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VCE Stuff => Victorian Education Discussion => The VCE Journey Journal => Topic started by: Geoo on April 26, 2019, 10:37:33 pm

Title: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 26, 2019, 10:37:33 pm
Click Here For My Year 12 Adventure!

Hello fellow AN readers! Geoo here.
I really enjoy reading other peoples journals and how it motivates me. So i thought i'd do my own! I know this is a bit late into the year! But i though hey why not. It would be kinda cool to come back and revisit the road i had to graduate, and my VCE.
I'm currently in year 11 doing one 3/4 subject.

Current Subjects
1/2 Chemistry (aiming for a 40+)
1/2 English (aiming for over 30)
1/2 Maths Methods (aiming for 25+)
1/2 Physics (probably going to drop and change to food studies) *Is Now Food Studies Unit 2
3/4 Biology (aiming for a 45+)

I am a huge science nerd! Love chemistry and biology the most, and have a like for some physics fields (Nuclear and Astro). I really have a strong hatred for English! It's weird, because i have a massive love for books, linguistics and other languages, but i can't stand to do write bland essays on bland books. I think i'm also one of those people just just likes the creative side. Which they don't do much on.

In the long run I thought i might try get into medicine, but i don't think my health is up to that unfortunately. So I decided to set my sites on a Bach of Science. I might go into research with it, or go into the backside of medicine. Don't know what i want to do with it yet, but i think it is a good start :D! I would hopefully like an ATAR over 90, but i know i have health issues which interfere with study, so it may not actually happen, so i'm prepared for different pathways if need be :).

Aside from all education stuff! A bit about me!
I'm a massive book worm (fantasy and sci -fi though), and am quite the marvel fan. TV and movies watching is a free time of mine, that i do with a cat and a cup of tea! (or coffee, or hot chocolate, depends what mode i'm in). I'm an avid baker and video game player. All so much procrastination material  :P

I will try to post weekly, but you all know VCE, stuff can just get in the way. Anyway hope you stick around :)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 26, 2019, 10:50:24 pm
Hello fellow AN readers! Geoo here.
I really enjoy reading other peoples journals and how it motivates me. So i thought i'd do my own! I know this is a bit late into the year! But i though hey why not. It would be kinda cool to come back and revisit the road i had to graduate, and my VCE.
I'm currently in year 11 doing one 3/4 subject.

Current Subjects
1/2 Chemistry (aiming for a 40+)
1/2 English (aiming for over 30)
1/2 Maths Methods (aiming for 30)
1/2 Physics (probably going to drop and change to food studies)
3/4 Biology (aiming for a 45+)

I am a huge science nerd! Love chemistry and biology the most, and have a like for some physics fields (Nuclear and Astro). I really have a strong hatred for English! It's weird, because i have a massive love for books, linguistics and other languages, but i can't stand to do write bland essays on bland books. I think i'm also one of those people just just likes the creative side. Which they don't do much on. Can't do much about it though  :o I'm currently doing all my course via DECV (or VSV now?) And have roughly enjoyed it so far.

In the long run I thought i might try get into medicine, but i don't think my health is up to that unfortunately. So I decided to set my sites on a Bach of Science. I might go into research with it, or go into the backside of medicine. Don't know what i want to do with it yet, but i think it is a good start :D! I would hopefully like an ATAR over 90, but i know i have health issues which interfere with study, so it may not actually happen, so i'm prepared for different pathways if need be :).

Aside from all education stuff! A bit about me!
I'm a massive book worm (fantasy and sci -fi though), and am quite the marvel fan. TV and movies watching is a free time of mine, that i do with a cat and a cup of tea! (or coffee, or hot chocolate, depends what mode i'm in). I'm an avid baker and video game player. All so much procrastination material  :P

I will try to post weekly, but you all know VCE, stuff can just get in the way. Anyway hope you stick around :)

Hey Geoo

Nice to know a bit about you, good choice in making a VCE journal  .  ;)

but . . but. . . what

particular course/field are you  interested in after you finish year 12?

Good luck with all your VCE subjects and hope this journal comes along well  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on April 26, 2019, 11:21:52 pm
Hey Geoo

Nice to know a bit about you, good choice in making a VCE journal  .  ;)

but . . but. . . what

particular course/field are you  interested in after you finish year 12?

Good luck with all your VCE subjects and hope this journal comes along well  :D

I'm really not sure to be honest! I could go into computer science (software or gaming), disease research, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering or maybe food sciences or pathology. I'm one of those people that has alot of interests, and i think it shows in my hobbies and future studies. So i can't give you and conclusive sorry :(
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Bri MT on April 27, 2019, 10:11:46 am
Hey Geoo - great to see another science journal :D

Is there anything in particular that has drawn you to science &/ med?

Have you heard they're making a wheel of time tv series? I don't watch much tv at all but it wiill be interesting to see how that turns out.


Good luck with bio this year!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on April 29, 2019, 12:17:22 am
Hey Geoo - great to see another science journal :D

Is there anything in particular that has drawn you to science &/ med?

Have you heard they're making a wheel of time tv series? I don't watch much tv at all but it wiill be interesting to see how that turns out.


Good luck with bio this year!
Hey Bri thanks for reading!
I think the reason i got drawn to science was because of two things.
I have always had a passion for science. I remember being a kid interested in the structure of crystals to the point my parents thought i was hippie over how many i bought  ;D. I like to know how things work and solving problems in that area. Its always been fascinating!
I think i'm drawn to med side though the most due to my experience in the industry. I have had some ongoing health issues, and learning about everything along the way just made me want to learn more about that stuff, and see if i can help other people with illnesses similar to mine.

Ill have to check out the TV show when it comes out. I have heard of the author and the series but haven't started it. There's more fantasy coming out which is awesome.
The Rain on netflix is coming back, and i heard Dark and Stranger things is also having there next seasons! Plus Leigh Bardugos Six of Crows and Grinsha series are being made! So it's a good time for fantasy and sci fi on tv at the moment!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on April 29, 2019, 12:47:57 am
Term 2 Week 1 29/04/19
Ah first week back! Gotta say i wasn't that happy about my progress this week. I had 2 SACs first week back which was fun. However one of them was late due to my teacher not correcting a draft. Anyway here's a summery.

Subject Overview

English Ah English, my personal torture. This week wasn't to bad for English, but it certainly had it moments. I had and older SAC that needed to be completed even though it was due a month ago. We didn't get a replacement teacher when our regular went on leave, so none of my classes work was marked and had to be postponed. I was supposed to do it over the holidays, but i was a bit angry of how late it was. I know, not very productive but just couldn't be bothered. It was the final fixing up and recording of the oral presentation. Since I don't sit in front of a class, i have to record it on a laptop with amazing sound quality!*sarcasm
The weeks assigned work was just themes and symbolism analysis on the book we where reading so that wasn't to bad. I just hope that i can scrape a B for my SAC!.

Chemistry It was pretty decent this week. Mainly learning how to name hydrocarbons and their 3D geometry. I didn't find it to hard, but remembering where to put which prefix for a branch or bond was just mind boggling. Oh and also, i can't draw 3D molecules. I can recognise them, but my drawings look like stick figures gone wrong. A friend told me i don't actually need to draw them, so I don't know if it's really that important. But overall good week.

Biology I am so disappointed in my self. It is kind of not my fault, as i was really sick Thursday and Friday, but i barely got anything done! Am a bit behind but i'm hoping to finish week 10's work tomorrow, as i have a SAC this week on the same topic. Its all about cellular signals and apoptosis. Apoptosis is pretty easy. Sometimes trying to find what made them malfunction in certain cells can be a bit of a guessing game, but i just need more practice. The only thing i can't understand is signal transduction! I think it was just explained to me wrong so have to study up on that one for the SAC. Which i really need to do well in if i want to stay in the top 5 rank.

Physics This week was fine. It was only a SAC on electricity and it wasn't to bad.(I was allowed a cheat sheet ;)) I'm going to drop the subject so I didn't even study for, so i'm hoping to just get by on a 55+. I do like physics overall, but the course at DECV isn't that great, and am finding the lack of explanations frustrating!!! So i'm gonna drop it for food studies next semester. Yay. Anyone have any thoughts on food studies?

Math's Methods Math's...... The stuff is not to bad, but i keep forgetting how to do a sum every 5 minutes, which is very frustrating. I am very behind on maths, by 5 weeks, and really have to catch up. The work load is huge! I am not use to this much, and the online course is like reading a textbook with fancy explanations that i don't get. I have no clue what domains and functions are and where to start! (mini rant there, sorry) I just gotta push through it for the time being! It's only unit 1, and still have time to improve, but right now, i just need to pass.

So there is week one tied into a bundle. Not much else happened this week. I did get to see Avengers End Game which was awesome by the way! I also found the time to make donuts which was nice. But yeah, i have so much to do and can't seem to find the time! Cya next week  :)
*Sorry if there are a few errors.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Joseph41 on May 01, 2019, 03:58:40 pm
Great start to your journal! Have enjoyed it so far. :)

Re: Physics/Food Studies - what do you mean when you say the course isn't great? Like, the way the info is structured or whatever?
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on May 01, 2019, 08:48:19 pm
Great start to your journal! Have enjoyed it so far. :)

Re: Physics/Food Studies - what do you mean when you say the course isn't great? Like, the way the info is structured or whatever?

Well..... even thought the course follows the study design, and provides plenty of video content for theory, the maths proportion sucks. We get the basic formulas, like omhs law R=V/I which is quite easy to understand, and we get a (ONE EXAMPLE!) very basic example given. Then when a test comes or SAC, the problems that are given are much more complicated, sometimes use different formulas or methods for solving that aren't taught, and sometimes asks question that i could not find anywhere in the course.
I find the structure odd too. When learning ohm's law, the gave use one example for calculating resistance, then in the test used multiple question with power- P(I passed as i did research of my own and found a table with all the formulas). Oh, they also taught basic circuits without giving us background on potential difference or current (they did a small amount but not enough in my opinion) and they taught ohms law second, which i think should have been one of the first things to teach in the topic.

So yeah... just small problems that will add into big ones. So that why i'm probably going to drop it. I really enjoyed the theory, but how the maths was taught and how little examples where given was just annoying and gave me a headache. I might try come back to it in uni, as some of the majors i'm looking at cover small sections of physics.

Side note: really enjoying the space stuff we are learning. Less maths! (only hubbles law (not hard ans straight forward aside from converting Kpc to Mpc or Mpc to ly)and parallax calculations) so much big bang theory so thats awesome. Another reason i'm dropping it, is they don't do astro, areo or nuclear in units 3 or 4, which is disappointing.  ::). it's also very dry
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on May 01, 2019, 08:57:11 pm
Maths Methods Side note
So i'm really behind on methods. And not just by a bit..... alot. I had a few personal problems come up at the start of the year, and had the course delayed by 3 weeks into the term, so i had trouble starting it. I half procrastinated it and half wasn't feeling up to it, so i'm now *drum role please* 8 weeks behind *clap, clap*. Both my maths teacher an I have come to the conclusion that it is to late to try complete all the work. So unfortunately, i'm just going to go for a satisfactory. That means i don't do may SACs and have a heavily reduced workload. It sucks as i will be less prepared for unit 3 and 4, so i will most likely get a tutor for that next year. Not gonna lie and say i'm ok with that. I'm quite upset that i didn't mange to catch up (i did try, got up to week 5) but it just is what it is. Plus i can't seem to understand Domains and Functions for the life of me.... (it's explained poorly)
Anyway, sorry for a kinda depressing log, but that's life  :)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on May 03, 2019, 10:11:29 pm
Term 2 Week 2 03/05/19
Can't believe we're in a new month already! Time flys. Huh, this week was probably one of my most unproductive, i still did some work but I was just feeling really slack. Coach potato should be my new username. I was pretty much stuck at home all week, but i did alot of research on some majors i'm interested in :).

Subject Overview

English Guess what..... another SAC this week yay! Analytical essay on a boring book. Not super happy with how it turned out, but still hoping for a C or B.

Biology Oh my is that another SAC. So I did this one today and think i went really well. On cellular signalling and malfunctions of apoptosis. I didn't find it to hard, but trying to remember some of the names for the proteins and what not to remember is just annoying! I wish they would tell us what we would specifically need to remember. So i just tried with Fas and FADD and all the caspase cascades(tongue twister alert). I got my first SAC back from 6 weeks ago  ::) and got a 50/50! So i'm very happy with that, but i think the SAC will get scaled down, as it was super easy in my opinion.

Physic Mediocre this week. Enjoying it far better than the other two area of studies in unit 1, as its all on space! (probably my inner sci-fi nerd).

Chemistry Haven't done any this week. I'm trying to plan it for tomorrow. All i know is it is about polymers. SAC next week to! But i don't feel i need to prepare for it, as it all done in class with 2 experiments (making slime apparently) 

Maths Well, if you read my last post you'll know about that situation. Still haven't done anything, but i did speak to a maths tutor which is promising, and will try complete week 7 on Saturday or Sunday.

So a pretty chill, not that productive week! Hopefully will do more on the weekend and try to take sunday off! And i really need to start working out again.
Anyway, May The Fourth Be With You (sorry just had to do the pun) for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: NomotivationF on May 04, 2019, 11:43:16 am
Term 2 Week 2 03/05/19
And i really need to start working out again.

Damn this hits home. I've completely neglected the gym since the start of the holidays
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on May 04, 2019, 12:55:25 pm
Damn this hits home. I've completely neglected the gym since the start of the holidays
Haha! I know how you feel! I need to migrate from the couch :P
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Evolio on May 04, 2019, 01:56:57 pm
Hi Geoo!
Nice to meet you!
I love reading your journal and am psyched for more!
Phenomenal biology sac score though!
What would be your favourite science subject?
 :)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopefull Journey to a 90+ Atar
Post by: Geoo on May 04, 2019, 03:14:27 pm
Hi Geoo!
Nice to meet you!
I love reading your journal and am psyched for more!
Phenomenal biology sac score though!
What would be your favourite science subject?
 :)

Hey Evolio! Thanks for reading. I would have to say chemistry is my favorite. It's a little bland at the moment but overall i'm hoping it will get better (not looking forward to the heavy maths part :)) Then again, I also really like biology, which is funny as I use to hate it growing up. I think i just had a lot of misconceptions about it. To be fair, I only really like microbiology and medical stuff..... Not the much of the other stuff.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on May 08, 2019, 04:18:32 pm
Hey Evolio! Thanks for reading. I would have to say chemistry is my favorite. It's a little bland at the moment but overall i'm hoping it will get better (not looking forward to the heavy maths part :)) Then again, I also really like biology, which is funny as I use to hate it growing up. I think i just had a lot of misconceptions about it. To be fair, I only really like microbiology and medical stuff..... Not the much of the other stuff.

What kinda misconceptions, out of interest?
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 08, 2019, 09:11:26 pm
What kinda misconceptions, out of interest?

I really thought biology was mainly dissecting animals, and learning about the environment, animals, ecosystems etc. Don't get me wrong, i don't mind learning about the environment, but it was heavily taught every term at my primary school to the point i became really bored. So when i really though about biology, i really didn't like it. Doing VCE bio is really different and has been quite fun. Specifically microbiology. Unit 4 content doesn't interest me tooo much. But yeah that's about it.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 13, 2019, 11:14:27 am
Term 2 Week 3 13/05/19
Hey everyone! Almost a month into term 2 wow! This week was not very productive and i had to do a cram session on Sunday! I had a chem lab day this week and got a few workouts in. Until i kinda fell down the stairs on Friday :P. I'm ok, but i've got a nice bruise on the knee.

Biology Well, this week was massive. There was so much work that i think could have been summarised into 4 hours instead of 9! Still haven't finished it yet but hoping to today. Its a new topic which has been nice to learn aside from the workload. The immune system is pretty interesting, we mainly focused on the innate system, so first and second lines of defense. Who knew protein (Prions) could cause disease :o

English We mainly just analysed some arguments and the use of persuasive language. Took two quiz's and just did a worksheet. So not bad, pretty easy week.

Chemistry This week is a SAC based on some experiments done in a lab which is why I had a lab day this week. Lab day was pretty great, caught up with a few people and met some new ones too! Slime was made to test polymers which i found very funny for some reason. Tested some hydrocarbons via some combustion and solvent reactions aswell. Just finishing up to SAC which is more like an assignment then a test which is less stressful so been a pretty chill week for chem. Only 2 more weeks until unit 1 is done yay (unless i do week 15 :P but they said it was optional so........) 

Physics It finally get interesting!!! I think because it was more like chem i actually liked this week. Partical theory, standard model and looking at radioactive decay! I remember doing this in year 9 and thought it was chem but huh its physics. Why can't this be in units 3 and 4. Got my SAC back on electronics and managed a B, which i'm happy with. To be honest, it was only a 65%, so i don't know how the equals a B but ill take it.:'(. Anyway, i am officially dropping the subject, sent to confirmation email off so yeah.....

Maths Methods I should get onto that......

Well Thursday, Friday and Saturday was kind of a ride off. I didn't feel well after lab day and slept the entirety of Saturday so that was hella productive. Got to pick up Jay Kirstof and Amie Kaufmans new book Aurora Rising which has been awesome so far! I'm about 40% through it already. Well that's week 3 (12) done, onto week 4! just hanging in for that entire week off
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on May 13, 2019, 11:15:48 am
Maths Methods I should get onto that......

Basically my entire Methods experience lol. Nice update. :)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on May 15, 2019, 10:56:22 pm
Until i kinda fell down the stairs on Friday :P. I'm ok, but i've got a nice bruise on the knee.

Well Thursday, Friday and Saturday was kind of a ride off. I didn't feel well after lab day and slept the entirety of Saturday so that was hella productive.


Oh no! Hope you're feeling better. That has happened to me on many embarrassing occasions so I always stare down at the stairs now because of my great fear of falling again. 

I never knew proteins could cause disease! Your lab day sounds like a lot of fun! What are you changing Physics to? Your subjects sound fun in general I think. That book sounds interesting! Will have to check it out! And that’s totally me in Methods right now too. I’ve just left it until it’s accumulated to so much it’s not funny.

Enjoyed this lil update and looking forward for more. ✨

Lol also that one vote that you should post everyday was definitely not me. I’m just very obsessed with reading journals and would’ve chosen every couple of days (since that’s what I’m doing) but a month is too long sooo yeah hahah feel free to post whenever you can and I’ll be on it!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 16, 2019, 03:24:05 pm
I always stare down at the stairs now because of my great fear of falling again. 
Yeah I now also look down at my stairs in fear as well, it's happened a few times now and i try to be more careful but my feet are still just so clumsy i guess xD.

I'm changing physics to food studies, which is a real shame, since i really like physics, but the course/teacher i have it with isn't that great and will really bring down my scores next year so I thought i should just change. I am looking forward to food studies though as i have always loved to cook (more so baking as i can't cook savory even if my life depended on it) and a "lesser" workload which should give me more time to do on maths yay *sarcastic

Yesssss! I feel your methods struggles!!!
 
Yeah i don't think i'll be posting everyday, but i might post more,  ;) who knows. I'm glad to see your journal is back up and running btw! I only found out about the journals in the last 2 months all so and reading other peoples is quite motivating when VCE is gets too overwhelming.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on May 16, 2019, 08:34:32 pm
Yeah I now also look down at my stairs in fear as well, it's happened a few times now and i try to be more careful but my feet are still just so clumsy i guess xD.

Also don't get those people who walk in the MIDDLE!! But same tho haha.

Ohh that sucks re physics. Especially since you really seem to enjoy it. Are they the only teacher? Idk I know in Year 12 not having a brilliant teacher can be scary but if you both enjoy it and as a bonus you're strong at it, I definitely think you'll be more motivated and put in the yards, is it possible to talk to them? Otherwise re food studies, I've definitely wanted to do that! I love love cooking too (especially baking, omg I love to bake more than anything!! 🍰🍪).

Ughhh methods. Why am I doing it again?

Definitely be up for more posts, don't expect you to do it everyday haha I am just a hugeee fan of reading people's journals and getting a sneak peek into people's lives and it is very motivating too!

And thank you, I'm glad my journal and I are back for good too!! Hope to see you around and I'll be back here!! :)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 18, 2019, 09:51:37 pm
Term 2 Week 4 18/05/19

Hello everybody, welcome back to my mediocre existence  :P Soooo, i'm feeling really negative this weekif ya can't tell. There are a few reasons but I won't go into all. So i don't know how many other people go through this with this awesome irrationality, but getting back my SAC results even though it was an amazing score, really put my thoughts on overdrive. Okay, so for my biology SAC I did on cellular signals I got a 19/20 (A+). Now..... that's a great result, i'm still most likely at the top of my cohort, but guess what! My brain went into over drive with logic going completely out the window. All i could think about was, that was such a dumb mark to lose (not mentioning the mitochondria for the intrinsic pathway) and beating myself up over it. For some reason, i had two brief thoughts of going this is going to affect everything yada yada first world problem thinking. So yeah, i think this is just the mind of a perfectionist + worrier, but this kinda brought me down, even though it was a really great score. I've had time to come to my senses, and i know this won't really do anything to my score, so I think i just need to learn that I did the best I can and there isn't anything i can do about it know.
I really hope i don't sound like a pretentious dick with first world problems, but that's just my brain.
So also this week on my self pity party, dealing with my stupid illness. Now i'm not going into what is actually is, but it means i become *extreamly tired. Like all the time. I'm not just talking, "oh, i didn't get enough sleep", or "I could use a nap", i'm talking full on tiredness. Seeing other peoples amount of study can achieve whilst they go to school, do other activities and work on top of that while all i can really do is study 2-6 hours a day with sleeping the rest of it really put me in a mood. I got really annoyed with one my siblings friend, who i told that i had slept 9 hours that day (not over night sleep),  and they said that that would have been nice and they wish they could do that. I know they can't comprehend what it is like to live with something like this, and that they where most likely just thinking that having a nap as a regular person would be nice, but it just got to me. I have been slowly getting better, but getting frustrated on being behind or not keeping up with everyone else just really screwed with my head this week. Anyway, sorry this is kind of a sad post, but this was just how my week went.

Biology Oh my god, the amount of work that was shoved into my brain this week was absolutely horrendous. I think i now HATE the immune system. Don't get me wrong, it is very interesting, but with how much work was given this week was bonkers. I did 16 hours of work on this week, learning all about the third line of defense. I still don't understand how B lymphocyte are activated. Like do the antibodies just match up with an antigen on a pathogen and activate, or does that happen on an APC with a MHC I and a T helper cell. I have never been this confused before. I spent SO many hours on google and I still don't know. I also don't have a textbook and have to get by on Biozone Aside from that got my last SAC back 19/20 (you read my rant above). So yeah that about conclude this week in bio, I am hoping next week is shorter.

Chemistry Honestly bored. I don't mind nanotechnology, but I think i was just flat out zonked from all the stuff in Biology that i had no room in my brain for interest. So I just rushed through it, couldn't be stuffed doing the questions in the textbook, so I was very lazy with this. But I did it non the less.
Next week is the last week on unit 1 for me (unless i do the exam but I think it is optional yay!) so looking forward to that.

Physics Very average week. I got it out of the way quickly with squishing it down to 5 hours! Learnt all about radioactive decay. Very nostalgic, bringing me back to year 8 and 9, so it made for an easier week. Still can't do the calculations though  ;)

English Nothing, nada, zlinch, 零. So I haven't done any English. Not because I didn't want to although that is me most of the time I needed a corrected draft that wasn't given to me on time so this SAC is getting postponed, but it's not my fault.

Maths Methods Going to try get around to that tomorrow. Really wanted to start getting it done earlier, but you know, biology took soooooo long this week. I am going to need to cram 7 weeks into 3. **** Looking forward to the S *cough F*

So There Is My Week

In other news, my knee is healing up well, and I think I can start doing exercise again. I also believe I have an ANT infestation in my house. The buggers are all over the place. Lucifer season 4 is back on netflix so have just been chilling watching that. Haven't gotten to read much of my book unfortunately, really tired and other priorities. Baked a banana cake and tried to see the Aurora Australis. Butttttt even after waiting 2 hours, it didn't come so  :'( why couldn't you be stronger CME! Well, no i really don't want that to happen as all of our electrical things would explode and the world would go into chaos Sorry that this post is quite long and a little on the pessimistic side and a bit depressing. Hopefully you guys are having a better week. Till next time 再见.
*If i made any spelling errors or grammar mistakes, sorry!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: NomotivationF on May 19, 2019, 09:42:50 pm
Term 2 Week 4 18/05/19

Hello everybody, welcome back to my mediocre existence  :P Soooo, i'm feeling really negative this weekif ya can't tell. There are a few reasons but I won't go into all. So i don't know how many other people go through this with this awesome irrationality, but getting back my SAC results even though it was an amazing score, really put my thoughts on overdrive. Okay, so for my biology SAC I did on cellular signals I got a 19/20 (A+). Now..... that's a great result, i'm still most likely at the top of my cohort, but guess what! My brain went into over drive with logic going completely out the window. All i could think about was, that was such a dumb mark to lose (not mentioning the mitochondria for the intrinsic pathway) and beating myself up over it. For some reason, i had two brief thoughts of going this is going to affect everything yada yada first world problem thinking. So yeah, i think this is just the mind of a perfectionist + worrier, but this kinda brought me down, even though it was a really great score. I've had time to come to my senses, and i know this won't really do anything to my score, so I think i just need to learn that I did the best I can and there isn't anything i can do about it know.

This is something I constantly struggle with as well. I tend to always pine over the marks I lost instead of being content with the score I got (that I should realistically be happy with). One thing that has reaaaaaaaaally helped me out is setting a mark that you'll be happy with either before you do the sac or after you do it. If you tell yourself you'll be happy with a result of x or over, and you get a mark over x, just force yourself to be happy with what you got, because you exceeded/hit your goal!!!! (Also congrats on your bio sac score)
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 20, 2019, 10:46:58 pm
This is something I constantly struggle with as well. I tend to always pine over the marks I lost instead of being content with the score I got (that I should realistically be happy with). One thing that has reaaaaaaaaally helped me out is setting a mark that you'll be happy with either before you do the sac or after you do it. If you tell yourself you'll be happy with a result of x or over, and you get a mark over x, just force yourself to be happy with what you got, because you exceeded/hit your goal!!!! (Also congrats on your bio sac score)

Hey, thanks for reading! It's always nice to know there are other people struggling with this whole scores thing. It's weird, sometimes I set myself a goal that I would be ok with, but have a almost subconscious goal that is higher that may not be achievable. Does that make sense, or do I just sound like a crazy person? But yeah, I try to do that most of the time (so much in maths) and it does work, but I think when I see a stupid mistake, I just keep face palming self.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 21, 2019, 12:53:46 pm
Hey Geoo!
Just wanted to stop in and say congratulations on your freaking awesome Biology score, and with a big 'ol bucket of empathy.
I really get where you're coming from - it seems like it's never enough for the mind of the overachiever, hahaha! If it makes you feel any better, I also missed a single mark on my last Biology SAC and it may or may not have sent me into a slight crisis myself, but god, you're doing great and I hope you know that somewhere. Please take care of yourself and good luck with these last couple of weeks(?)!
Hehe, thank you! :D It's great that i'm not along in the score struggle! Yeah I've just got to hold in there for a little longer for the sweet whole week off. I'm so looking forward to that, I just hope that I can make. So many SACs ahhhhh
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 24, 2019, 10:33:25 pm
Term 2 Week 5 24/05/19
So this week is feeling a bit more positive than the last, I finally started exercising more again after my stair incident, got to complete most of the unit 1/3 content so close to the end of the units, and got to watch some new shows that have come out. I didn't get to do a whole lot this week, I was able to do a bit of driving to add to my hours and got a whole new tone of books to read when I can find the time. Not going to lie, even though I am glad that I'm pretty much done with all the content (except maths methods :'( ), the amount of SACs next week is scary. Like even though I am fairly confident for a few of them, the one for biology on the immune system is down right terrifying. I only have two exams the week after that I really don't care about. They don't go towards my score so.......  ;)

Biology It's done! I've learnt the immune system. All I need to do is revise for next week’s SAC which I am not that prepared for but hopefully some study will fix that. I basically just continued on with what happens when the immune system goes wrong, something about monoclonal antibodies and other stuff that has left my brain as I crammed too much in.

Chemistry So chemistry is pretty much my favourite subject, so i'm kinda happy but sad as I won't be doing any more content for a while but it will be nice to have a break. I did a murder this week which was a really cool way to sign off unit 1. I couldn't take it seriously as the acting in the videos was downright hilarious! But then again it was made in 2002 so it looked like the IT Crowd but with bad writing and acting. All it needed was a Roy to say "have you tried turning it on and off again". - I really hope some of you get that. I swear the I though Vince/Vance killed Nelson as I though he was kind of a douche, but after all the evidence it was Sam. But yeah, fun week. Kind of scared for the exam next week

English Man this subject bores me. Why is it compulsory :( The only thing I like is that the workload isn't as high as all my other subjects. I just annotated a fake article on its use of persuasive language. Not very exciting. I also received a late copy of my essay draft (I haven't written an essay in ages) and managed to get a B on that. It's not a great score, but i'll gladly take it. So, I corrected and made a few adjustments and sent off the final copy of the SAC. Now all I need to do is dread next week’s SAC on writing another essay. I also feel like English has made it harder to enjoy the books I normally read. I don't know, it now feels like a bit of a chore, and I think it's really sad. I could have loved English but it's just done so wrong (IMO)

Physics My care rate for this subject was thrown into a bottomless ocean this week. I really couldn't care. Some parts are still interesting but I am still finding it so dry with watching films and YouTube videos after one another. I shoved all my normal physics workload of 6 hours in 3. I'm going to drop it so I can't be bothered. I know that’s very lazy of me, but I am really just trying to find time to catch up on maths. But yay, last week of content, got a SAC next week and that is it, end of unit 1.

Maths Methods I haven't done any. I set a time and when to do it but end up doing another subject anyway. I'm not even procrastinating i'm just finding excuses to avoid it. I really need to get my act together, but it's SO MUCH WORK. I am really scared I might fail the unit, I was looking at some uni course i am interested in and a large chunk have maths methods as a requirement. Gosh I am an idiot for leaving it this long.

Aside from that, finished watching Lucifer season 4, started Rain season 2 and watched Chernobyl. I'm kind of sad to wait for the next season of Lucifer, it was a much better season then last time, it is not the best show but it is just light to watch. Dear god Chernobyl was freaking terrifying. I love nuclear science and have done a lot of research on it but to see the level of extent the damage and cover up operation by the Soviet Union was just mind blowing. The acting was great and the locations were very actuate of the time. It was so hard to try not get attached to the firemen as I knew they were all going to die and that really hit me hard. The fact the core was just blew up and the lead nuclear officer kept sending person after person to their death ignoring the information given to him half made me really sad but also very angry at the people being forced into ending their lives from threats to their job. That may be boring to a few people but it is an interesting part of history that still has so much impact that was just fascinating to learn about.
On a lighter note, got some new books (Renegades, Vengeful and His Majesty's Dragon) so looking forward to reading those. So yeah not a bad week, hope everyone else was pretty decent to.

Till next time

Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: NomotivationF on May 26, 2019, 11:03:00 am

Maths Methods I haven't done any. I set a time and when to do it but end up doing another subject anyway. I'm not even procrastinating i'm just finding excuses to avoid it. I really need to get my act together, but it's SO MUCH WORK. I am really scared I might fail the unit, I was looking at some uni course i am interested in and a large chunk have maths methods as a requirement. Gosh I am an idiot for leaving it this long.


😬😬😬😬 I kinda fell into this trap last year, and I honestly still can't bring myself to do methods. Most of the content from 1/2 is applicable and presumed knowledge for 3/4, just make sure you pay attention when you're learning circular functions as it is a huge part of methods 3/4. Good luck!!!!!

Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 26, 2019, 04:46:10 pm
😬😬😬😬 I kinda fell into this trap last year, and I honestly still can't bring myself to do methods. Most of the content from 1/2 is applicable and presumed knowledge for 3/4, just make sure you pay attention when you're learning circular functions as it is a huge part of methods 3/4. Good luck!!!!!


Oh really, that makes me scared. I am normally pretty good at maths but since learning it through DECV, I have found it harder without teacher interaction so i'm kind of struggling. I got so behind because I put it off and now I am skipping alot of the content of the unit to scrape a satisfactory. Do you find you use much of unit 1, or how much difficulty would you say they build upon it in unit 3? I think on the summer holidays i am going to try prepare a lot more for next years maths and try fill in my gaps of knowledge (If I can pass this year). Like I have even skipped circular functions and a few other important parts so I am kind of scared.

Anyway thanks for the advice  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 27, 2019, 09:19:34 am
Ah help!!!!! I managed to catch a bad cold in SAC week.
5 SACs and a head cold Yay.  :'(
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on May 27, 2019, 09:24:52 am
Ah help!!!!! I managed to catch a bad cold in SAC week.
5 SACs and a head cold Yay.  :'(

Never pleasant. Try to take things bit by bit. You'll get there!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: NomotivationF on May 27, 2019, 12:55:40 pm


Oh really, that makes me scared. I am normally pretty good at maths but since learning it through DECV, I have found it harder without teacher interaction so i'm kind of struggling. I got so behind because I put it off and now I am skipping alot of the content of the unit to scrape a satisfactory. Do you find you use much of unit 1, or how much difficulty would you say they build upon it in unit 3? I think on the summer holidays i am going to try prepare a lot more for next years maths and try fill in my gaps of knowledge (If I can pass this year). Like I have even skipped circular functions and a few other important parts so I am kind of scared.

Anyway thanks for the advice  :D

Could you remind me on what Unit 1 was about? As far as I know, I think almost everything in 1/2 methods is relevant to 3/4.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 27, 2019, 11:47:27 pm
Never pleasant. Try to take things bit by bit. You'll get there!

Thank you! I will get through it, it will just be a tough week. At least it isn't the flu.

Could you remind me on what Unit 1 was about? As far as I know, I think almost everything in 1/2 methods is relevant to 3/4.


To be honest I don't really remember much of what I did for Unit 1. I'm barley half way through the unit so i don't know to much. We did start on linear and quadratics and I'm doing cubic and polynomials at the moment.

Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on May 28, 2019, 11:06:38 pm

So this week is feeling a bit more positive than the last, I finally started exercising more again after my stair incident, got to complete most of the unit 1/3 content so close to the end of the units, and got to watch some new shows that have come out.


Hey!! I really hope you feel better soon, please make sure to rest and look after yourself, you won't be able to do anything if you don't. When is your bio sac? How are you feeling about it? What 'murders' do you do in Chemistry? It sounds like a whole lot of fun!! Right up my alley haha! Yikes I really can relate to your Methods experience right now. Also, it's 1000% possible to do amazingly well in 3/4 without having that well in 1/2 but the dreaded circular functions is a HUGE topic so you'll need to familiarise yourself very well with that before 3/4. And there's just a lot of graphs for every topic.

I love Lucifer too! It's a light and comical show I love relaxing with and enjoying. What is Chernobyl about? Sounds pretty interesting.

And do let me know how those books go! On the lookout for some great new reads! Take care x
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 29, 2019, 09:37:10 pm
Hey!! I really hope you feel better soon, please make sure to rest and look after yourself, you won't be able to do anything if you don't. When is your bio sac? How are you feeling about it? What 'murders' do you do in Chemistry? It sounds like a whole lot of fun!! Right up my alley haha! Yikes I really can relate to your Methods experience right now. Also, it's 1000% possible to do amazingly well in 3/4 without having that well in 1/2 but the dreaded circular functions is a HUGE topic so you'll need to familiarise yourself very well with that before 3/4. And there's just a lot of graphs for every topic.

I love Lucifer too! It's a light and comical show I love relaxing with and enjoying. What is Chernobyl about? Sounds pretty interesting.

And do let me know how those books go! On the lookout for some great new reads! Take care x
Hehe thanks so much Mango, will do.
Well my bio SAC is due by Friday (31st), but I'm so sick this week that I asked for an extension for next week so hopefully doing it then. What is really funny is that the SAC is on the Immune system when I am really sick, ironic. Chemistry was so awesome last week. We had to solve a murder surrounding a chemist being killed at a grant party, and interviewing, looking at evidence as using our "chem knowledge"  to solve the case. So a great way to shake up the dense chem workload.

That great to know about methods! Its great getting support from other people with the subject right now. I am so close to failing but will hopefully pull a pass. I know, WAY TOO MANY GRAPHS. I kind of get lazy with them when doing exercises and just don't bother with a ruler.

So sad I finished Lucifer, but just started on Arrested Development to hopefully fill that light hearted show gap. Chernobyl is a Mini series from HBO and BBC about the cover up and explosion of the nuclear meltdown of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Reactor in 1986 in При́п'ять (Pripyat) in the time of the cold war in the soviet union. It's a combination of science and history that makes it so interesting. How the soviet union acted about it, and how they tried to cover it up along with seeing the devastating effects was just so scary knowing it really happened. But yeah awesome show it you like the science and history on the soviet union.

