I really hate the HSC. It causes so much angst year in year out, and yes, I know we need exams to help with university admissions, so no, I’m not suggesting we abolish the HSC all together. But I do think we need to make some serious changes, because our current system sucks.
For starters, the pressure and hype that surrounds the HSC is ridiculous. And no, the stress students complain about isn’t exaggerated or an over-reaction on their part, the pressure they’re under is real and completely valid.
Sure, as adults – with the benefit of hindsight – we know the HSC won’t make or break their futures. That if their ATAR isn’t high enough to grant them direct access to the course they’ve had their heart set on, it won’t matter in the long run, because if there’s an area of study they really want to pursue, they’ll find a way to get there, no matter what their ATAR.
But this isn’t the message our students get. They’re being taught, by the hype attached to the HSC and the stress they’re under at school, that their ATAR is all important and a direct measure of their intelligence, worth, and future prospects, but sure – no pressure.
Side note… Mia Freedman says ‘there is life after Year 12 Exams’. Post continues after video.
Top Comments
"If an employer anywhere in the world told an employee they couldn’t have time off for mental health reasons and would be ruled out for a promotion if they couldn’t perform their upcoming presentation as planned, despite that employee having documentation from not just their GP, but their psychologist as well, all hell would break lose"
I don't know what world you live in, but it sounds lovely there.
I went to an extremely competitive and high achieving selective school. The pressure on the kids came almost entirely from their parents. Those same parents are going to pressure the kids whether its about one final ATAR or needing to succeed at other areas/write essays to get into the right uni course.
They could probably stop publishing the list that ranks schools by ATAR though, that is a bit ridiculous.
Sorry, but if you want to study Medicine or Engineering, I'm not going to care that you were on the Volleyball team or volunteered at the local nursing home. Your grades are what I am interested in seeing and will determine whether you can handle a rigorous University course.
I actually think Medicine is an important exception here- I know some people who got in on the basis of grades who I would never, ever want to be treated by (for example, one guy who didn't think women should be taught to read because their place was at home). Social skills are so important doctors, and the current interview stage doesn't seem to filter effectively.