With the English exam kicking off on Tuesday, October 28, nerves and excitement fill the air as students prepare to turn the final page on their high-school years.
At Greater Shepparton Secondary College, students share a mix of anticipation, relief and reflection as exam season begins.
Murray House captain Alana Owen said she felt confident heading into exams after months of preparation, with hopes of becoming a speech pathologist.
For Layla Sharp, psychology is the subject she’s most looking forward to, as she plans to study midwifery at La Trobe University next year.
Meanwhile, Scarlett Guest plans to take a gap year locally, supporting students as an education aide.
“I made a plan early on for what to study and when, so it’s helped me feel more organised,” she said.
The girls agreed the lead-up to exams felt bittersweet — filled with study stress, laughter, friendship and the excitement of closing one chapter and starting the next.
The three-hour English exam marks the start of the VCE assessment period, which wraps up on Wednesday, November 19.
Around 75,000 students across Victoria are expected to sit their exams this year, each hoping their hard work will soon pay off.
At Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s gymnasium, 164 tables will be set up on Tuesday morning before all exams are moved to St Augustine’s Hall.
“We often say our students are the future of Shepparton, and what we want as a school is for every student at GSSC to finish knowing they’ve given their best,” Dharnya Neighbourhood Principal Kirsten Tozer said.
Senior Secondary, Careers and Pathways Assistant Principal Zarina Fleming said it was important students knew everyone had their back.
“We make sure our students are supported not just academically, but emotionally — they know they’ve got their teachers, careers team and peers behind them.”
Through the school’s Pathway Mentor Program, held every Wednesday afternoon, students develop study habits, time management skills and strategies to manage exam stress.
“Maintaining good nutrition, exercise and sleep habits — all of those things ensure they’re primed to do their best,” Ms Tozer said.
Ms Fleming agreed, and emphasised the importance of this time of year.
“It’s quite incredible and emotional. It’s a massive time, not only for the students, but also for the staff,” Ms Fleming said.
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