Completing Year 12 can be a stressful time. Completing Year 12 in 2020 during COVID-19 added a whole new dimension.  The Bridge caught up with Ellie Disher, Barham High School Dux for 2020, Ellie received an ATAR of 85.6.

How has completing Year 12 during COVID-19 been? What were the challenges, what were the opportunities, did it make you think about schooling differently? 

2020 has definitely been one crazy year. My Year 12 experience has been like no other [previous]. As many students would say, this was supposed to be one of the best years of our schooling and it feels like we have missed most of it. 

COVID-19 has had a major impact on our learning with the added stress of the unknown and how our content was going to be delivered. We experienced a new style of learning such as the remote learning from home period. It was difficult for many students as it meant you had to stay motivated and determined to do the work yourself. A lot of frustration was caused as many students found it harder to understand concepts and to be able to ask questions, as you normally would in a classroom setting. 

The greatest effect would have been socially on our year. During the year we, as students, would gather together to support one another, share our highs and lows, and the ability to discuss assessments and results. We also support each other in more personal ways which were a lot harder to do online. While at school many students would look forward to the weekends as they were the time to have a break, see friends, have social outings and a chance to recover. During lockdown it made us feel like we didn’t have a chance to have any down time out of the house. There was also the disappointment around the annual school events such as our last Sporting Carnival, as well as the rites of passage into adulthood that were missed or postponed, such as getting a driver’s licence, 18th birthday parties, school formal. Which doesn’t fit the picture of our final year of high school that everyone had in mind or how they wanted to remember it. 

Apart from all the downsides and negative impacts COVID-19 had on us Year 12s, there have also been many positive opportunities experienced. We, as a year, have learnt many life skills such as how to be resilient and persistent to cope with challenges in many different ways throughout this unfamiliar year. 

After the experience of remote learning I have a greater appreciation for school, its resources, the social opportunities that are experienced, the freedom to go places and sticking to routines. 

 How did it feel to receive Dux? Was it something you aimed for; did you have standout subjects? 

I was very excited and delighted to receive the Barham High Schools 2020 Dux. It was such a good feeling as I knew it meant my consistent and determined efforts throughout the year had paid off. If you put in the hard work, you will be rewarded. During Year 12 I had aimed to do my best in all my subjects and be satisfied with my results. My most enjoyable subjects were PD/H/PE and Ancient History, subsequently scoring my highest marks in these subjects. 

Other than being talented, what tips or learnings advice would you share with other students who are facing Year 12? 

My biggest tip for any students who are facing Year 12 would be to set up a study plan early, to organise yourself and get yourself into a routine. A study plan will allow you to identify your key priorities whether that be assessments or tests, giving yourself enough time to prepare and be focused. Adding extra hobbies and other commitments to your plan helps to break up the workload and creates a balanced lifestyle. Year 12 is a marathon and you need to work hard and consistently throughout the whole Year. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or assistance from your teachers, as they are always more than willing to help. 

 What are your plans for 2021? Do you have a career path or higher education mapped out? 

My plan for 2021 is to continue my education at a tertiary level, studying at University. I can’t wait to begin the Uni student life and see where my future takes me.  

 What do you enjoy about BHS, anyone you would like to thank? 

It was a pleasure to be a part of the Barham High School student body. I enjoyed making many positive friendships with  students and teachers throughout my junior and senior years, that I will remember forever. I would encourage other students to participate in extra curriculum activities offered as they helped to extend my knowledge and to build confidence. 

I would like to personally thank all the teachers and the staff at Barham High School for their expertise and guidance throughout my schooling years. My passionate teachers were very willing to put in extra time to help me succeed further, which I am forever grateful for. To the student body, I thank you for being respectful towards the Year 12s and being there for support. 

I would also like to thank all the other Year 12s a part of the 2020 cohort. We stucked together and pushed through this challenging year to achieve great success. Without each other and the moral support, our Year 12 experience would have been very different.