The new senior curriculum has made students more competitive and pressured. The demands of school have caused negative emotions amongst students toward their education. When surveyed by website Year 13 on how they feel about Year 12, 70% of students said ‘stressed’, followed by 66% claiming ‘anxious’. 30% reported they felt ‘excited’, but this was still less than the amount who said ‘depressed’ which was 32%. On top of academic requirements, QCE points must also be met, thus adding to the burden felt by students. Numerous schools have tried to alleviate this pressure through various methods.
One way is to start earlier when it comes to obtaining qualifications for the QCE point requirements. Schools enrol the students in VET courses in Year 10 instead of Year 11. Mueller College and Mt. Tambourine are examples of two such schools who have adopted this practice. What are the advantages of this strategy?
Less pressure at the end of Year 12
Students can complete their vocational education earlier in order to focus on the core subjects for the remainder of their senior schooling. This can help reduce the pressure of the end of Year 12.
Security for QCE points requirement
When students start earlier, the required QCE points are met earlier. This helps them focus on their core subjects in Year 12 while ensuring that their QCE points requirement will be met. They can be secure in the knowledge they have banked points already from their VET course.
Opportunity for Multiple Qualifications
Students can earn multiple diplomas when given more time to complete these qualifications. Those aspiring to start their own business can take both the Diploma of Business and Social Media Marketing while those who wish to go into Event Management can complete Certificates in Tourism and Event Management consecutively.
Ultimately, enrolling earlier in VET courses will help students cope better with the new curriculum. It can also help alleviate the pressure and optimise their knowledge retention of the important core subjects. This will benefit schools because students will more likely graduate with higher marks and are less likely to drop out.