I really need time to read more books lol. What genres of books do you like? 
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: whys on May 29, 2019, 09:55:59 pm
1/2 Physics (probably going to drop and change to food studies)

Hello there! This is totally unrelated but I wanted to pop in and say food studies is an amazing subject :)
If you wanted any more info on what it's like, you are welcome to ask! According to me, it may seem a little content heavy, but in reality once you start learning it, it becomes much more fun and therefore doesn't feel like much. Of course only swap out if you dislike physics to a point where you have to swap out, and both subjects are completely different respectively (and so appeal to different perspectives). Good luck with VCE!
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 01, 2019, 10:28:18 pm
Hello there! This is totally unrelated but I wanted to pop in and say food studies is an amazing subject :)
If you wanted any more info on what it's like, you are welcome to ask! According to me, it may seem a little content heavy, but in reality once you start learning it, it becomes much more fun and therefore doesn't feel like much. Of course only swap out if you dislike physics to a point where you have to swap out, and both subjects are completely different respectively (and so appeal to different perspectives). Good luck with VCE!

Hey, thanks so much for the offer! It is great to know there are other people on the forms taking food studies, the thread is pretty much barren of posts.
But yeah, I decided to switch from physics and will be starting on the 17th of June for unit 2 so pretty exciting. Aside from the content, did you get to cook much? I have always been a baker at heart so it would be interesting to see how much there is.
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 01, 2019, 11:07:11 pm
Term 2 Week 6 01/6/19

Wow, can't believe we are reaching the halfway mark of the year wow, and hello winter. So the great thing about doing education online, is that I don't have to brace the cold for class and so I can stay in trackies and a hoodie with ugg boots and a blanket and chug away at work (that sentence was so bad). I feel so sorry for everyone else, good luck with winter guys and keep warm! Anyway this week was very bad, and uneventful, so this won't be a long post.Says that then writes a long post
After 4 tissue boxes, 1 box of Difflam™(can't stand strepsels ™), 1 jar of honey and Panadol™, I am finally starting to feel better. I had to take 3 days off as I was just way to sick to get out of bed so yeah....... it probably didn't help that I couldn't stop stressing about all the maths work I had to do and a Bio SAC, but I just couldn't do anything so all the stressing was super pointless.

I am not doing the GAT this year. I feel really bad that I am not doing, but I would need to drive a good hour and a half to the testing center, plus I am really sick at the moment on top of my other health stuff, and I think it would impact on my studies. I really hope it doesn't impact my Biology score, as it is the only 3/4 subject I am doing this year. I still plan on doing the GAT next year for year 12 however, as I feel the stakes are way higher if I am really unwell. So yeah I hope I am not making a mistake.

English Last week of content for unit one, YAY. It was a SAC based on a article that I needed to analyses and write about the techniques and language was used in the article. It wasn't to difficult, but I had a real problem with not focusing on the language and techniques part and writing about what was going on in the arguments. Not my best work as I was feeling really under the weather, but it is only unit 1. Next week is just filling out a survey and doing a review of the course, which should be easy.

Physic So it was a SAC this week, which I did on the same day I did my English SAC. No this was a terrible idea. My cold was really kicking in, and 1/4 of the way into the SAC, a full on headache (almost migrain) kicked in, and I forgot my box of tissues and it was just a disaster. This was probably the worst thing I have ever handed in. I will most likely get a very low grade on this one, as I didn't even bother answering the maths questions, so I'm waiting for that nice 30%! It doesn't bother me to much though, as I have now dropped the subject, but I am kind of a perfectionist to an illogical point soo.....

Biology So this week was supposed to be a SAC, but as I mentioned early, I was SUPER sick. I have an awesome teacher that has made it so I can do it next week! I am so relieved as it is unit 3, and I can do it properly!

Chemistry Well it was an exam this week but I am allowed to do it next week. So very thankful for that!

Maths Methods Guess what, I actully got off my but, and did my maths work! I crammed 4 weeks of work into 4 days. Did i pace myself, kinda, was it worth it, yes and no, am I going to pass the unit, I have way higher hopes now. Ok, so i am happy that I got something down and made progress, but I am pissed off to the extremes. I MISS TEACHERS. So since my work is all online, it is like having to read a text book with even more mediocre explanations. We did cubic graphs this week, and to try find the minimums or maximums, or just how high or low I need to drawn the line, it just says estimate. No explanation of where or how low, just estimate. It doesn't tell me how to do anything, and I end up using YouTube to get my work done which takes so much time. I wish I had a teacher in class to just explain it to me. Uhhhhhhhgggg
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/K6aTCEw.png)

So that is my week. Just me being sick, getting frustrated with maths, postponing SACs and Exams, and binge watching arrested development.

Since I can't get rid of the poll I made, I decided to run a monthly poll! This monthWhat Pet Do Have/Prefer So give a vote  :D

Sorry if this isn't written well, I am super tired and feeling a bit out of it  :-[

 
Title: Re: Geoo's Hopeful VCE Journey
Post by: whys on June 02, 2019, 10:51:38 am
Hey, thanks so much for the offer! It is great to know there are other people on the forms taking food studies, the thread is pretty much barren of posts.
But yeah, I decided to switch from physics and will be starting on the 17th of June for unit 2 so pretty exciting. Aside from the content, did you get to cook much? I have always been a baker at heart so it would be interesting to see how much there is.
Yes, there’s quite a bit of cooking. At my school, approximately a little less than half of all our lessons are cooking, so there’s quite a bit. I’d say we cook sweet and savoury in pretty equal ratios.
Title: Re: Geoo's Through VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 07, 2019, 07:07:52 pm
Term 2 Week 7 07/06/19

UNIT ONE (and three) IS FINALLY OVER! Another week and I don't think I could have made it. I am so burnt out it is not funny. I lost interest in pretty much everything I did. School, hobbies, people. I was just at a point where I was so overloaded. I finally get a break next week, as I get the entire week off. I decided that I wasn't doing the GAT this year, due to my health and that I am only doing one year 12 subject. So good luck to anyone doing the GAT on Wednesday next week, and try to not overdo it on the study. I am hanging out for the holidays, but am also scared of the fact that the end of year exams are approaching! The good thing is, Biology is in the first week (Friday the 1st of November) of exams, so I can get it out of the way.

So since I get a week off next week I kind of feel guilty for not doing any study. I mean it is prime time to revise and prepare for the upcoming units, but I am just so worn out. I think If I did do some revision, I wound't feel motivated to do any work or study when the school roles around again. LIke at the moment, I kind of don't know what to do with myself. Going from studying 35 hours a week (max), to just doing nothing, feels really weird. I feel like I should be working, but the though of it also starts of my listing every reason why I don't want to study. Anyone else feel this weird study guilt complex? I know some people that never take a break, and I don't know how they do it.
So, I have a large list of books I want to read in the week. I think i'll try to read maybe 4-9 in my week off, but I want to do some other things to. I have some plans with friends, video games to catch up on (my poor servers I have neglected), lots of baking I want to try + exploring savory options as I would really like to get my diet back in order and do some of my hobbies. Now, I know I am Australian, but I have a scary addiction to Vegemite and Milo. Like honestly, what got my through these last few weeks, was pretty much a glass of Milo (only cold milk in a tall glass with like 3 teaspoons)in milk a day. I know, very bad for my health And I swear I have Vegemite once a day. Anyway enough of my Milo addiction.

Biology Was able to do the SAC that I didn't do last week. I would say it was decently harder then I expected. I studied quite hard for it, but when I looked down at the questions, my mind went blank and I ended up staring into space. It was also crammed into 50 mins (not including reading time), and I ended up with a massive hand cramp. I really think we should have got a bit longer, as there where a lot of very long short answer questions that I couldn't go back over as I had no time left. That hasn't happened to me in ages! So I am really scared on the mark I am going to get. The immune system is just so complex, and the amount of content that was shoved into my brain for the segment of the study design was just SO MUCH.

Maths Methods I did it, I handed in all the work to get an S. I know that this isn't a great result, but i am so proud that I was able to get that. (I don't know if I actually got the S yet, but I really hope I do) I didn't do any SACs for unit one, and only did the bare minimum to get that S. Do I remember anything i did? no. Do I feel confident in applying what i learnt? no. Do probabilities make sense? hell no. But did i pass the unit? hopefully I did. I feel happy and disappointed. I wouldn't say I love maths but it has always been one of my favorite subjects, and to come into year 11 with a bad teacher/course, getting it late, and just feeling really overwhelmed with the difficulty and giant workload was really heartbreaking. As someone who was a good maths student to barely passing really hurt my feeling towards the subject, and my own maths ability. The subject has really made me hate maths now, which is such a shame, thank school!

Chemistry I didn't do any work for chem this week, but I did get my SAC result back and was really happy with it. I managed to get a 49/50, which is really awesome. However, my teacher didn't point out where I lost that mark so I am very annoyed at that.

English Same with chemistry didn't have any work this week but got a SAC back. As someone who was a D student in English last year, getting a B+ is a really awesome achievement for me. yay!

Physics Same as chem and English, I got my SAC back...... and I got worse then I expected, 56%. Now, I did have a bad cold and was given a headache that was borderline a migraine on the day, but i didn't expect this bad.  The good thing is is that I have droped this subject so it technically doesn't matter ???,

On a finally note, I saw that the ATAR Notes lectures are back! I really wanted to go, but it is a really bad flu season at the moment and I can't risk going. My immune system isn't that great, and I can't afford to get sick, so I can't go  :(. I am hoping that I can go to the ones in the term 3 holidays though, and I will look at the notes when they are released.



Anyway thanks for reading and good luck with the GAT guys! *Sorry for spelling issues, but I have motivation of a sloth
Title: Re: Geoo's Through VCE Journey
Post by: smamsmo22 on June 08, 2019, 08:33:06 am
Well done on finishing unit 1! Despite the struggles along the way, it's probably flown by faster than you anticipated... so there's proof that you can do it to use for the next semester :) In saying that, definitely make the most of your break with some study-free time... and by study-free, I mean guilt-free study-free ;) Honestly, trying to take a break while constantly thinking about/feeling guilty about not studying is just as draining as having no break at all. You've done really well this semester; treat yourself!!

Maths Methods I did it, I handed in all the work to get an S. I know that this isn't a great result, but i am so proud that I was able to get that. (I don't know if I actually got the S yet, but I really hope I do) I didn't do any SACs for unit one, and only did the bare minimum to get that S. Do I remember anything i did? no. Do I feel confident in applying what i learnt? no. Do probabilities make sense? hell no. But did i pass the unit? hopefully I did. I feel happy and disappointed. I wouldn't say I love maths but it has always been one of my favorite subjects, and to come into year 11 with a bad teacher/course, getting it late, and just feeling really overwhelmed with the difficulty and giant workload was really heartbreaking. As someone who was a good maths student to barely passing really hurt my feeling towards the subject, and my own maths ability. The subject has really made me hate maths now, which is such a shame, thank school!
Completely feel you WRT a bad teacher ruining a subject that you used to like. If it makes you feel any better, I felt similarly last year about English... throughout the year, I was disappointed in my results, lacked confidence and eventually adopted the mindset of just doing my best with what I had and accepting it (easier said than done). I tried to block out my marks, my (unsuccessful) prior expectations for the subject and the results of others, and just work on what I had to work on... I ended up doing a lot better than I thought, and the marks during the semester I received which I were convinced would ruin my study score really didn't have much impact in the end. Getting an S for the unit is all you need for year 11 and you've clearly worked hard to get there, so well done; you deserve to feel proud. Keep at it.

Best of luck for the weeks ahead. What are you planning on baking?

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 09, 2019, 12:06:37 pm
Well done on finishing unit 1! Despite the struggles along the way, it's probably flown by faster than you anticipated... so there's proof that you can do it to use for the next semester :) In saying that, definitely make the most of your break with some study-free time... and by study-free, I mean guilt-free study-free ;) Honestly, trying to take a break while constantly thinking about/feeling guilty about not studying is just as draining as having no break at all. You've done really well this semester; treat yourself!!
Completely feel you WRT a bad teacher ruining a subject that you used to like. If it makes you feel any better, I felt similarly last year about English... throughout the year, I was disappointed in my results, lacked confidence and eventually adopted the mindset of just doing my best with what I had and accepting it (easier said than done). I tried to block out my marks, my (unsuccessful) prior expectations for the subject and the results of others, and just work on what I had to work on... I ended up doing a lot better than I thought, and the marks during the semester I received which I were convinced would ruin my study score really didn't have much impact in the end. Getting an S for the unit is all you need for year 11 and you've clearly worked hard to get there, so well done; you deserve to feel proud. Keep at it.

Best of luck for the weeks ahead. What are you planning on baking?

Hey thanks for reading! Oh yeah it has really gone by quickly, I still can't believe it is June. Yeah I am definitely going to try not to think about study whilst on break, but it is quite difficult. I just need to get into the relaxed habit so I can come back refreshed. It seams the more I talk to people on here, the more stories I hear about teachers ruining the enjoyment of a subject.It's funny, I also feel the same about english, which is really such a shame. Anyway, thanks for the congratulations and the advice it really means a lot.

I really want to try bake choux pastry and turn them into eclairs. I have't tried to make this type of pastry, so I think it will be quite interesting as well to test out fillings. I love a good pastry creme and ganache, but maybe trying to infuse a few different flavors into the ganache like either a hint of coffee or tea. I don't know yet. I was also thinking of attempting to make nougat/Turrón or maybe honeycomb idk but they both are candy making so that should be interesting.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on June 13, 2019, 08:29:01 pm

I really want to try bake choux pastry and turn them into eclairs. I have't tried to make this type of pastry, so I think it will be quite interesting as well to test out fillings. I love a good pastry creme and ganache, but maybe trying to infuse a few different flavors into the ganache like either a hint of coffee or tea. I don't know yet. I was also thinking of attempting to make nougat/Turrón or maybe honeycomb idk but they both are candy making so that should be interesting.

I want to make choux pastry too! And eclairs, like macarons, have limitless possibilities! I've never tried infusing other flavours into ganache! And whenever they make honeycomb on masterchef it looks spectacular! I am so excited you are a baker as well! I hope you share pictures of your creations!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 16, 2019, 03:11:02 pm
I want to make choux pastry too! And eclairs, like macarons, have limitless possibilities! I've never tried infusing other flavours into ganache! And whenever they make honeycomb on masterchef it looks spectacular! I am so excited you are a baker as well! I hope you share pictures of your creations!


Yay! It's awesome to see another baker on the forms! I will definitely try post my baking outcomes when I make them, unless I fail  ;D. I haven't been able to do as much as I wanted to this week, but with hopefully starting food studies I will be able to do more.
Candy making is definitely super interesting, I tried to make honeycomb before, but it didn't turn out well I may have overcooked it and it burnt
I love T2, so i may try infuse there teas into the ganache as I don't really like your standard black teas.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 21, 2019, 08:19:15 pm
Term 2 21/06/2019

Hello everyone, it is me, back from a small break. So I have written this post twice already, but my internet decided to drop out when I went to post, and , well, let’s just say I lost all my work.yay Anyway, this is probably going to be a very long post sooo......

Biology
So I got my last SAC result back for my unit 3 and I am devastated. I know this may seem like a great result for some, but this just really got to me this week. I got a 26/30. Sorry if this is all a bit over the top, but I had to have a solid cry just to get over that. Now I am not one to think overboard on my atar, because I know in the end that there are plenty of other options, pathways etc. It is just a number, but to me, my atar represents the easiest path into my course. I am not striving for beyond and above results, but just what I need to get into the undergraduate degree I want. So now that that is out of the way, the reason I am mainly upset about what happen in biology, is that I am heavily relying on that score, and two other subjects, to get the scores needed for my goal atar. It may not all be as bad, as for my first and second SAC i scored very high, 50/50 and 19/20, so the unit comes out to be 95/100. That is the unscaled mark, and I don't know If I still hold my rank one position anymore. So yes, I am very upset about this. I know there is still the exam and unit 4 to redeem myself again, but this was quite a blow to my motivation of the subject. Just a mild rant, those four marks, I LOST THREE TO MULTIPLE CHOICE! I couldn't believe it. I went back and had a look, and two of them I don't even remember them being taught. AHHH!

So, into other news. Unit 4 has now officially started. They have decided to change up the course a bit, which I thought was interesting. We weren't given any text book to work with this year, so the teachers either use videos from YouTube or click play and copy chunks of textbook paragraphs for us to interpret and place into our notes. But now they have decided to use mostly self recorded videos to give us the information. Now, on the one hand this has been great, as it makes the information put into easier terms, but on the other hand, I don't feel it gives enough of the fine details. Then again, I am one of those people that likes to have their butts covered and writes down everything I see so, yeah this should be interesting.

Chemistry
Ah Chem, why are you so boring at the moment. As a huge lover of chemistry, I found this week’s work, so painful to get through. I had the attention span of a squirrel. Did my cat walk by? I should give him a pat. Did I leave the heater on downstairs? I should go check. Oh, a notification on atar notes. So yeah, I was very "productive". So this week was exploring water molecules. Half of the content I learnt in Physics unit 1, and the other half felt like a primary school inquiry. I had to do all these experiments which I think were quite pointless. I had to heat water to a boil, then dump that out and pour more water in, but here's the twist, I had to do it that time with ICE. wow Then I had to see if ice floated. And then I had to test how "wet" a surface becomes depending on what that surface is. That last experiment was a little more useful, but the rest was just laughable.
I didn't even have to show results, pictures or any actual evidence that I did the experiments, and all the discussion questions barley had anything to do with the prac, but rather the theory behind it. So, I wasted 4 hours doing all of that when I could have just answered the theory questions. Sorry if that was a little negative/ranty, but at this point I am too tired to care. 

Maths Methods
Do I have to. The good news is, is that it is the start of a new unit. A chance to keep on top of work. Now all I need to do is find that motivation I left lying around somewhere.

English
Need to do this week’s work, but so far, it I just need to answer some questions to a short story written by a rich Russian doctor who helped people that happens to have a very long last name. That shouldn't take me long, but I am just a tab fed up with lack of text the interests me. As someone who loves reading and analysing characters from books and movies, I am just so disappointed in what English has to offer. I understand that not everyone is into the same topics, but I wish there was more variety to what is studied in English. Then again, I might be a little salty that I couldn't do English language. I love linguists so much. Anyway, they also put up trigger warnings for some of the content in unit 2 and provided a lifeline. Which one, I think is great for people who could be triggered by the content, but secondly, I am a bit tired of depressing books. I understand the need to explore deeper topics, and I don't mind reading these from time to time. But I have read the same texts for years on end and I am kind of tired of it. Spice up the system, or read more modern books. There are some really awesome modern writers that explore deep topics that can relate to the people in the classroom. Or give me some other genres. I would love some sci-fi or fantasy that isn't Frankenstein, and I know not everyone is into that stuff, but just one book please  ;)

Food Studies
So, I haven't started on any work yet as it just came in. I am so looking forward to starting. Even though I love my science subject, I am a very creative person, especially in the kitchen, so it would be nice to have a creative and easier subject to blend in with everything else. I just found out my teacher, and got my timetable and textbook. I am not going to put too much effort into this subject until unit 3 and 4 comes around, as I would like to focus on my other subjects, as that work correlates more to their unit 3/4. But yes, so very excited.

Everything Else
So, I don't know how many of you care about the stuff that is going on outside of my school work, but I have time so here it is.

For a while now, I have always gotten bad hand cramps and pain from SACs and exams. It can kick in as soon 5 minutes pass after some hard core writing. Since my exams are approaching, I decided to see a hand therapist. She ended up giving me a hand brace for my index finger. Not going to lie, it is a little funny. She also gave me a new pen, which has a U shape on the end and is very weird to use. , I am not sure If I will use that but at least I know I have options. It is called an ergonomic pen if anyone is interested.

In other news, I am currently writing a short story for my local bookshop's annual writing competition. So that is exciting. I may or may not post it on here when it is done, so who knows. I don't know exactly where I am going with the story, and am at the stage of planning. It is due by the 30th of June so I need to get my butt on that.

I had spare time to FINALLY get in the kitchen and bake. It wasn't much, but I was able to make buckwheat donuts. Unpopular opinion: I don't like icing. I am very simple, I like cinnamon sugar, or a good custard or jam filling.

Last but not least, I was able to get some reading done in my break period! I think I read 5 books.
I got to read Renegades by Marissa Meyer, got to finish Aurora Rising (which has been confirmed for a TV adaption), Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson, Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye, and I am currently reading The Secret Runners of New York.
I have kind of been tempted to read the mortal instruments and its spin offs, but one, there are soooo many books, two (don't kill me) I found the movie and show very cringey, and 3, I just bought a ton of books and need to start saving again. BookDepository and their sales ahhh. There is also Sarah J.Mass books, but I have heard mixed things.

So that is my last two weeks. Sorry that this was long, a little extra, kind of ranty with a small side exaggeration but thank you all for reading. I will leave you with this bad Chemistry joke:  Don't trust atoms, they're everywhere!
Sorry for spelling errors
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: r1ckworthy on June 21, 2019, 09:08:11 pm
Term 2 21/06/2019

Hello everyone, it is me, back from a small break. So i have written this post twice already, but my internet decided to drop out when I went to post, and , well, lets just say I lost all my work.yay Anyway, this is probably going to be a very long post sooo......
.
.
.

That joke was so bad ::) ::) ::)
It's great to see a fellow perfectionist about marks!!! I only have that attitude on when I get marks higher than 85, and mann does it hurt. It especially sucks when you were succeeding with great marks in a particular subject, then only to get a mark lower than what you usually get. I got my ancient history mark back for an essay, got 8/10, my teacher described it as 'my crown being dethroned' ;D... just don't go too overboard with it, it could bring a bit more drama and negativity into your life than you really need.

So glad you went to that hand therapist! Hopefully everything is good now, and hope you have a great week ahead!!!

EDIT: Just realised how long the quote was, so removed some of it :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 21, 2019, 09:34:14 pm
heyyy I've been reading your journal and I've been enjoying it so far ;D
I hope your hand is doing well and I look forward to your updates on food studies :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 21, 2019, 10:37:16 pm
That joke was so bad ::) ::) ::)
It's great to see a fellow perfectionist about marks!!! I only have that attitude on when I get marks higher than 85, and mann does it hurt. It especially sucks when you were succeeding with great marks in a particular subject, then only to get a mark lower than what you usually get. I got my ancient history mark back for an essay, got 8/10, my teacher described it as 'my crown being dethroned' ;D... just don't go too overboard with it, it could bring a bit more drama and negativity into your life than you really need.

So glad you went to that hand therapist! Hopefully everything is good now, and hope you have a great week ahead!!!

EDIT: Just realised how long the quote was, so removed some of it :)


Yes!!! Another person who feels my pain. It really can bring so much negativity, and it can be so hard to break out. It is amazing how us perfectionists/ high achieves can get a really "high mark" but then be completely stressed and down as it wasn't what we wanted.
I saw that you had a journal, and i had just never seen it before, and it took me a good minute to work out you are doing HSC. Anyway, awesome journal and nice to see you on the Victorian Forums  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 21, 2019, 10:38:46 pm
heyyy I've been reading your journal and I've been enjoying it so far ;D
I hope your hand is doing well and I look forward to your updates on food studies :)

Hey thanks for reading along. I'm glad you have enjoyed it so far. Ooo, it is good to see some more food studies people on the forums. Are you doing it as well?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 21, 2019, 10:43:26 pm

Hey thanks for reading along. I'm glad you have enjoyed it so far. Ooo, it is good to see some more food studies people on the forums. Are you doing it as well?
I'm only in year 10 but I really want to do it next year... and I did a food tech elective this year which is basically an introduction to food studies 1/2 :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 21, 2019, 10:53:50 pm
I'm only in year 10 but I really want to do it next year... and I did a food tech elective this year which is basically an introduction to food studies 1/2 :D

When I was in year 9 and 10, I really wanted to do food tech but my school didn't offer it so that is why I am taking it up in VCE. Do you think you might jump to 3/4 food studies for year 11 since year 10 food tech is a introduction. It is such an underrated subject.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 21, 2019, 11:06:03 pm

When I was in year 9 and 10, I really wanted to do food tech but my school didn't offer it so that is why I am taking it up in VCE. Do you think you might jump to 3/4 food studies for year 11 since year 10 food tech is a introduction. It is such an underrated subject.
What are you looking forward to the most in Food Studies?
I'm planning on doing food tech 3/4 in yr 12 instead of accelerating because I want to do Bio next year 
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on June 22, 2019, 07:26:59 am
I'm planning on doing food tech 3/4 in yr 12 instead of accelerating because I want to do Bio next year

I feel the struggle. I was given the option to accelerate food studies this year but choose to do 1/2 bio instead. Don't think I'll pick it up next year, but hope you enjoy!! How has accelerating bio been?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 08:42:29 am
I feel the struggle. I was given the option to accelerate food studies this year but choose to do 1/2 bio instead. Don't think I'll pick it up next year, but hope you enjoy!! How has accelerating bio been?
I'm not really accelerating bio but I'm doing like an introductory elective to see if I want to continue on and it's been really interesting! Btw I read your journal and I really like it!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 22, 2019, 11:10:52 am
What are you looking forward to the most in Food Studies?
I'm planning on doing food tech 3/4 in yr 12 instead of accelerating because I want to do Bio next year

I think I am really looking forward to the cooking aspect of food studies. Whether it is cooking, or figuring out what combinations of flavors work. Even the nutrition portion looks really interesting.
Yeah I totally get that. I am doing 3/4 bio this year in year 11, and it is a very heavy workload!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 11:15:29 am

I think I am really looking forward to the cooking aspect of food studies. Whether it is cooking, or figuring out what combinations of flavors work. Even the nutrition portion looks really interesting.
Yeah I totally get that. I am doing 3/4 bio this year in year 11, and it is a very heavy workload!
apparently you can even do a sensory taste blindfolded! I'm also intrigued by the cooking aspect... even though it would be stressful in its own way it would still be a breather from subjects like english and chem (but i lovee chem)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 22, 2019, 11:47:56 am
apparently you can even do a sensory taste blindfolded! I'm also intrigued by the cooking aspect... even though it would be stressful in its own way it would still be a breather from subjects like english and chem (but i lovee chem)
That sounds so interesting! It is definitely a nice break from the heavy subjects! As a huge chem lover as well, I know they do some food science stuff at the end of unit 4, which is really cool. Since i'll be doing unit 4 food studies as well as chem, it will be a nice combo.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 12:59:04 pm
That sounds so interesting! It is definitely a nice break from the heavy subjects! As a huge chem lover as well, I know they do some food science stuff at the end of unit 4, which is really cool. Since i'll be doing unit 4 food studies as well as chem, it will be a nice combo.
niceeeee when do you start food studies? When term 3 starts?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 22, 2019, 05:50:03 pm
niceeeee when do you start food studies? When term 3 starts?

The course started this week on the 17th, but it was given to me late, so I have to do a bit of catch up work on the weekend.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 06:02:24 pm

The course started this week on the 17th, but it was given to me late, so I have to do a bit of catch up work on the weekend.
ooooh good luck with that!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on June 22, 2019, 07:51:39 pm
Everything Else
So, I don't know how many of you care about the stuff that is going on outside of my school work, but I have time so here it is.

So excited for food studies to start! I shall live vicariously through your experiences :)

I definitely care about the non related school stuff, I love the journals which talk about things other than school as well. That’s great you saw a hand therapist, and I hope the brace and pen work out so you can write witl more ease.

What’s your short story about? I would love to read it if you are comfortable posting it here.

Mmm that sounds delicious. Were they baked or fried? Do you have the recipe for them? Omg I feel like we should start a BAKING THREAD!!! And no fear, I do not like icing either. The only icing I will eat is cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache. I can not stand buttercream at all. And those are the only things I like on/in my donuts as well. I can’t stand the ones with icing and sprinkles. Funnily enough, I absolutely love making desserts but I do not even have a sweet tooth. I can only eat a little of my sweet creations so I make it for other people to devour haha.

Ooooh I’m so jealous, I want to read so many books again!! And omg I read Truly Devious last year!! It was strange since it kinda ended on a cliffhanger yet there’s no sequel…What are your ratings of all those books, and which ones would you recommend?

YESSS I CAN TALK ABOUT THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS AGAIN PLEASE PLEASE READ IT YOU WILL NOT I PROMISE YOU, REGRET IT. They are my all time favourite books, along with Infernal Devices OH MY GOSH THEY ARE THE BEST MOST AMAZING WONDERFUL STUPENDOUS BOOKS TO EXIST EVER. And I never watched the movies, hearing about how bad they were, and I watched three minutes of the netflix show, and could not BEAR watching any more. It was that bad. Book Depository is very very bad. A very dangerous site for me to be on. Sadly I didn’t love ACOTAR, but you could see if you enjoy it. Love your journal as usual ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 07:55:35 pm
Omg I feel like we should start a BAKING THREAD!!! And no fear, I do not like icing either. The only icing I will eat is cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache.
omggg that would be sooo cool! I've been planning to start one toooo!

Sadly I didn’t love ACOTAR, but you could see if you enjoy it. Love your journal as usual ;)
oooooooh careful you never know when Sarah J Maas' fans are around! From what I've heard they're pretty scary ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on June 22, 2019, 08:46:03 pm
omggg that would be sooo cool! I've been planning to start one toooo!
oooooooh careful you never know when Sarah J Maas' fans are around! From what I've heard they're pretty scary ;)

So happy there are so many bakers here! What do you like baking?
Hahah I liked the series, it just isn't one of my all time favourites. I've read so many amazing books, it's hard for every one to be in the top. What other books do you like?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 09:08:28 pm
So happy there are so many bakers here! What do you like baking?
Hahah I liked the series, it just isn't one of my all time favourites. I've read so many amazing books, it's hard for every one to be in the top. What other books do you like?
I've baked macarons, macaroons, brownies, bread, flourless lemon cake, coffee cakes, croquembouche, cream puffs (unassembled croquembouches lol), red velvet cake, choc chip cookies, basic vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting..unlike u guys i LOVE frosting so muchh
what do you like baking?

I like the kate daniels series, and I also like reading mangas. What about you?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mango8 on June 22, 2019, 09:40:57 pm
I've baked macarons, macaroons, brownies, bread, flourless lemon cake, coffee cakes, croquembouche, cream puffs (unassembled croquembouches lol), red velvet cake, choc chip cookies, basic vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting..unlike u guys i LOVE frosting so muchh
what do you like baking?

I like the kate daniels series, and I also like reading mangas. What about you?

I bake cupcakes, cakes, breads, cookies, pies, crumbles, anything that takes my fancy really. Food blogs are dangerous for me haha. I also read everything, from fantasy to romance to thrillers and crime.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on June 22, 2019, 09:58:33 pm
I bake cupcakes, cakes, breads, cookies, pies, crumbles, anything that takes my fancy really. Food blogs are dangerous for me haha. I also read everything, from fantasy to romance to thrillers and crime.
ooooh yum! You should post photos of your baked goods if you make them!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 22, 2019, 11:26:25 pm
So excited for food studies to start! I shall live vicariously through your experiences :)

I definitely care about the non related school stuff, I love the journals which talk about things other than school as well. That’s great you saw a hand therapist, and I hope the brace and pen work out so you can write witl more ease.

What’s your short story about? I would love to read it if you are comfortable posting it here.

Mmm that sounds delicious. Were they baked or fried? Do you have the recipe for them? Omg I feel like we should start a BAKING THREAD!!! And no fear, I do not like icing either. The only icing I will eat is cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache. I can not stand buttercream at all. And those are the only things I like on/in my donuts as well. I can’t stand the ones with icing and sprinkles. Funnily enough, I absolutely love making desserts but I do not even have a sweet tooth. I can only eat a little of my sweet creations so I make it for other people to devour haha.

Ooooh I’m so jealous, I want to read so many books again!! And omg I read Truly Devious last year!! It was strange since it kinda ended on a cliffhanger yet there’s no sequel…What are your ratings of all those books, and which ones would you recommend?

YESSS I CAN TALK ABOUT THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS AGAIN PLEASE PLEASE READ IT YOU WILL NOT I PROMISE YOU, REGRET IT. They are my all time favourite books, along with Infernal Devices OH MY GOSH THEY ARE THE BEST MOST AMAZING WONDERFUL STUPENDOUS BOOKS TO EXIST EVER. And I never watched the movies, hearing about how bad they were, and I watched three minutes of the netflix show, and could not BEAR watching any more. It was that bad. Book Depository is very very bad. A very dangerous site for me to be on. Sadly I didn’t love ACOTAR, but you could see if you enjoy it. Love your journal as usual ;)

It is good to know that you like that side of the journal. I like to include what else is going on, as I find it cool to read what others are doing, outside of VCE. I'm not quite sure what my story will be about, but I am thinking along the lines of someone trapped in a simulator when the outside world isn't doing to good. That is not confirmed though, as I still have a few other ideas to explore.

Yes! Another person who understands my dislike of icing! I love to decorate with it but can't stand the taste! I had so many people give me the side eye when I get cinnamon donuts. Everyone flocks to get the Krispy Kreams from 7/11, but they taste so sickly sweet. And that is so true with buttercream! The only one I really like is chocolate buttercream made with real coveture chocolate omg so good but aside from that it is awful. Especially on cupcakes when half the cupcake is frosting. I am the same type of baker you are. I have a few food issues and the only thing I really like to eat sweat wise is chocolate and fruit cakes! (not the dried fruit ones at Christmas, those taste horrible to me ) I'm talking about Banana (personal fav), apple and cinnamon tea cakes. I also experiment with alternatives with ingredients so it is just a blast in the kitchen.

Well I guess I'll order the mortal instruments and give it a go for to school holidays. I have had quite a few people recommend it to me, and as a avid booktube watcher, there is so much hype around the series, it was just the tv and movie adaptions that really cringed me right off. I really like the spines of the books, they shall make my bookshelf look so cohesive. Are you are hardback to paperback person? That is one of the greatest book debates of all time! Oh and I believe Truly Devious is a trilogy. The second book is already out, have a look on good reads and you should be able to find it. I believe it is called The Vanishing Stair. Do you do the goodreads challenge?
I bake cupcakes, cakes, breads, cookies, pies, crumbles, anything that takes my fancy really. Food blogs are dangerous for me haha. I also read everything, from fantasy to romance to thrillers and crime.

ooooh yum! You should post photos of your baked goods if you make them!


You know what, I think I will just go make a baking thread!  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 28, 2019, 07:55:28 pm
Hi Geoo! I love reading your journal, and just checked out your baking thread and I’m in awe with your talent!! Teach me your ways 😍😍

How are you finding biology by the way? I’m thinking of doing it as a possible 3/4 next year. Would love to get your perspective as you’re doing it early in year 11!

Good luck with VCE and pls pls pls keep us updated! xx

Thank you, your so sweet. I am really glad I'm doing biology in year 11. I even wish I started in year 9 rather than year 10. Biology has a massive amount of work, the sheer amount of content is just so much to learn, and depending on how much your school wants to go into detail on that subject. That is why I am so glad I did it early. Since I am doing chemistry and maths methods for year 12 next year, those are also very content heavy, so to be able to focus on biology with the amount of work it contains is really great. I don't find the work to difficult, but it is very time consuming. I had what I call the 3 weeks of hell, which was where I was learning the immune system, and the amount of content in those three weeks was so large that I spent about 16-18 hours for each week. That wasn't even self study, just flat out work. But it is a really enjoyable subject. If you enjoy medicine, learning about the body, or just how life works, it is just so fascinating to learn about. It is in my top 2, and i am so glad that I am doing bio early.

So go for it, I think it is one of the best subjects to do early. Unit 2 isn't used that much in 3/4, but having unit 1 knowledge made the subject much easier for 3/4. Let me know if you pick bio. ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on June 28, 2019, 11:09:58 pm
Hey Geo
I recently picked up bio this semester.
Just wondering how do you take notes for bio, handwritten or typed?

and

What are your top 3 bio tips?

 :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: brothanathan on June 29, 2019, 08:48:40 am
Hey Geo
I recently picked up bio this semester.
Just wondering how do you take notes for bio, handwritten or typed?

and

What are your top 3 bio tips?

 :)

Geoo probs has additional tips but here's mine:

1. Handwrite your notes and condense them as you go. Try to summarise a topic once it's completed in class in dot point form, voice recordings, make a song, visuals like mind maps and etc.

2. Don't waste time writing notes if it isn't necessary, spend time doing questions even if you haven't fully understood or covered the content. Because once you find the answer it will stick in the form of active recall.

3. Don't be afraid to seek help, try to learn the material prior to the class. By doing this you can fully focus on what's being taught and ask better questions that will also benefit your class.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 01, 2019, 12:13:52 pm
Hey Geo
I recently picked up bio this semester.
Just wondering how do you take notes for bio, handwritten or typed?

and

What are your top 3 bio tips?

