingston started her degree at La Trobe University Shepparton this year.

When Kyabram’s Casey Livingston completed Year 12 last year she had countless options available to her.

She was initially accepted into a course in Orange, NSW but reconsidered and made the decision to study close to home.

Casey recently completed the first year of the Bachelor of Applied Science/Masters of Physiotherapy degree at the La Trobe Shepparton campus and from next year will complete the remainder of the degree at the university’s Bendigo campus.

“Being able to study my first year of physiotherapy at the Shepparton campus has made for an easier transition into university life,” Casey said.

“With smaller class sizes I have been able to connect one-on-one with my lecturers.

“In Year 12 I was so focused on getting into the larger uni campuses, but completing my first year at La Trobe Shepparton has allowed me to have the best of both worlds as I have been able to

transition into uni within a smaller environment and get used to university expectations,” she said.

Casey will move to the Bendigo campus next year to complete the remainder of her four-year degree.

“Having gone through this myself last year I know how stressful the change of preference period is, especially if you don’t quite meet the expectation you have set for yourself,” Casey said.

“I sought help from Jess Croft, the La Trobe University Shepparton campus careers counsellor, who assisted me and ultimately guided my decision to do my first year of my physiotherapy course at the Shepparton campus.

“My advice to Year 12 students about to go through this process is to seek help and advice from your school careers counsellors or people like Jess in the uni who are there to help during this time.”

For more information about La Trobe University visit www.latrobe.edu.au/prefer

14 SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

I AM choosing my own pathway

GOTAFE offers a real world learning experience in a range of industries.

Start your journey with GOTAFE in 2016.

APPLY NOW For more information about our courses visit gotafe.vic.edu.au ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT | AGRICULTURE & DAIRY | ANIMAL SCIENCES | ART & DESIGN | AUTOMOTIVE BAKING & PATISSERIE | BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION | COMMUNITY SERVICES | CONSERVATION & LAND MANAGEMENT DIGITAL MEDIA | ELECTROTECHNOLOGY | EQUINE | EVENT MANAGEMENT | FOOD PROCESSING | GENERAL EDUCATION HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY | HEALTH & NURSING | HORTICULTURE | HOSPITALITY | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY KOORIE EDUCATION | MANUFACTURING | MEAT PROCESSING | MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION | OH&S | PERFORMING ARTS | PLUMBING & GAS FITTING | SPORT & RECREATION | TEACHING & TRAINING | TOURISM | TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

gotafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (RTO 3094) ZO522621

SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Change of Preference 2015

15

A guide to higher high her e education ducation

Varied paths lead to common goal University of Melbourne Rural Clinical School students Joel van Weel, Nimita Origanti, James Trotta, Ellie Bowditch.

NIMITA ORIGANTI, 23, spent her formative years in Mildura, completed VCE studies in Melbourne before undertaking a double degree, Bachelor of Biomedicine and Laws at Monash University, Clayton.

“Throughout Year 12 I was very indecisive and changed my mind regularly about further study. Initially I settled on human rights law but as I progressed through my double degree I found I was prioritising my science subjects ahead of my law subjects,” Nimita said.

“Once I got to my fourth year and thought about my post-graduate

options I leaned towards medicine.”

She has enjoyed her clinical study in Shepparton’s rural setting and is excited by the many choices medicine offers.

“Every clinical rotation gives you a taste, medicine is such a broad field it’s difficult to make a choice about specialising without actually experiencing it,” Nimita said.

She will spend the next two years at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital.

JAMES TROTTA, 24, always intended to pursue medicine and arrived at the Doctor of Medicine via a traditional pathway — studying Biomedicine at University of Melbourne.

He said Biomedicine was a good foundation for further medical studies and during his time in Shepparton had experienced emergency, general medicine, surgery and anaesthesia rotations.

“I have always enjoyed science and medicine is a great way to connect that with people. Medicine is the perfect interface between science and humanity,” James said.

The final two years of James’ studies will be completed at Royal Melbourne Hospital and he is considering specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology or emergency medicine.

JOEL VAN WEEL, 25, completed a four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Monash University’s Peninsula campus and worked in the field for 12 months to consolidate his knowledge before undertaking further study.

He presently works part-time in the physiotherapy unit at Goulburn Valley Health, which Joel said reinforced his medical training, and will complete the final two years of study as an extended rural cohort at Shepparton Medical Centre.

Joel grew up in Jindabyne, NSW, and discussed different study pathways with family friends who were doctors before opting for physiotherapy. He is considering specialising in geriatric or palliative care.

