AT THE end of year 12, Brauer College student Phoebe Cody wants to know she gave her studies her all.

Phoebe hopes to go to university and study medicine but is also realistic about her future. 

“(An ATAR in the) 90s would be nice, but at the same time there’s always other options,” Phoebe said. 

“If I get below that, I’ll look at other options. 

“I’m the one who’s putting the pressure on myself to get into medicine. 

“No-one’s forcing me to have that high dream, so if it doesn’t happen it’s not like I’ve disappointed anyone else.”

Phoebe is studying history, chemistry, legal studies, mathematical methods, health and human development. 

She completed year 12 biology and English last year.

“It was a bit of a full-on year but it really helped because I knew the workload that was coming and that you actually have to study. 

“You can’t just do the homework.

“I feel like I have an upper hand on my subjects now. It’s not such a shock to the system.

“That’s what I learnt at the end of last year. I didn’t walk out of the exams anxious or stressing because there was nothing more I could do.”

She plans to work as hard as possible, while also taking time out for herself.

The busy 17-year-old is school captain and sits on the Warrnambool City Council Youth Council, is a Brauer College Student Representative Council (SRC) and a Victorian SRC executive. 

She also works at Woolworths.

“I’ve chosen subjects that I really enjoy and the content we do is really interesting, so you’re not sitting there zoning out – you actually want to be learning about it,” she said.

“I’m a little bit nervous because it’s the big pressure year. It’s when all the marks really matter.

“But at the same time, it’s going to be one of the best years of your life ... one of the most exciting ones.” 

Despite aiming high, Phoebe said she knows her ATAR score will not define her.

“At the end of the day, nobody walks up to you and says, ‘what’s your name and what’s your ATAR?’ once it’s over,” she said. 

She hopes to take a gap year and pursue an internship at the Warrnambool City Council before going to university.

Warrnambool’s Amie Biggs knows year 12 is a big year – but she is keeping it all in perspective. 

The 17-year-old Emmanuel College student is studying English, psychology, business management and English literature. 

She completed year 12 health and human development last year.

“I’m hoping to do well in all my individual subjects,” Amie said. 

“I don’t want to set a particular (ATAR) number (to achieve). I don’t want to put that pressure on myself. 

“I’m hoping to do the best I can and put everything into it.

“My dream is to be a novelist but I know that’s a hard thing to make a living in, so (I’m considering) a journalism pathway.

“I’m leaning towards going to Deakin University in Geelong to study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in creative and professional writing.

“There’s a bit of nerves when I think about the future and how important it is, but I’m trying not to put too much stress and pressure on myself.

“You have to put it in perspective a bit. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.” 

Amie knows the importance of maintaining a balance between school and recreation. 

She is the South Rovers netball under 15 coach and is looking forward to meeting new people. 

“Hopefully that will be a bit of a release from school,” she said.

“I’m from a big family and that definitely helps. 

“They’re a distraction and I spend a lot of downtime with them. 

“They’re my biggest support and always help me if I need it.”

King’s College student Alana Johnson is relaxed about the year ahead. 

“I’m not really nervous,” Alana said. “I’m just going to take it as it comes.”

The 17-year-old is studying English, chemistry, mathematical methods and physical education and completed year 12 further mathematics and French last year.

“I’d ultimately like to study medicine. I’ll sit the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Assessment Test) and see how I go,” she said.

Alana plans to go to university next year. 

“I’d like to go to Monash because (it is the only Victorian direct-entry program for school leavers) it’s closer to home,” she said. 

Alana participates in regular kayak and surf club sessions and helps out with the Warrnambool Presbyterian Church youth group. 

“Through those different activities, I can find a bit of head space,” she said. 

Alana is looking forward to competing in national kayaking championships in Sydney next month.

Her motto for the year is: Don’t worry about what’s going to happen in the future, just focus on the present.

For Ben Lewis, who is preceded by four generations of electricians, choosing a career was easy. 

Ben is studying VCE at Emmanuel College and a Certificate II in electrotechnology at South West TAFE through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program.

The 16-year-old said VET in Schools and work placement with a local electrician gave him a head start.

“It is really helpful,” Ben said. “You’re not going in blind. If I was to get an apprenticeship, I wouldn't have that background knowledge.” 

Ben is studying English, further mathematics, media, outdoor education and religion. He will graduate with a VCE certificate but won’t sit his exams. 

“It’s good to have that qualification. Once you have it you can go anywhere with it,” he said. 

Ben hopes to gain an electrical apprenticeship, which means he won’t need an ATAR score. 

“I’m not really nervous. I just know I have to work really hard,” he said. 

Ben’s motto is: “To take it one step at a time; to look at it in little bits and break it down rather than one big thing and getting overwhelmed.”  

Warrnambool College school captain Liam Stow wants to give this year a “red hot crack”.

The 17-year-old wants to go to university next year to study health and sport-related careers. He's aiming for an ATAR between 60 and 75.

He is studying English, extended investigation, physics, health and human development. He completed further mathematics and physical education last year.

“Last year was a big learning curve, doing a couple of year 12 subjects. After last year I know what it takes to give it a red hot crack,” he said. “I’ve been looking at physiotherapy and also looked at physical education teaching at Deakin Geelong and (Federation University) in Ballarat, Health Sciences at RMIT and Nursing at Deakin as well.

“I’ll see how the year pans out and if my interests change, obviously my scores will result in what I can do. I’m looking to go to uni but I’m not really sure what (to study) yet.” 

Liam will throw himself into his studies, while balancing his work and North Warrnambool football commitments.

“I’m looking forward to being with the whole year level enjoying our last year together and making it one to remember,” he said. 

Liam’s motto is: “To keep up with the work I’ve been given and try and do a bit extra to give myself the best opportunity I can.”