 :)

I find that I learn the best with handwritten notes. It mat be different for some people, but to be able write the information on paper seams to help me remember it better. I hand write my notes for all my subjects as I find it the most useful for me. Going back to the notes is so much easier to! When I revise, it is just much easier for me to read and understand the condensed information. However, I do know that some people prefer to use typed notes but I just prefer hand written.

I guess my top three tips would be to:
1) Only Learn What Is Necessary Biology is such a heavy subject, and trying to remember all that content is a headache. Follow the study design to know exactly what to study, and make note of where you don't have to remember certain proteins, enzymes etc. Some private and selective schools may want you to know the names of these, as they will most likely be in the SAC's, but aside remembering them for that purpose you don't need to know them. So in all, just be wise with how and what you study to maximise your time.

2)Understand Unit One Knowledge Assuming you are doing unit 2 at the moment, I wouldn't stress to much about remembering that knowledge from the unit. There may be a few things in unit two that may be helpful, but not much. Unit one is where the core basics are. If you can get your head around the plasma membrane (ion pumps, channel and carrier proteins, what carbohydrates do...), the differences between animal and plant cells, cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), photosynthesis (light-dependent and independent phases) and an understanding of basic hormones in the body and the organs of the endocrine system (insulin, glycogen, and glucagon especially). If you get this knowledge down pact, then unit 3 and 4 will become so much easier! Learn the difference between procaryotes and Eukaryotes as well.

3)Connect The Content and Draw Conclusions From Your Knowledge If you want to do well, I don't think you can rote learn bio. Being able to draw conclusions from your knowledge and being able to answer questions using this is good way to go. Even if you can't go into detail on everything, being able to bring together concepts to answer questions is one of the best ways I have found to memorise the content and to answer questions analysing data. Further along in bio, you will notice that some of the concepts overlap. For instance, once you learn about DNA replication, you can make a connection with how viruses infect host cells. Bio is such a large concept but everything is linked together.

4)Revise If you have a method for revision, use it. I don't mean studying every weekend, but once a month, try to recall the content that you learnt as it will make for a quicker revision when exams come around. I personally use summery posters. An A4 piece of paper is one topic and you write down everything you can, then add in missing knowledge, that is just how I do it ;).

For year 12, get your hands on a biozone. It is such a good resource. Not only dose it give you a overview of the topic, but is has many questions which are great for SACs and revision. For passive learning, try Douchy's Biology podcast to get an idea for unit's 3 and 4. You can find it on his website or apples podcast app. https://biologyoracle.podomatic.com/
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: brothanathan on July 01, 2019, 12:29:45 pm
For year 12, get your hands on a biozone. It is such a good resource. Not only dose it give you a overview of the topic, but is has many questions which are great for SACs and revision. For passive learning, try Douchy's Biology podcast to get an idea for unit's 3 and 4. You can find it on his website or apples podcast app. https://biologyoracle.podomatic.com/

Wait... That's four. Ahha just kidding, is there any other resources you would recommend other than Biozone? There was this stigma a few years back that Biozone wasn't sufficient enough for some reason.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 01, 2019, 07:33:21 pm
Term 2 - 01/07/2019

I remember when I looked forward to the holidays in primary school, now I just have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I can take a break, but on the other, it is just catch work, exam prep and revising. I have already fallen into a slump. I haven't done anything productive since Thursday and it isn't a good feeling. In my mind I want to do work, but my body and my book TBR pile is just more appealing. It's not even procrastination, I just feel zapped out of my energy and motivation to a point where I just haven't done anything. So yeah, i need to rest a bit longer so I can get back into study and life.

My last week of term two...
Biology
I haven't done any work on biology for the last week. I need to get onto, and so I will be doing on the holidays.

Chemistry
I have done 2/3s of the week, which I am pretty proud of since I haven't wanted to do anything lately. It was still on water molecules and how they are good solvents. I know there is a prac I need to do as well, so that is another thing I need to add to my list.

English
The only subject I sent off this week. Now I have already started to feel a bit off, but this weeks work just did it for me. Last week I had to read and analyise The Bet by Anton Chekhov, and this week it was Cathedrals by Raymond Carver. I am not normal one to get upset by media, but I think these short stories got to me. They were both just very depressing, sad and very boring. I think it killed my energy. I understand the message behind the writing, but it was just sad to read and I had to push through and answer the questions. So yeah that was english this week, I hope it gets better next term.

Food studies
This was the only exciting part of my week. This weeks focus was on food trends. Like gluten free, vegan, nut based, no flour, no sugar, super foods, turmeric, matcha etc. I had to make a recipe that fit the criteria. There were 3 recipes I could chose from, egg free pavlova (with chickpeas :-\, I am sorry but I have my limit), vegan burger (I have already made these but with black beans instead) and match raw chocolate balls. I didn't really like any of these and decided to make a Vegan raw lemon pie. So this is where is goes down hill.....
The base was made from dates, shredded coconut and almonds. I was just supposed to add these ingredients to a food processor and blitz till it is a chunky but firm mixture. This wasn't suppose to take long, but this part took me 2 hours. I have a large kitchenaid processor and It shouldn't have been an issue but it barely blended. So I had to half the mixture and pulse in batches.  It didn't say on the recipe, but the dates and almonds should have been soaked in water beforehand to make for easier blending. So that was a great waste of time, moving on.
The next step after pressing in the base, was to make the filling. It was straight forward ish. Something that confuses me is how to use coconut cream. When I make coconut cream ice cream, I use the white separated cream and dump out the liquid left. The recipe made no mention of that but I went with my gut instinct and used only the solid cream part. Then I realised that I had coconut milk, not cream. So a mission to the supermarket was underway, and 15 minutes later I was back in the kitchen. After I measured everything and squeezed the lemons from my garden, it was time to boil the mixture on the stove. This went fine, but it was now time to add the agar agar powder. This is used to supplement gelatin as a vegan alternative. The recipe called for one teaspoon of agar agar, but it apparently wasn't enough. After I let it cool down, I poured it into the base. It was so liquidy though I thought it my go through the base. After 24 hours, it didn't set. I was able to remove it from the mold as the base held up, but the filling didn't. The base did taste good, but the filling tasted a bit off and too tangy. So I was very disappointing in this recipe. Not only did it take me 5 hours to make (when it only said 25 minutes), but the instructions, ingredients and taste made me very frustrated. 2/5 stars.
The Result
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/RbYTjt0.jpg)

My Failure
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/FckTnKw.jpg)

Holiday Plans

I also plan to get back on track with my exercise. I would like to walk 1-2 km per day, and start doing compound exercises again. I just need to find the motivation.
Everything Else
So aside from all that, on more exciting news, I took my first long drive on the freeways/highways at night time. So that was a great achievement. My bookdepository order came in which is waiting to be read. I have started reading Archenemies by Marissa Meyer and would like to get to a Way of Kings by Brandon Sandersen, and Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. I have plans to go see the new Spiderman movie and the M.I.B one as well. And most of all, I just want to relax. I am quite warn out, and I don't know if I can make it next term. Last year, I did not work in semester two due to my health and fatigue, so I am a bit concerned as to how I will go. Sorry if this post isn't very well put together or very uplifting, I am just not doing so great with my health at the moment. This is quite a choppy post, and not my best work, so I am sorry for any errors. However, thank you for reading.

Since it is the end of June, it is now time for the next pole: What Media Do You Enjoy?
Thank you to everyone who did the last pole!
(https://i.imgur.com/kTHJKEn.png)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 05, 2019, 09:47:24 pm
Wait... That's four. Ahha just kidding, is there any other resources you would recommend other than Biozone? There was this stigma a few years back that Biozone wasn't sufficient enough for some reason.
Sorry for the late reply, I didn't see the post.
I haven't heard of any of the stigma behind biozone. Our school doesn't use textbooks for the subject, and we mainly rely on videos, snips from textbooks and other texts. There are a few things that it won't cover, but for the main part I think it is an awesome resource. My teacher does go over my answers as well, and corrects them, so that is a bit of an advantage for me.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on July 08, 2019, 04:51:04 pm
Great update! Sorry to hear about the recipe - quite the ordeal by the sounds of it. 😱 But hey, I guess it's all part of the fun (hah), and it's great to learn new things along the way. 👍
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: pugs on July 09, 2019, 09:44:05 pm
Term 2 - 01/07/2019
I remember when I looked forward to the holidays in primary school, now I just have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I can take a break, but on the other, it is just catch work, exam prep and revising. I have already fallen into a slump. I haven't done anything productive since Thursday and it isn't a good feeling. In my mind I want to do work, but my body and my book TBR pile is just more appealing.
wow i feel you on a spiritual level - it's tough now :(

also, even if the recipe/your baking wasn't as good as you hoped, don't worry! you always have opportunities to go through what you have already made and alter them to make something even better! it also inspires me to maybe actually cook something other than ramen this holidays haha
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 10, 2019, 11:39:43 pm
Great update! Sorry to hear about the recipe - quite the ordeal by the sounds of it. 😱 But hey, I guess it's all part of the fun (hah), and it's great to learn new things along the way. 👍

Thank you, it is so true about what you learn on the way! The base is a recipe to keep. I just have to find another filling!
wow i feel you on a spiritual level - it's tough now :(

also, even if the recipe/your baking wasn't as good as you hoped, don't worry! you always have opportunities to go through what you have already made and alter them to make something even better! it also inspires me to maybe actually cook something other than ramen this holidays haha

Holidays is probably the only time you can really put into baking something big! There are so many things to make, pinterest can get those creative juices flowing! Have you baked anything these holidays yet? It is so nice to know other people relate when it comes to VCE life! And with the end of the year coming, its a bit of a ahhhhhhhh nothing makes sense anymore!!!! Anyway enjoy your holidays :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: pugs on July 13, 2019, 03:47:25 pm
Holidays is probably the only time you can really put into baking something big! There are so many things to make, pinterest can get those creative juices flowing! Have you baked anything these holidays yet? It is so nice to know other people relate when it comes to VCE life! And with the end of the year coming, its a bit of a ahhhhhhhh nothing makes sense anymore!!!! Anyway enjoy your holidays :D
i agree with you!! i did some small crafts this holidays hehe – ah i really miss the good old days when i could scroll through pinterest and find crafts to do every day after school :(. i really enjoy baking as well, but unfortunately have been too lazy to bake anything yet D: i might actually bake some scones tomorrow though! and yessss omg i feel like everything that i have learnt at the start of the year has slowly drained out  :-\ – enjoy your holidays as well!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 17, 2019, 12:26:58 pm
Term 3 - 17/07/2019

I am really not prepared for the holidays to be over. I still feel burnt out even though I have barely done anything, and I am finding it hard to find motivation to do work. I didn't end up having a good holiday :-\. The first week I did nothing! I was just so burnt out from all the work I did in the second semester, and needed a break to relax and not be so worked up on marks and overdue work. I did a bit of reading, lots of YouTube, and knocked of a few shows and seasons on Netflix. My health was also not going so well at the time, and is still struggling to recuperate from two colds. By the second week, i have developed a really bad cold, which is the second one within a months span, and this really knocked me out! I am still recovering from it, but my regular health symptoms have become worse due to being inactive as well.

Since I was so sick, I didn't complete any of the work I set out for my self on the holidays. I can only blame myself, since I didn't do any in the first week, but I was just so warn out that I had no motivation to do anything but be a potato. So whilst I am very disappointed in my lack of work I did, I am glad I got to rest. This is the last term of full on heavy study, then it is a race to to the end of the year for me; November 1st. So I need to hold out till then I can take a good break. This term will be focused on my preparing for the end of year biology exam and it's SACs. My confidence in this subject has gone down since last term, as I had a major screw up moment and got a crappy SAC score for my last one. I am still aiming for the 45+, but it seems just that bit harder now. In order to try help get my health better, I really need to get of my butt and start exercising again. Looking outside however, it isn't the nicest weather to do so at the moment. My diet should also be improved! I don't know if anyone else likes the new large block BOOST bar, but it has become my favorite along with the Maltesers one. I kinda of eat quite a few of those over the holidays and I am kind of regretting it now, opps. But they were so ggggoooooodddddd

I managed to watch season 3 of stranger things! First 3 episode were very slow, but it worked up to being a great fast paced season. I really wanted to go see the Spiderman movie, but plans fell through so I didn't get to. Found out I need to get my wisdom teeth out soon yay
So that will be happening in January next year! Right before school starts up again, yay. *sarcastic

So anyway, I am getting back on track with my school work load now, and have found a small amount of motivation. I don't know if anyone else does this, but watching other people study or take notes can be really helpful to get some motivation. I have also found that if I take care and do nice looking notes, I am move likely to do them and go over them for revision. Currently up to date on English and Chemistry, and need to get on maths (two weeks behind) before anything like last semester happened. Anyway, welcome back to school everyone!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on July 17, 2019, 03:56:07 pm
Hey Geoo! I hope that cold gets better soon! It's great to see that you're picking up your motivation again...keep it up and don't lose hope for bio ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on July 17, 2019, 05:00:37 pm
Term 3 - 17/07/2019
 Found out I need to get my wisdom teeth out soon yay
So that will be happening in January next year! Right before school starts up again, yay. *sarcastic


*the pain*

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 17, 2019, 05:26:33 pm
I am really not prepared for the holidays to be over. I still feel burnt out even though I have barely done anything, and I am finding it hard to find motivation to do work.

Certainly a common struggle!

My diet should also be improved! I don't know if anyone else likes the new large block BOOST bar, but it has become my favorite along with the Maltesers one. I kinda of eat quite a few of those over the holidays and I am kind of regretting it now, opps.

That's such a mood!

So anyway, I am getting back on track with my school work load now, and have found a small amount of motivation. I don't know if anyone else does this, but watching other people study or take notes can be really helpful to get some motivation. I have also found that if I take care and do nice looking notes, I am move likely to do them and go over them for revision. Currently up to date on English and Chemistry, and need to get on maths (two weeks behind) before anything like last semester happened. Anyway, welcome back to school everyone!

Good to hear, and great advice. Best of luck with the term ahead! ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 18, 2019, 03:52:26 pm
Hey Geoo! I hope that cold gets better soon! It's great to see that you're picking up your motivation again...keep it up and don't lose hope for bio ;D
Awwww thank you! That means alot to me.
*the pain*
Yeah I am not looking forward to that. I am still scared of the pain when I wake up, but apparently I get local anesthetic that lasts 6-8 hours so yay, I guess?
Certainly a common struggle!

That's such a mood!

Good to hear, and great advice. Best of luck with the term ahead! ;D
Yesss, the final term before exams! Best of luck to you too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 26, 2019, 06:40:19 pm
Term 3 - 26/07/2019

I must say, I am quite surprised at how unproductive I have been this week. I just can't get work done. My health isn't to flash hot at the moment, and it is really dragging me down. My sleep is a big ball of mess as well. I have been trying to get it down back into a normal routine, but it just isn't happening. After all the colds I went through, my sleep just got so out of wack, that trying to get it back to normal is a nightmare. I am going to sleep at 2 am and waking up at 10. I feel so unproductive, and it just pains me, as I know I will have to do the work later on, which means my weekends aren't exactly relaxing.

Ok so aside from having an early life crisis, my studies have been ok. I have no motivation at the moment, and have lost quite a lot of passion for what I am interested in. All I want is for my study mojo to come back. The good thing is, is that there are no SACs at the moment, but it is about to become hectic. I have at least one SAC coming up for every week of August and September, with some weeks having 3, so I would like to get out of this funk now.
The only exciting thing that is happening is that my local pet clinic is reopening this weekend, and I get to go play with a bunch of rescue kittens. I am a cat and dog person, but I can't resit small kittens, they are just full of energy and fun to play with. Unlike my old cats at home, I love them to bits, but they are really showing their age.

Biology
So being is unit 4 is quite scary. I am not ready for the exam, and it is all becoming quite confronting. My school decided to do AOS 2 first, so I am working on DNA manipulation, GMOs, DNA replication with PCR and gel electrophoresis. For some odd reason I am struggling with the ethics behind some of the practices. I think that because some ethics are based on opinions, it can get a little fuzzy as to what the right answer is. Aside from that, the study is going steady. I am pretty much up to date aside from a few tasks that I will finish tonight. However, I have 2 SACs coming up though. Next week is the start to the 4 week long poster SAC for outcome 3. This comes with a LAB day and stress. In the middle of that SAC is another one covering the first four weeks of the unit with AOS 2. I am really stressed when it comes to how I will go. Since I dropped rank and marks in the last SAC of unit 3, I need to be pretty much perfect for unit 4 to get a 45+ study score. I know I shouldn't go over the top on worrying about this stuff, but I can't seem to stop. I also don't know when I should start to revise and prepare for the exam, should I start later or now. I think I just need to sit down and make a plan for revising and then practice exams/ topic tests. I think I am just screaming on the inside.

English
English this unit just keeps getting worse and worse. I know that some people LOVE poetry, but I am one of those people that despises it. Stories that are able to go in depth with themes, world building, character development and story telling is what I want to read. Even if the story is on a mundane topic. These two poems were all about moving house. MOVING HOUSE! This has to be one of the most boring things I have ever had to do. Of all topics. This is such a first world problem, and I am most likely offending people, but I just can't with this. If we are going to do poetry, could we do it on a more serious topic at least. Sorry to all you literature fans, and sorry to this mini rant but i had to say it. As I said to my teacher, "I would rather read Vogon Poetry". Hopefully you know the reference. Next week is a comparative essay SAC, so that will be a nice change of pace.

Chemistry
There are no SACs in sight for this subject. My teacher is saving them all for three weeks in a row. Which I don't mind, as I can just get them out of the way with out, and leaving my less stressed. My favorite subject is still boring at the moment. I think it is picking up pace again though, as we are getting into acids and bases now, which have been much more fun to learn about in the past. I need to do a home experiment with some purple cabbage so that will be interesting to do. I just find it funny, that I saw the same type of experiment on kids science shows growing up for "at home science experiments".

Food Studies
This is my easiest subject at the moment. I am not putting in a great amount of effort in for, so it is a nice change of pace compared to the rest of my subjects. We are going over design briefs, and producing new products, along with going over safety processors like using a HACCP plan. Over the weekend I am going to make a miso spicy mushroom burger, that fitted the class design brief last week. So a photo should be coming soon. I don't have any upcoming SACs, and even if I did, non of them are timed. One of the weird things I found, was that for most unit 1 & 2 subjects, most of my SACs aren't under timed conditions. On the one hand this is great, as it is less stressful, and allows me to go into more depth for the those lovely marks. But on the other, it doesn't prepare me much for next year, so that is a bit scary.

Maths Methods
4 weeks behind.................
I should get onto that ;D

So that is my last two ish weeks. Thank you all for reading, and enjoy the weekend, and sorry that this is a bit negative  :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 29, 2019, 02:28:56 pm
Term 3 - 29/07/2019

Kind of a crappy photo, but here are my Miso Spicy Mushroom Burgers for food studies last week.
(https://i.imgur.com/KYCHB0o.jpg)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on July 29, 2019, 02:49:49 pm
I don't know if this helps, but I got around 60% on one of my bio SACs (this was the SAC after our one based on a gel electrophoresis prac) and met your study score goal so it's definitely possible to recover from not-great marks.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 29, 2019, 08:51:40 pm
Term 3 - 29/07/2019

Kind of a crappy photo, but here are my Miso Spicy Mushroom Burgers for food studies last week.
(https://i.imgur.com/KYCHB0o.jpg)

Looks yum! Do you have a recipe?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 29, 2019, 11:49:55 pm
I don't know if this helps, but I got around 60% on one of my bio SACs (this was the SAC after our one based on a gel electrophoresis prac) and met your study score goal so it's definitely possible to recover from not-great marks.

That makes me feel so much better! Since it happened a while ago, I have come to terms with it, but I am scared that if I don't do super well for unit 4, I won't get the mark. But thank you so much for your encouragement, it means alot.
Looks yum! Do you have a recipe?
My family thought it was pretty good considering it had mushrooms in it! I am not a massive mushroom fan, but this was really nice, better for summer though! Here is the recipe .
Enjoy!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 04, 2019, 01:39:26 pm
Term 3 - 04/08/2019

So close to exams now and under 100 days for the biology exam, it is definitely starting to feel real. I haven't even started on exam prep, I am still in the study for SACs mindset, so I really need to start on that soon. I really like to review/revise content by making poster from A4 pieces of paper, and just blurt out everything on a topic, I already have 10 on my wall, but it will definitely start to get bigger soon. This week was off to a slow start, as I had two doctors appointments in the city, so that knocked me out for a few days, and so I didn't get much done. On the Thursday, I finally picked my butt of the ground and started doing some work.

I have decided that I want to apply to the Monash Chemistry enrichment program, if that is what it's called I am not sure. My favorite subject is chemistry, with biology not to far behind. It seems like a great opportunity, and I heard that people find doing chem 3/4 and the program is great for revision. I don't know if my grades will match up though, so I can just try to get in, and that's all I can do. I am a bit annoyed that I can't make it to any of the open days this year, which means I am leaving it late till next year for preferences. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and I had other commitments, so I am just hoping that I may just give the uni'a a ring, and see if I can get some information over the phone. I mainly just want to hear from the students on what the courses I am interested in are like.

My posts over the last couple of months have been quite negative, and I think I would really like to change my mindset into a more positive one. I am currently compromising my health by prioritising school work, which is one of the worse things I could do. I really need to cut down on the sugar, I have a super bad addiction to it. I am not a coffee drinker (maybe 1 or 2 cups a year) so I rely on chocolate for an energy boost to keep my awake for the all nighters. I need to get back into exercise to, but with it being winter, it has been really hard to get motivated to move. So yeah, I think the goal of this month is to get my lifestyle/health back on track, and for my sleep to get better!

Subjects

English
This week was just writing a draft comparative essay SAC. I had to compare the two short stories from the first two weeks of unit 2. I kept putting it off, so I left it late and had to cram to get it in. I thought that it was an ok essay. I have a hard time with explain the concept/theme by me just retelling what happened in the story. My spelling is also so heavily reliant of spell check, that I am scared for the exam. I also found out after some investigating that the english exam is just three different types of essays, so I just need to start practicing doing them under timed conditions. I am also hoping to get a tutor eventually, as I think I just need a bit of one on one to improve.

Biology
So this is becoming my most and least stressful, it's weird. I am currently going into the investigation part, where I need to write up a poster based on an experiment. This is going to take four weeks, but should only be a total of 12 hours from experiment to finish. So I am going from studying 15 hours a week, to just 2-3. So in that regard, that is great! On the other hand, next week I have the first SAC on pandemics, GMOs, gel electrophersis etc, and I am starting to panic. I am still banging my head against the wall over my unit three stuff up, so I feel the pressure to get a near perfect for unit 4. Since the school I go to is very low ranking (350's), and I have a below average cohort, and I want to get over a 45 (originally I was aiming for a 50, but that is no longer possible), I just feel so stressed about it. So I am going to have to bunker down and get revising.

Chemistry
Currently one week behind at the moment, but I should hopefully get up to date for the lab day this week. Everyone is moving onto week 6, when I am stuck on week 5. I haven't been able to do many of the experiments, some of the chemicals are very irritating to my skin, it drives me bonkers. So I am currently in the process of catching up, and at the moment, there are still no SACs in sight, which I am not complaining about.

Food Studies
After the mushroom burger creation, I get a whole week off. I have no work to do, and no classes to attend, so I can concentrate on other subjects (maths....). I do have a SAC the week after though, which has quite a lot involved, but it isn't a timed SAC, and I have access to textbooks and notes, so I am not going to bother studying for it. So this has just ended up being my chillist subjects.

Maths Methods
I am a wonderful, 5 weeks behind. I am not proud of my self, and I have always tried to start catching up, but so much has just popped up in the way, that I have avoided it. I am hoping to knock one week off today, so I can start to relieve my stress over it. It is getting so busy at the moment that I am finding it hard to find time to catch up. If I do two weeks of work in a week, then I can catch up in three weeks, but that my be to late for the first SAC, which is on the 23rd of August. I also heard circular functions are a hard subject to work through, so wish me luck.

Other stuff
Thank you everyone who participated in the monthly pole. August's pole, will be What Is Your Favorite Subject.
(https://i.imgur.com/mdHVICY.png)
As for anything else, I haven't gotten to much else. My reading life has gone stagnate, and study seems to be my main focus, so something needs to changes. Till next time.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on August 04, 2019, 04:39:30 pm
I have decided that I want to apply to the Monash Chemistry enrichment program, if that is what it's called I am not sure. My favorite subject is chemistry, with biology not to far behind. It seems like a great opportunity, and I heard that people find doing chem 3/4 and the program is great for revision. I don't know if my grades will match up though, so I can just try to get in, and that's all I can do. I am a bit annoyed that I can't make it to any of the open days this year, which means I am leaving it late till next year for preferences. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and I had other commitments, so I am just hoping that I may just give the uni'a a ring, and see if I can get some information over the phone. I mainly just want to hear from the students on what the courses I am interested in are like.

Like you, I am looking at applying for a Uni Enrichment program. Seems like it would be super duper beneficial. Such a shame about Open Days. I went to LaTrobe today, and the best bit by far was talking to past and current students. Hopefully, you'll find someone who can put you in contact with some students by phoning the Uni. Doing an enrichment program would also help with that.

My posts over the last couple of months have been quite negative, and I think I would really like to change my mindset into a more positive one. I am currently compromising my health by prioritising school work, which is one of the worse things I could do. I really need to cut down on the sugar, I have a super bad addiction to it. I am not a coffee drinker (maybe 1 or 2 cups a year) so I rely on chocolate for an energy boost to keep my awake for the all nighters. I need to get back into exercise to, but with it being winter, it has been really hard to get motivated to move. So yeah, I think the goal of this month is to get my lifestyle/health back on track, and for my sleep to get better!

Wishing you luck! I love YouTube workouts. If you need some motivation, try Tom Daley's workouts. The thought of watching one of his videos is how I drag myself out of bed in the morning. lol

Maths Methods
I am a wonderful, 5 weeks behind. I am not proud of my self, and I have always tried to start catching up, but so much has just popped up in the way, that I have avoided it. I am hoping to knock one week off today, so I can start to relieve my stress over it. It is getting so busy at the moment that I am finding it hard to find time to catch up. If I do two weeks of work in a week, then I can catch up in three weeks, but that my be to late for the first SAC, which is on the 23rd of August. I also heard circular functions are a hard subject to work through, so wish me luck.

Also very behind in maths and totally feeling your pain. Just avoiding maths at all costs, including thinking about how behind I am. I quite enjoyed the extension unit on circular functions that I did, I found that it was fairly straightforward in terms of memorisation, but there were some difficult applications.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 04, 2019, 09:57:34 pm
Like you, I am looking at applying for a Uni Enrichment program. Seems like it would be super duper beneficial. Such a shame about Open Days. I went to LaTrobe today, and the best bit by far was talking to past and current students. Hopefully, you'll find someone who can put you in contact with some students by phoning the Uni. Doing an enrichment program would also help with that.


Wishing you luck! I love YouTube workouts. If you need some motivation, try Tom Daley's workouts. The thought of watching one of his videos is how I drag myself out of bed in the morning. lol

Also very behind in maths and totally feeling your pain. Just avoiding maths at all costs, including thinking about how behind I am. I quite enjoyed the extension unit on circular functions that I did, I found that it was fairly straightforward in terms of memorisation, but there were some difficult applications.
I heard so many people went and had an awesome time, at the open days, do I am super jealous. I'm glad you had a good time! Do you know what are of study you are interested in for the uni enrichment program?

Oh yeah, I have done some of Tom Daley's work outs before, and they are really awesome. My favourite is the leg one, but I do like to skip leg days! cause i'm lazy.

Yay (but not really), it's nice to know someone else is falling behind in maths! I didn't end up doing any maths today at all, so I am very frustrated, so it just keeps piling up! I hope circular isn't that bad. I have heard some people find it easy or the worst thing in the world. Go luck with catching up!

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on August 05, 2019, 07:15:30 am
I heard so many people went and had an awesome time, at the open days, do I am super jealous. I'm glad you had a good time! Do you know what are of study you are interested in for the uni enrichment program?

Oh yeah, I have done some of Tom Daley's work outs before, and they are really awesome. My favourite is the leg one, but I do like to skip leg days! cause i'm lazy.

Yay (but not really), it's nice to know someone else is falling behind in maths! I didn't end up doing any maths today at all, so I am very frustrated, so it just keeps piling up! I hope circular isn't that bad. I have heard some people find it easy or the worst thing in the world. Go luck with catching up!

I'm interested in Human Biosciences A and B at LaTrobe. They lead to any of LaTrobe's allied health degrees among other things.

Tom Daley's leg workout is my favourite. The one-legged squats kill me though!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 23, 2019, 09:27:40 pm
Term 3 - 23/08/19

Look i'm posting yay! So these past three weeks have been quite hectic for me, and I have also been in a burnout slump, which isn't very helpful. I have had a SAC every week of august, and I am going to have a few more in September. These have been really time consuming, and have been stressing me out alot. Not much else is going on in my life at the moment, and I have yet again failed to try start exercising again. I really need to put my health first, but I jeep putting school work first. I have had a teacher warn me about overworking myself and to slow down, as i am not doing so great at the moment with my health. But apparently I don't listen, cause I keep doing it.

The good news is, is that the school holidays are only 4 weeks away, which is such a relief. I can't wait to have a small rest, and then get into exam revision. I am also going to one of the biology ATAR notes lecturers which is exciting. It's my first one, so it should be good to check it out, and see if it is a resource I can use for my other subjects next year. I have been feeling a bit weird about my ATAR and future prospects lately. I just kind of feel like this is all pointless, and I am pushing myself way to hard to a point where I am just compromising health. All i need is an atar to at least get into a bachelor of science, and maybe biomed, and that's about it. I am not aiming for high 90's, but low 90's or high 80's. I am just really frustrated, as I have a health condition that is really holding me back, and (i know I shouldn't compare myself to others) compared to others in my year, everyone is doing well in school, whilst having a job and a balanced social life. Unfortunately for me, with being so fatigued, I can only really put my energy into my studies that are the main priority right now. So it is getting me down a little at the moment, and I think I am just really worn out and not in a good mind space at the moment.  :(

Subjects

Biology
So the poster SAC has finally come to an end. I have sent it off today, and boy oh boy is it a relief. I spent so many hours on this, as I had to repeat the experiment after the lab day because of bad results, then record everything in the lab dairy, then finally write the goddamn poster thing. This was so annoying, and took so much time, I am just glad it is over and done with. I feel like I didn't do as great of a job I normally do on these posters. To me, I just struggled with using my words, keeping all the background information in line with the word count, and getting PowerPoint to listen to me. The next four weeks are the last weeks of content for biology which is so exciting! I can't wait to finish up so I can start revising everything.

I am still a bit anxious for the exam as this is my first VCE type exam. I am also scared at how my health will go on the day. I didn't do the GAT, and the exam centre is an hours drive from my place, which means an early morning for me. I just didn't want to do my exam at a school. With being an online student, walking into a highschool with people you don't know, who are in uniforms when your not, and just a new environment, I think that would make my anxiety go through the roof. I don't even have much anxiety, but I think that this would be a bit much with the exam day jitters. So I will just have to drive the 1 hour there.

I also got my first unit 4 SAC back, which was a lovely 29/30. I have pretty happy with this, but a bit annoyed I lost a mark to an ethics question of Bt corn. To me, ethics can be quite opinion based, so I found it hard to separate my opinions from VCAA's. But so far, this unit is off to a good start.

Chemistry
I am about 2 weeks behind in chemistry at the moment. I have just prioritised other subjects so this has just snuck up on me. We have finally moved on from water, and are doing acid and bases, redox reactions, and doing some titrations. I was able to go into the lab 2 weeks ago, and I felt that we did a real chemistry experiment, not just a mentos and coke experiment. I have done so many mole and ion calculations my brain is going to explode soon, so yeah.... My teacher decided that putting all 3 chemistry SACs in 3 weeks was a great idea, so that is coming up in a week, and I am not looking forward to it. Aside from this, I haven't found this unit of chemistry very interesting. I would definitely rate unit 1 a 8/10, but so far, unit 2 is about  a 4/10 for me.

English
English just makes me sad at this point. I am so over it. I have so many books I want to read, but I am stuck on reading what s provided. I had to do a comparative essay the other week for the first SAC, and it went quite well. I managed to score a B+ which is a great score for me. I am moving onto doing a final copy of it, then I will send it off and start on the opinion essay SAC coming up next week. I am also about to get in contact with a English tutor. I think it would be great to refine my writing, and try get above 80's on average. So that's about it, for this boring, never ending subject.....

Food Studies
Just had my first food studies SAC last week and it went great. I had to prepare a recipe based on a design brief, that I then had to go an answer many questions about. I had to write up yet another HACCP plan, and I also got to make a dish. It ended up being a healthy snack bar, which looks awful but tastes quite nice. It has every health food trend you can imagine in this recipe, so it definitely ticks those constraints. I managed to get an A, which is fine, but I was hoping for a little bit higher. I wish I got feedback on it too. All I got was a mark and that was it. No rubric marking or anything, which was so annoying. And just a mild rant, MY TEACHER WON"T CONTACT ME. I have tried to call this person 5 times with no response. They have no email address, so I can't contact them be that, and I have tried the built in messaging system on the school website and nothing. I have given up. This has gone on for three weeks. I have tried to call, but if you won't answer, you're not getting the work as I can't do it at this point in time, and since I can't contact you, I can't find another solution to do the work. End of rant.
(https://i.imgur.com/cnNoenA.jpg)

Maths Methods
I started it. I finally started to catch up. I am up to week two now, which still isn't great, but some progress is better than none.


Thanks for reading, and i hope you all have a great weekend. I will try to post weekly again, but sometimes things come up.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 27, 2019, 01:20:45 pm
Term 3 - 27/08/19

Has anyone seen my motivation? I can't seem to find it, I think it went on vacation. Anyway if you have seen it, please let me know so I can get it back.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on August 27, 2019, 01:43:04 pm
Term 3 - 27/08/19

Has anyone seen my motivation? I can't seem to find it, I think it went on vacation. Anyway if you have seen it, let me know so I can get it back.

I've seen it in the baking thread a few times,  maybe look there?

More seriously,  it's pretty common for people to be burnt out at this point in the year.  Something I did for my year 12 exams that you might be able to use to help you is bake a bunch of mini muffins and eat one as a reward for finishing an exam.  If you're struggling to get anything done you would want to pick an easy target like maybe 10 minutes of solid work.  Then if that works try gradually upping the target.

Otherwise,  generally doing what you can to take care of your wellbeing is a good idea - try not to be too hard on yourself for imperfections :)

Good luck!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 28, 2019, 03:26:04 pm
I've seen it in the baking thread a few times,  maybe look there?

More seriously,  it's pretty common for people to be burnt out at this point in the year. Something I did for my year 12 exams that you might be able to use to help you is bake a bunch of mini muffins and eat one as a reward for finishing an exam. If you're struggling to get anything done you would want to pick an easy target like maybe 10 minutes of solid work. Then if that works try gradually upping the target.

Otherwise, generally doing what you can to take care of your wellbeing is a good idea - try not to be too hard on yourself for imperfections :)

Good luck!
Yeah i'll go over and have a look, I hope it's there.

Anyway, I was speaking to a few other people and I do agree that everyone is a bit burnt out at the moment. The muffin idea sounds good, I have been meaning to bake, but the problem, is that everyone in my family will want a muffin too ;).
Thank you for your advice, I'll try out the 10 minute thing and give it a whirl, I am already doing about 15-30 minute block study sessions, so I will see if the decreased time helps.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on August 28, 2019, 09:04:16 pm
Good luck! ;D If you find motivation somewhere, feel free to share!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 04, 2019, 07:58:39 pm
Term 3 - 03/09/19 - 59 Days To Exams

So there are 58 days until my biology exam and I haven't started studying yet. The stress is on! Anyway, I am still trying to find my motivation, and it really is affecting my productivity. I have been dragging myself to the finish line which is under 2 months away, and it is so slow and tedious. All I want to do is study for the bio exam, but I have other subjects to do, which are just ahhhhh. I feel like time is just slipping away and it is stressing me out! But I am also not stressed at all, because I can't find that motivation, so I end up distracting myself for a few hours so I don't have to think about, and then it all comes back to me.

I am just in a weird mood, I can't imagine what seniouritis is going to be like next year. So aside for the feeling of lost time and impending doom, everything is going very slowly. I am behind in some subjects, and have been thinking alot about what I want to do in life. I have been recently been having thoughts about going into dietetics instead of science. This option is a direct career path, and would be a good fit for my health condition. I would still be working in the medical industry with designing health care of patients, and I could do potential phd research. I have been really found of this idea, and I think I could get into the scholars program at monash in the bachelor of nutrition. The only thing is, is that I feel like I am abandoning my science side.