To gain access to the Doctor of Medicine, students must complete an undergraduate degree in any discipline and the prerequisite subjects of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.

Successful applicants have the option of completing up to three of the four years of study at University of Melbourne rural sites in Shepparton,

Wangaratta, Bendigo or Ballarat.

For more information, visit www.sc.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/ prerequisites Access Melbourne assists school leavers who attend the final two years of school living outside Melbourne and Geelong or are from a disadvantaged financial background.

They require lower ATAR scores than metropolitan students to be guaranteed a place at University of Melbourne.

•

78 or above –guarantees a place in environment or science.

•

80 or above — guarantees a place in arts.

•

88 or above — guarantees a place in commerce.

•

95 or above — guarantees a place in biomedicine.

For more information about pathways to medicine and to study at University of Melbourne’s Rural School of Medicine, phone ERC program co-ordinator Di Doyle on 5823 4512.

13308

ELLIE BOWDITCH, 23, was schooled in Benalla and studied literature and arts. Towards the end of Year 12 she realised she wished to pursue medicine but had only completed one science subject.

Accepted into Bachelor of Biomedicine at Deakin University, Burwood, Ellie worked hard to master the undergraduate sciencebased subjects of anatomy, physiology and physics before being accepted into the four-year Doctor of Medicine.

“The purpose of a rural clinical program is to participate in the hospital environment,” Ellie said.

“The first year of study was very theory based, the second year in Shepparton is the first clinical year where we get a real sense of what it’s like to be a doctor and experience a doctor’s lifestyle.”

Ellie will complete the final two years of her study at Ballarat and is considering specialising in ophthalmology.

Joel said he always intended to study medicine and believes physiotherapy had assisted those studies as well as given him the opportunity to support himself financially.

CRICOS: 00116K

Four members of University of Melbourne’s Shepparton Rural Clinical School cohort have taken varied pathways to achieve their ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.

Study Medicine Locally Department of Rural Health 49 Graham St Shepparton T: 03 5823 4500 Email drh-info@unimelb.edu.au Like us on facebook.com/departmentofruralhealth Visit our website www.ruralhealth.unimelb.edu.au

16 SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Change of Preference 2015

A guide to higher education

VCE GRADUATES

Straight to uni

Goal set with Plan B

Mooroopna Secondary College graduate EMILY CORISH, 17, is hopeful her ATAR will allow her to study her first preference — paramedic and health promotion — at La Trobe University, Shepparton next year.

Shepparton High School’s JASKARAN SINGH is aiming to secure a double degree in commerce and finance.

The 18-year-old studied Business, IT, Maths Methods, Accounting and English this year and needs to secure an 85 ATAR to secure his first preference.

He said his goal was to study at Deakin University in Burwood but he had applied to other universities.

“I have put my preferences in to study at Monash University, Deakin University and Melbourne University,” he said.

Jaskaran has also applied to RMIT University for a diploma of commerce, which has a lower ATAR requirement.

enjoyment he had from work experience at the Commonwealth Bank and his Year 12 subjects.

Jaskaran plans to move to Melbourne next year to pursue tertiary education and said while he would like to live on campus his accommodation was already organised.

Emily, who lives in Shepparton, said the four-year course involved studying at the Shepparton campus for the first year before transferring to Bendigo.

Initially she planned to take a gap year before studying in Bendigo but decided it would be more practical to enrol in Shepparton, where she could continue to live at home and maintain her employment at The Overlander Hotel.

Applying to more than one university is recommended to secure a tertiary position, however Jaskaran said he hoped he would get his first preference.

“My sister already lives in Melbourne so I’ll live with her,” he said.

“Having a back-up is a good idea, but if you set a goal you should work towards it,” he said.

He said he was excited to make the move to Melbourne and be independent.

“It made more sense to stay in Shepparton, start studying and earn money at the same time instead of taking a gap year to earn some money,” Emily said.

Jaskaran decided he wanted to pursue commerce after a consultation with his careers adviser.

Jaskaran said he felt his exams went well and that studying with friends who took the same classes helped him get through the exam period.

During Year 12 Emily studied English, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Health and Human Development and Food Technology and fast-tracked

He said he was guided by the

University has always been Jaskaran’s plan.

Business Management in Year 11.

“Year 12 was a good year, it was very social and I had a lot of help from my teachers,” Emily said.

“It was quite stressful in the lead-up to exams though.”

Emily said she has been considering her chosen course for some time.

“I’ve always wanted a job where I would be helping people directly and I find the medical stuff really interesting,” she said.

MAKE YOUR

PREFERENCE

COUNT The results are in and whatever the outcome we’re here to help you achieve entry into your dream course.