I have always loved science, and the idea of being on the forefront of disease research, breakthroughs in biomedical engineering, using chemistry to help make sustainable products for the environment and so much more. I feel if I take the dietetics route I would be giving all this up, and I don't know if I am ok with that. It has been a dream of mine to study in one of these areas, and I still like to think that I could. The main thing that is getting to me that has made me think about leaving my science side behind is my health. I know I could improve, but at the rate of how it is now, I don't know if I can do uni full time or sustain that kind of job. I know everyone says do what you love, but for me, I need to think of a career that can provide a stable income for me that is flexible with my condition which I also enjoy, and I think going into nutrition could be that for me. I still haven't made up my mind, and I have plenty of time till next year, but it is just something that has been on my mind.

Subjects

Biology
So, exams are coming up, and I haven't started to study at all for them. I am looking through all the bio threads and guides to motivate me and give some advice. PhoenixFire has some amazing resources that I am currently exploring. Aside from this only 2 more week of content then i'm done. YAY.

English
 Two weeks behind, and very boring at the moment! I don't want to write that essay!

Maths
I think I should start that, I seem to have lost all my motivation for this subject................

Chemistry
I'm up to date, but I have to do an experiment at home that I am dreading, as it requires quite a bit of work. My teacher decided that putting all 3 SACs 3 weeks in a row was a great idea!  :'(

Food Studies
My easiest subject so far! I have not done much work, as there isn't much to do. We did compare homemade and frozen items the other day, you tell me which one is the winner....
(https://i.imgur.com/ZC4W3JH.jpg)


On to other things, thank you everyone who voted for August! It is time for a new pole, What is Your Favourite Chocolate Brand!
(https://i.imgur.com/chArf3X.png)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: chopsticks on September 05, 2019, 10:56:10 pm
Hello fellow AN readers! Geoo here.
I really enjoy reading other peoples journals and how it motivates me. So i thought i'd do my own! I know this is a bit late into the year! But i though hey why not. It would be kinda cool to come back and revisit the road i had to graduate, and my VCE.
I'm currently in year 11 doing one 3/4 subject.

Current Subjects
1/2 Chemistry (aiming for a 40+)
1/2 English (aiming for over 30)
1/2 Maths Methods (aiming for 25+)
1/2 Physics (probably going to drop and change to food studies) *Is Now Food Studies Unit 2
3/4 Biology (aiming for a 45+)

I am a huge science nerd! Love chemistry and biology the most, and have a like for some physics fields (Nuclear and Astro). I really have a strong hatred for English! It's weird, because i have a massive love for books, linguistics and other languages, but i can't stand to do write bland essays on bland books. I think i'm also one of those people just just likes the creative side. Which they don't do much on. Can't do much about it though  :o I'm currently doing all my course via DECV (or VSV now?) And have roughly enjoyed it so far.

In the long run I thought i might try get into medicine, but i don't think my health is up to that unfortunately. So I decided to set my sites on a Bach of Science. I might go into research with it, or go into the backside of medicine. Don't know what i want to do with it yet, but i think it is a good start :D! I would hopefully like an ATAR over 90, but i know i have health issues which interfere with study, so it may not actually happen, so i'm prepared for different pathways if need be :).

Aside from all education stuff! A bit about me!
I'm a massive book worm (fantasy and sci -fi though), and am quite the marvel fan. TV and movies watching is a free time of mine, that i do with a cat and a cup of tea! (or coffee, or hot chocolate, depends what mode i'm in). I'm an avid baker and video game player. All so much procrastination material  :P

I will try to post weekly, but you all know VCE, stuff can just get in the way. Anyway hope you stick around :)

Heyo, I just started reading this (it's like 7 pages long now but I'll slowly get through them), but nice journal you got there!
I was just asking out of curioisty, if you dislike English, what motivated you to pick it? I just thought your description of what you love about English in general was more like Englang (apart from the creative)
Nice to know you love science, that's the one kind of subject besides humanities which kills me because I'm so bad at it XD
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 06, 2019, 08:40:03 pm
Heyo, I just started reading this (it's like 7 pages long now but I'll slowly get through them), but nice journal you got there!
I was just asking out of curioisty, if you dislike English, what motivated you to pick it? I just thought your description of what you love about English in general was more like Englang (apart from the creative)
Nice to know you love science, that's the one kind of subject besides humanities which kills me because I'm so bad at it XD

Hey, thanks for reading! The reason I picked english was because I had to. Since english is compulsory, and part of your top 4, I had to chose it. I would have loved to take englang. I really wanted to do it, but by the time I got to year 11, my school dropped the class due to lack of enrollments. So, I just have to live out my englang dreams from the internet. Even though I am a massive book reader, I didn't want to do literature. I had a look at the book list, and I am interested in none of those books, which would make the subject hard to study for. Don't kill me, but I don't like classics at all, and since the course is filled with mostly those, i'm out.

Your not alone, most people I have met are always divided on whether they like science or are good at it. No one else in my family aside from my dad is interested/ even likes science! I feel like that with humanities though. I like learning history on my free time, but I am not interested in studying it as a subject. Plus, I find all the information daunting to remember! Classical studies looked interesting to me though, as I LOVE mythology, but I only really liked unit 1, since 3/4 aren't really related to myths :(
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 11, 2019, 10:56:25 pm
Term 3 - 11/09/19 - 51 days till exam

So a quickish update today, as my time is like a currency. So I am decently stressed at the moment, still behind in maths, and struggling through boredom in my favorite subjects.

So next week is the last week of content. FINALLY. I have found the last four weeks so hard to get through, due to my lack of interest on evolution and AOS 1. Some areas are interesting, but most are just make me bored and uninterested. I have my last bio SAC on the first week back of term 4, and then it is all over until the exam. I am just so excited to get studying for the exam, and to just finish up the subject. I did manage to get my second unit 4 SAC back, which was a 29/30. I am pretty happy with this, but I am just a tad annoyed at the stupid mark I lost in the methodology section for my poster. Can't go back and change it now though, so I shouldn't think to much about it. 3>4

Chem is supper confusing right now. Not because of the material, but because I have no idea what the teacher wants me to do for the SAC. She put up conflicting information, and I am just utterly confused as to what I am suppose to do, and at this point in time, I don't think I care. I am not going to put to much effort into this SAC, as I have other tasks that are higher in priority on my list of things to do, and it is only year 11, so it doesn't go towards anything.

I have contacted and English tutor for next year! I'm not too bad at english, but my writing does need some work, and since english is a top 4, I need to work on skills and refine my "talents." Which I don't have Aside from that, I am up to date with work, and and have only 2 SACs left until I finish for the year.

Maths i still haven't done, and I know I am just going to have to rush to complete it all in time, but that is on my incompetence, and procrastination. Food studies is going ok, I will have to cook this week, and then I only have one SAC on the second week of term 4, and then I am done.

So that probably didn't make much sense, and that is my brain at the moment, dead braincells. Sorry that this is a bit sloppy but I didn't have a lot of time, and the procrastination is strong with this one!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 18, 2019, 06:04:33 pm
Term 3 - 18/09/19 - 44 Days Till Exam

LAST WEEK OF TERM. This term has felt like it would never end, and this is kind of a good and bad thing. On the one hand, school holidays are just around the corner, however so are my exams.  I feel stressed, burnt out, tired and ready to not rock and roll. I have been trying to look after myself but that keeps going down the waterside.

Guess who hasn't started studying for exams, ME. I have been so bombarded with just keeping up on the work I have been given, I just haven't had time to do any study or revision which is pissing me off to no end. These holidays are going to be so long and work filled! I am going to the 3/4 bio lecture this weekend, so that is very exciting! It is an hour and half's drive for me though and it is going to be rainy, but aside from that I am looking forward to it.

Biology
FINALLY FINISHED all the course work! It has been too long and I am so glad that it is finally over. I still have a SAC left on the first week back of term 4 which is a bummer, but I am finally free. This is such a weight off my shoulders, as we have been rushing through all the last content!
I can't wait to start exam revision and get stuck into it. I am still a but jealous that most people finished the content earlier in the term, but what can you do. I also struggled to get through the all the evolution topic, I just found it so boring to go into that much depth, but that is just me.

Chemistry
So the past 2 weeks have been an absolute mess. This SAC has been so unorganised that it has given me a headache over all the emails I have had to send to just work out what I need to do. I did a presentation on water pollution which was essentially a paraphrasing task, and I now need to make a poster on an experiment I was suppose to do last week. Anyway, there is only a small amount of work left them i'm done for the term.

English
I haven't done anything for two weeks because I need my teachers feedback to do the work. So yay.......

Food Studies
Had to compare a recipe of a textbook version and a modified version. I had to adjust a this orange cake recipe to fit an egg allergy, I tried to do so with a chia seed egg, but it didn't really work....

That's it for me this week, hope you all are looking for to the holidays, and hope to see you guys at the lectures!
-Sorry for errors, I can't be bothered to correct anything.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on September 19, 2019, 07:09:52 am
Food Studies
Had to compare a recipe of a textbook version and a modified version. I had to adjust a this orange cake recipe to fit an egg allergy, I tried to do so with a chia seed egg, but it didn't really work....
Have you tried any other types of "eggs"?

Good luck for the busy holidays ahead!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 19, 2019, 10:42:23 pm
Have you tried any other types of "eggs"?

Good luck for the busy holidays ahead!
Sort of, I have tried to substitute eggs with flax eggs, apple sauce, bananas and I have heard of commercial egg substitute as well. I just decided to try out chia with the textbook recipe we where given and I don't think it was quite the right choice. The chia seeds ended up feeling like soggy poppy seeds.

Haha, you too they are finally here!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 25, 2019, 06:12:12 pm
School Holidays - 25/09/19 - 37 Days To Exams

Hello and welcome to my personal freakout! I am beyond overwhelmed at the shear size of biology content I need to know, and it is only know that I am going over that I am seeing everything I need to do. I haven't even started revision, since I only finished all the content last week. I also don't know where to start. I have gone back and fourth on whether to just look at note and then done exams, or go over the study design and then do exams. I haven't actually done anything these school holidays....

On Saturday I went to the ATAR notes 3/4 bio lecture, which was fantastic by the way, and boy was it also a nightmare. So I had to drive about and an hour and 45 minutes just to get into the city, then discover all the road work and that Swanston street was blocked off, and then find the lecture hall. Then once I got there, my health took a nose dive and I could barely right any notes down as I sat there tired an dizzy. So not off to a great start. Even though I couldn't take any notes, just sitting in and listing was really valuable. And the question where everyone thought it was D but it was really B.....

Anyway, I got back at about 8, and became a potato. Sunday was also kinda bad, and due to me being an idiot I ended up in pain for the whole day, so it was a bit of a rid off. On Monday I decided to treat myself and bought Stardew Vally on Steam, which I very much regret. I am addicted, and now I don't want to do my work.... I just can't find the motivation as I am incredibly overwhelmed at how much work I need to do, and the fact that there is so little time. I am trying to justify the game by listening to Douchy's podcast.

That sums up my holidays so far, I wish everyone luck on their study's, and if you see my motivation floating around let me know where it is!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: chopsticks on September 25, 2019, 07:33:02 pm
School Holidays - 25/09/19 - 37 Days To Exams

Hello and welcome to my personal freakout! I am beyond overwhelmed at the shear size of biology content I need to know, and it is only know that I am going over that I am seeing everything I need to do. I haven't even started revision, since I only finished all the content last week. I also don't know where to start. I have gone back and fourth on whether to just look at note and then done exams, or go over the study design and then do exams. I haven't actually done anything these school holidays....

On Saturday I went to the ATAR notes 3/4 bio lecture, which was fantastic by the way, and boy was it also a nightmare. So I had to drive about and an hour and 45 minutes just to get into the city, then discover all the road work and that Swanston street was blocked off, and then find the lecture hall. Then once I got there, my health took a nose dive and I could barely right any notes down as I sat there tired an dizzy. So not off to a great start. Even though I couldn't take any notes, just sitting in and listing was really valuable. And the question where everyone thought it was D but it was really B.....

Anyway, I got back at about 8, and became a potato. Sunday was also kinda bad, and due to me being an idiot I ended up in pain for the whole day, so it was a bit of a rid off. On Monday I decided to treat myself and bought Stardew Vally on Steam, which I very much regret. I am addicted, and now I don't want to do my work.... I just can't find the motivation as I am incredibly overwhelmed at how much work I need to do, and the fact that there is so little time. I am trying to justify the game by listening to Douchy's podcast.

That sums up my holidays so far, I wish everyone luck on their study's, and if you see my motivation floating around let me know where it is!

Ooo the Bio 3/4 lecture
I might've gone to the same one but I didn't like it as much (partially because I'm doing Unit 1 at school and this is a 3/4 revision lecture) but I found it a bit rushed since it's done in only 3 hours
Glad to know you liked it though!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on September 26, 2019, 07:56:01 am
School Holidays - 25/09/19 - 37 Days To Exams

Hello and welcome to my personal freakout! I am beyond overwhelmed at the shear size of biology content I need to know, and it is only know that I am going over that I am seeing everything I need to do. I haven't even started revision, since I only finished all the content last week. I also don't know where to start. I have gone back and fourth on whether to just look at note and then done exams, or go over the study design and then do exams. I haven't actually done anything these school holidays....

On Saturday I went to the ATAR notes 3/4 bio lecture, which was fantastic by the way, and boy was it also a nightmare. So I had to drive about and an hour and 45 minutes just to get into the city, then discover all the road work and that Swanston street was blocked off, and then find the lecture hall. Then once I got there, my health took a nose dive and I could barely right any notes down as I sat there tired an dizzy. So not off to a great start. Even though I couldn't take any notes, just sitting in and listing was really valuable. And the question where everyone thought it was D but it was really B.....

Anyway, I got back at about 8, and became a potato. Sunday was also kinda bad, and due to me being an idiot I ended up in pain for the whole day, so it was a bit of a rid off. On Monday I decided to treat myself and bought Stardew Vally on Steam, which I very much regret. I am addicted, and now I don't want to do my work.... I just can't find the motivation as I am incredibly overwhelmed at how much work I need to do, and the fact that there is so little time. I am trying to justify the game by listening to Douchy's podcast.

That sums up my holidays so far, I wish everyone luck on their study's, and if you see my motivation floating around let me know where it is!


Hey Geo!

Finding motivation can definitely be hard, it helps me to remember that we still have next year to get though and bio is just one of those 6/5 subjects. Also, relaxing is so important so there is no use beating yourself up about it. The best relaxing is when you allow yourself to have a break and watch tv, no use getting annoyed at yourself because then you don't reek the full benefits! 

Also remember that every little bit counts! Similar to you, I often stare at my 121 pages of bio notes and unproductively think about what needs to be done. The best way is to DO something, whether it be memorise those inputs or outputs of aerobic respiration for ten minutes and then get back to relaxing. Study doesn't need to take up so much time, its the small consistent steps that make a difference .

I am also a year 11 doing bio 3/4 and I definitely think it helps to remember why you picked biology and why you like it, rather than worrying about the huge amount of content to study. Also, once you start revision, you'll realise that a lot of the content you already know from the hard work you have put in throughout the year. Good luck and you can do it!

Also thanks for the countdown  :-\ haha
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 29, 2019, 08:40:37 pm
Ooo the Bio 3/4 lecture
I might've gone to the same one but I didn't like it as much (partially because I'm doing Unit 1 at school and this is a 3/4 revision lecture) but I found it a bit rushed since it's done in only 3 hours
Glad to know you liked it though!
I definitely felt like it went too fast, but it is what you get for a 3 hour lecture and a bunch of teens on their holidays.... I was barely able to write any notes down because it went so quickly, so I gave up and am just going to review the slides instead.
Good to know that your 1/2 lecture went well for you though!


Hey Geo!

Finding motivation can definitely be hard, it helps me to remember that we still have next year to get though and bio is just one of those 6/5 subjects. Also, relaxing is so important so there is no use beating yourself up about it. The best relaxing is when you allow yourself to have a break and watch tv, no use getting annoyed at yourself because then you don't reek the full benefits! 

Also remember that every little bit counts! Similar to you, I often stare at my 121 pages of bio notes and unproductively think about what needs to be done. The best way is to DO something, whether it be memorise those inputs or outputs of aerobic respiration for ten minutes and then get back to relaxing. Study doesn't need to take up so much time, its the small consistent steps that make a difference .

I am also a year 11 doing bio 3/4 and I definitely think it helps to remember why you picked biology and why you like it, rather than worrying about the huge amount of content to study. Also, once you start revision, you'll realise that a lot of the content you already know from the hard work you have put in throughout the year. Good luck and you can do it!

Also thanks for the countdown  :-\ haha
Hey, thanks for the reply, and some great advice you are giving out there! Biology is one of my favourite subjects and I think it is just really daunting to look at everything you need to know inside and out, and your right, it really is just a matter of getting started. So for me, my goal is to just sit at my desk chair and hope something will happen, haha.

Good luck with your studies!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on September 30, 2019, 09:11:42 pm
I definitely felt like it went too fast, but it is what you get for a 3 hour lecture and a bunch of teens on their holidays.... I was barely able to write any notes down because it went so quickly, so I gave up and am just going to review the slides instead.
Good to know that your 1/2 lecture went well for you though!
Hey, thanks for the reply, and some great advice you are giving out there! Biology is one of my favourite subjects and I think it is just really daunting to look at everything you need to know inside and out, and your right, it really is just a matter of getting started. So for me, my goal is to just sit at my desk chair and hope something will happen, haha.

Good luck with your studies!

My throat still hasn't recovered from QCE lectures which finished yesterday. Don't know how well I'd cope if lectures were more than 3 hours

For motivation trying to set patterns and doing something small/low-effort/quick/easy when you're struggling to do something intimidating would be my advice. Maybe also try sitting somewhere different when playing games than you do for studying so you can build place association and get in the right mindset easier.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 01, 2019, 02:42:38 pm
My throat still hasn't recovered from QCE lectures which finished yesterday. Don't know how well I'd cope if lectures were more than 3 hours

For motivation trying to set patterns and doing something small/low-effort/quick/easy when you're struggling to do something intimidating would be my advice. Maybe also try sitting somewhere different when playing games than you do for studying so you can build place association and get in the right mindset easier.

Good luck!
I can really feel for the lectures! Speaking for so long can really give you a soar throat. I hope yours gets better, and try drink lots of honey and lemon (that has always helped for me).Some very good tips there, I do try to hobby spaces and study, but sometimes it can be difficult around the house. And I always like to study at my desk, I just have everything near by, and it is where I am most productive.
Instead of doing big blocks, I have jut started on topic tests that are small and easier the doing massive exams! Which is definitely a good starting point when being overwhelmed.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 02, 2019, 05:26:10 pm
School Holidays - 02/10/19 - 30 Days Till Exam

I have finally started exam prep, yay me. It took a while, but I bit the bullet and sat in my desk chair and got to work. No I haven't done alot, but it is still progress. I am going through the NEAP 2017 topic tests before I move onto exams. I am averaging about 65-80% across the 5/10 topic tests I have done.
Now, I don't want to disrespect my teachers (who are fantastic) because they are really great, but the amount of content coming up in these test that I don't know (haven't been taught) is alot. This is a bit eye opening into the quality of education I have been given, or maybe it is just NEAP putting unrelated things in the tests. I also don't know if I should to company or VCAA exam first, my teacher has told me to do company and than VCAA, what do you guys recommend?

So you may be asking for examples.... here are just some of the things I wasn't taught but was required to on the tests:
-Pentose sugar (never heard of it)
-Coagulation involving platelets (this wasn't even mentioned)
-Lipophilic signals
-Molecules of either hydrophillic or hydrophobic nature (like if a protein can pass through, or a steroid, I wasn't given any specific examples)
-R groups and G proteins
-Dipeptide somethings (can't remember what they are called or how to draw them)
-limited info on hydrolysis
-The structure and function of neurons and how neurotransmitters work(I could only answer these question from my year 9 knowledge...) 
-Gene regulation.....

There are a few more, but these are just some of the basics. The good thing is is that as I go back, I have actually retained quite alot of knowledge of the unit three stuff, it is just remembering specific details and the answering questions. I think I am finding it difficult to answer the short questions. I know how to answer them, just not how to express myself clearly and making sure get all the information needed to get the mark. For instance, if an enzyme will stop working/lose function after reaching a certain temperature, I answered these questions by saying "the enzyme has gone past it's optimum temperature range and has now lost function permanently." I should have said, "the enzyme has gone past it's optimum temperature which has denatured so the active site has lost it's shape it's specific substrate can no longer bind."  (i never remember to put specific in there)
It is just little things here and there that will take some time and practice to get use to. That is pretty much all for biology.

I have done some chemistry these holidays by doing an experiment at home for a poster that was due last term, but I got an extension so I have finally gotten around to it. I do plan to do some catch up maths (since i'm 12 weeks behind....), but I keep putting it off......

On a personal note, I am physically feeling way better than last week. I have been trying out those hydrolyte tablets to help with my brain fog and fatigue, and it seems to be giving me more concentration. My poor cat had to have an operation today which we just got home from. His canine tooth has cracked/splinted and was becoming infected with quite of bit of inflammation of the surrounding gum. He now has a removed canine tooth, can't go outside for a few days, but other than that, he is a little spooked but feeling a lot better.
I haven't done a lot of reading these holidays, but I am currently reading the devouring grey which has been ok/mediocre so far and have made a banana cake last week with plans to make another one tomorrow, and for now that's it.

Have fun studying!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 08, 2019, 09:58:36 pm
Term 4 - 08/10/19 - 24 Days Till Exam

I can't believe the school holidays are over! I didn't get anywhere near as much study done as I wanted, and I am now suffering the stress of not doing enough exam prep. I have done some topic tests, and got through all the multiple choice question on the 2018 bio exam and then completely stuffed up the short answered questions....... Getting that 45 seems like just a dream at the moment, but I just have to work harder to get there.

This has made me doubt myself so much and made me stop doing practice exams. I know that more practice the better, but this really put a dent in my spirt, but I really need to get back on the banwagon to exam prep. I am hoping to do 1 exam a day, or at least one part to try do something. I just can't believe were the time has gone. I am also really scared of having a fatigue episode on the day, were I am just so tired that nothing computes.....

Biology
Pretty much just studying for exams at the moment. I do have my last SAC this week (yay), and also need to start studying that as well!

English
I hate this subject so much at the moment. I can't find any motivation for to write any more essays, read or just do anything. I am getting constantly frustrated with my writing and what we have to write. There is a final SAC in 2 weeks time, and a practice exam this week, which I am putting off for as long as possible....

Chemistry
So guess who stayed up to finish their scientific poster, me... It honestly wasn't that much to do, and I managed to write the whole thing within 2.5 hours after getting the results. The experiment that I did went just so horribly wrong, and my entire discussion part was just me explain all the errors and solutions that could have made it better. I am not enjoying unit 2 of chemistry, it has to be one of the most boring things I have done in a while. Just the sheer amount on water...... I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! The good thing is is that I only have 1 week to go, and them it is done for the year!!!!!!!

Food Studies
So this is the last SAC for the year, and I am currently 2/3 through it. I have done all the write up and all I need to do is cook the dish, which is just a buddha bowl since it meets all the constraints and considerations. There is an exam in two weeks, but I am going to try do it this week to get it out of the way for my other studies. And as the same with chem, I will be done for the year.

Methods
I only have myself to blame for how behind I am in methods, 13 weeks. I just kept putting it up and it has pilled on. I have to balance my other subjects, bio exam prep, and cramming an entire semester of methods in 4 weeks.... yay me. It is a reduced work load which is good.



I do apoligise that this is so negative. I am very stressed an frustrated as my health plus all the things I need to do are staggering. Everyone studies at the own pace but I can't even manage a normal work load. I am "home schooled", yet I can only work for 3-4 hours a day, with massive naps in between that last for 4-6 hours. Trying to do some much work when I just can't find the time is so frustrating! So, I do apologise, but that is what this journal is for, to tell how my VCE journey is going, this is just a down moment  in the ups and downs of life. Good luck studying everyone!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on October 08, 2019, 10:20:01 pm
snip-

I know exactly how you feel buddy. I feel horrible that I didn't get nearly enough study done over the holidays. But your VCE subject this year is a chance to learn and improve next year. I hope you pick up your motivation soon and continue ploughing on - it's really the only thing we can do. It's always the best scenario to finish the exam feeling like you did your very best, so that's what we're all working towards, I suppose. And that 45 of yours can very soon become not a dream, but a reality! I believe in you. With practice, I'm sure you'll smash it.

And don't apologise about being negative - we all feel like that sometimes. But it's about how you pick yourself back up again (resilience! psych kids will know). Good luck with your studies, and your exams!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: YussifK on October 08, 2019, 11:12:43 pm
Heellllooooo Geeoooo, I just read through everything, and I found something eye catching.... your doing so well in bio do you have any study tips for biology sacs to pass on to younger future vce students ??

Please do
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 09, 2019, 07:41:12 pm
I know exactly how you feel buddy. I feel horrible that I didn't get nearly enough study done over the holidays. But your VCE subject this year is a chance to learn and improve next year. I hope you pick up your motivation soon and continue ploughing on - it's really the only thing we can do. It's always the best scenario to finish the exam feeling like you did your very best, so that's what we're all working towards, I suppose. And that 45 of yours can very soon become not a dream, but a reality! I believe in you. With practice, I'm sure you'll smash it.

And don't apologise about being negative - we all feel like that sometimes. But it's about how you pick yourself back up again (resilience! psych kids will know). Good luck with your studies, and your exams!
Awe thank you so much, this meant alot to me! Today I marked my first complete prac exam for bio, and I ended up with a 47%..... This really broke me today, so thank you for the kind words. I am really struggling at the moment with everything but it is nice to have some solidarity!
Heellllooooo Geeoooo, I just read through everything, and I found something eye catching.... your doing so well in bio do you have any study tips for biology sacs to pass on to younger future vce students ??

Please do
Hey thanks for reading! At the moment I am not up to giving tips at the moment as I am really struggling with bio exams at this time, so I don't feel confident to give others tips right now. If I do well, I may give some in the future. However my best advice for bio is to just keep going forward and learn that content inside and out.
Good luck for your exams!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: YussifK on October 09, 2019, 07:45:43 pm
Hey thanks for reading! At the moment I am not up to giving tips at the moment as I am really struggling with bio exams at this time, so I don't feel confident to give others tips right now. If I do well, I may give some in the future. However my best advice for bio is to just keep going forward and learn that content inside and out.
Good luck for your exams!

Im really confused what you mean know the content inside out.... please elaborate... cause I have no common sense ughhhhh....
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 09, 2019, 08:09:23 pm
Im really confused what you mean know the content inside out.... please elaborate... cause I have no common sense ughhhhh....

Well in order to do well, you need to know everything well about the content. You need to know the details, how it relates to other things previously learn't, you need to be able to explain it, describe it and compare it but also apply that knowledge.

For instance, lets look at protein synthesis(gene expression)
Instead of just knowing the basics of transcription and translation, you should know the names of the coding strands, be able to know what a degenerate triplet code is, compare it to similar processes such as PCR(polymerase chain reaction), explain the process... etc. Be able to apply it to a question that isn't directly related to it, for instance: mutations in nucleotides and how the can frame shift the coding sequence.

It is all about knowing your content and how to use it. Hope this helps. :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: YussifK on October 09, 2019, 08:24:06 pm
Well in order to do well, you need to know everything well about the content. You need to know the details, how it relates to other things previously learn't, you need to be able to explain it, describe it and compare it but also apply that knowledge.

For instance, lets look at protein synthesis(gene expression)
Instead of just knowing the basics of transcription and translation, you should know the names of the coding strands, be able to know what a degenerate triplet code is, compare it to similar processes such as PCR(polymerase chain reaction), explain the process... etc. Be able to apply it to a question that isn't directly related to it, for instance: mutations in nucleotides and how the can frame shift the coding sequence.

It is all about knowing your content and how to use it. Hope this helps. :)

Would atar notes topic help with this or knowin all of the study design
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on October 10, 2019, 10:42:31 am
Term 4 - 08/10/19 - 24 Days Till Exam

I can't believe the school holidays are over! I didn't get anywhere near as much study done as I wanted, and I am now suffering the stress of not doing enough exam prep. I have done some topic tests, and got through all the multiple choice question on the 2018 bio exam and then completely stuffed up the short answered questions....... Getting that 45 seems like just a dream at the moment, but I just have to work harder to get there.

This has made me doubt myself so much and made me stop doing practice exams. I know that more practice the better, but this really put a dent in my spirt, but I really need to get back on the banwagon to exam prep. I am hoping to do 1 exam a day, or at least one part to try do something. I just can't believe were the time has gone. I am also really scared of having a fatigue episode on the day, were I am just so tired that nothing computes.....

Biology
Pretty much just studying for exams at the moment. I do have my last SAC this week (yay), and also need to start studying that as well!

English
I hate this subject so much at the moment. I can't find any motivation for to write any more essays, read or just do anything. I am getting constantly frustrated with my writing and what we have to write. There is a final SAC in 2 weeks time, and a practice exam this week, which I am putting off for as long as possible....

Chemistry
So guess who stayed up to finish their scientific poster, me... It honestly wasn't that much to do, and I managed to write the whole thing within 2.5 hours after getting the results. The experiment that I did went just so horribly wrong, and my entire discussion part was just me explain all the errors and solutions that could have made it better. I am not enjoying unit 2 of chemistry, it has to be one of the most boring things I have done in a while. Just the sheer amount on water...... I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! The good thing is is that I only have 1 week to go, and them it is done for the year!!!!!!!

Food Studies
So this is the last SAC for the year, and I am currently 2/3 through it. I have done all the write up and all I need to do is cook the dish, which is just a buddha bowl since it meets all the constraints and considerations. There is an exam in two weeks, but I am going to try do it this week to get it out of the way for my other studies. And as the same with chem, I will be done for the year.

Methods
I only have myself to blame for how behind I am in methods, 13 weeks. I just kept putting it up and it has pilled on. I have to balance my other subjects, bio exam prep, and cramming an entire semester of methods in 4 weeks.... yay me. It is a reduced work load which is good.



I do apoligise that this is so negative. I am very stressed an frustrated as my health plus all the things I need to do are staggering. Everyone studies at the own pace but I can't even manage a normal work load. I am "home schooled", yet I can only work for 3-4 hours a day, with massive naps in between that last for 4-6 hours. Trying to do some much work when I just can't find the time is so frustrating! So, I do apologise, but that is what this journal is for, to tell how my VCE journey is going, this is just a down moment  in the ups and downs of life. Good luck studying everyone!

Hey Geoo!
Don't beat youself up about only being able to work for 3 - 4 hours a day, make sure you rest and look after youself. Good luck with your study, you got this!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: chopsticks on October 10, 2019, 08:14:03 pm
Term 4 - 08/10/19 - 24 Days Till Exam

I can't believe the school holidays are over! I didn't get anywhere near as much study done as I wanted, and I am now suffering the stress of not doing enough exam prep. I have done some topic tests, and got through all the multiple choice question on the 2018 bio exam and then completely stuffed up the short answered questions....... Getting that 45 seems like just a dream at the moment, but I just have to work harder to get there.

This has made me doubt myself so much and made me stop doing practice exams. I know that more practice the better, but this really put a dent in my spirt, but I really need to get back on the banwagon to exam prep. I am hoping to do 1 exam a day, or at least one part to try do something. I just can't believe were the time has gone. I am also really scared of having a fatigue episode on the day, were I am just so tired that nothing computes.....

Biology
Pretty much just studying for exams at the moment. I do have my last SAC this week (yay), and also need to start studying that as well!

English
I hate this subject so much at the moment. I can't find any motivation for to write any more essays, read or just do anything. I am getting constantly frustrated with my writing and what we have to write. There is a final SAC in 2 weeks time, and a practice exam this week, which I am putting off for as long as possible....

Chemistry
So guess who stayed up to finish their scientific poster, me... It honestly wasn't that much to do, and I managed to write the whole thing within 2.5 hours after getting the results. The experiment that I did went just so horribly wrong, and my entire discussion part was just me explain all the errors and solutions that could have made it better. I am not enjoying unit 2 of chemistry, it has to be one of the most boring things I have done in a while. Just the sheer amount on water...... I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! The good thing is is that I only have 1 week to go, and them it is done for the year!!!!!!!

Food Studies
So this is the last SAC for the year, and I am currently 2/3 through it. I have done all the write up and all I need to do is cook the dish, which is just a buddha bowl since it meets all the constraints and considerations. There is an exam in two weeks, but I am going to try do it this week to get it out of the way for my other studies. And as the same with chem, I will be done for the year.

Methods
I only have myself to blame for how behind I am in methods, 13 weeks. I just kept putting it up and it has pilled on. I have to balance my other subjects, bio exam prep, and cramming an entire semester of methods in 4 weeks.... yay me. It is a reduced work load which is good.



I do apoligise that this is so negative. I am very stressed an frustrated as my health plus all the things I need to do are staggering. Everyone studies at the own pace but I can't even manage a normal work load. I am "home schooled", yet I can only work for 3-4 hours a day, with massive naps in between that last for 4-6 hours. Trying to do some much work when I just can't find the time is so frustrating! So, I do apologise, but that is what this journal is for, to tell how my VCE journey is going, this is just a down moment  in the ups and downs of life. Good luck studying everyone!

Awe, I get how you feel to be overwhelmed by the workload for so many subjects. I'm also doing Methods 1/2 and all I've got to say is don't worry! It's not as hard to catch up on as it may seem. Most of it is just briefly looking through chapters - maybe a summary notes would help like ATAR Notes' 3/4 (I use 3/4 instead of 1/2 books for Methods because it really is the same content) - and spending a bit of time applying them

Chemistry sounds awful!!! Good luck, like you said it's one week to go and you will definitely get through it!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 11, 2019, 12:47:12 am
Would atar notes topic help with this or knowin all of the study design
They probably would, but they would come to late and I think focusing on the VCAA exams is the best thing at the moment due to time contraints.
Awe, I get how you feel to be overwhelmed by the workload for so many subjects. I'm also doing Methods 1/2 and all I've got to say is don't worry! It's not as hard to catch up on as it may seem. Most of it is just briefly looking through chapters - maybe a summary notes would help like ATAR Notes' 3/4 (I use 3/4 instead of 1/2 books for Methods because it really is the same content) - and spending a bit of time applying them

Chemistry sounds awful!!! Good luck, like you said it's one week to go and you will definitely get through it!
Thanks for the support, it really helps in times of stress. Thats a bit of a relief, I am a bit scared that it will still take a while as I haven't learnt the content before, but hopefully I can push through! And thank you for the advice, i'll definitely go check out the notes! It's interesting that I have fallen behind this much, since I have loved maths in the past, but with a new format of learning it online, it has really thrown me for a loop and made me lose my passion for it.
Hey Geoo!
Don't beat yourself up about only being able to work for 3 - 4 hours a day, make sure you rest and look after youself. Good luck with your study, you got this!
Awe thank you, I will try and look after myself. I am pacing more as I have found a better routine so I have gotten the chance to resting a bit more. Thanks for the wishes!
 :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 13, 2019, 06:10:35 pm
Term 4 - 13/10/2019 - 19 Days Till Exam

So I am going to keep this update short. I have had kind of a tough week. I ended up having a meltdown over biology and how my progression is going. This may seem superficial or what ever but I just started bawling my eyes out over how badly I am going in the practice exams. The first exam I did I got a 47%, and that just broke me. I had worked my arse off this year to do so well in this subject, spending hours on revision, learning the content, getting constantly high SAC scores and everything, and if all that hard work just adds up to getting a score that was way below what I wanted, it would just make me feel as if I had wasted all the time. I LOVE biology, and it is something I want to study along side chemistry at university. If you spoke to me in person, I know how to answer these questions and relate content back but I just can't seem to right it on paper or to VCAA's standards.

For example: If I say nucleotides when talking about transcription instead of base pairs, marked down. If I repeated one portion of the question to then answer, marked down, one year the correct answer is alpha coils and alpha helix is wrong, the next year alpha helix is right and alpha coils is wrong.... There are just so many things that is making pull my hair out and is seriously making me judge my ability to do this subject.