ICON 8574 CRICOS Provider 00115M

Visit us on campus to discuss your study options with our Future Student Advisors and Student Ambassadors.

Or call/chat online with our dedicated team to get your questions answered.

Now’s the time to take your next step.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP EXTENDED CONTACT CENTRE HOURS 1300 135 045 Monday 14!–!Tuesday 15 December, 7am!–!7pm Wednesday 16!–!Friday 18 December, 9am!–!5pm Saturday 19!–!Sunday 20 December, 10am!–!3pm

LIVE CHAT latrobe.edu.au/chat BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION Shepparton Campus Monday 14!–!Friday 18 December, 9am!–!5pm latrobe.edu.au/consultations

latrobe.edu.au/prefer facebook.com/latrobe @latrobe @latrobeuni

SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Change of Preference 2015

17

A guide to higher education

GOTAFE opens doors for employment and degrees VCE graduates who are unsure about what to do next year can look to GOTAFE to get job-ready skills or do a course that gives credit points into a university degree.

GOTAFE offers hundreds of nationally recognised courses and provides students with practical hands-on skills, delivered through flexible programs, designed to allow students to follow their passion and increase their employability.

GOTAFE’s university partnerships enables students to receive credit towards further study, providing students with an alternative to direct entry into universities such as La Trobe University, Charles Stuart University and Federation University.

Community Services student Bethany Mugford has a heart for kids and is passionate about creating a better life for those who are faced with challenges outside of their control.

“The training has given me a lot more confidence and self-belief and will assist me to realise my dream goal

“Almost immediately after completing my certificate I secured a part-time job in the industry at a long-day care centre in Marysville where I continue to work, and I also work with children on a special needs school bus that travels to Seymour College.”

Bethany was awarded the GOTAFE Community Services (Children’s Services) Centre Achievement Award for 2014 and was a recent finalist in the Victorian Training Awards, an honour she saw as an opportunity to thank her teachers and trainers.

“It’s a chance to share the positive experience I have had with GOTAFE and to encourage others to consider a similar path.”

Bethany now plans to complete a Diploma in Children’s Services at GOTAFE, with the goal of attending university and becoming an early year’s teacher.

GOTAFE campuses in regional Victoria are located at Shepparton, Wangaratta, Seymour, Benalla, Terang, Warragul and Werribee.

For a full list of available courses visit gotafe.vic.edu.au or phone 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468 233).

CRICOS: 00116K

Bethany Mugford will continue her studies at GOTAFE as a pathway to a university degree.

During her studies at GOTAFE’s Seymour campus, Bethany gained a sound knowledge of the children’s services industry and enjoyed both the practical and theoretical content.

of one day setting up an orphanage overseas,” Bethany said.

Looking for more opportunity in your future studies?

Choose Shepparton ACE College - we can provide you with an exciting range of education for your future career paths.

• Lively and engaging tutorials • Classes held with 10–12 students • An alternate pathway to University Certificate IV Liberal Arts Course (22187VIC)

Diploma of Community Service (CHC52015)

Enrolments will take place in January and June.

Students will develop specialised skills and knowledge to gain employment in the community services sector.

The course aims to develop general knowledge and skills for effective participation at university in the arts and/or social sciences.

WHERE YOUR FUTURE COLLIDES WITH TODAY

Entry Requirements: • Year 12 (VCE or VCAL) • Mature Age Entry or • Demonstrated capacity to study at the required level

cop.unimelb.edu.au/shepparton

On successful completion students may also apply for credit transfers to a range of universities.

Entry Requirements: • Certificate IV in Liberal Arts • Year 12 (VCE) • Mature Age Entry or

Feel free to contact our friendly staff to make an appointment Ph: 03 5831 4029 130 Rowe Street, Shepparton (behind Woolworths)

COURSE INFORMATION DAY Parkville: 16 December 2015 Online: 17 December 2015

• Develop competencies valued in the workplace, including advanced communication skills

E: shepace@iinet.net.au www.sheppartonace.com.au

• Demonstrated capacity to study at the required level

18 SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Change of Preference 2015

A guide to higher education

ACE helps students go further Two women with different stories share a common goal to further their education at the Shepparton ACE College.

Mature-age student Tania Mathers and Tarsha Monshing, 27, have completed Certificate IV in Liberal Arts and are working towards university entry.

Tania Mathers is aiming for a university degree after obtaining a diploma through Shepparton ACE College.

A single mother of five, Ms Mathers said as a victim of domestic violence she had no confidence to re-enter the workforce when her youngest child started school.