Looking on the positive side, the two other exams I did (VCAA 2013 and 2014) I managed to average a 70%, which is alright but still no where near where I want it to be. So I am just very frustrated and stressed out of my mind.
One good thing is is that I am getting my pacing down alot better so I am able to get more work in at the moment, which is great. I am doing my last SAC for biology today (I know that it is sunday but as long as it is on my teacher desk before they get to work on monday, then I am fine + I am home schooled so this is how it is....). I don't know how I feel with how this will go, but I am hoping for the best!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on October 13, 2019, 06:47:28 pm
Term 4 - 13/10/2019 - 19 Days Till Exam

So I am going to keep this update short. I have had kind of a tough week. I ended up having a meltdown over biology and how my progression is going. This may seem superficial or what ever but I just started bawling my eyes out over how badly I am going in the practice exams. The first exam I did I got a 47%, and that just broke me. I had worked my arse off this year to do so well in this subject, spending hours on revision, learning the content, getting constantly high SAC scores and everything, and if all that hard work just adds up to getting a score that was way below what I wanted, it would just make me feel as if I had wasted all the time. I LOVE biology, and it is something I want to study along side chemistry at university. If you spoke to me in person, I know how to answer these questions and relate content back but I just can't seem to right it on paper or to VCAA's standards.

For example: If I say nucleotides when talking about transcription instead of base pairs, marked down. If I repeated one portion of the question to then answer, marked down, one year the correct answer is alpha coils and alpha helix is wrong, the next year alpha helix is right and alpha coils is wrong.... There are just so many things that is making pull my hair out and is seriously making me judge my ability to do this subject.

Looking on the positive side, the two other exams I did (VCAA 2013 and 2014) I managed to average a 70%, which is alright but still no where near where I want it to be. So I am just very frustrated and stressed out of my mind.
One good thing is is that I am getting my pacing down alot better so I am able to get more work in at the moment, which is great. I am doing my last SAC for biology today (I know that it is sunday but as long as it is on my teacher desk before they get to work on monday, then I am fine + I am home schooled so this is how it is....). I don't know how I feel with how this will go, but I am hoping for the best!

Hey dude... 70%! That's a massive improvement and you should be very proud of yourself. I have a friend doing legal 3/4 at the moment and she also got 47% on her first practice exam, and 49% on the next. Please please PLEASE do not be disheartened by this. You just need to keep going and you'll be much better. Safe to say that my friend will now constantly get in the 80s percentage-wise. Just make sure that you learn from each practice exam and never make the same mistake twice! I believe in you :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on October 13, 2019, 07:12:34 pm
Term 4 - 13/10/2019 - 19 Days Till Exam

So I am going to keep this update short. I have had kind of a tough week. I ended up having a meltdown over biology and how my progression is going. This may seem superficial or what ever but I just started bawling my eyes out over how badly I am going in the practice exams. The first exam I did I got a 47%, and that just broke me. I had worked my arse off this year to do so well in this subject, spending hours on revision, learning the content, getting constantly high SAC scores and everything, and if all that hard work just adds up to getting a score that was way below what I wanted, it would just make me feel as if I had wasted all the time. I LOVE biology, and it is something I want to study along side chemistry at university. If you spoke to me in person, I know how to answer these questions and relate content back but I just can't seem to right it on paper or to VCAA's standards.

For example: If I say nucleotides when talking about transcription instead of base pairs, marked down. If I repeated one portion of the question to then answer, marked down, one year the correct answer is alpha coils and alpha helix is wrong, the next year alpha helix is right and alpha coils is wrong.... There are just so many things that is making pull my hair out and is seriously making me judge my ability to do this subject.

Looking on the positive side, the two other exams I did (VCAA 2013 and 2014) I managed to average a 70%, which is alright but still no where near where I want it to be. So I am just very frustrated and stressed out of my mind.
One good thing is is that I am getting my pacing down alot better so I am able to get more work in at the moment, which is great. I am doing my last SAC for biology today (I know that it is sunday but as long as it is on my teacher desk before they get to work on monday, then I am fine + I am home schooled so this is how it is....). I don't know how I feel with how this will go, but I am hoping for the best!

Hey Geoo! Congrats on the good praccy exam marks! I've only completed the 2017 Neap one and the 2018 VCAA one so your way ahead of me in the number of exams you've done AND your scores!! You still have the best part of 3 weeks to improve for the exam :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 16, 2019, 04:58:58 pm
Hey dude... 70%! That's a massive improvement and you should be very proud of yourself. I have a friend doing legal 3/4 at the moment and she also got 47% on her first practice exam, and 49% on the next. Please please PLEASE do not be disheartened by this. You just need to keep going and you'll be much better. Safe to say that my friend will now constantly get in the 80s percentage-wise. Just make sure that you learn from each practice exam and never make the same mistake twice! I believe in you :D
As someone who has gone through quite a tough week, this really meant alot to me and did give me some hope. Thank you for believing in me, I just need to get past that 80% than 90%. Good luck with food studies!! I hope you have completed your notes/revision and getting on to your prac exams, let me know how you go.
Hey Geoo! Congrats on the good praccy exam marks! I've only completed the 2017 Neap one and the 2018 VCAA one so your way ahead of me in the number of exams you've done AND your scores!! You still have the best part of 3 weeks to improve for the exam :)
Awe thank you so much! I found the neap a bit too hard, and had a lot of stuff that didn't relate to the study design, so I am trying to just focus on the VCAA ones. I'm sure you will get better too, and thank you for believing in me! My teachers also handed out a paper on what questions are irrelevant from 2016-2002 VCAA exams, so that is been a life saver in what I actually need to learn. Anyway, good luck studying yourself!

Just one last thing, which is thank you both. I had my last bio SAC and I am not feeling very good about it at all as it was definetly the hardest one yet. After thinking that I failed and everything, seeing those two comments, really made my day. :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 20, 2019, 11:19:03 pm
Term 4 - 20/10/19 - 12 Days To Exam

Very quick update. So I have done 8 VCAA bio exams and I can't get them past 70%, so therefore I have cried a lot this week over my lack of not getting better. I have 8 weeks of maths do and learn in 12 days, otherwise I don't pass the unit. I am very stressed, there is alot of personal stuff going on aswell that is very draining and it is all overwhelming at the moment. This is a really just a blurt of thoughts onto a page and I do hope that when I look back on this l hope it's better than it is now. I know that my posts have been quite negative over the past few weeks which I am sorry for, but this is just a rough patch at the moment.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: chopsticks on October 21, 2019, 12:26:41 am
Term 4 - 20/10/19 - 12 Days To Exam

Very quick update. So I have done 8 VCAA bio exams and I can't get them past 70%, so therefore I have cried a lot this week over my lack of not getting better. I have 8 weeks of maths do and learn in 12 days, otherwise I don't pass the unit. I am very stressed, there is alot of personal stuff going on aswell that is very draining and it is all overwhelming at the moment. This is a really just a blurt of thoughts onto a page and I do hope that when I look back on this l hope it's better than it is now. I know that my posts have been quite negative over the past few weeks which I am sorry for, but this is just a rough patch at the moment.

I can relate to this a lot. I was stressing before my exams and the night before my first one, I slept at around 1:30am (I have to get up at 6 everyday) just studying for it. I didn't do well, every time I just couldn't finish it and got poor marks because of that. When I sat the actual exam, it was far easier than I had expected. I did have a mental breakdown straight after it though, because I still couldn't finish it but once I got my paper back, I did a lot better than I thought. With the second exam (a day after the first), I worked hard in time management the night before and basically aced it! Admittedly, I did sleep at 1:45am but I had a chai latte the next day to calm myself down and focused on the clock.

I feel like, every time I get something wrong when I do practice exams, I kinda learn from what I did and review over it. That's what helps me the most before I do tests or exams, regardless of how badly I performed in the practice ones.

Bottom Line: Don't stress! If you know where things have gone wrong, you can smash it! I find repeating the same exams helpful but I think you would know better whichever works for you. Keep going and always stay strong!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 22, 2019, 12:34:40 am
I can relate to this a lot. I was stressing before my exams and the night before my first one, I slept at around 1:30am (I have to get up at 6 everyday) just studying for it. I didn't do well, every time I just couldn't finish it and got poor marks because of that. When I sat the actual exam, it was far easier than I had expected. I did have a mental breakdown straight after it though, because I still couldn't finish it but once I got my paper back, I did a lot better than I thought. With the second exam (a day after the first), I worked hard in time management the night before and basically aced it! Admittedly, I did sleep at 1:45am but I had a chai latte the next day to calm myself down and focused on the clock.

I feel like, every time I get something wrong when I do practice exams, I kinda learn from what I did and review over it. That's what helps me the most before I do tests or exams, regardless of how badly I performed in the practice ones.

Bottom Line: Don't stress! If you know where things have gone wrong, you can smash it! I find repeating the same exams helpful but I think you would know better whichever works for you. Keep going and always stay strong!
Thanks for sharing what you went through, I really hope that my situation can turn out like that. It's nice being able to relate with others, so thanks for sharing. Maybe all I need is a chai latte.....
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 25, 2019, 04:12:15 pm
Term 4 - 25/10/2019 - 7 Days Till Exam

So this will be an interesting update. On the positive side I am feeling a lot better mentally. I don't feel as doom and gloom and I feel better about biology. Am I improving in my bio prac exams? I honestly don't know. I think I am getting better but I don't know if the result show that. I will be doing the 2017 VCAA exam tonight and I will try to update on how I went with that. I will also send it into me teacher to go over my markings and give me any tips, and I have a few questions that need to be answered as well. Overall I am just feeling better about everything.

The only thing on my mind, aside from my exam is the weather for the day. I am personally really affected by the weather, and I am so scared my health is going to take a nose dive. I already have tachycardia with my base BMP being high 90's low 100's, but on the day of the exam it will be 32C, which means my BMP will be around 135-150 SITING DOWN..... So yeah, that is something I am not looking forward to. I am hoping that since it is the morning that it won't get too hot yet.

I STARTED MATHS! I think this is a major cause of my stress, as I have to turn in 8 weeks of maths before November 1st to get an S for unit 2. I finally started it and have already completed 3 weeks so only 5 to go! I do plan to do ALOT of catch up on the holidays to try solidify my unit 1 & 2 knowledge as I honesty skipped so much content to get an S, that I really have no clue what I am doing. Also, when you haven't done trig since year 8, circular function do your head in...

In other good news, chemistry and food studies are officially done for the year, I got my mark back for my last chem SAC which was a lovely A+ (50/52), so I am very happy about that. My exam was optional and since I have other priorities I am not doing it. I got my mark back for food studies which was an A, so that wasn't to bad since I didn't put any effort into it, I am now just waiting on getting my exam marks back.

I still have one SAC left for english and them I am also done for the year, yay!!!
For some reason this was the week where all my marks came in,
For biology, my last SAC came back and I manged to score a A (26/30.) I am honestly so happy with this. I found this SAC to be quite difficult and I was really sick when I did it, so I am just so relieved. So I know have my GA scores:
Bio:
GA1: 95/100 = 95%
GA2:84/90 = 93%
Very happy with this, now if only I could get an A+ for the exam. At the moment all I want is over 40 for bio, I would be over the moon!

Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me over my rollercoaster of posts, it really meant alot to me and helped me get through! I finish all school work on November first, so for me this is my second last week of year 11 (which feels so weird), so to everyone for now, good luck with exams!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Snow Leopard on October 25, 2019, 07:17:04 pm
Congrats on the amazing results :)
Good luck for your Bio Exam, I'm sure you'll do great!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on October 26, 2019, 10:31:02 am
Yes Geoo, glad you're feeling more confident! Remember it's almost over (yay).

You've got this! Keep up the work and good luck with the 5 weeks of maths content  :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 26, 2019, 09:26:06 pm
Congrats on the amazing results :)
Good luck for your Bio Exam, I'm sure you'll do great!
Awe thank you!
Yes Geoo, glad you're feeling more confident! Remember it's almost over (yay).

You've got this! Keep up the work and good luck with the 5 weeks of maths content  :)
Wow thank you so much, haha it is a fair amount to do but I am hopeful I can get it done in time.
Good luck with your bio exam too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 31, 2019, 04:54:54 pm
Term 4 - 31/10/2019 - 17 Hours Till Exam

Haha, the time has come. I thought I would give a quick update as to how I am feeling for the exam. I will most likely do one after as well, but for now..

So, in total I did about 16 exams, all VCAA. The lowest score I got was 47% and the highest one I got was 80% with all the rest being at about 70%. Am I super happy with these results? no. Not going to lie, all of these scores really got to me, I had a few breakdowns over the fact that I wasn't improving and that I wasn't going to reach my goal. Fortunately, I did get out of that head space two weeks ago, and have kind of come to accept that I am not going to do as well as I planned. I normally ace the multiple choice section, but I struggle with including what the VCAA examiners are looking for in order to get that mark, I am hoping that I did mark myself too harshly, and that it won't be as bad.

I am actually quite happy and the moment and stress free, and only have little flare ups of exam anxiety that only last about a minute. So I am doing quite well. I more so just feel disappointed, as I feel as if all my hard work has gone down the drain. I went into this year wanting a 45+, and now all I want in the world is a 40 (42 would be better, as it is the: Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything - Douglas Adams), but I have a feeling that I will get something above 35. And you know what, that's ok. I have done the best I can, did the exam prep, wrote notes, talked to my teacher, spent hours going over content, and that's all I can do.
Today I haven't done much, I had to do a little maths to make sure I passed the unit, which I have no idea if I have or not, and spoke to my biology teacher for my last few questions. I also made the trip up to Melbourne to be closer to school so it will only take my 40 minutes instead of an hour and a half. I have been listing to music, read a book and all I need to do is reread some of my notes and that's it. Tomorrow, I am going to walk into that exam room and do my best and that's what you guys should do to!

So I wish everyone luck with their bio exam tomorrow and what ever other exams you have over the coming weeks!

Here is a collection of all my poster that I made over the year, and my errors/tips page I made. If you want a scanned copy of all the handwritten notes, let me know.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: tigerclouds on October 31, 2019, 05:21:43 pm
Term 4 - 31/10/2019 - 17 Hours Till Exam

Haha, the time has come. I thought I would give a quick update as to how I am feeling for the exam. I will most likely do one after as well, but for now..

So, in total I did about 16 exams, all VCAA. The lowest score I got was 47% and the highest one I got was 80% with all the rest being at about 70%. Am I super happy with these results? no. Not going to lie, all of these scores really got to me, I had a few breakdowns over the fact that I wasn't improving and that I wasn't going to reach my goal. Fortunately, I did get out of that head space two weeks ago, and have kind of come to accept that I am not going to do as well as I planned. I normally ace the multiple choice section, but I struggle with including what the VCAA examiners are looking for in order to get that mark, I am hoping that I did mark myself too harshly, and that it won't be as bad.

I am actually quite happy and the moment and stress free, and only have little flare ups of exam anxiety that only last about a minute. So I am doing quite well. I more so just feel disappointed, as I feel as if all my hard work has gone down the drain. I went into this year wanting a 45+, and now all I want in the world is a 40 (42 would be better, as it is the: Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything - Douglas Adams), but I have a feeling that I will get something above 35. And you know what, that's ok. I have done the best I can, did the exam prep, wrote notes, talked to my teacher, spent hours going over content, and that's all I can do.
Today I haven't done much, I had to do a little maths to make sure I passed the unit, which I have no idea if I have or not, and spoke to my biology teacher for my last few questions. I also made the trip up to Melbourne to be closer to school so it will only take my 40 minutes instead of an hour and a half. I have been listing to music, read a book and all I need to do is reread some of my notes and that's it. Tomorrow, I am going to walk into that exam room and do my best and that's what you guys should do to!

So I wish everyone luck with their bio exam tomorrow and what ever other exams you have over the coming weeks!

Here is a collection of all my poster that I made over the year, and my errors/tips page I made. If you want a scanned copy of all the handwritten notes, let me know.
I'm in the same boat as you, don't worry. You've got this!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 31, 2019, 05:25:36 pm
OMG your notes look Godly!  8)

Best of luck for the exam Geooo!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: pugs on October 31, 2019, 05:40:48 pm
your notes are so impressive!! just do the best you can, and it will pay off! hopefully the exam isn't too wacky! *fingers crossed*

good luck fellow bio pal <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on November 01, 2019, 06:59:15 am
Good luck for the bio exam Geo!! <3 Those notes are absolutely gorgeous!!

In other good news, chemistry and food studies are officially done for the year, I got my mark back for my last chem SAC which was a lovely A+ (50/52), so I am very happy about that. My exam was optional and since I have other priorities I am not doing it. I got my mark back for food studies which was an A, so that wasn't to bad since I didn't put any effort into it, I am now just waiting on getting my exam marks back.

Also, congratulations for some other great marks!! ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 02, 2019, 08:24:39 am
Term 4 - 02/11/19 - Post Exam

Too put this short, I don't feel great right now. I feel like I have wasted all my hard work in the year, to probably get a shitty result. I opened up the paper and I thought, wow this is easy and I have seen most of these questions before. Here's the thing though, I don't think my expression was that great, having a look on the exam discussion I forgot to mention a few key words that are going to cost me marks, I forgot to make comparative statements, and I rushed at the end.
It started of well, I got all multiple choice done in 20 minutes (9:35) then got up to short answer question 6 at 10:15, I though that for some reason since I have done alot in such a short amount of time I could slow down a little, big mistake....

I got to question 10 at about 11:30, and so I had to rush to get my reasoning down. I believe I lost quite a few marks for my stupid justification.

Put it this way, I know it isn't the world, I know that in 10 years I won't be thinking about my result or what not, but for right now, I feel really disappointed, and just numb. I think I may get over a 35+ but who knows. I definitely stuffed up on a few questions either because a) I rushed it, or b) I either over simplified it of under simplified it.

Also, where were all the questions for speciation, natural selection, or comparing something for hominin evolution? I studied HOURS for those and they weren't even there!

Anyway that is it for me for year 11, I have no more to submit or attend. This means that I am on school holidays!

So for the moment, I am going to do a lot of reading, driving (to get those hours up), videos games, catch up on all the TV I have missed and get together with my friends. If I do pass maths methods, then I will be doing some catch up work to get the content solidified for next year. Maybe some chem as well? Who knows, anyway for now I won't be posting that much until my study score is released. Good luck with the rest of your exams guys ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 02, 2019, 08:26:23 am
I'm in the same boat as you, don't worry. You've got this!
OMG your notes look Godly!  8)

Best of luck for the exam Geooo!
your notes are so impressive!! just do the best you can, and it will pay off! hopefully the exam isn't too wacky! *fingers crossed*

good luck fellow bio pal <3
Good luck for the bio exam Geo!! <3 Those notes are absolutely gorgeous!!

Also, congratulations for some other great marks!! ;D
Aww thank you guys!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on November 02, 2019, 08:40:26 am
It's very hard to tell with short answer how well you actually did since you're comparing your guess at remembering what you wrote with other people's guess of the answer.

You're certainly right that this exam isn't the be all & end all but it's also very understandable to feel strongly about it right now anyway. 

I hope you really enjoy catching up on everything & good luck
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 09, 2019, 07:37:19 pm
Update - 09/12/19

Long time no see guys, wow I can't believe it has been over a month since I last updated this! I thought I'd give a update on what I have been doing these holidays and how I am feeling about this results day.

In terms of what I have done, well, it hasn't been much. I have mainly been imitating a potato on the couch/bed either watching YouTube, Disney+ (yes I use this platform, I would give it a 6/10. the content is quite kid based outside of marvel and starwars so I haven't found much I have liked aside from rewatching Simpsons.) and reading. I have been catching up on all the books I didn't have the time to read in the year and if I am not doing that I am crocheting! I have stated on this Christmas Grinch which I am slowly getting through.

It was inspired by this wonderful comment my Nana made about how she doesn't like Christmas anymore and she won't be giving out presents to anyone this year........ So I decided to make her a Grinch to embody her new outlook. After months of saying I will, I have FINALLY gotten back into exercise by going for a walk 5 days a week! I have kept this up for almost 4 weeks now, which I am super proud of, and I am making progress in increasing the intensity. I do want to start building some muscle but I can't really rush into things, so the goals at the moment are to stay consistent and something is better than nothing. This may be the dumbest thing you have ever heard, but I am 38 days milo sober! For the entire year, I was having 1-2 of these a day and that really wasn't super healthy so I am trying to reduce/ cut out milo and so far I am doing ok. I have also gotten alot of driving hours in about 20 hours since the term ended, bringing me up to 57 hours yay, only 63 hours to go!

Cooking alot more has been a bonus with all this spare time, I am really trying to focus on eating better (not skipping breakfast and lunch by replacing them with milo....), and I have come up with an awesome granola recipe which is BOMB! This is the first thing I have ever really produced on my own, and it is something I am really proud of, I mean just look at this satisfying picture of a full container's worth....
(https://i.imgur.com/dITEqkp.jpg)



Another thing that has kind of changed is my mindset towards my study scores and my ATAR. Not going to lie, the first week after the exam I was really angry and frustrated over my exam performance and just overall a bit down about it. After some long hard thinking, I realised that I did my best, and the fact that I actually completed this subject with a really debilitating illness is something to be really happy about. During this time, alot was going on personally, with my grandmother being rushed to hospital with acute renal failure. She was fighting all sorts of other things aswell, and was essentially on her death bed. She passed away month ago shortly after my exam, so it was quite a difficult time for everyone and it really took a toll mentally. So in the end, of course I would still love a 40+, but that honestly doesn't seem likely, and you know what, i'm okay with that. I have 37 as my guess at what it is going to be, but who knows how I go until Thursday.

My overall goal for next year is to simply do well enough to get into my ideal course, which at the moment is just a bachelor of science at Monash. To me, that seems quite achievable considering everything. Of course I would love a 90+ ATAR, which I am still secretly hoping for, but getting into my ideal course is enough for me.

I still need to do alot of maths catch up over these holidays to prepare for 3/4 methods, since I kinda just scraped a pass for both units 1 and 2. There will be a lot more driving, reading and most importantly baking! Kinda self promo, but I should be updating my baking journal soon, with more of my baking adventures, especially with Christmas right around the corner. I would like to try get to the meet up, but there may be a few last minute appointments for my wisdom teeth removal so I'll see how I go.

So yes, congratulations to everyone who graduated in 2019 that is an amazing achievement to complete your studies! I wish everyone well for their results this Thursday and I hope you get what you want! Till Thursday guys!

It's very hard to tell with short answer how well you actually did since you're comparing your guess at remembering what you wrote with other people's guess of the answer.

You're certainly right that this exam isn't the be all & end all but it's also very understandable to feel strongly about it right now anyway. 

I hope you really enjoy catching up on everything & good luck
Thank you for your kind words! They really helped put things in perspective at the time when everything was overwhelming.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on December 09, 2019, 08:04:55 pm
Update - 09/12/19

It was inspired by this wonderful comment my Nana made about how she doesn't like Christmas anymore and she won't be giving out presents to anyone this year........ So I decided to make her a Grinch to embody her new outlook.

This is probably the most creative and funniest idea I have heard in a long time! ;D I think I may have laughed a little too hard at that comment. Would love to see the finished product of this when you are done with this!

Update - 09/12/19

This may be the dumbest thing you have ever heard, but I am 38 days milo sober!

Now this is quality content I like to see :P What are your secrets to conquering the milo urges? ;)

Also, I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your grandmother, I hope you are doing okay. Be proud of all that you have done this year! You have done an amazing job and I wish you luck for this Thursday. Hope to see you at some point at the meetup if you can make it ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: yesh.weerakkody on December 09, 2019, 10:54:10 pm
Update - 09/12/19

Long time no see guys, wow I can't believe it has been over a month since I last updated this! I thought I'd give a update on what I have been doing these holidays and how I am feeling about this results day.

In terms of what I have done, well, it hasn't been much. I have mainly been imitating a potato on the couch/bed either watching YouTube, Disney+ (yes I use this platform, I would give it a 6/10. the content is quite kid based outside of marvel and starwars so I haven't found much I have liked aside from rewatching Simpsons.) and reading. I have been catching up on all the books I didn't have the time to read in the year and if I am not doing that I am crocheting! I have stated on this Christmas Grinch which I am slowly getting through.

It was inspired by this wonderful comment my Nana made about how she doesn't like Christmas anymore and she won't be giving out presents to anyone this year........ So I decided to make her a Grinch to embody her new outlook. After months of saying I will, I have FINALLY gotten back into exercise by going for a walk 5 days a week! I have kept this up for almost 4 weeks now, which I am super proud of, and I am making progress in increasing the intensity. I do want to start building some muscle but I can't really rush into things, so the goals at the moment are to stay consistent and something is better than nothing. This may be the dumbest thing you have ever heard, but I am 38 days milo sober! For the entire year, I was having 1-2 of these a day and that really wasn't super healthy so I am trying to reduce/ cut out milo and so far I am doing ok. I have also gotten alot of driving hours in about 20 hours since the term ended, bringing me up to 57 hours yay, only 63 hours to go!

Cooking alot more has been a bonus with all this spare time, I am really trying to focus on eating better (not skipping breakfast and lunch by replacing them with milo....), and I have come up with an awesome granola recipe which is BOMB! This is the first thing I have ever really produced on my own, and it is something I am really proud of, I mean just look at this satisfying picture of a full container's worth....
(https://i.imgur.com/dITEqkp.jpg)



Another thing that has kind of changed is my mindset towards my study scores and my ATAR. Not going to lie, the first week after the exam I was really angry and frustrated over my exam performance and just overall a bit down about it. After some long hard thinking, I realised that I did my best, and the fact that I actually completed this subject with a really debilitating illness is something to be really happy about. During this time, alot was going on personally, with my grandmother being rushed to hospital with acute renal failure. She was fighting all sorts of other things aswell, and was essentially on her death bed. She passed away month ago shortly after my exam, so it was quite a difficult time for everyone and it really took a toll mentally. So in the end, of course I would still love a 40+, but that honestly doesn't seem likely, and you know what, i'm okay with that. I have 37 as my guess at what it is going to be, but who knows how I go until Thursday.

My overall goal for next year is to simply do well enough to get into my ideal course, which at the moment is just a bachelor of science at Monash. To me, that seems quite achievable considering everything. Of course I would love a 90+ ATAR, which I am still secretly hoping for, but getting into my ideal course is enough for me.

I still need to do alot of maths catch up over these holidays to prepare for 3/4 methods, since I kinda just scraped a pass for both units 1 and 2. There will be a lot more driving, reading and most importantly baking! Kinda self promo, but I should be updating my baking journal soon, with more of my baking adventures, especially with Christmas right around the corner. I would like to try get to the meet up, but there may be a few last minute appointments for my wisdom teeth removal so I'll see how I go.

So yes, congratulations to everyone who graduated in 2019 that is an amazing achievement to complete your studies! I wish everyone well for their results this Thursday and I hope you get what you want! Till Thursday guys!
Thank you for your kind words! They really helped put things in perspective at the time when everything was overwhelming.
Holy shite this journal tho!!!! Damn all I can say I’m loving it with all these food pics wowowow! Looking forward to more updates! And good luck to the results day, I’m sure you did better than what you think since your grades are !!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 10, 2019, 12:36:28 pm
This is probably the most creative and funniest idea I have heard in a long time! ;D I think I may have laughed a little too hard at that comment. Would love to see the finished product of this when you are done with this!

Now this is quality content I like to see :P What are your secrets to conquering the milo urges? ;)

Also, I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your grandmother, I hope you are doing okay. Be proud of all that you have done this year! You have done an amazing job and I wish you luck for this Thursday. Hope to see you at some point at the meetup if you can make it ;D
Haha, I know! I laugh at this so much whenever I'm telling people why I am creating the Grinch, it was too good of a opportunity not to make. I only hope that she gets the irony, but who knows. I will try and post it when I am done, I have only completed the limbs so far (kinda looks like I murdered someone) so I just have the body and head to go.

I have no idea how I really conquered my urges, but for me it was a combination of will power and alternatives. I have moved onto 70% dark chocolate from lindt that I think tastes okay, so I try to tell myself I have a treat tonight that I can wait for instead of going for the milo. I hope that makes sense.
And thank you for you kind words!
Holy shite this journal tho!!!! Damn all I can say I’m loving it with all these food pics wowowow! Looking forward to more updates! And good luck to the results day, I’m sure you did better than what you think since your grades are !!!!  ;D
Aww thank you! I'm glad you like the food pics. I fell like they mix up the journal a bit, and it is always nice to look at stuff instead of just reading about it. I hope I do better than I think too ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on December 10, 2019, 06:10:23 pm
Quote
After months of saying I will, I have FINALLY gotten back into exercise by going for a walk 5 days a week! I have kept this up for almost 4 weeks now, which I am super proud of, and I am making progress in increasing the intensity. I do want to start building some muscle but I can't really rush into things, so the goals at the moment are to stay consistent and something is better than nothing.
Good job in being consistent! I always love a good walk with nature. You actually inspired me to take a walk around my local park! Yeah, same! I also want to build muscle but I'm not really sure how to be honest. That's a really good mindset you have!

Wow! That granola looks really healthy and yummy!  ;D

Do you have any plans for the holidays?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 12, 2019, 12:10:55 am
Good job in being consistent! I always love a good walk with nature. You actually inspired me to take a walk around my local park! Yeah, same! I also want to build muscle but I'm not really sure how to be honest. That's a really good mindset you have!

Wow! That granola looks really healthy and yummy!  ;D

Do you have any plans for the holidays?
Haha, that's awesome! Walking is one of the best exercises in my opinion, and it beats running for me any day. It;s so relaxing to go walk around your local park, beach, trail etc.
Yeah I really don't know exactly how to build muscle either, it's a bit confusing but for now I am just happy walking ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 12, 2019, 11:22:55 am
Results Day - 12/12/19

So the day finally arrived, and to be honest I just feel nothing at the moment. I was disappointed with my score when I looked at it, I thought I would get a little higher so it was a bit of a bummer. I have this sense of wasted time, like all my hard work hasn't really paid off. So I actually got some sleep last night (yay), I went/fell asleep at 1:30, and I woke up at 7:45. Checked my email with my heart rate going nuts and opened it to just go, "oh." After that, I spoke to a few people and just kinda made my way downstairs to get breakfast and pat the cat.

It has been a few hours since I found out, but I don't feel disappointed anymore just a bit numb. I also feel I let down my teacher a little bit, which is a bummer, but other than that I feel fine.

So you may be wondering what I got, well, I ended up with a 38. (A, A+, A)

Even though I didn't get what I wanted I have learned alot this year over what I need to do for next year.
1) Don't set your goals to high. I think this is also what effected me. I set a goal of 45+ for biology early in the year, and as you can see, I didn't get anywhere near that. Taking a lesson from this, next year I am not going in with expectations and I'll just focus on doing my absolute best.

2) Get better special considerations during the exam. This was my downfall. I ended up napping in my exam (not in a rest break), and my illness massively affected my performance. Without having the GAT to fall back on, this is what happened. So next year I am going to apply for extra time.

3) Do exam style questions early, and throughout the year. This is probably the biggest one that I will take into next year, as I really wasn't prepared for VCAA exam style questions.

So for now, that is it. Congratulations to everyone and I look forward to seeing you all for 2020! Woohoo last year!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on December 12, 2019, 03:52:28 pm
Results Day - 12/12/19

So the day finally arrived, and to be honest I just feel nothing at the moment. I was disappointed with my score when I looked at it, I thought I would get a little higher so it was a bit of a bummer. I have this sense of wasted time, like all my hard work hasn't really paid off. So I actually got some sleep last night (yay), I went/fell asleep at 1:30, and I woke up at 7:45. Checked my email with my heart rate going nuts and opened it to just go, "oh." After that, I spoke to a few people and just kinda made me way downstairs to get breakfast and pat the cat.

It has been a few hours since I found out, but I don't feel disappointed anymore just a bit numb. I also feel I let down my teacher a little bit, which is a bummer, but other than that I feel fine.

So you may be wondering what I got, well, I ended up with a 38. (A, A+, A)

Even though I didn't get what I wanted I have learned alot this year over what I need to do for next year.
1) Don't set your goals to high. I think this is also what effected me. I set a goal of 45+ for biology early in the year, and as you can see, I didn't get anywhere near that. Taking a lesson from this, next year I am not going in with expectations and I'll just focus on doing my absolute best.

2) Get better special considerations during the exam. This was my downfall. I ended up napping in my exam (not in a rest break), and my illness massively affected my performance. Without having the GAT to fall back on, this is what happened. So next year I am going to apply for extra time.

3) Do exam style questions early, and throughout the year. This is probably the biggest one that I will take into next year, as I really wasn't prepared for VCAA exam style questions.

So for now, that is it. Congratulations to everyone and I look forward to seeing you all for 2020! Woohoo last year!!

Good job on surviving year 11, especially with a health condition, it must have been really difficult but you made it!!! I have really enjoyed reading your journal this year and am glad that you have a positive outlook for 2020!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: yesh.weerakkody on December 12, 2019, 09:53:55 pm
Aww... even though it may not have been the results you were hoping for... you did well! There’s always next year to perfect your results, plus it’s a great thing you’ve already reviewed your mistakes!! Good luck!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on December 13, 2019, 11:07:00 am
It's okay, Geoo.
I know it's hard and painful, but we can channel this disappointment to do extremely well next year!
Yeah, I also feel I let down my methods teacher and it sucks but the feeling will pass.

I know you can achieve the greatest! I believe in you! Also, it's great that you reflected on what you can improve for next year and that's an amazing mindset for you to succeed!
I've really really loved reading your journal from the very start and I can't wait for next year's journey!  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 13, 2019, 12:24:46 pm
Good job on surviving year 11, especially with a health condition, it must have been really difficult but you made it!!! I have really enjoyed reading your journal this year and am glad that you have a positive outlook for 2020!

I'm so glad you enjoyed my journal, that really put a smile on my face. Thank you for your kind words as well! It was definitely a hard year with many learning curves, especially with dealing with a health condition. Congratulations for completing year 11 as well, and I hope to see you around for 2020! 

Aww... even though it may not have been the results you were hoping for... you did well! There’s always next year to perfect your results, plus it’s a great thing you’ve already reviewed your mistakes!! Good luck!

Thank you! Yes I am definitely taking that attitude into next year to try for better results, I guess this year was also like a test run for the real thing ;)

It's okay, Geoo.
I know it's hard and painful, but we can channel this disappointment to do extremely well next year!
Yeah, I also feel I let down my methods teacher and it sucks but the feeling will pass.

I know you can achieve the greatest! I believe in you! Also, it's great that you reflected on what you can improve for next year and that's an amazing mindset for you to succeed!
I've really really loved reading your journal from the very start and I can't wait for next year's journey!  ;D

YESS, we'll definitely channel it into next year absolutely! Thank you for believing in me, and thanks for reading along! Till next year!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Pearlmilktea on January 03, 2020, 08:14:23 pm
So I decided to make her a Grinch to embody her new outlook. After months of saying I will, I have FINALLY gotten back into exercise by going for a walk 5 days a week! I have kept this up for almost 4 weeks now, which I am super proud of, and I am making progress in increasing the intensity. I do want to start building some muscle but I can't really rush into things, so the goals at the moment are to stay consistent and something is better than nothing. This may be the dumbest thing you have ever heard, but I am 38 days milo sober! For the entire year, I was having 1-2 of these a day and that really wasn't super healthy so I am trying to reduce/ cut out milo and so far I am doing ok.

Omg I love this!! I relate spiritually to your love of milo. Gosh the glasses of milo really creep up on me.
I love the idea of going walking to slowly ease back into exercise. Definitely something I need to start doing ! (my fitness levels atm are terrible).
Excited to keep reading your journal!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 05, 2020, 11:15:57 pm
Omg I love this!! I relate spiritually to your love of milo. Gosh the glasses of milo really creep up on me.
I love the idea of going walking to slowly ease back into exercise. Definitely something I need to start doing ! (my fitness levels atm are terrible).
Excited to keep reading your journal!
Sorry for the latish reply! It's great to meet another milo enthusiast as someone who would understands my milo addiction! They do really creep up.....but they are so good!
Aww thanks for reading, and congratulations on becoming the nsw December mod!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 06, 2020, 03:38:40 pm
New Year, New Update

I thought I'd go for a new heading colour to mark year  12, so purple it is. Well, I still kinda can't believe I am in year 12, and I can now really say it, since it is now 2020. I was thinking back the other day, and I had this memory of me sitting in the playground in primary school in grade 2 (2010) and I was thinking that I would never get out of school, and that highschool was SOOO far away, and now it is finally here. All 13 years of my schooling will be coming to an end this year, and to be honest I am feeling pretty excited for it. I won't go into to much detail, but my experience in education has definitely been weird adventurous journey, with many curve balls thrown at it. I have moved schools 5 times across my 13 years in school, and have ended up in a place I never thought I would be. So for it to finally conclude, I am most certainly excited!

My overall thoughts are that I am definitely excited to work hard for my final year and accomplish getting my VCE, but I am also scared of how I will go this year, and whether or not I can live up to my own expectations. Last year was definitely hard, with alot happening in my personal life and with my own health which had quite an impact on my academic performance, but I feel as this year will be even harder. There's that pressure of knowing that these grades do count towards something, you can't just go, "well i'm not in year 12, so this won't matter." And whilst I know that this year isn't the be all and end all of life, it is my key to unlock the door that is university.

So, enough of the sentimental stuff, what am I doing this year, and what are my goals?