“I had no contacts or support here, I had no idea how or what to do. I had read about Shepparton ACE and approached them. I really thought I wasn’t good enough,” Ms Mathers said.

“I had no goals in mind when I started; ACE hasn’t just helped me along the road to get work, it’s given me so much more than that.”

For the next 18 months to two years Ms Mathers will undertake the Diploma of Community Services, which she said will give her the qualifications to work in the field before

ACE pathways

“I want to be able to give back to the organisations that helped me. This is the beginning of everything for me,” Ms Mathers said.

For Tarsha Monshing, Shepparton ACE College has given her the opportunity to open the door to a career that will guarantee her future independence.

The mother of two is a duty manager at Red Rooster and juggled those commitments to complete firstly a Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning followed by Certificate IV in Liberal Arts.

Her next step is a Diploma of Nursing at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE then a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University, Shepparton and eventually midwifery at La Trobe University, Bendigo.

VCE GRADUATE

Shepparton ACE College, in Rowe St offers alternative Shepparton pathways for young people ACE College and adults to further their student Tarsha Monshing is education and access on the pathway university. to a career in Foundation skills, Vocational midwifery.

Education and Training and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning courses are offered along with Certificate IV in Liberal Arts — a pathway to tertiary education.

ACE College graduates of Certificate IV in Liberal Arts have gained entry to La Trobe A new course the Diploma of University’s Bachelor of Business Community Services will be offered and Bachelor of Arts degrees, in 2016 and several of the 15 places Environmental Science studies have already been filled. at Charles Sturt University and IT Retired disability and community studies. services worker Leah Ross will Assistant principal Julie Dainton said teach the course and said she the college had an enrolment of values the college’s inclusive and about 100 students, the majority of which were young people aged 15 to non-judgmental atmosphere, the 22, who for a variety of reasons didn’t team environment and commitment to learning and encouragement of continue in mainstream school. students to “give it a go”.

“Those reasons may be family Application to enrol at Shepparton breakdown, homelessness, health ACE College should be made directly problems or mental health issues,” to the organisation. she said.

Adults who had suffered illness or injury and needed to re-skill or had left school early were also returning to study at ACE.

ultimately studying a degree in social work when her children are grown.

For more information about Shepparton ACE College, phone 5831 4029 or email shepace@iinet. net.au

Friendships vital in Year 12 Developing a supportive network of close friends was a highlight of GEORGIA O’CALLAGHAN’S Year 12 experience.

“The best part about the year was how close we all became, we really were one big family,” Georgia, 18, of Mooroopna said.

The Shepparton Christian College graduate fast-tracked Further Maths and Chemistry in Year 11 and completed English, Accounting, Legal Studies and Business Management in Year 12.

She plans to take a gap year and will continue to work part time at JG Thompson Solicitors, Shepparton in a reception/administration role, a position she held for most of 2015.

Georgia’s first preference for university is a four-year degree in criminology and anthropology at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, Geelong.

A key part of her decision making was visiting university open days, which gave her insight into the courses and facilities available and subject areas that were of interest.

“There are so many decisions to

make but the best thing for me was to pursue subjects I liked. Legal Studies led me to the criminology course and when I went to the open day I met the anthropology lecturer and sat in on the presentation; it sounds really interesting,” Georgia said.

The course will open up opportunities for employment in a broad range of fields and Georgia said it will help her if she pursues her ambition to eventually join the police force.

Georgia said during Year 12 she continued her interest in music and singing, met up with friends and worked part-time but found the exam period “stressful”.

She said the great support of careers adviser and VCE teacher Jason Ross throughout the year and during exams was appreciated by the Year 12 student cohort.

SNFEATURE

SHEPPARTON NEWS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Change of Preference 2015

19

A guide to higher education

VCE GRADUATES

Keeping options open

Back-up plan Goulburn Valley Grammar School graduate BRIDGET MAUDE has a back-up plan in the event her results don’t guarantee a place in her chosen university course.

After a busy year studying, DANIEL ROMEO from Notre Dame Secondary College is not closing any doors as he heads into the new year.

Bridget, 18, from Ardmona aims to study optometry at Deakin University’s Geelong campus, a three-and-a-half year full-time study commitment.

Daniel hopes to study a double degree in exercise science and business management at Deakin University but is also considering taking a gap year.

“I’m keen to start learning but I want to wait and see how I’m feeling at the start of next year,” Daniel said.

He said his ATAR score would not determine his plans and the only reason he was considering a gap year was because it was a good opportunity to work more and earn money.