English
I think one of the things I am most excited about this year, is knowing that it is my final year of english. Over time I have come to an acceptance that it's not that bad, but it's not that great either... I have not once enjoyed english. For a subject rooted in creativity and linguistics, I find it extremely formulaic and standardised. Even as a massive book worm, I cannot, for the life of me, find any interest in this subject. The subjects that we discuss and explore are bland, having to analyse the language and it's use of it is kinda bland, and they don't even keep the creative writing aspects in it anymore, with there only being ONE SAC! I know that this is a bit negative but AHHH, it drives me insane. So, here are my amazingly boring books I have to read this year (there were WAY better books on the list that my school could have chosen from..) Like A House On Fire, Cate Kennedy. Nine Days, Toni Jordan. Tracks, Robyn Davidson. My teacher, and tutor also hate the books, so... it's not just me.
I am aiming for 38+, but would be overjoyed at a 40+. Last year I aimed for a 30, but my skills have improved quite a bit, so I am going to try aim a bit higher.

Chemistry
By far my favourite VCE subject ever. Everyone thinks I am insane, but I love chem and all it has to offer. I am a bit scared of the transition to 3/4 chem, as I have heard it is quite a jump from 1/2, but will see how I go. Also, the teacher kind of worries me. I have had her for year 11 bio, and whilst she is fantastic with her knowledge, I find it very hard to understand her. Over the phone, the volume is very low combined with her quite spoken tone, and in combination to that, she has a very strong accent that makes it hard to work out what she is saying. So I think alot of email communication will be in order. Now, I do hope for a 40+ score in the subject, but I really have no clue as to how I will go. 45+, would be amazing..

Food Studies
I am really looking forward to studying this! It is a nice change from all the sciency stuff and english mumbojumbo, and I had a great time in unit 2, so I can't wait to continue on with it. I changed over to food studies after dropping out of physics in year 11, due to reasons explained in other posts, and I haven't regretted it. I love to cook (more so bake), and being able to have a subject that supports that is great. 80% of the theory looks relatively interesting, and to be honest a lot of it is just common sense... Which is why VCAA has decided to give the lovely present of a fuck you and scale it down by 7. Really, 7 whole points. Even a 40 won't save you, and that scales down to a 35.
So, that's why my goal is a 45+. It will still scale to a 42, but I think that is what I am capable of. I am secretly aiming for a 50 though, that would be an absolute dream!

Maths Methods
I can't be bothered. Due to my poor managements of my health last year, I scraped a pass for both units 1 and 2 ,and by doing so I have absolutely no clue about anything in the subject. And that's terrifying. I am extremely worried for this subject and I hope and I can get through it. I am looking for a tutor, as this is way to hard for me to relearn everything all on my own, especially at VSV, so I am currently on the hunt for one. (tute smart is too far away, so I couldn't go there). This may be way to high of an expectation, but I am aiming for a 30. A 35+, would be great, but highly unattainable for me..

I have already completed bio last year, so in total I will be doing five subjects. I really want to do 5 subjects this year, as it would not only help me get a better score, but also not put as much pressure on me doing well in methods... However, last year I did five subjects and I couldn't handle it at all. The workload was to high with my medical condition, and it caused me to almost fail a subject. So I will only be doing four this year :(. I am trying to keep the logic of if I do only four subjects, then I will have alot more time to study them then doing five.
My ATAR goal, is just a 90+. That's all I really want. It will allow me to get into most of the courses I am interested in, and is the number that I have wanted when I first learned about what the ATAR was, in my heart though, I think I will end up with an atar in the high 80's. A 95 would be awesome, but I know that I am just not capable enough to get that high. I will say, that if I get a 89.95, I will be a bit pissed off...

In terms of the future, I am still set at doing either biomedicine, pharmaceutical science, or a bachelor of science along side a diploma of langauge. I haven't chosen a uni yet, as I haven't seen any of the campuses. I will say that I am the most interested in monash and melbourne. The closest campus near me, is actually monash's peninsula campus, but that is only for nursing and paramedicine, the clayton campus being about 1.25 hours away, and Melbourne being 2 hours away. So I will say that distance is definitely an issue, and will most likely make my decision for me...

Personal Goals
) Keep up consistency with daily exercise, and slowly adding on intensity.
) Limit the milos..... (not have them every day)
) Reading goal is 35 books
) Fit in more of my hobbies
) Get my P's by doing 10 hours a month (I already have 73 hours)

On the holidays I have not done any prep work for this year. I have no holiday homework which is great, but I really need to start working ahead a little bit. Whats been stopping me is just my lack of motivation due to still being burnt out, and my disappointment over my study score from bio. I think I'll illiterate more another time, but in short, the reason why is that during the exam, my health condition ruined my chances, which has led to me seriously rethinking if I am capable of getting a good score, if all my efforts are screwed up by exams. I am going to take the time this year to apply for a lot of special considerations for the exam period to hopefully better my odds.

Oh, I am also getting my wisdom teeth out next Tuesday, so that should be fun.... I am going to become a professional chipmunk for a week. So that shall be it for a while, but I thought I would give a decent update to start off 2020. Sorry for the long post, I hope everyone had an awesome chirstmas (or any holiday), and a great new year. Just quickly, 2020 is the best year to graduate in! So yay, class 2020.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on January 06, 2020, 04:06:27 pm
Hey Geoo!
I feel the exact same way as you, I remember back in grade 2 thinking about how school lasts for everr and now I'm already in year 12. Time really does fly.

I cannot, for the life of me, find any interest in this subject
this is exactly me. Except for this year I have a good set of texts and have (so far) enjoyed reading them. Sucks that you have boring books, but like you said before. Final Year of English Ever (hopefully)

By far my favourite VCE subject ever
Chemistry is also my favourite subject to :D
So far from what I've been studying over the holidays,  chem is definitely going to be an interesting subject this year.

I scraped a pass for both units 1 and 2, and by doing so I have absolutely no clue about anything in the subject.
I scraped a pass as well. I think this year I'm going to have to change my attitude in methods to do well, not run away from it but actually practise. Hopefully, we can both achieve our goals in methods this year.

Lastly, I hope you're health stays in good condition throughout the year. I can barely survive school with hayfever so I can only imagine what you go through. I think it's a smart move by taking 4 subjects because the best way to succeed in VCE is having a balance in everything, with an important emphasis on studying and an individuals health.

Oh, I am also getting my wisdom teeth out next Tuesday, so that should be fun.... I am going to become a professional chipmunk for a week. So that shall be it for a while, but I thought I would give a decent update to start off 2020. Sorry for the long post, I hope everyone had an awesome chirstmas (or any holiday), and a great new year. Just quickly, 2020 is the best year to graduate in! So yay, class 2020.
Having fun getting your wisdom teeth pulled out ( soo not fun) and I agree for sure that 2020 is the best year to graduate.  8)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on January 06, 2020, 04:53:01 pm
Hi Geoo!! Loved reading through your thoughts on each of your subjects!! I seriously cannot imagine that Year 12 is here and our schooling is nearly done!! Its crazy to think we are finally at the year that everyone dreads and we grow up thinking it will never come..

Literally....same with me and English. I used to love to read, but english and I just do not click  :(
Our school is doing 9 Days as well.....most people like it but it just seems so dull to me.....I'm hoping I'll change my mind after I read it.

Also, I love Chem too! Most people think its a crazy subject to have as a favorite, but I do enjoy it, particularly because it has the right mix of content/maths.

I'm sure you will be fine in Methods, you've got this!!

Good luck next year!! I cant wait to follow where the year takes you  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on January 06, 2020, 05:01:53 pm
Hey Geoo! Super cool entry into 2020!

As Ionic Doc said, I think it’s really smart of you sticking to four subjects. I have honestly know idea how you do it, it’s super inspiring to hear all about your goals and I really hope that your health stays good this year!

Really excited to follow this year as we face the final year  ;D

Also I’ll join the Chem fam, as how great is that subject  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: angrybiscuit on January 06, 2020, 07:25:42 pm
Hey Geoo!
It's awesome that you already have goals both personally and academically set for the new year! Just remember that your health (physically and mentally) always comes first... the ATAR and the studies can wait!

Even as a massive book worm, I cannot, for the life of me, find any interest in this subject.
Me too! It is the most dry and boring subject... I think I would've loved school if it wasn't for english.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 06, 2020, 11:55:25 pm
Hey Geoo!
this is exactly me. Except for this year I have a good set of texts and have (so far) enjoyed reading them. Sucks that you have boring books, but like you said before. Final Year of English Ever (hopefully)
Chemistry is also my favourite subject to :D
So far from what I've been studying over the holidays,  chem is definitely going to be an interesting subject this year.
I scraped a pass as well. I think this year I'm going to have to change my attitude in methods to do well, not run away from it but actually practise. Hopefully, we can both achieve our goals in methods this year.

Lastly, I hope you're health stays in good condition throughout the year. I can barely survive school with hayfever so I can only imagine what you go through. I think it's a smart move by taking 4 subjects because the best way to succeed in VCE is having a balance in everything, with an important emphasis on studying and an individuals health.
Having fun getting your wisdom teeth pulled out ( soo not fun) and I agree for sure that 2020 is the best year to graduate.  8)

Having good books definitely makes a difference! If I could do an essay on one of my favourite books, it would make such a difference. Although no matter what the source material, I still find essays to be so bland to do, as it is just a formula at this point.
Yay, another chem lover, I don't feel alone any more! I think that's what i'll have to do as well to actually do decently in methods, but I guess we shall be in the adventure together! Yeah, hayfever sucks! I use to have it before I moved to another area, but I think people underestimate it. My eyes were always teery, so I couldn't see what was on paper.. But yes, I hope my health is good to me this year. Good luck with your own year 12 studies, you have alot on your plate!

Hi Geoo!! Loved reading through your thoughts on each of your subjects!! I seriously cannot imagine that Year 12 is here and our schooling is nearly done!! Its crazy to think we are finally at the year that everyone dreads and we grow up thinking it will never come..

Literally....same with me and English. I used to love to read, but english and I just do not click  :(
Our school is doing 9 Days as well.....most people like it but it just seems so dull to me.....I'm hoping I'll change my mind after I read it.
Also, I love Chem too! Most people think its a crazy subject to have as a favorite, but I do enjoy it, particularly because it has the right mix of content/maths.
I'm sure you will be fine in Methods, you've got this!!
Good luck next year!! I cant wait to follow where the year takes you  :D
It's weird as I don't find many others like me when it comes to loving books but hating english. I think it is a massive stereotype as well, that if you love books you must also LOVE english, which just really isn't the case for quite a few. I read the blurb for nine days, and I just can't. It seems so boring. I really hate reading historical anything, so having 2 books set back in time is made my motivation to read them 10 times worse. The plot also seems just very bland, and uninteresting. I haven't read it yet either, so who knows, my opinion could change, or we may just suffer together. I will say, it's nice to know another person doing the same text that I am, as I rarely see others with my texts!
Great to see another chem lover! I swear I get picked on for loving the subject. Everyone I have met hates it, and are like "physics is better," and while I like physics as well, I love how chem connects the dots between all the sciences. The theory is also just so interesting. I don't mind the maths in it, as it is pretty simple, although I do need to work on my stoichiometry! Thanks for the methods wish's, I hope i'll be fine to ;). Your guide by the way was an awesome read, and really inspiration.

Hey Geoo! Super cool entry into 2020!
As Ionic Doc said, I think it’s really smart of you sticking to four subjects. I have honestly know idea how you do it, it’s super inspiring to hear all about your goals and I really hope that your health stays good this year!
Really excited to follow this year as we face the final year  ;D
Also I’ll join the Chem fam, as how great is that subject  ;)

I feel like that now I have come out as a chem lover, I have met others who also love the subject. It's really just so rare these day, so it's awesome to see another in the chem fam, I am so tired of how much hate it gets. I honestly don't know how I do it either, it was extremely tough doing five with my health conditions, so I am glad I am going to do four, but my little overachieving heart is not hearing it. Thank you for your kind words, it will be awesome to see what we experience in our final year. It's great to see that you have also made a journal, which I look forward to following throughout the year.

Hey Geoo!
It's awesome that you already have goals both personally and academically set for the new year! Just remember that your health (physically and mentally) always comes first... the ATAR and the studies can wait!
That is a lesson that I have most certainly learn't when it comes to my health. I have always viewed it as, "you can't do anything without your health," so that is most certainly true. I think it can be a tad difficult when you have your own goals that you know you can't meet, or just seeing others doing what you want to do but can't, and so you end up kinda ruining your health by ignoring it to achieve things. I have seen many people put their ATAR before their health, and it is never worth it!
Quote
Me too! It is the most dry and boring subject... I think I would've loved school if it wasn't for english.
Same, I think that is one of the most relateable sentences I have ever heard. If I could have just stuck in my science/creative subject bubble I would have been way happier. But english has to exist...
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 13, 2020, 08:15:01 pm
Mini Irrelevant Update....
So, i'm really scared at the moment and absolutely over worrying about getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow.
Lets hope I make it out  :'(

sorry for being a bit over dramatic, but this is really hard for me
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on January 13, 2020, 08:30:13 pm
Mini Irrelevant Update....
So, i'm really scared at the moment and absolutely over worrying about getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow.
Lets hope I make it out  :'(

sorry for being a bit over dramatic, but this is really hard for me

GOOD LUCK! You will make it out, don't worry!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on January 13, 2020, 08:46:20 pm
Mini Irrelevant Update....
So, i'm really scared at the moment and absolutely over worrying about getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow.
Lets hope I make it out  :'(

sorry for being a bit over dramatic, but this is really hard for me

Ahh Geo good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine (and it's totally okay to be dramatic I'd be freaking out too) (at least it gives you an excuse to eat lots of ice-cream)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on January 14, 2020, 06:49:04 am
New Year, New Update
Personal Goals
) Keep up consistency with daily exercise, and slowly adding on intensity.
) Limit the milos..... (not have them every day)
) Reading goal is 35 books
) Fit in more of my hobbies
) Get my P's by doing 10 hours a month (I already have 73 hours)

//

Oh, I am also getting my wisdom teeth out next Tuesday, so that should be fun.... I am going to become a professional chipmunk for a week. So that shall be it for a while, but I thought I would give a decent update to start off 2020. Sorry for the long post, I hope everyone had an awesome chirstmas (or any holiday), and a great new year. Just quickly, 2020 is the best year to graduate in! So yay, class 2020.

What are you hoping to read this year? ;D What kind of genre do you like?

Best of luck getting your wisdom teeth out! Enjoy the icecream, jelly and milkshakes!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on January 14, 2020, 06:26:49 pm
Mini Irrelevant Update....
So, i'm really scared at the moment and absolutely over worrying about getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow.
Lets hope I make it out  :'(

sorry for being a bit over dramatic, but this is really hard for me

Aw good luck Geoo!! You've got this!!

How did it go?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: sweetiepi on January 14, 2020, 06:30:53 pm
Mini Irrelevant Update....
So, i'm really scared at the moment and absolutely over worrying about getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow.
Lets hope I make it out  :'(

sorry for being a bit over dramatic, but this is really hard for me
I hope you made it out a-okay fam! ^-^

Remember, this is your journey journal and nothing is irrelevant! :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 14, 2020, 10:46:04 pm
GOOD LUCK! You will make it out, don't worry!
Thank you  :)
Ahh Geo good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine (and it's totally okay to be dramatic I'd be freaking out too) (at least it gives you an excuse to eat lots of ice-cream)
Yeah it can be a bit hard for quite a few people, and yess, all the ice cream!
What are you hoping to read this year? ;D What kind of genre do you like?

Best of luck getting your wisdom teeth out! Enjoy the icecream, jelly and milkshakes!
Well, I have quite a list. I want to finish of the Saga, volumes, I'm up too 7 out of 9, the night circus + the starless sea by erin morganstern, the mortal instruments series (plus other trilogies following), the lies of locke lamora (Gentleman bastards) by Scott Lynch, way of kings by Brandon Sandersan, and foundryside by Robert Jackson Becket and many many more! I watch way to much booktube and have kind set up my own good reads :).
But I mainly read alot of fantasy and sci fic, but I have also read contemporary on non fiction. E.g. I really loved eliza and her monsters and heart stopper, and I really broke out of my comfort zone and read educated by Tara Westover, which is definitely a hard read as everything that happen was real.

Yes, Port Wine and grape jelly here I come!!!!
Aw good luck Geoo!! You've got this!!

How did it go?
Aww thanks so much!
As someone who has alot of PTSD from really bad medical procedures, this went extremely well. The oral surgeon, nurses and anesthesiologist were really kind an understanding, as they gave me a pre anxiety med + nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax me. And were over all really understanding of helping me through my trauma to get the best experience. There were some few hiccups, aka the admission staff gave us the wrong info for an ol lady, and we had to run around the hospital until someone realised I wasn't a 62 year old. So right not I have a massive bandage around my head with two small icepacks that keep preventing my from eating, and my tongue is so numb it fells like I have been bit by a bee! But I am feel ok and have some strong pain meds near by.
I hope you made it out a-okay fam! ^-^

Remember, this is your journey journal and nothing is irrelevant! :)
Thank you, it's so nice to get alot of support, so thanks for the well wishes. I sometimes feel like since this is more of an education journal stuff like this doesn't fit, but I guess I need to just get out of the head space.


I am still recovering from anesthetic and am finding it a bit hard to type and read, so sorry for any errors!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on January 15, 2020, 08:01:10 am
Well, I have quite a list. I want to finish of the Saga, volumes, I'm up too 7 out of 9, the night circus + the starless sea by erin morganstern, the mortal instruments series (plus other trilogies following), the lies of locke lamora (Gentleman bastards) by Scott Lynch, way of kings by Brandon Sandersan, and foundryside by Robert Jackson Becket and many many more! I watch way to much booktube and have kind set up my own good reads :).
But I mainly read alot of fantasy and sci fic, but I have also read contemporary on non fiction. E.g. I really loved eliza and her monsters and heart stopper, and I really broke out of my comfort zone and read educated by Tara Westover, which is definitely a hard read as everything that happen was real.
We're complete opposites! I cannot read fantasy (for the most part) but I love non-fiction (biographical style) and dystopian. Oh I've heard that Mortal Instruments is really good; but haven't read it. At the moment I'm reading Bridge of Clay (by the same author as The Book Thief) and I was finding the style and story hard to follow for the first hundred pages but have eventually gotten used to it.

Yes, Port Wine and grape jelly here I come!!!!Aww thanks so much!
Yum! That sounds amazing!

As someone who has alot of PTSD from really bad medical procedures, this went extremely well. The oral surgeon, nurses and anesthesiologist were really kind an understanding, as they gave me a pre anxiety med + nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax me. And were over all really understanding of helping me through my trauma to get the best experience.
So glad that you had such a supportive experience! ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 18, 2020, 10:49:36 pm
We're complete opposites! I cannot read fantasy (for the most part) but I love non-fiction (biographical style) and dystopian. Oh I've heard that Mortal Instruments is really good; but haven't read it. At the moment I'm reading Bridge of Clay (by the same author as The Book Thief) and I was finding the style and story hard to follow for the first hundred pages but have eventually gotten used to it.
Sorry for the late response, I have had a rough couple of days recovering.
I do enjoy a good dystopian (sometimes it can be unbrelled by either fantasy of sci fi though  ;) ), what have you read in that genera? Markus Zusak is an amazing author, but his writing style is really hard to read, and I haven't picked up the bridge of clay, as I heard it wasn't as good as the book theif. This year though I am looking to expand my reading genera's. I have already picked up a few non-fiction (mostly science). I did pick up a memoir, but I wasn't a massive fan of it, and I found it to be a bit too far fetched.
Good luck with finishing the bridge of clay!
 
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: caffinatedloz on January 22, 2020, 06:17:35 pm
Sorry for the late response, I have had a rough couple of days recovering.
Sorry to hear that! I hope you're feeling heaps better! <3

I do enjoy a good dystopian (sometimes it can be unbrelled by either fantasy of sci fi though  ;) ), what have you read in that genera? Markus Zusak is an amazing author, but his writing style is really hard to read, and I haven't picked up the bridge of clay, as I heard it wasn't as good as the book theif. This year though I am looking to expand my reading genera's. I have already picked up a few non-fiction (mostly science). I did pick up a memoir, but I wasn't a massive fan of it, and I found it to be a bit too far fetched.
Good luck with finishing the bridge of clay!
 
Certainly isn't as good as the Book Thief, but interesting nevertheless. I hate to admit that I haven't picked it up in over a week, but I did finish reading all of my literature texts for the semester.  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on January 25, 2020, 08:53:30 pm
Update - 25/01/2020

It has been a long week... So, to cut this short, my recovery from my wisdom teeth was just awful and lasted for about six days. I shall not go into the details as it is a bit of a TMI situation, but I will say 10/10 wouldn't do again. I am just really thankful that it is over now, and really it is a once in a lifetime thing so, i'm glad to get it out of the way. I looked back at the spelling of my post on how it went, and it was soooo bad. But I am not going to correct it, as it is a bit of a funny reminder

I will say reading through all the other journals about how everyone is getting so much pre work is definitely making me feel a little guilty. In the 3 months I have had off, I haven't done any prep work, and to be honest at this point, I don't think I will. Will I regret not doing anything later on? Absolutely. But I have honestly needed the long break. After a long year, my physical and mental health wasn't in the best place, and if I pushed it before the school year actually started, I think I would have burnt out really quickly. Plus, I think the burn out from last year has lasted alot longer than expected. I am really lucky in that I don't have any homework to do either!

So I am going to enjoy my last few days off. I technically start this wednesday, but it is more so a week of just teachers being assigned, meeting my learning adviser (homeroom teacher), and just making sure everything is online and running. I truly start work on the 3rd of Feb. The only thing I will be doing before school starts is reading and analysing one or two of my English books: I mean i need to do something. But I don't know if I will really do that as my brain fog is really bad at the moment.

One thing I have been really thinking about is what I want to do after highschool. I was essentially keeping all my options open throughout the year, I had a moments where I was considering physiotherapy, mechanical engineering, dietetics, medicine, chemist, pharmacist, you name it. I have really narrowed it down to some of the pathways I want to do.
I also kinda had a realisation. I am not interested in becoming a doctor/ pursuing medicine any more(kinda). When I was getting my wisdom teeth out, I got to interact with alot of people in the medical field, be in the environment, and just really think about if I can work in that type of industry. Maybe it was all the drugs I was on, but I just can't imagine myself working like that. What originally drew me to medicine, was being able to help people who go through medical issues, whilst also being able to use my passion for science in day to day life. There have been a few things that have really changed mind, a) I would really prefer to work behind the scenes in the labs or regulation, b) I don't think I would be physically up to the requirements, c) I'm not a fan of some parts of the profession from a long term patients point of view, and d) I don't think that it will always be engaging, and some parts will become quite monotonous. This also takes the stress off of not having to prepare for the UCAT, so yay.

However, this does not mean I may not go to med school. I would still be interested to go in order to become more of highly specialised person in a field, but not a practicing person (hope that makes sense). For instance, to become a virologist.
Some of you may not know this, but I will nerd out about highly infectious pathogens. I'm talking SARS, H1N1, Ebola, Spanish Flu, bubonic plague, it just fascinates me to no end. Learning about its transmission, to how it cause infection, how it works on a cellular level, I love it. Just watching the coronavirus unfold at the moment, whilst devastating, is so excitingly fascinating. It has also resparked my love of this field. So I really do think I want to go down this path.

So here is what I am currently thinking of doing:
Bachelor of science @ UoM/Monash, or pharmaceutical science @ Monash . RMIT would be a back up.

Being the annoying "what if" person I am, I still haven't eliminated the options of dietetics, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and just majoring in chem all together. I love chemistry so much as well, so that it always in the back of my mind.

So, I know that was the most random update, and not really inspiration on any account for motivation but yeah.
So that is kinda all for now.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on January 25, 2020, 09:20:54 pm
Hi Geoo! ;D

I hope that you are going alright with your wisdom teeth and make sure to look after yourself!
Don't worry too much about the pre-work before the school year, so long as you are consistent throughout the school year you will be fine. :D. Looking after yourself is definitely a top priority and if you think you need a break, then you deserve it! It's better to be refreshed and ready to go for the school year rather than all burned out when you have done a lot of work. Maybe instead of analysing the English books, reading it for fun would be a bit better as it just gives you an overall view of the story? Then you could go in for a second read and in-depth analyse it when you are feeling better!

It's amazing how you have explored different options in terms of what you want to do after high-school. Just remember, knowing what you don't want to do is a really good sign as it helps eliminate options while also making you more focused on better options. After reading a lot of your journal, I really do think that you would be an amazing virologist (or immunology in general) and I hope that you will follow what you are passionate about ;D.

I'm looking forward to seeing another update soon!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on January 25, 2020, 09:40:36 pm
Aw Geoo please don't feel that way! I think its great that you've had a break, we all need it once in a while! And don't feel guilty, its important that you look after yourself! Its important that you go back to school being fresh  :)

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on January 26, 2020, 07:00:24 am
Update - 25/01/2020

I will say reading through all the other journals about how everyone is getting so much pre work is definitely making me feel a little guilty. In the 3 months I have had off, I haven't done any prep work, and to be honest at this point, I don't think I will. Will I regret not doing anything later on? Absolutely. But I have honestly needed the long break. After a long year, my physical and mental health wasn't in the best place, and if I pushed it before the school year actually started, I think I would have burnt out really quickly. Plus, I think the burn out from last year has lasted alot longer than expected. I am really lucky in that I don't have any homework to do either!

So I am going to enjoy my last few days off. I technically start this wednesday, but it is more so a week of just teachers being assigned, meeting my learning adviser (homeroom teacher), and just making sure everything is online and running. I truly start work on the 3rd of Feb. The only thing I will be doing before school starts is reading and analysing one or two of my English books: I mean i need to do something. But I don't know if I will really do that as my brain fog is really bad at the moment.


Hey Geoo! You definitely don't need to feel guilty about not studying ahead! As you said, you're better off looking after yourself now rather than studying ahead and burning yourself out before school even starts! In regards to the English books, IMO you should read them the first time as a story don't even think about it as something you HAVE to read but rather something you want to read. This way you're more likely to get through the bok at least once before school starts and have a grasp of the plot, and then you can build your understanding through second reading and through school :) Analysing becomes much easier once you have an understanding of the text!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 03, 2020, 09:11:47 pm
Sorry for the late response guys. Life was a bit of a mess last week.
Hi Geoo! ;D

I hope that you are going alright with your wisdom teeth and make sure to look after yourself!
Don't worry too much about the pre-work before the school year, so long as you are consistent throughout the school year you will be fine. :D. Looking after yourself is definitely a top priority and if you think you need a break, then you deserve it! It's better to be refreshed and ready to go for the school year rather than all burned out when you have done a lot of work. Maybe instead of analysing the English books, reading it for fun would be a bit better as it just gives you an overall view of the story? Then you could go in for a second read and in-depth analyse it when you are feeling better!

It's amazing how you have explored different options in terms of what you want to do after high-school. Just remember, knowing what you don't want to do is a really good sign as it helps eliminate options while also making you more focused on better options. After reading a lot of your journal, I really do think that you would be an amazing virologist (or immunology in general) and I hope that you will follow what you are passionate about ;D.

I'm looking forward to seeing another update soon!
Aww thank you for your kind words, you have made me feel a bit better about not doing prep work. However, will definitely have to do work throughout the year but I'm okay with that. Another thing that helped me make up my mind is that distance is quite different from normal schools, so the system is just different. I definitely think I'll do give a read through first then analyse!

Aw Geoo please don't feel that way! I think its great that you've had a break, we all need it once in a while! And don't feel guilty, its important that you look after yourself! Its important that you go back to school being fresh  :)
I'll try not too! Looking back on it a week later, I am so glad I have taken the break, I feel alot fresher going into school! I hope you had a good break too!

Hey Geoo! You definitely don't need to feel guilty about not studying ahead! As you said, you're better off looking after yourself now rather than studying ahead and burning yourself out before school even starts! In regards to the English books, IMO you should read them the first time as a story don't even think about it as something you HAVE to read but rather something you want to read. This way you're more likely to get through the book at least once before school starts and have a grasp of the plot, and then you can build your understanding through second reading and through school :) Analysing becomes much easier once you have an understanding of the text!
Yes I am absolutely going to do that. Not only does is release the pressure/stress, but it allows for deeper analysis when I go in for a second read. Although I must say, I really hate my books chosen, so it will be a tad hard to read through. Thank you for your advice, I hope you enjoyed the start of school!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 07, 2020, 05:41:46 pm
Update - 07/02/2020 - First Week Back

*Warning for a very long and odd ball post!

If I could summarise this week in one word, it would be tiring. I was not prepared for that workload omg, and they said this was the easy week! Like how! So for me, school started on the 29th of Jan, and it was kind of just orientation week, however, there where a few pretests involved. This week for me has just been quite overwhelming to say the least. The whether is really doing a good job at making me sleepy all the time, and the brain fog/concentration has just been at an all time high. I felt like I was running at 20% capacity, and I just didn't have enough energy supply to keep up.

I got to meet all of my teachers over the phone which is nice. They all sound really lovely, and I feel that they were really sincerer that they are ready to help me (except my maths teacher, she will help me, but she just kinda came across a bit cold and disinterested. I did have her last year though). They seem alot more invested in students this year than they did last year, which I think has to do with the fact that this is year 12. I swear that the amount of pre warnings of everything they expect of you felt like a supervillen laying out their evil plan. Now this may have just been me, but hearing about all the SAC deadlines, what will happen to you if you don't get your work in on time, how this year is worth everything, and all the lesson I have to attend was just so overwhelming. I have never felt like that before when being told similar stuff, not even when I was told this for bio last year. Other than that, everything was pretty good.

I don't have my first SAC until March 13 which is for English as an argument analysis. I also have a FS and chem SAC on the last week of term one. So it is nice to know I don't have any off the bat.
English
So, I don't think english will be that much of a challenge this year as the workload is really manageable. However what will be hard is finding the motivation and interest in completing the work itself. I struggled to get through this week out of sheer boredom that was this weeks content. One thing I have found weird however, is the really political topics they have chosen when we have to read articles to analyse. I guess that because it is a relevant issue that it's fine, but I found it quite odd that they would take that approach. My english texts currently remain in a corner at the edge of my room. I still haven't read them.... Which is a good and bad thing as a, I was going to read them in the wrong order over the holidays, and b, we won't be doing any work on them until mid March. However, I will get onto reading Nine Days this weekend. We also had our first online lesson, and we ended up breaking the record with over 54 students attending...

Food Studies
So surprisingly the workload has doubled from 1/2. It is still not as much as chem or maths but I was not expecting it. I will say that food is kinda hard to study for. A lot of it is common sense, but there are parts where you need to know how to answer well to please VCAA. I think the biggest thing that had me stuck this week was whether or not I take notes or not. Notes are really time consuming as I like to handwrite, but I honestly think I am just regurgitating the textbook onto a page, and I don't really think it is efficient. There are barely any practice questions for this subject compared to others so I can't really consolidate knowledge like that, but I don't want to just rewrite everything especially with a health condition that makes me have less time then the average person. So I am at a bit of a loss. I think I am going to at least transfer to typing my notes, as it takes 1/2 the time, and honestly I am running out of it. On a positive not, I am having a blast with this subject. It is so easy that it doesn't hurt my brain, but the topics are alot of fun. As a bio and chem student as well there is quite an overlap of knowledge as well. The online food studies lesson went ahead on Thursday and the teacher made an awesome effort to make it fun and interactive (unlike other subjects...). I also hate webex!

Chemistry
So far it is alot more interesting than last year by a mile, but fuck the workload was not what I was expecting. It has tripled since last year. So many notes to write, so much to read, so much to consolidate. I feel like I have missed alot of smaller things this week, as I just ran out of time. At the time of writing I still haven't completed week one. There is so much content with so many little details that can easily miss. I think i'm just really tired this week, as I was having so many dumb moments.
Here is the story of me learning about fraction distillation. So you know how larger hydrocarbons get trapped in the liquids near the bottom of the cylinder and the small hydrocarbons get trapped up the top. It took me so long to get why that happened, all because I mixed up melting points and boiling points, and that it is hotter in the bottom compared to it being cooler up the top. I sat there for about 2 hours wondering why the smaller hydrocarbons go to the top when I thought they should go to the bottom because it was cooler at the bottom and hotter at the top (because heat rises to the top normally so that was my logic.). I just misread the info, so that led to me being confused! But yeah other than that, I am having the same problem with food studies with note taking. It takes so much time and I am now going over to typing except for the maths portion. I feel like I am writing to much, but then worry that I have missed something etc. Anyway, really looking forward to keep going, as I am enjoying the content much more than 1/2.

Methods
Ah my old nemesis is back! So I had to do a pretest week to see if I could do the course, and this really caused me so much stress. The test was out of 16, if I scored under 7, it was advised I dropped out, if it was between 8-12, it said I would need to work really hard throughout the course, and if I scored over 13 you where a okay. This sent me into a major panic, and i'm not gonna lie I kinda cried before it. When I opened the pre test and did it, I couldn't do 3/4's of the sums. I had seen them before, but just couldn't remember. So I answered all the questions I could by working out, and the rest I guessed using my rusty knowledge of algebra and good old fashion deduction. I SCORED 9/16!!!!!!! I guessed 6 of them and got them right so I am still allowed to do the course. It was such a relief but I felt so bad as I barely new anything and guessed so much of it. I know I am going to have to work very hard at this subject just to pass but i am willing to put in the effort. However, since chem has taken up SO much time this week, I still haven't started on this weeks work, so looks like someone is working on the weekend. On a quick side note, I have been looking for a maths tutor, and it is so hard to find one with where I live. And some of the online find tutor sites have been terrible!

Other Random Stuff
I don't know if I told anyone on here, but my mum got me a plant for my room about a month ago, and it is STILL ALIVE! I haven't killed it yet. I also took my cat to the vet this week and as too put it lightly, she is a very fat cat. She is quite a small cat but weighs 8Kg. So we where all worried that she may have diabetes, and it turns out she doesn't. She had a glucose level of 4.6, and the normal range is 4-6(maybe 8). So that was awesome news! We are now putting her on a diet, which she hates by the way, so we shall wait and see how she goes.
So wow, this was WAY longer than I expected, but there was just so much that went through my mind this that I just blurted it out on here, so sorry for the word vomit. I know what I have written sounds kinda negative, but I actually had a great week, but it was a little overwhelming, and I was questioning my study methods.
Hope everyone had a great week!
Sorry for any errors, but I was honestly too tired to edit this, I may later though.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on February 07, 2020, 06:36:31 pm
**sending a lot of good vibes and motivation your way**

Trust me, feeling tired is A-okay! Its sometimes hard to get back up after the holidays to full steam, give it some time, I'm sure you'll feel pumped very soon! And about your English books, start slowly. Just a tip with Nine Days, if you get confused and find it frustrating, it is worth reading one chapter, and a summary of that chapter straight after. It actually makes the book quite interesting if you 100% know whats going on. Also, maybe dont read all the chapters in one sitting, as I found I enjoyed it more when I came back to each chapter at a separate time. It also helped me actually reflect on each chapter at a time.

Also...great job on the Methods score Geoo!! Hope you have a great next week. Keep us posted  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 10, 2020, 11:56:00 pm
**sending a lot of good vibes and motivation your way**

Trust me, feeling tired is A-okay! Its sometimes hard to get back up after the holidays to full steam, give it some time, I'm sure you'll feel pumped very soon! And about your English books, start slowly. Just a tip with Nine Days, if you get confused and find it frustrating, it is worth reading one chapter, and a summary of that chapter straight after. It actually makes the book quite interesting if you 100% know whats going on. Also, maybe dont read all the chapters in one sitting, as I found I enjoyed it more when I came back to each chapter at a separate time. It also helped me actually reflect on each chapter at a time.

Also...great job on the Methods score Geoo!! Hope you have a great next week. Keep us posted  ;D
Thank you, I will gladly accept the motivation!
Thanks for the tips on Nine Days, I still haven't started reading it but I will definitely keep them in mind. Hope you have a good week too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 14, 2020, 03:58:35 pm
Update - 14/02/20

Helloha everyone, i'm back with a kinda mundane update. Just like last week I am quite exhausted from this week, but I am not as overwhelmed which is good. I think just finally getting back into study and getting into a routine has helped the most, and feeling as if I can get on top of all the work. Now I have come across a few first world problems this week, such as: I really feel bad for creasing my textbooks. They where all nice and pristine, but because they are so huge (like the heinmans chem book) I had to open them up in order to do my assigned study. So now all of my textbooks have creases in them, yay. I also got extremely delirious after doing methods for to long, to a point where I starting laughing about having to learn about matrices as I was thinking about the movie the matrix.