“The ATAR is quite high for optometry, if I don’t achieve that I will look at a general science course,” Bridget said. through it. If someone needed help with questions we could ask to each other.”

“It was tiring but it was good, and definitely worth it now that I’m at the end of the year.”

Seeing people achieve their health and fitness goals prompted an interest in studying exercise science and regardless of the decision next year, Daniel ultimately plans on working in the sporting field either in clinical work with chronic diseases or with athletes.

Daniel was glad he maintained his part-time job at Woolworths and continued swimming and training at the gym during the year.

Although busy, Daniel could only speak positively of his Year 12 experience and said the interaction with his friends and year level cohort was the best part of the year.

If he returns to study next year, Daniel will live on campus, however, he will not leave Shepparton behind for good.

“We worked together in order to get

“It was good because I didn’t have to think about school at those times — I didn’t have to think about one thing for the whole year.”

“I will definitely come home at least once a week to see my family.”

Eager to travel

As well as two shifts a week working as a junior dental assistant at Maude St Dental Surgery, Bridget played netball at Congupna and socialised with friends.

She said many of her peers gave up all external interests in Year 12 and focused solely on study but that wouldn’t have worked for her.

ALICIA FLEGELTAUB will complete a gap year business administration traineeship next year at the school she has just graduated from Wanganui Park Secondary College.

Rhiannan, 18, is planning to work as a nanny in the United States for 12 months through the Cultural Care program, possibly with a family in California.

The college’s 2015 vice-captain has firm plans to attend university and is considering social work or a health/ science course.

While further study is a consideration, Rhiannan wants to see as much of the world as she can before enrolling in university as a mature-aged student.

She completed Literature, Studio Arts (Photography), Health and Human Development and Psychology in Year 12 and fast-tracked Outdoor Education in Year 11.

She studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths Methods, English and English Language, fast-tracked Psychology in Year 11 and maintained her studies while fulfilling part-time work, sport and social commitments.

“I needed that break,” Bridget said.

Her immediate plans are to take a gap year, earn some money and in the second half of 2016, travel to the United Kingdom and Europe, where she hopes to base herself at her godparents’ home.

Ultimately Bridget said she would love to travel extensively and a profession such as optometry would give her the opportunity to do that.

She said the study load during Year 12 was high but there were many positives including the friendships made with students in the entire year level.

“I didn’t find it too stressful; I’m not really the type of person that stresses anyway.”

Gap year before study

Travel is at the forefront of McGuire College VCE graduate RHIANNAN MCDERMOTT’s mind.

The Shepparton student’s study interests are as diverse as forensic science to arts and she believes travel will broaden her horizons as well as help her define future study options.

The optometry course is relatively new and Bridget said her interest in the field was reinforced when she did work experience at Shepparton Optical Services in the third term school holidays.

“Starting university is such a big step, I’m happy to be taking a gap year to explore all my options,” Alicia said. doesn’t determine your whole life,” Rhiannan said.

“I loved Year 12, it was the best year; the social part was great and I loved the course work of my subjects.

Some days weren’t the prettiest, when we had SACs due or exams it was stressful, but the teachers became our friends and they were there to help.”

After fast-tracking Literature in Year 11, Alicia studied English, Sociology, Psychology, Health and Human Development and Studio Arts (Photography) in Year 12.

She balanced her school-work with part-time employment and kept up her twice weekly ballet dancing.

Rhiannan said she balanced her studies by working part-time and socialising with friends outside of school.

“The year goes so quickly, I was relieved exams were over but emotional too; you become so close to everyone in Year 12 and all of a sudden you’re not seeing them every day.”

“It was good to have the other interests to break-up the study. Work and ballet actually helped my studies because I had to have a set schedule and it made me make better use of my study time,” Alicia said.

“It’s really important to have balance during Year 12 and keep in mind if your ATAR isn’t what you want there are so many different options. It (ATAR)

Having considered leaving school at the end of Year 10, Rhiannan’s advice to future VCE students is to persist and “do it”.

“Originally I was interested in social work but now I’m looking at health/ science options, perhaps nutrition.

I’d like to do something that helps

families and children.”

Alicia said the Change of Preference period was valuable in that it allowed students to re-assess and seek advice from careers advisers once the stress of exams was over and results distributed.

She is hoping to achieve an ATAR score that not only guarantees a university offer to her chosen course but that is also reflective of the work she has put in during the year.

“I think everyone has the ATAR in their own head that they will be satisfied with,” Alicia said.

While the year was hard work, Alicia said the support from her teachers and the opportunity to contact them, submit work and receive feedback after hours and on weekends was helpful and reassuring.