In annoying frustrating news, I had a bad experience with my cardiologist this week. So I am trying to get special considerations at the moment, especially extended time (which is extremely hard to get, only 2 out of 10ish students got this last year at my school) and so I had to go to my specialist to go get the VCAA forums filled out. I tried to tell him that my health fucked me over for my biology exam last year, and that I was extremely disappointed to get the score that I did after a year of hard work. His response to this, was that I shouldn't try as hard because it's pointless, don't aim for anything extraneous in life, and essentially aim lower for uni. Thanks doc. Real helpful. To top it of, the letter he wrote for VCAA had entirely wrong details, he even mentioned that I still go to a mainstream school like FFS you have seen me for 2 years. But it's okay, I got to go a chocolate shop on the way home.

Not much happened with the subjects this week. I still haven't done chem for the week and I am currently procrastinating it whilst I type this. I finally finished methods week one, which hasn't scared me off yet as I found it to be okay. I found out that I am only going to have 1 SAC for the entirety of Unit 3 worth 17% of my study score, which is the application task. Not sure how that is going to work, but it is in term two so I can worry about it later. One thing that is annoying is that my school switch CAS calculators, and I do not want to go buy the other one, they are way too expensive. I use the casio class pad, which I have had since year ten, and they are now doing it with the TI inspire. Good thing the textbook has a manual....

English is just as boring as ever, nothing new. Although I do have a tutor now, and my gosh does it make a difference. I think since I am a online student, having the a person be there and go over things can really help so much, and it goes along way. Food studies is my favourite subject at the moment. Not only is it so easy and light compared to my other subjects, so is the workload. The content is really interesting, however I am a bit scared on all the memorisation components... This week I did receive some bad news though, since food studies follows the Australian Guide To Healthy eating, we can't make any foods in our practicals with high fat and sugar content. So I CAN'T MAKE DESSERTS! I mean it was one of the main reasons why I chose the subject. Oh well.

So that raps up this week, the plant is still breathing btw, my cat has lost a bit of weight this week which means the diet is working, and I got a haircut :)

Hope you all had a good week!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on February 14, 2020, 04:14:58 pm
Nice to hear from you Geoo! That actually is really dodgy that your doctor is overlooking you and not being honest about your situation. I hope that is all gets sorted for you soon  ;)
(Also hope the chocolate was yum!)

Sucks that you can’t make desserts but I’d love to see some more of the dishes you make for food studies this year!

All the best - have a great week
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 19, 2020, 11:33:55 pm
Nice to hear from you Geoo! That actually is really dodgy that your doctor is overlooking you and not being honest about your situation. I hope that is all gets sorted for you soon  ;)
(Also hope the chocolate was yum!)

Sucks that you can’t make desserts but I’d love to see some more of the dishes you make for food studies this year!

All the best - have a great week
I'm am terrible at replying to people, but it has honestly been so busy of late.
It is really annoying about the doctor, but he really is all I have for the time being, and I am looking to get a new cardiologist in the future. The chocolate was great I love handolfs (not how you spell it but I can't remember what the real spelling is..) chocolates, my favourites are the passionfruit and freckle pot.

Thanks for you comment Have a great week too :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on February 20, 2020, 06:22:28 am
I'm am terrible at replying to people, but it has honestly been so busy of late.
It is really annoying about the doctor, but he really is all I have for the time being, and I am looking to get a new cardiologist in the future. The chocolate was great I love handolfs (not how you spell it but I can't remember what the real spelling is..) chocolates, my favourites are the passionfruit and freckle pot.

Thanks for you comment Have a great week too :)

Haha totally understand with getting busy! I seem to have zero time in year 12.

Also it's "Hahndorf's" (then again I may work at one of their stores so I am kinda an expert on their chocolates.) Yes the freckle pot is so good! My favourite is the dark strawberry though  8)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 26, 2020, 07:30:40 pm
Update - 26/02/2020

I really don't like how my journal seems to be all negative and stuff, but it's just whats going on at the moment. Like yeah, there are some positives, but it a bit of an unbalanced ratio. I don't even think this is helpful or inspiring to anyone, its just me ranting about my week.... So sorry to everyone as this probably isn't what you signed up for.
As like the last couple of weeks, I am still just so tired after every week. I really commend everyone doing 5+ subjects because I am struggling to get through 4. At the moment, all I am doing is just doing all the work I need to submit each week. Not any extra work or maybe some chapter questions, nope just submitted the minimum work. This is really bumming me out. I want to do practice questions and SAC/exam preparation but I can't because I am barely keeping up with what I need to submit work.  It's just so frustrating.
I think I am taking a day off today, as I am just so bloody tired and exhausted.
On a positive note, I have finally manged to catch up to be on track of Methods, finally! I got my disabled parking permit approved, which is really surprising as I only have a learners permit but okay.... I got to go out to do some shopping which was long overdue, and I have been reading a bit more.  And my plant is GROWING, omg.

English
I just want it to leave me alone. I haven't started practicing for the upcoming argument analysis SAC (which is a comparative for some reason) which is in a week and a half's time, so that is stressing me out. Looking over what we have to do, I just get so overwhelmed at everything which is stopping me from actually practicing my essay skills. I really just need to rip of the band aid, do it, get some one to review it, then write another one, and repeat.

Methods
Just like English, this subject makes me want to cry. So where do I start. First off, my school kinda switched calculators and stopped giving examples with the casio class pad. I can go call my teacher and she will then find out how to do it and get back to me, but it is just an extra process that I have to do. They are now using the TI inspire, which I am not going to bye, as I don't have 200 dollars lying around. Another thing, whenever I have a quick peak at the exam questions, I have no idea how to do any of them, like none. You see, at my school instead of doing textbook questions, we get this massive book that has a bunch of exercises in it to do instead, and we use that to submit for the week. So I have not used the textbook once :(. I feel like I should start doing the questions aswell, but as I mentioned above, I don't have any time. Oh and on another note, I find my teacher really unapproachable. She is helpfulish, but she can come of as quite cold and disinterested, so it feels hard to talk to her or just ask a question.

Chemistry
I really do enjoy chemistry, and it is honestly treating me well. I do find it to be quite easy, so I don't really have to put alot of work into it. I'd say that it is one of my favourite subjects at the moment, however, I am not doing any textbook questions right now. We are using the textbook, unlike methods, but only as a note taking resource. We are up to about chapter 2.3 in the heinemann textbook, and I am supper excited to be getting away from all the fuel stuff, as it was kinda doing my head in. The first SAC isn't until 4 weeks away, so hopefully after my english SAC I can buckle down and do more practice questions.

Food Studies
At the moment, it is definitely one of my favourite subjects. I didn't expect it to like it this much, but it has some really interesting content. The content is just so light, and there really is nothing complex at all about it. we have just finished up the digestive system (which I really need to jam into my brain) and the Australian Guildelines to Healthy Eating. I would say the only downside to this subject is all the memorisation involved. I have for once been using quizlet, which I have found to be useful for the first time ever. About two weeks ago I made the decision to type my notes, and my goodness is it a time saver. It cut my time down by half which is fantastic.
A bit of drama though. Food studies has never been popular at my school. Last year there where about 45 ish students, now there are 74. My teacher is overrun as she is the only teacher, so it has gotten to the point where some of us need to correct our own work until we get another teacher on board. What I also found interesting from talking to the teacher, is about 60-70% of the cohort generally make food studies to become an underscored VCE subject by the second semester. They end up not realising how academic it is, as most people do think that it revolves just around cooking. Only 7 people turned up for the exam last year...


Once again, sorry for the negative Nancy kinda outlook, i'm just not really feeling study or work at the moment, and am just constantly frustrated to no end on my progress at doing extra work. Well, I hope everyone is coping better then I am, have a great week!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: brothanathan on February 26, 2020, 08:36:44 pm
Update - 26/02/2020

Food Studies

A bit of drama though. Food studies at VSV has NEVER been this popular. Last year there where about 45 ish students, now there are 74. My teacher is overrun as she is the only teacher, so it has gotten to the point where some of us need to correct our own work until we get another teacher on board. What I also found interesting from talking to the teacher, is about 60-70% of the cohort generally make food studies to become an underscored VCE subject by the second semester. They end up not realising how academic it is, as most people do think that it revolves just around cooking. Only 7 people turned up for the exam last year...

Does VSV set assessments or SACs that require you to cook in a kitchen or just straight theory work like some schools? Would've considered doing food studies if it was offered at my school.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 26, 2020, 11:46:30 pm
Does VSV set assessments or SACs that require you to cook in a kitchen or just straight theory work like some schools? Would've considered doing food studies if it was offered at my school.
A little bit of both. Most of food studies is theory, but there are practical elements to it. For use, a SAC is split into two parts over two weeks. The first part is theory, so just like a regular test on paper, and part two is the practical element were you can cook. Sometimes it isn't cooking through. You may be asked to do a sensory analysis of products. For instance, we had to compare gluten free biscuits to regular biscuits and go into their appearance, aroma, taste and texture. Most of the cooking elements of food tech were moved to VET Hospitality, so there isn't as much cooking as people think there is. So far, I have only done one sensory analysis, and a shit tonne of theory.
I highly recommend the subject, and I would choose it any day over HHD, but that is just my opinion. If you do like science, there is alot of cross over, but not to a sophisticated level, but the knowledge of bio and chem come in handy. I also really do think VSV do a great job at the course, the teacher is great and the course is done very well.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on February 28, 2020, 07:04:05 pm
Hey Geoo!  ;D

Quote
I really don't like how my journal seems to be all negative and stuff, but it's just whats going on at the moment. Like yeah, there are some positives, but it a bit of an unbalanced ratio. I don't even think this is helpful or inspiring to anyone, its just me ranting about my week.... So sorry to everyone as this probably isn't what you signed up for.
No, not at all! Please don't feel that way! You can write whatever you want and whatever you are feeling. It's for you! I also talk about some really dark stuff but hey that's what this journal's for, for you to vent.

Quote
I really commend everyone doing 5+ subjects because I am struggling to get through 4.
Glad I'm not the only one! I am dying, despite only doing 4 subjects this year. I thought it would be a breeze, because I only have to worry about 4, rather than 6 but nope.

Quote
And my plant is GROWING, omg.
What type of plant is it? I have a croton plant and I always get excited whenever a new leaf is growing!  ;D We have so many indoor plants in our house lol.  8)

Quote
I really do enjoy chemistry, and it is honestly treating me well. I do find it to be quite easy, so I don't really have to put alot of work into it.
Same! Chemistry is probably my favourite subject right now! That's great that you're finding it easy because you can spend more time with your other subjects unlike me who's always doing chemistry because it's so fun even though the sac's a long way away.

Food studies seems really interesting! It's making me rethink my subject choices.  :P

Well, I hope you had a nice week!  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 05, 2020, 05:35:31 pm
Hey Geoo!  ;D
No, not at all! Please don't feel that way! You can write whatever you want and whatever you are feeling. It's for you! I also talk about some really dark stuff but hey that's what this journal's for, for you to vent.
Glad I'm not the only one! I am dying, despite only doing 4 subjects this year. I thought it would be a breeze, because I only have to worry about 4, rather than 6 but nope.
What type of plant is it? I have a croton plant and I always get excited whenever a new leaf is growing!  ;D We have so many indoor plants in our house lol.  8)
Same! Chemistry is probably my favourite subject right now! That's great that you're finding it easy because you can spend more time with your other subjects unlike me who's always doing chemistry because it's so fun even though the sac's a long way away.

Food studies seems really interesting! It's making me rethink my subject choices.  :P

Well, I hope you had a nice week!  ;D
Aww thank you for your kind words. I'm not quite sure what plant it is, all I know is that it is from woolworths and it has been growing happily ever since. I wish I had some more time to do chem questions, but yeah they can be quite fun to do! Yes, I am secretly trying to convert people to switching to food studies muhahaha.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 06, 2020, 04:40:54 pm
Update - 06/03/2020

There are 3 weeks to the school holidays, I have already started the countdown and now I just hope it comes faster. I know that this is so cliche but how are we in week 6 of the term next week. How did this happen so quickly, and March just came through so fast.. Just wow. So getting back to whats been going on, well ah, alot but not really. Like all of my year 12 posts, I am still tired so yay for that, and I still feel overwhelmed at everything I have to do. You know when you complete an assignment and there is that great feeling of completion, well it doesn't last long in year 12 because BAM, a day later there is something else that is equally big to do. On the positive side, I am not stressed which is fantastic, but as I said before just overwhelmed and feeling like i am sinking in a pile of work (I'm looking at you maths...).

Some random things that have happened this week are: I once again went to the Doc's this week, and normally this Dr is great and we get along but I left feeling a bit insulted after some comments that were made about my school situation, so thanks for that. Saw a friend this week that I see about once a month, and I also left feeling a tad insulted to a degree about me being boring as a person, so that didn't leave me feeling on top of the world as some might say. To make things worse, the school portal, which is were I get all my work from was down for an entire day.... So I basically couldn't do anything at all as all of my work and information is on there. Then, TPG decided to do some maintenance, so my internet was out for half a day....  So, there is my weekly rant  ;) On a quick positive note, I have been getting back into walking after a two week break so hoary for that.

Chemistry Rant 2.0 Incoming
So I may have to take back the statement I made last week..... I still love chem but WTF was week 4. It was all on energy specifically Q=mc delta T. Now I have done this in unit 1 physics so it wasn't that big of a deal, but the amount of content and context left out was bonkers. There were so many other formulas that our teacher wanted us to know but DIDN"T MENTION THEM! So I was so frustrated... They also forgot to mention that when you are converting water from mL to gram, you need to multiply the volume by the density. So thank you teachers for not mentioning this and costing me so many questions.... Oh yeah and the SAC is announced for week 8 and I am so pissed. So the SAC is all on galvantic fuel cells and redox reaction which is all good an fine, however, we are just starting chapter 3, and we do chapter 5 THE SAME WEEK as the SAC which is on a Thursday. That is no time at all to prepare. NONE. So I am going to have to try get a week ahead so that I have enough time to do all the reading and submission work so I can then revise and do practice question to prepare. AHHHHHH! Also I swear the chem is turning into just converting units all the time. Like really. And to all the countries that decided to use a different unit to measure pressure, just why.

Food Studies
Love it and is a walk in the park at the same time. My teacher is amazing and we get along so well. I ended up calling her for one question on yeast and we ended up talking for half an hour, so yeah. The funniest part about the next three weeks is that it should be condensed into 2, but it is all about the science behind cooking, and my teacher knows that we don't need to go into that much detail as it is only one tiny dot on the study design, but she stretches it out as she knows that's why most people do food studies. So this has been a very enjoyable week of work, and next week looks awesome too!

English
Super nervous for next week, as it is our first SAC of the year! Language analysis that they are making a comparison...  I don't know either but we are going to roll with it. I have submitted my first practice SAC and only got the feedback today and I did extremely average... I am hoping to rewrite the essay and do a different one to get a bit more practice in before the SAC. I can't wait to get it over with. I don't think this will happen, but I really want over 85% and I hope to achieve that.  In good news, I have finally started to read Nine Days! I am up to chapter two, and I have been really enjoying it for an prescribed english book. After each chapter I write up a summary of the characters, events and themes of each chapter, so it is slow but steady. I hope to finish it by next week.

Methods
Guess who's a week behind again.... Me. Honestly I should really just facepalm my self for getting a week behind again, but here I am. I was suppose to do week 5 this week, but I am still in the middle of week 4. I hate doing this but I needed to prioritise english as the SAC was coming up. I'm okay with being a week behind, but I just can't fall back further than that.


So that is my week! Negative Nancy shall chat later.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on March 07, 2020, 08:15:53 am
Nice to see an update Geoo! And yes, I also can't believe it is only three weeks till holidays.

All the best for chemistry, I totally feel the frustration of having a teacher who doesn't necessarily teaches you all the content in the best way. Also you'll smash english!

All the best have a good long weekend ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 07, 2020, 12:23:14 pm
Nice to see an update Geoo! And yes, I also can't believe it is only three weeks till holidays.

All the best for chemistry, I totally feel the frustration of having a teacher who doesn't necessarily teaches you all the content in the best way. Also you'll smash english!

All the best have a good long weekend ;)
I know, only three weeks! It has gone by so fast....Thanks for the encouragement :) enjoy the long weekend too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 07, 2020, 07:45:20 pm
Mini Update - 07/03/2020

So, as I am currently studying methods, which I seriously need to catch up on, guess what is happening near my house.....
A freaking country music festival that is 5 km away. Like really?

Also, I wrote another practice essay for the upcoming SAC this week, and it was not good....
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 18, 2020, 04:29:29 pm
Update - 18/03/2020 - COVID -19

So, I am finally back with another update, and quite a bit has happened. I had my first SAC of the year which I will talk about later, covid-19 is screwing up school plans, we had a false alarm in my family as my grandpa had a temperature (he was fine, it was just some of his meds acting up), and I am still feeling really tired.. This is also going to be a very long post, so strap in.

I did something that I haven't done for about 3 weeks; I took a day off. Having a day off is really a mixed bag for me. Some days I wake up and I see the mountain of work that needs to be done, and my brain just decides to unplug itself as it really just can't compute anymore. Other days my health just ins't great, and I'm too tired to do anything, so as I am trying to rest to recover, my brain does this fantastic thing were it constantly reminds me of all the work I need to do, and me lying down doing nothing is unproductive and wasteful. Now I know we all need to rest every now and again, but I feel like if I have a break, more work is just going to pile up and I'll feel overwhelmed later and regret not doing the work I am doing now then....  I really hope that made sense. The other type of day off, is the "I have this really important thing I need to do that I am super stressed about, so I am going to unintentionally procrastinate it out of fear of doing it wrong." So I spend my whole day trying to work up the courage to do this one task, and would you look at that, there goes the day and it's night time, I feel bad for not doing anything so I try to compensate by doing something at the very last minute of the day.. I think I just want to have a sit down with my brain and talk it out, but it seems unavailable.

English
So we just had our first SAC on argument analysis where they also Incorporated a comparison. I am at a loss for words over this SAC. I had done a small amount of prep with writing 4 practice essays, but when it came down to it doing it, I forgot most of what I learned, and used the first names of the authors instead of their last names. Rookie move.... Also whilst I appreciate the two articles and cartoon that we were given were small, only being about 1 page each, they where so hard to understand. They were all over the place, one had like 7 arguments that had no relation to each other what so ever, and the other was just a personal opinion piece. It was on the Leunig's controversial mother ignoring child cartoon, so that was interesting I guess. Do I think I did well, not really... If I had to give you an idea of what I wrote, it would be like comparing a published book to a shitty fanfiction posted on an unknown website.. I am a little upset over it, but I think of late I have lowered my expectations of year 12 quite a bit, so all I care about now is just that it is done. Lets hope I don't forget everything before the exam, and I hope to scrape an 80, but honestly i'm predicting like a 75% :(.
In goodish news, I am up to chapter 4/9 of nine days, and for an english book I have been enjoying it.

Methods
I hate this subject so much. I feel two emotions when doing this subject: bored and frustrated. Bored because the content doesn't interest me and this subject is a means to an end, and frustrated because I suck at it. I'm up to week 5 at the moment, which makes me two weeks behind... I hope to end the term only been one week behind, so I can catch up on the holidays.

Chemistry
After the nightmare of what is going on with the SAC next week, I have been finding the subject difficult in some areas. In the past couple of weeks it has all been on chapters 2,3 and 4, which contains alot of maths... Since I haven't had a lot of practice, I don't feel comfortable in these areas at all. I shall hopefully be remedying that in the upcoming days as I do many practice questions from the textbook for the SAC next week. Other than that we are up to chapter 5, redox reactions. They aren't too difficult but the amount of times I mix up Oxidant and Reductant as whats been oxidised or reduced is just nuts...

Food Studies
LOVE this subject, it is probably second best to bio at the moment. We are finishing up our last week of food science were we are going into the functional properties of carbohydrates. We covered fats and proteins last week, were we made 3 different meringue's, one with just egg white, one with just sugar and one with just lemon. It was really cool! Also, I struggle when it comes to spelling meringue, so now in my head I pronounce it me- ring - gu, to try to help my spell it correctly. Pathetic I know, but it works!
Lucky last is food studies. Honestly it is just a mess. We not only have practicals this week, but we have the first part of our SAC next week which require alot of the sold out ingredients. We are suppose to make a risotto, but this requires, rice, chicken, chicken stock, oil and many other ingredients, alot of which is sold out... So, thanks to all of this, our SAC has been turned upside down. We are still going ahead with the test part of the SAC, but the cooking and evidence producing parts may have to be left for another time if we can't find the ingredients. I am also allowed an extension until week one term two. So, screw you panic buyers!

Okay, well that is it for me for now, I could honestly keep rambling but I think this is enough for now. Till next time.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 21, 2020, 01:45:14 pm
Mini Update

So I just had some things to get of my mind, and I also want to post some of the things I need to do to prepare for my SACs next week, and I feel like this will make me more accountable.

I have been doing a bit of book buying. I got the the methods and chemistry topic tests from ATAR notes as I have heard so many good things about them and it is free shipping at the moment so I thought why not. I always need more questions to do. To support my local indie book shop, I went down an purchased two new books. One of them is "This is going to hurt," I have heard it is really funny and since it is all about med school I was quite intrigued. I also bought the Kingdom of Copper as I need a new fantasy read.

Okay in terms of annoying stuff the has happened, my learners permit got suspended. Before you jump to conclusions, I haven't broken any laws or got speedy, I have to be re approved by my the doctors to drive so vic roads will know I'm not a hazard. They gave me no warning which really annoyed me, but I have booked an appointment to see my doc on Monday. I had 94 hours too!

So here is what I want to do before the SACs next week:
-Chemistry
-Food Studies
I also want to finish Nine Days by the school holidays, as I will definitely be doing two weeks of English and methods on the holidays.

I think there is another music festival going on near my house, I don't know how that is with COVID19, but it is very annoying....
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on March 26, 2020, 03:03:39 pm
Update - 26/03/2020

Okay, i'm not sure how to start off this entry so i'm just going to get into it and it may be all over the place. Just briefly too, I feel like I talk about too much personal/irrelevant stuff, so I should try cut down on that or at least categorise it off.

Personal Stuff
So the scariest thing that happened this week was that I had to go to the doctors.... Just the GP but wow that was an experience. First, I had to wait outside in the car until the doctor called me in, when I went inside I got yelled at by the receptionists saying I wasn't allowed inside due to COVID19. I explained to them that I had to go to room 6, and after some explaining they let me pass. There was no one in the waiting room, and no one outside aside from a few doctors and receptionists at the office, so that was just wild. I got my medical report done, and I have sent it to VicRoads, so I hope I can get my permit back soon.

Whilst I was out, I also looked at my local open shopping strip. Now, I live in kind of a tourist hot spot near the beach, and normally this time of year it is PACKED. There was probably like 30 people out, all the cafes were closed, and the non franchise clothes stores were closed. My local indie book shop now doesn't let anyone inside and have resulted to asking people to just come up to the door and ask for a book. My favourite little cafe/bakery has removed all tables to become a full time bakery, so it's nice that they are still open for business.

In terms of school, our's also shut down on Tuesday with all teachers being sent home. Its weird, I want to be on holiday mode, but I still have week 8 work to do. So this week and the first week of the actual school holidays will be dedicated to getting work done and doing anything extra. If I keep going the way I am with the workload, I will burnout in term two, which I really can't afford. So I plan to take 4-5 days off at the end of the holidays just to chill out, and maybe make some hotcross buns if I find flour.

Chemistry
This subject is 100% crazy. I cried over chapter 4 with redox reactions as I was having so much trouble with them I thought my dreams of chem went down the drain. I then moved on to chapter 5 and it was so easy. Even though chapter 4 stumped me in a few areas, I learnt so much, and have come to find redox reactions and galvanic cells relatively easy, well I hope it remains that way. The moral of the story is, DON'T DO CHEM IF YOUR TIRED. Also, I am still revising for my SAC that was suppose to be today, but will be done next week on the holidays. I have done chapters 4 and 5, a little of chapter 3, and I will finish off with chapter 6 before doing some other resources. I also got the ATARnotes topic tests in the mail and they look great.

Here are some of my lovely mistakes.
Mixing up oxidising agents and reducing agents.
When balancing complex redox reaction with H2O and H+, if the equation has something like H2S, I forgot about the other H's in the equation, so I wouldn't balance them properly.
Oxidation number through me for a loop for a while as they were explained terribly the first time round.
This happened:
(https://i.imgur.com/Iy5RxKt.png)
And yeah, thats chem.

English
I am behind as I haven't read the book..... So that means week 7 and 8 will be done on the holidays. I still haven't gotten my SAC mark back yet so I am hoping it will come in tomorrow. So for the holidays, I also plan to get like a house on fire done, and to start practicing for my text response essay which is in week 3 of term two. Also, I am kinda worried as my teacher is going on paternity leave for the first month of term 2, so I hope someone will still mark my practice essays.

Methods
I hate it, I still haven't got week 6 done as I can't be bothered. I will hopefully get it done this week though along with week 7. I am kind of pissed off because I can't get my CAS to do what the course want. Its a plotted square root function where we need to find the regression equation in the spreadsheet. I spoke to my friend who did methods last year and she said that that is in further, so I am so confused. I also got a tutor! She became free because of the corrona virus and is doing online lessons so yay.

Food Studies
A little nervous since the SAC is this week. I have been studying for it quite a bit, and now all I need to do is just do it. I have a little more to go though in terms of studying, just brushing up my knowledge of gelatinisation and what not. So yeah, I hope to do the theory part this week and the practical part next week if I can get the ingredients. Also, quizlet is great for this subject!

Overall I am still very tired, and I am becoming quite warn out over everything I'm doing. The annoying part is is that term two is two times the workload of term 1, and I need to fit in extra revision, so I need to reorganise my time management, but still keep pacing in mind. I may put a reflection of term one up soon but who knows.

On a quite side note, I have been really frustrated over the complaints I have been hearing from people going online. The people saying its hard to find motivation, not see friends, not see your teachers in person and that its terrible. I have been doing it for years when people have been telling my that its so easy, or that it would be great to spend all your time at home,  why complain, when it reality it isn't all that great. I am going to reserve my opinions, but its just really getting to me with the double standards.

So, enjoy you 3 weekish holidays everyone, keep safe and wash your hands!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 03, 2020, 02:38:39 pm
Update - 03/04/2020 - First Holidays

Me again! So the first week of the school holidays has been interesting. It started off on the Saturday with me being quite productive knocking out week 6 maths and doing some english. Then sunday happened where I fell down the stairs (warning gross stuff) and part of my right thumb nail came off... That hurt so badly and it was my writing hand so Sunday, Monday and a bit of Tuesday was a ride off for work, as I couldn't really do much. It still hurts a bit now but its getting better. Although I was not able to write for a few days, I finished off week 7 englsih so I am now only a week behind, I almost finished nine days, I got part of my food SAC done, and I had a Methods tutor session yay!

In terms of other stuff not much has happened, I am still preparing for my chem SAC and slowly getting things done. I watched the chem lecture yesterday and Alec was awesome. He did is so well online, that is makes me question me chem teachers who do it kinda poorly. I do kind of hope the continue with having an online aspect of the lectures, even just recording the audio would be a great help as a, I can come back to it, and b, as someone living an hour and 45 minutes away from the city with some health issues, staying at home is great!
For SAC prep, Chem is coming along well, but I have neglected the memorisation side of like environmental issues and pros and cons, so I have to go jam that into my brain. I did part of my food SAC the other day, and it was surprisingly a little of the difficult side, it is only part of the SAC so it is worth 30 out of the 50 marks available. Also this SAC is worth 15% of my study score....

So for the rest of the holidays is just alot of SAC prep, catching up and getting ahead. I have realised how much extra work there is an I really need to step up my game.

What I need to to:
Week 7 methods.
Week 8 methods.
Chem SAC
Chem SAC prep
Foods SAC Cooking part
Food SAC week 9
English week 8
English week 9,
English, start reading like a house on fire.

Those are my proities, but there is SO much I would love to go back on and revise, I have so little time its bonkers. I have also gotten back into Stardew Valley, which really isn't good for my productivity.... i have ten hours game time already in the last week....

And just for my future self, here is my term one reflections:
-Fit in chapter question in the week when you cover them so when SAC prep comes around, all you are doing is topic tests and refining.
-Reprioritse daily. Some things are more pressing than other, and each day you have to move some things around.
-Reset you sleep routine, so that you wake up early in order to have 3 large study blocks.
-Be careful with food studies extra resources, not all of them are correct.
-Try to do one thing you enjoy each week to keep you sanity.

That's it for now, enjoy the rest of the holidays guys!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on April 04, 2020, 12:29:56 pm
It's really great that you were productive!  :D Aw, that sucks, I hope your thumb gets better soon, Geoo!

Yeah, wasn't Alec awesome though? He explained the concepts really well and yes, it would be great if there were online lectures in the future as well because you can watch it again if you needed to.

Quote
-Try to do one thing you enjoy each week to keep you sanity.
Haha, ME. That's a really good idea though.
It's really great that you're reflecting on what went wrong in Term 1 and stopping that from happening again! It's really proactive!

Enjoy the rest of your holidays too!  ;D

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 14, 2020, 12:12:38 pm
Update - 14/04/2020 - Term Two Back In Swing

Those holidays went fast! I know that we kind of got an extra week, but they just flew by. I unfortunately didn't get alot of time off, I only took about 2 days off, was because I fell down the stairs and I needed to rest up as I did injure my knee and hand. I did have a few half days however to evenly spread out the work I needed to do. I wouldn't call these holidays super productive, but I did get a few things done which makes me almost up to date on the outstanding work I have.

Once again a bit of a warning that this post is a bit negative. I have had a bit of a rough patch with everything going on, and just a build of of pressure that I ended up just kind of venting in this post! I will say i'm okay with the changes been made in regards to the GAT and exams being moved, I think that was the most logical idea. However, I will be so angry if they use GAT and year 11 marks to derive and ATAR, how told the government this was a good idea? I do wish the year would end early like normal, but on the bright side we get more time to prepare for exams....

My feelings for how this term is going to go is also a bit up in the air. Since everyone is at home,  it means my house has become that much louder, making it harder to study. My younger sister is doing remote learning and she is so hard to live with, playing loud music all the time so I can barely study when she is home. So this is going to be quite the nuisance this term. Also it is SACs galore this term. I have one or multiple every week except next week. For the entire term. I'm just screaming on the inside right now.

Here is my SAC Schedule:
Week 9 (this week): Food Studies Part two. Chem SAC
Week 10: Only week off!!!
Week 11: English Text Response (Also my 18th birthday...)
Week 12: Methods Application SAC.
Week 13: Methods Application SAC, Chem SAC.
Week 14: Chem SAC (poster),
Week 15: Chem SAC (poster), English creative, Food Studies SAC Part 1.
Week 16: Chem SAC (poster), Food Studies SAC Part 2.
The rest of term 2 is unannounced..

English
So, I finished Nine Days and caught up to date with doing weeks 7 and 8 of English which is great. My text response SAC is in 2 weeks and we haven't even started writing practice essays so I need to get onto that soon. I also need to start reading like a house on fire, which I am not looking forward after many people telling my how shitty it is, so yay. So I do have quite alot to do' in the next coming weeks for english and i'm feeling not that confident in how i'm going to mange it all. I still haven't gotten my SAC result back from last term for the AA, which I am becoming more scared to know what it is..... Even though it is a pupil free day, we have a live stream with the author of Nine Days at 2.00 today which will be awesome!

Methods
I have cried so much with this subject. I thought I was going average which is all I really want, and then log and exponential functions came along and screwed me over to the tenth degree. I just cried. I am so over this subject, I don't have the time to do extra chapter questions, I have the big application SAC in 3 weeks which I am totally unprepared for. It is open book which is a relief, but I'm honestly just lost. I hope I can improve enough to get at least 60%, but who knows. We are moving on to circular functions then trig functions. I know so many people did this early in the term, but my teacher has done everything out of order.... yay.

Chem
Well I did everything I set out to do for chem over the holidays but get ahead. I'm completely fine with that, as I really honed in on AOS 1, and got to know it all pretty well. I have my Chem SAC from last term this week, and for some reason I have just lost a bit of my confidence in the subject. I know the content, I have done practice questions, and I have even taught it to others, but I think I just feel this pressure to do well and not "fail" and that feeling is why i'm scared of doing the SAC. It is a weird mentality to be in, like I know i'll definitely do fine, but I have always strived to be "perfect" and this just puts so much pressure onto myself. I also think that my failure in bio last year isn't helping with my confidence either, and it just all getting to me at the moment. So, yeah I hope it goes well, and I feel a sense of ease knowing no one has ever gotten perfect marks (50/50) for this SAC... I just want to get in the A+ range which just means I can only lose 4 marks.

Food Studies
I'm honestly feeling the same way I feel for this subject as I do for chem. I've just lost my confidence. It's once again this pressure to not lose any marks, to get your wording right to score well. I also believe that since this subject scales down so badly, I feel this stress to do almost perfect in my SACs to prevent it getting scaled down so harshly, and that pressure is making my head almost explode. So moving on, I did part one of the food studies SAC yesterday, which is where I made two risotto's to test out how gelatinisation is effected when you do certain things to the recipe. It was alot of effort, and so time consuming but I hope I did well. It's all sent off now so there is nothing I can do but wait. This SAC is out of 50 marks as well, and i'm not feeling super confident i'm going to get all those marks. This week is part two of the SAC which is a report, where I pick a person and I get a recipe and it is my job to say if this will suit my chosen person. This is going to be so time consuming but it is also worth 50 marks so I need to buckle down and get started as this is due on friday. So, both these SACs make up one SAC, and contribute 15% to my study score. Yay for pressure!


So in all, I hope everyone has had some sort of a break these holidays, and good luck to you all for this whole remote learning stuff! Also, I hope the spelling and grammar isn't too bad, I have been doing so much english I am just over correcting things...
It's really great that you were productive!  :D Aw, that sucks, I hope your thumb gets better soon, Geoo!

Yeah, wasn't Alec awesome though? He explained the concepts really well and yes, it would be great if there were online lectures in the future as well because you can watch it again if you needed to.
Haha, ME. That's a really good idea though.
It's really great that you're reflecting on what went wrong in Term 1 and stopping that from happening again! It's really proactive!

Enjoy the rest of your holidays too!  ;D
Aww thanks for kind message! Alec was great and it would be so cool to keep going with the online lectures, it is so nice to rewatch them. I hope you enjoyed your holidays!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Marylen on April 14, 2020, 06:07:10 pm
Update - 14/04/2020 - Term Two Back In Swing

Those holidays went fast! I know that we kind of got an extra week, but they just flew by. I unfortunately didn't get alot of time off, I only took about 2 days off, was because I fell down the stairs and I needed to rest up as I did injure my knee and hand. I did have a few half days however to evenly spread out the work I needed to do. I wouldn't call these holidays super productive, but I did get a few things done which makes me almost up to date on the outstanding work I have.

Once again a bit of a warning that this post is a bit negative. I have had a bit of a rough patch with everything going on, and just a build of of pressure that I ended up just kind of venting in this post! I will say i'm okay with the changes been made in regards to the GAT and exams being moved, I think that was the most logical idea. However, I will be so angry if they use GAT and year 11 marks to derive and ATAR, how told the government this was a good idea? I do wish the year would end early like normal, but on the bright side we get more time to prepare for exams....

My feelings for how this term is going to go is also a bit up in the air. Since everyone is at home,  it means my house has become that much louder, making it harder to study. My younger sister is doing remote learning and she is so hard to live with, playing loud music all the time so I can barely study when she is home. So this is going to be quite the nuisance this term. Also it is SACs galore this term. I have one or multiple every week except next week. For the entire term. I'm just screaming on the inside right now.

Here is my SAC Schedule:
Week 9 (this week): Food Studies Part two. Chem SAC
Week 10: Only week off!!!
Week 11: English Text Response (Also my 18th birthday...)
Week 12: Methods Application SAC.
Week 13: Methods Application SAC, Chem SAC.
Week 14: Chem SAC (poster),
Week 15: Chem SAC (poster), English creative, Food Studies SAC Part 1.
Week 16: Chem SAC (poster), Food Studies SAC Part 2.
The rest of term 2 is unannounced..

English
So, I finished Nine Days and caught up to date with doing weeks 7 and 8 of English which is great. My text response SAC is in 2 weeks and we haven't even started writing practice essays so I need to get onto that soon. I also need to start reading like a house on fire, which I am not looking forward after many people telling my how shitty it is, so yay. So I do have quite alot to do' in the next coming weeks for english and i'm feeling not that confident in how i'm going to mange it all. I still haven't gotten my SAC result back from last term for the AA, which I am becoming more scared to know what it is..... Even though it is a pupil free day, we have a live stream with the author of Nine Days at 2.00 today which will be awesome!

Methods
I have cried so much with this subject. I thought I was going average which is all I really want, and then log and exponential functions came along and screwed me over to the tenth degree. I just cried. I am so over this subject, I don't have the time to do extra chapter questions, I have the big application SAC in 3 weeks which I am totally unprepared for. It is open book which is a relief, but I'm honestly just lost. I hope I can improve enough to get at least 60%, but who knows. We are moving on to circular functions then trig functions. I know so many people did this early in the term, but my teacher has done everything out of order.... yay.

Chem
Well I did everything I set out to do for chem over the holidays but get ahead. I'm completely fine with that, as I really honed in on AOS 1, and got to know it all pretty well. I have my Chem SAC from last term this week, and for some reason I have just lost a bit of my confidence in the subject. I know the content, I have done practice questions, and I have even taught it to others, but I think I just feel this pressure to do well and not "fail" and that feeling is why i'm scared of doing the SAC. It is a weird mentality to be in, like I know i'll definitely do fine, but I have always strived to be "perfect" and this just puts so much pressure onto myself. I also think that my failure in bio last year isn't helping with my confidence either, and it just all getting to me at the moment. So, yeah I hope it goes well, and I feel a sense of ease knowing no one has ever gotten perfect marks (50/50) for this SAC... I just want to get in the A+ range which just means I can only lose 4 marks.

Food Studies
I'm honestly feeling the same way I feel for this subject as I do for chem. I've just lost my confidence. It's once again this pressure to not lose any marks, to get your wording right to score well. I also believe that since this subject scales down so badly, I feel this stress to do almost perfect in my SACs to prevent it getting scaled down so harshly, and that pressure is making my head almost explode. So moving on, I did part one of the food studies SAC yesterday, which is where I made two risotto's to test out how gelatinisation is effected when you do certain things to the recipe. It was alot of effort, and so time consuming but I hope I did well. It's all sent off now so there is nothing I can do but wait. This SAC is out of 50 marks as well, and i'm not feeling super confident i'm going to get all those marks. This week is part two of the SAC which is a report, where I pick a person and I get a recipe and it is my job to say if this will suit my chosen person. This is going to be so time consuming but it is also worth 50 marks so I need to buckle down and get started as this is due on friday. So, both these SACs make up one SAC, and contribute 15% to my study score. Yay for pressure!


So in all, I hope everyone has had some sort of a break these holidays, and good luck to you all for this whole remote learning stuff! Also, I hope the spelling and grammar isn't too bad, I have been doing so much english I am just over correcting things...Aww thanks for kind message! Alec was great and it would be so cool to keep going with the online lectures, it is so nice to rewatch them. I hope you enjoyed your holidays!

Hey Geoo! Don't worry, I'm sure everyone else is experiencing some hardship at the moment. I agree, even though I'm only in year 11, I do think it's unfair how year 11 marks are used since so many things can change in a year. Regarding maths methods, don't worry, you can absolutely smash this subject! Believe in yourself and keep up the hard work.  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 14, 2020, 11:23:33 pm
Hey Geoo! Don't worry, I'm sure everyone else is experiencing some hardship at the moment. I agree, even though I'm only in year 11, I do think it's unfair how year 11 marks are used since so many things can change in a year. Regarding maths methods, don't worry, you can absolutely smash this subject! Believe in yourself and keep up the hard work.  ;)
Aww thats so nice of you to say, thanks for the encouragement in maths, it's something I really needed to hear right now. It will be interesting to see how year 11's will get affected as well, hopefully your VCE will be alot smother than ours, and they won't scare you into having your year 11 results used. Does this make you want to try harder this year in case this would happen to you?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Marylen on April 15, 2020, 02:55:24 pm
Aww thats so nice of you to say, thanks for the encouragement in maths, it's something I really needed to hear right now. It will be interesting to see how year 11's will get affected as well, hopefully your VCE will be alot smother than ours, and they won't scare you into having your year 11 results used. Does this make you want to try harder this year in case this would happen to you?

Howdy Geo! Yeah, it makes me want to push myself a bit harder but it's quite hard to do so via remote learning since I'm so used to the classroom setting. So far my teachers are unsure for my cohort if our current results will be used but they think it's highly unlikely. I feel so sorry for the year 12s since it's their final year and the future is very unpredictable at this point. I'm feeling a bit worried since I picked up two 3/4s to do this year and no one really saw this virus coming but oh well I guess. :(

Stay determined Geoo! The beauty about maths is that once you get the formula, you've basically grasped, like, 85% of the content. The other 15% is just applying it!  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 19, 2020, 07:34:23 pm
Update - 19/04/2020

Hey guys, this will be a bit of a short (my version of short, hehe) update on how the first week went. So unfortunately I messed up the time for the toni jordon's live stream and didn't make it, which was extremely disappointing! They did record it, but since it was such a large file it buffers every five seconds so it wasn't watchable. So along with missing the live stream, there were other bad and good things that went on this week. I'll get the bad stuff out of the way first, then end on a high note.
Rant
I did my chem SAC this week. Lets just say I cried, accepted defeat, and have now lowered my expectations in chem. That SAC was an utter mess. I had no idea what to do because the writing of the questions, spaces, and just everything being all over the place made it hard to do. To tell you what I mean, I need to start with what was originally planned for the SAC. It was originally suppose to be where I went in, did two experiments, got results, answered some questions related to the experiments, and other not related questions. That's fine. But with our friend covid, we weren't allowed to come in and do those experiments, so our teachers had to adjust. IT WAS A MESS. The original log sheet had second hand data but also areas for us to make our own observations on two youtube videos that had barely any info which I needed to fill out the sheets. Here the the two videos, <Vid One> , <Vid Two> , and if you watched them, you can tell that they weren't super helpful to give results.... So moving on, they wanted us too "copy" down the second hand data given into the SAC question booklet, (they phrased this really weird), and then didn't tell us if we needed to answer the questions based on which results..... Are you still with me on this confusing mess. Oh, there was also a section where we needed to do a hazard check, and first it appeared to say we needed to fill it out by going to the GHS website, and it had a link. So I hand typed it in and it didn't work. I emailed my teacher and asked for a working link. And wait for it.... It turns out I didn't need the link as I didn't need to fill that hazard thing out, so helpful. They also wanted me to input the MSDS date, and guess what, IT WASN'T there, so guess who is going to loss a mark, just for that! Okay, moving on to all the other messed up shit. There was a FOUR mark questions all to do with environmental issues about the production of hydrogen, and there was no space. No lines, and the gap in the page between the environmental question and the next one was 4 cm....... So I squeezed my answer in there. Now the rest were pretty reasonable questions, however they had the oddest wording I have even seen, which is a theme in this SAC. There was a question asking me to "account" for the substance on a charged lead acid battery. Now, as you other chem nerds may know, when a lead acid battery has discharged, it leaves behind PbSO4 on the electrodes and it allows the battery to recharge.  So, I wonder if they made a mistake with the whole charged thing, as that wouldn't have PbSO4, but lead oxide, so I just winged the answer... Last thing I swear, but they wanted me to draw two galvanic cells, the lead acid battery one, and the electrolysis of water (we didn't even cover this in class...), and I was kinda stumped, as normally you do the two separate beakers and blah blah blah, but this experiment was all in one beaker so that was a tad confusing, and I have never drawn a diagram on electrolysis before... and it was 3 marks. I'm just going to stop there, I could go on, but i'm not. This SAC is out of 50 and worth 8 percent of my study score. I spoke to others and they thought it was a mess too. I'm hoping that this means it will be moderated up, but it's not looking positive for my mark. I love chem, it is my favourite subject, I studied so hard, and honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the disaster.

Okay so to end on two positive notes. I got my licenses back!!! I was approved medically to drive on the road again last Wednesday, and I hit the roads friday. I now have 97 hours which is awesome, and I can't wait to do more. I also got my food studies SAC back from early in the week, and it was 49/50!!! I was so happy about that and worried myself over it for nothing. It also got moderated up too 25/25, since you can't have half marks, so technically 100% :). I am now just waiting on the food studies SAC I did last week, and my English SAC from last term, which they said they would release this friday. So, this week I am going to enjoy my only week off SACs, being my last week of 17, and essentially being up to date with my work. That's all for this week fokes! I'm going to have a pity party with some chocolate and my cats.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on April 19, 2020, 08:22:01 pm
Hey Geoo!

Wow! That's such a phenomenal score for food studies! Congratulations!  ;D Glad that you can drive again.

It's okay, don't worry about the chemistry SAC, as you said other people also experienced the same difficulties so it should be okay for you.

Have a great week and looking forward to the next update!  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on April 19, 2020, 08:51:32 pm
Okay so to end on two positive notes. I got my licenses back!!! I was approved medically to drive on the road again last Wednesday, and I hit the roads friday. I now have 97 hours which is awesome, and I can't wait to do more. I also got my food studies SAC back from early in the week, and it was 49/50!!! I was so happy about that and worried myself over it for nothing. It also got moderated up too 25/25, since you can't have half marks, so technically 100% :). I am now just waiting on the food studies SAC I did last week, and my English SAC from last term, which they said they would release this friday. So, this week I am going to enjoy my only week off SACs, being my last week of 17, and essentially being up to date with my work. That's all for this week fokes! I'm going to have a pity party with some chocolate and my cats.

Congrats on your SAC score! That's fantastic news, and it must be awesome to be able to drive again!!!!!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 19, 2020, 11:13:02 pm
Hey Geoo!

Wow! That's such a phenomenal score for food studies! Congratulations!  ;D Glad that you can drive again.

It's okay, don't worry about the chemistry SAC, as you said other people also experienced the same difficulties so it should be okay for you.

Have a great week and looking forward to the next update!  ;D
I really do hope that it is like that for the chem SAC! And yes I am so happy that I can drive again, thanks for reading, till next time!
Congrats on your SAC score! That's fantastic news, and it must be awesome to be able to drive again!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!!! It is amazing that I can drive again. I have been itching to get out onto the road for a while, and when I finally could drive again, I took a long hour drive through the country side. It is amazing what looking at nature can do for your mental health!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ThunderDragon on April 22, 2020, 01:57:52 pm
Congrats on your food studies sac score! Hopefully, you did fine in your Chem Sac. Not sure what will happen to Sacs tho cause Corona since different schools are doing Sacs differently.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 27, 2020, 06:12:53 pm
Update - 27/04/2020 - OMG I'm Legal

This update marks the one year anniversary + a day, since I started this journal. I normally never stick to something for this long, so I am really proud that I have continuously updated this journal for an entire year. Thank you to everyone who has replied and read this journal, your support has meant so much to me. I'll try keep this update not too long.

The biggest thing this week, is that today I turn 18. I can't believe i'm legal now, and I find it funny that yesterday I don't have the new rights I do today. Also, when is that grown up button going to switch on, I have been waiting all day for it. It was a bit of a different birthday this year with covid and what not, but I got to celebrate with my family. I woke up to some ballons and confetti on the floor, and my mum got me some plants for my room. I think she saw that I keep one alive for so long, that she trusts me with a bigger plant. I then got surprised to go to my local bakery, where they made me some of my favourite macaroons, which was awesome. I then got to go and test drive two cars i'm interested in (once they open driving tests again...) , and went to bunnings to get a watering can for the new plants. I got some lovely messages from my family wishing me a happy birthday, and it really made my day. It may be a different type of 18th, but it was amazing. I'm going to be facetiming a friend tonight, and my neighbor brought over my first alcoholic drink which she described as "adult cordial," if this doesn't say i'm 18 I don't know what does.

To school based news, I got my part two food studies SAC results back and my english SAC (finally it took 2 months...). I was really worried for my food studies SAC, as I approached it a different way, but it ended up getting full marks! I was over the moon, and I really think this solidifies that this subject is going to be my highest scorer! Now, today I got my long awaited english results for my language analysis SAC, and I fucked it. 28/40. 70%. I cried. I worked so hard to try and do well, I sent in 4 extra essays, talked with the teacher and everything and ended up with this! For fucks sake. I tried to not let it get to me, as it is my birthday, but it made me so frustrated. It's not a great motivator, as I have the text response SAC this week, which I have only sent in one essay for, but ahhhhh.
I hate english, I don't see a point to it. I wonder, the teachers go on and on about the authors intent, with themes and characters, but what if THEY HAD NO INTENT. What if they just wanted to write a story for the enjoyment of reading, all for it to be torn apart for an essay. I love reading, it's an escape or an educational experience, but English just destroys it...

To finish off, we have moved onto area of study two for both chem and FS. FS is different for me, as it has become more of a business/marketing type of subject which i'm not use too. And chem is going alright, I think the equilibrium stuff is the hardest topic to grasp concept wise, but I believe that it is the course that is making learning so difficult, especially when you get an error like this.
(https://i.imgur.com/LTzMemO.png)
Till next time!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on April 27, 2020, 06:30:20 pm
Happy Birhday Geo! Woah 18! I can’t imagine (literally I’m still 16 lol).
How does it feel Don’t worry about the English SAC you’ve put in effort which means when the exam comes around (7 whole months at least) you’ll be ready!!! Anyway forget about that it’s your birthday  🎈 🥳
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on April 27, 2020, 06:31:21 pm
First of all... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sounds like you had a pretty good day, enjoy the adult life  8)

This update marks the one year anniversary + a day, since I started this journal. I normally never stick to something for this long, so I am really proud that I have continuously updated this journal for an entire year. Thank you to everyone who has replied and read this journal, your support has meant so much to me. I'll try keep this update not too long.
Just wanted to say, your journal was the first one I ever stumbled across and started reading regularly, and I have loved all your updates over the last year. In fact, it was your journal that really inspired me with mine, so I can't wait to stick with you till the end of the year and maybe even beyond  ;D

To school based news, I got my part two food studies SAC results back and my english SAC (finally it took 2 months...). I was really worried for my food studies SAC, as I approached it a different way, but it ended up getting full marks! I was over the moon, and I really think this solidifies that this subject is going to be my highest scorer!
YES GEOO! This is SO good, and I'm so proud and happy for you. You put in the work and deserved it!

Sucks about the english sac but I know you'll persist through it

Anyways, enjoy the rest of this special day
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on April 27, 2020, 06:37:22 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!!! Its so awesome to see that you've had a great day despite the situation! You're amazing!

And super congrats on your food studies mark! So good!  :D

Have an awesome rest of your birthday and party hard!
And also about the English SAC - dont let it get to you - I'm sure itll just be improvment from here - you've got this! I believe in you!  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on April 27, 2020, 06:53:26 pm
First and Foremost....HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!! WOW, 18! 🥳

Quote
This update marks the one year anniversary + a day, since I started this journal. I normally never stick to something for this long, so I am really proud that I have continuously updated this journal for an entire year. Thank you to everyone who has replied and read this journal, your support has meant so much to me. I'll try keep this update not too long.
Another special occasion! I've really loved reading your journal from the beginning, and I really like how detailed they are as well! You should see me...my eyes light up every time I see there's a new Journal Entry! 😁

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I woke up to some ballons and confetti on the floor, and my mum got me some plants for my room. I think she saw that I keep one alive for so long, that she trusts me with a bigger plant. I then got surprised to go to my local bakery, where they made me some of my favourite macaroons, which was awesome. I then got to go and test drive two cars i'm interested in (once they open driving tests again...) , and went to bunnings to get a watering can for the new plants. I got some lovely messages from my family wishing me a happy birthday, and it really made my day. It may be a different type of 18th, but it was amazing. I'm going to be facetiming a friend tonight, and my neighbor brought over my first alcoholic drink which she described as "adult cordial," if this doesn't say i'm 18 I don't know what does.
Aww, this is so sweet! Yes, go plants! Sounds like you had a fantastic and fun-filled day and I'm so happy for you!

Quote
To school based news, I got my part two food studies SAC results back and my english SAC (finally it took 2 months...). I was really worried for my food studies SAC, as I approached it a different way, but it ended up getting full marks! I was over the moon, and I really think this solidifies that this subject is going to be my highest scorer!
OMG, A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS! You really need to teach me your ways to get full marks, you're amazing at food studies! 😆

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Now, today I got my long awaited english results for my language analysis SAC
Hey, don't worry about the English SAC. There are still plenty more SACs left (as cliche as that sounds, I know) and I know you can improve! You can do it! The good thing is you've gotten feedback and you can use it to improve for next time. Although, it is especially hard, when you don't like the subject. I hate Lit as well sometimes but I found that if I take little baby steps and ease myself into it, it's not bad.

Have a great rest of your birthday and a great rest of the week ! 😊
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on April 27, 2020, 07:08:53 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!
I woke up to some ballons and confetti on the floor, and my mum got me some plants for my room. I think she saw that I keep one alive for so long, that she trusts me with a bigger plant. I then got surprised to go to my local bakery, where they made me some of my favourite macaroons, which was awesome. I then got to go and test drive two cars i'm interested in (once they open driving tests again...) , and went to bunnings to get a watering can for the new plants. I got some lovely messages from my family wishing me a happy birthday, and it really made my day. It may be a different type of 18th, but it was amazing. I'm going to be facetiming a friend tonight, and my neighbor brought over my first alcoholic drink which she described as "adult cordial," if this doesn't say i'm 18 I don't know what does.
This is so cute! I'm glad you had a really good bday.  (also agree that you're not an adult until you've had green cordial)

Two school based news, I got my part two food studies SAC results back and my english SAC (finally it took 2 months...). I was really worried for my food studies SAC, as I approached it a different way, but it ended up getting full marks! I was over the moon, and I really think this solidifies that this subject is going to be my highest scorer! Now, today I got my long awaited english results for my language analysis SAC, and I fucked it. 28/40. 70%. I cried. I worked so hard to try and do well, I sent in 4 extra essays, talked with the teacher and everything and ended up with this! For fucks sake. I tried to not let it get to me, as it is my birthday, but it made me so frustrated. It's note a great motivator, as I have the text response SAC this week, which I have only sent in one essay for, but ahhhhh.
I hate english, I don't see a point to it. I wonder, the teacher go on and on about the authors intent, with themes and characters, but what if THEY HAD NO INTENT. What if they just wanted to write a story for the enjoyment of reading, it for it to be torn apart for an essay. I love reading, it's an escape or an educational experience, but English just destroys it...
Congrats on your food sac! Thats really great you tried something new and it totally worked!
I can relate about English, I got a C+ on my text analysis sac and I prepared a lot for it sometimes you can just never seem to bump up those marks, I'm proud of you for trying your best and putting in so much effort. I know for a fact that you will ultimately be successful in English, keep persevering :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on April 27, 2020, 07:20:53 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEO!
I hope you had a great birthday and had lots of fun! I've tried to grow plants but they all end up dying so I just gave up haha.

Congratulations on food studies! You deserve those amazing marks :)

It sucks when you don't do as well as expected on a SAC. This is exactly what happened to me, and I very melodramatically expressed my disappointment in one of my own journal entries. Luckily, the VCE system is designed so that one bad SAC mark won't set us back! You still have the exam to prove yourself - not to mention all the other SACs you have.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on April 27, 2020, 09:16:33 pm
First of all,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEOO!!!🥳🥳🥳🎂
I hope you have had a beautiful day and filled with lots of CAKE!

Give yourself a massive pat on the back for that AMAZING Food Studies score! You have deserved it and make sure you celebrate.
In regards to your English SAC, don't worry, the VCE systems allow you to bounce back (and stronger than before). As everyone else has said above, one bad SAC won't ruin everything, it's how you take the feedback that will.

Enjoy the rest of your week and thanks for the journal update! ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on April 29, 2020, 05:48:09 pm
Wow guys thank you so much for your kind responses, it has made me so happy to read over them.
Happy Birhday Geo! Woah 18! I can’t imagine (literally I’m still 16 lol).
How does it feel Don’t worry about the English SAC you’ve put in effort which means when the exam comes around (7 whole months at least) you’ll be ready!!! Anyway forget about that it’s your birthday  🎈 🥳
I remember being sixteen, it feels so long ago now that's it's crazy! You'll get to my old granny age in no time! I certainly hope that I can get better by then, I think it's just time that I move on and focus on it later! Thank you so much for your kinda words and i'll definitly enjoy my birthday!
First of all... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sounds like you had a pretty good day, enjoy the adult life  8)
Just wanted to say, your journal was the first one I ever stumbled across and started reading regularly, and I have loved all your updates over the last year. In fact, it was your journal that really inspired me with mine, so I can't wait to stick with you till the end of the year and maybe even beyond  ;D
YES GEOO! This is SO good, and I'm so proud and happy for you. You put in the work and deserved it!
Sucks about the english sac but I know you'll persist through it
Anyways, enjoy the rest of this special day
That's so sweet of you to say, i'm glad you have enjoyed my posts as I have loved writing them. Supper happy that you made your own journal as it is such a blast to read,  and it will be so cool to read about your year 12 journey as well! Thank you for the birthday wishes, I had an awesome day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!!! Its so awesome to see that you've had a great day despite the situation! You're amazing!
And super congrats on your food studies mark! So good!  :D
Have an awesome rest of your birthday and party hard!
And also about the English SAC - dont let it get to you - I'm sure itll just be improvment from here - you've got this! I believe in you!  :D
Haha, thank you Arty! Yes I had a great birthday, it was so much fun considering the circumstances. I'll try try to improve throughout the year with english, it will be hard but i'll get there. Thanks for believing in me!!!!!
First and Foremost....HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!! WOW, 18! 🥳
Another special occasion! I've really loved reading your journal from the beginning, and I really like how detailed they are as well! You should see me...my eyes light up every time I see there's a new Journal Entry! 😁
Aww, this is so sweet! Yes, go plants! Sounds like you had a fantastic and fun-filled day and I'm so happy for you!
OMG, A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS! You really need to teach me your ways to get full marks, you're amazing at food studies! 😆
Hey, don't worry about the English SAC. There are still plenty more SACs left (as cliche as that sounds, I know) and I know you can improve! You can do it! The good thing is you've gotten feedback and you can use it to improve for next time. Although, it is especially hard, when you don't like the subject. I hate Lit as well sometimes but I found that if I take little baby steps and ease myself into it, it's not bad.

Have a great rest of your birthday and a great rest of the week ! 😊
Yes i'm old now, woohoo! I still can't believe i'm 18, it doesn't feel real yet.  Thank you for reading, I have had a blast reading your reply's and reading your own amazing journal. It may be cliche, but I swear when ever I hear encouragement it really does help, so i'll try my best. I really do despise english, which is weird as I love books, but I think i'll enjoy text response better as Nine Days was a surprisingly decent book. You have a great week too, and enjoy your last few weeks of being 17 yourself :P
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOO!This is so cute! I'm glad you had a really good bday.  (also agree that you're not an adult until you've had green cordial)
Congrats on your food sac! Thats really great you tried something new and it totally worked!
I can relate about English, I got a C+ on my text analysis sac and I prepared a lot for it sometimes you can just never seem to bump up those marks, I'm proud of you for trying your best and putting in so much effort. I know for a fact that you will ultimately be successful in English, keep persevering :)
I admire the time it took to write the first sentence in all the colours! I had an awesome day, I don't think I mentioned this but I got a hot chocolate as well, had calls with my family, and the day after my new book arrived so it was fantastic.
I was so worried with my food SAC, but I was so relieved that it turned out okay :) I relate with you one english! I'm about to do my text response SAC this week so it is certanly nerve racking, I so hope I can get a better mark for it than the argument analysis! Thank you for your encouragement and the birthday wishes, i'm sure you'll improve in english as well, and you'll get the B+!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEO!
I hope you had a great birthday and had lots of fun! I've tried to grow plants but they all end up dying so I just gave up haha.
Congratulations on food studies! You deserve those amazing marks :)
It sucks when you don't do as well as expected on a SAC. This is exactly what happened to me, and I very melodramatically expressed my disappointment in one of my own journal entries. Luckily, the VCE system is designed so that one bad SAC mark won't set us back! You still have the exam to prove yourself - not to mention all the other SACs you have.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your day :D
THANK YOU WHYS! I struggled with plants for year, I always killed them off so it is certainly a new thing being able to keep it alive. Who knows, there may be one time in you're life were you go and buy a plant and you succeed in keeping it alive. Yeah I remember when your post on your english SAC, I think I reread after mine and I 100% relate to everything you said. Yes I certainly hope it doesn't set us back, and your right, we have a whole year to improve. We can do it!
First of all,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEOO!!!🥳🥳🥳🎂
I hope you have had a beautiful day and filled with lots of CAKE!
Give yourself a massive pat on the back for that AMAZING Food Studies score! You have deserved it and make sure you celebrate.
In regards to your English SAC, don't worry, the VCE systems allow you to bounce back (and stronger than before). As everyone else has said above, one bad SAC won't ruin everything, it's how you take the feedback that will.
Enjoy the rest of your week and thanks for the journal update! ;D
Thanks Ashmi!!!!!! I had an amazing day, however this year it wasn't cake, but meringue's! We have to mix it up every once in a while!
I guess that is an upside to the VCE system, lets just hope I don't mess up the text response SAC as well! Enjoy your week too, and thanks for reading. I will also go pack myself on the back now  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 01, 2020, 06:42:29 pm
Update - 01/05/2020 - Screaming On The Inside

Hey, welcome back, i'm stressed, overwhelmed and ready to drive off a cliff (not literally). So I don't mean to be so melodramatic, but I haven't been able to do any work today at all. At the moment, I don't think i'm going to perform well at all anymore, well at least in some subjects. For me i'll do decent on my ATAR, but no where near the goal that I originally intended. I'm not even aiming as high as others on the forum. This has just got me into a sour mood, and it's making it hard to do any work when I feel like it's all for nothing. For now, i'm just going to continue on doing my best, but unfortunately I don't think my best will be enough.

English
Honestly, after my shitastic result for my first SAC, and the fact that unit 3 is now worth 30%, I feel so hopeless to my score. I think i'll be able to get over 35, but who knows about my OG score of 40+. This is so upsetting to me, especially since unit 4 is only worth 20%, and that the oral is cut. That means the my unit 4 score is essentially coming down to one SAC, the comparative. I don't mind the oral as I have alot more freedom to do what I want, which is why I think I will also do well in the creative. This week I am still practicing for the text response to Nine Days next Thursday. I am rereading Nine Days, which I am so happy I am doing, but I haven't even started like a house on fire, which I start work on next week. Once again, I feel so much pressure to do well on this text response SAC, and i have not idea how I will go. I don't trust my teachers feedback anymore, as he said I would get a good mark for my last SAC, but I think his definition of a good mark and mine are very different. Anyway, I will breakdown another topic tonight and write an essay tomorrow. I plan to write 2-3 more essays before the SAC.

Chemistry
Fuckkkkkkk. So, I still haven't got my other SAC results back, but i'm sure it's not going to be over 85%, and since unit three is now worth 20%, I am pissed and scared. My next SAC is 2 weeks away, and it has been moved online. I am terrified of this! How the hell am I suppose to write out chemical equations, stoichometry, and general chem stuff ONLINE! Also my internet drops out every 5 seconds, so yay for me I guess. I am also quite angry over what they cut from unit 4. They could have just cut the practical stuff all together, but noooo, they cut out so much food chem! That was what I was looking forward to the most. It just makes me disappointed and lost. I feel like my 40+ dreams are gone, and I can only hope that I go well on my next SACs and exam. In other news, unit four will technically start early but it won't. I don't know what's going on there.

Methods
........ Guess who's terrified! Me! So, my ONLY unit 3 SAC, which is next week is now worth 22% of my study score. That's an exam. I haven't even studied for it, I think the course is crap, the teacher is very lazy, and this all makes me want to curl into a ball and cry. AHHH. Good news though, is that i'm pretty happy about the cuts to unit 4. All of that stuff is what I hated and wasn't amazing at, so that is certainly going to make my future self's life easier. small wins!
I'm going to try do a bit of most of the chapters everyday, then move onto the application parts of the textbook.
In case you don't believe me on how bad the course is:
- we haven't used our textbook once.
- Every other subject of mine has a weekly online lesson, methods has one every 3 months.
- We skip over important stuff
-There is more, but just some of the things that have kinda gone wrong.
I completely understand why so many get tutoring for this subject, when it feels like you aren;t been taught at all :(

Food Studies
The only subject going well that isn't all dome and gloom. So to end on a positive note, i'm happy to over what they have cut from food. A little down about removing food labeling, but what can you do. Food studies unit 3 is now worth 35% and unit 4 25%. Since I have full marks for food, i'm not as worried as I am for the other subjects. In how it's going, i'm not going to lie this is a bit of a change for me. Normally I have always been a science person and have known how to study for this, but the later half of unit three, and unit 4 are all a mix of psych, business, marketing, humanities and english, it's weird. I don't really know how to study for this subject, but it looks like i'll try stick to using quizlet, as there are really no questions that I can use for practice, so it is a bit hard to study for.... I can't really use the textbook outside of knowledge on the course, as it has questions with no answers.... hmmmm.


In other news, my new plants are doing well! I have one in the corner, and one on top of my bookshelf. I treated myself to reading a book! I'm currently reading Aurora Burning by Jay Kristof and Amie something.. I now have 101 hours, and will continue to keep building that up so when restrictions are lifted i can get my P's. It has been announced unit three will end on the 26th of June... But i'll likely finish early, e.g by early June, so i'll start unit 4 for my other subjects, and solidifying unit 3 of methods, as I have so much catch up work to do with the textbook!
To end on a high note with this pretty depressing post, I have had an amazing birthday! Once again thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, and I enjoyed my first week of being an official old person!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ThunderDragon on May 01, 2020, 08:44:46 pm
Hey don't worry about English and Chem marks too much. I stuffed up my Chem Sac (probs 60% hasn't been cross marked yet so don't know actual score) and as much as that sucks, I still am aiming for a 40 and I'm going to start trying harder for my next Sac.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 01, 2020, 10:52:12 pm
Hey don't worry about English and Chem marks too much. I stuffed up my Chem Sac (probs 60% hasn't been cross marked yet so don't know actual score) and as much as that sucks, I still am aiming for a 40 and I'm going to start trying harder for my next Sac.

I'm trying to have the mindset at the moment, but it is quite tough to keep thinking like that! I am still aiming for a 40 for both, I just have to cross my fingers that I can nail the exam to boost my SAC scores.

I hope your chem marks come back and they are better than you expect!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: brothanathan on May 02, 2020, 12:37:44 pm
Congrats on those great guns in Food Studies Geoo!! 😎

Don't ever let it slip away from you. You just never know what might happen nowadays.

Keeping hanging in there! I know some VSV teachers make themselves available during lunch hours, an hour or two after lunch or an hour after their final class of the day. If for some reason your Methods teacher isn't that type, and isn't dedicated... I'd suggest the unfortunate naggg + your concerns if they're still unconvinced
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mi-xao-14 on May 02, 2020, 12:42:35 pm
Update - 27/04/2020 - OMG I'm Legal

This update marks the one year anniversary + a day, since I started this journal. I normally never stick to something for this long, so I am really proud that I have continuously updated this journal for an entire year. Thank you to everyone who has replied and read this journal, your support has meant so much to me. I'll try keep this update not too long.

The biggest thing this week, is that today I turn 18. I can't believe i'm legal now, and I find it funny that yesterday I don't have the new rights I do today. Also, when is that grown up button going to switch on, I have been waiting all day for it. It was a bit of a different birthday this year with covid and what not, but I got to celebrate with my family. I woke up to some ballons and confetti on the floor, and my mum got me some plants for my room. I think she saw that I keep one alive for so long, that she trusts me with a bigger plant. I then got surprised to go to my local bakery, where they made me some of my favourite macaroons, which was awesome. I then got to go and test drive two cars i'm interested in (once they open driving tests again...) , and went to bunnings to get a watering can for the new plants. I got some lovely messages from my family wishing me a happy birthday, and it really made my day. It may be a different type of 18th, but it was amazing. I'm going to be facetiming a friend tonight, and my neighbor brought over my first alcoholic drink which she described as "adult cordial," if this doesn't say i'm 18 I don't know what does.

To school based news, I got my part two food studies SAC results back and my english SAC (finally it took 2 months...). I was really worried for my food studies SAC, as I approached it a different way, but it ended up getting full marks! I was over the moon, and I really think this solidifies that this subject is going to be my highest scorer! Now, today I got my long awaited english results for my language analysis SAC, and I fucked it. 28/40. 70%. I cried. I worked so hard to try and do well, I sent in 4 extra essays, talked with the teacher and everything and ended up with this! For fucks sake. I tried to not let it get to me, as it is my birthday, but it made me so frustrated. It's not a great motivator, as I have the text response SAC this week, which I have only sent in one essay for, but ahhhhh.
I hate english, I don't see a point to it. I wonder, the teachers go on and on about the authors intent, with themes and characters, but what if THEY HAD NO INTENT. What if they just wanted to write a story for the enjoyment of reading, all for it to be torn apart for an essay. I love reading, it's an escape or an educational experience, but English just destroys it...

To finish off, we have moved onto area of study two for both chem and FS. FS is different for me, as it has become more of a business/marketing type of subject which i'm not use too. And chem is going alright, I think the equilibrium stuff is the hardest topic to grasp concept wise, but I believe that it is the VSV course that is making learning so difficult, especially when you get an error like this.
(https://i.imgur.com/LTzMemO.png)
Till next time!

Sorry for the late wish, but happy late birthday Geo!!!! Damn, sucks to spend your birthday during quarantine, but dw, cuz it'll happen to me as well, so we're in this together hahah. I gotta admit that I haven't read much of your journal entry, but I wish you good luck with Yr 12 this year, and I'm confident that you'll get through this tough year!!!! I am aware that you were devastated about your SAC score/s, but I hope that you've moved on, and you'll be able to compensate them with your other SACs.

From mi-xao-14

EDIT: Grats to you for your amazing FS SAC score!!!!!! Good luck with your other SAC scores, and I hope that you've done better than you've anticipated. Ik it's terrifying, but at the end of the day, what matters the most is your effort. If you tried your best, there's no need to be sorry about it, even to your silly mistakes (ig you can feel sorry about your silly errors a bit, but hey, you can use that experience to prepare for your next SACs).
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 03, 2020, 07:06:33 pm
Congrats on those great guns in Food Studies Geoo!! 😎
Don't ever let it slip away from you. You just never know what might happen nowadays.
Keeping hanging in there! I know some VSV teachers make themselves available during lunch hours, an hour or two after lunch or an hour after their final class of the day. If for some reason your Methods teacher isn't that type, and isn't dedicated... I'd suggest the unfortunate naggg + your concerns if they're still unconvinced
Thank you!! Who knows what will happen with food but as you said ill hope for the best!
It's really hard with my teacher. She's really disinterested (she kind of scares me not going to lie) and when I do ask for help, it's not helpful. I think that it is really hard to answer maths questions via email, or even on a phone call, as I can't see any workings out or anything. I'll keep trying to email her, but with the current situation we can't really call our teachers at the moment!
I will keep trying to nagg, but I really need face to face help.. I'm just so frustrated! But thanks for your advice, I may even try contact the schools higher ups.

Sorry for the late wish, but happy late birthday Geo!!!! Damn, sucks to spend your birthday during quarantine, but dw, cuz it'll happen to me as well, so we're in this together hahah. I gotta admit that I haven't read much of your journal entry, but I wish you good luck with Yr 12 this year, and I'm confident that you'll get through this tough year!!!! I am aware that you were devastated about your SAC score/s, but I hope that you've moved on, and you'll be able to compensate them with your other SACs.
From mi-xao-14
EDIT: Grats to you for your amazing FS SAC score!!!!!! Good luck with your other SAC scores, and I hope that you've done better than you've anticipated. Ik it's terrifying, but at the end of the day, what matters the most is your effort. If you tried your best, there's no need to be sorry about it, even to your silly mistakes (ig you can feel sorry about your silly errors a bit, but hey, you can use that experience to prepare for your next SACs).
Aww thanks for the belated birthday wish, it will certainly be an interesting year for 18th birthdays, do you have any idea what you are going to do for yours whilst stuck in this quarantine? Not going to lie, it was tough to move on, but there really is no point wasting my time thinking about the SAC marks, I just have to improve for me next SACs! I also hope that you have a great year 12 too! I have had a bit of a read of your journal, and it's awesome to hear how your year 12 journey is going. I noticed your avatar is from my hero academia, I haven't watch that show after the third season since I have been so busy  but it really was an awesome show. Do you find yourself still watching anime alot?
Thank you for your kind words, it has really cheered me up to read them after a tough weekend (methods i'm looking at you).
Enjoy your week!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 08, 2020, 08:45:59 pm
Update - 08/05/2020

Hey guys! I'm feeling alot better this week which has been great. It hasn't been super productive but I have been doing things. There have been alot of changes going on with school that make me a little concerned, but i'm trying not to think about them too much. I feel a little more tired this week then normal, but I think that is due to going on a few more walks this week. I have to say, the whether has not be fantastic for walking, but I have tried to find the warmest coat I own, and just go for it. Although I really need to find my beanie again, otherwise my ears may fall off, and I need those... Also I have decided that VCE isn't safe anymore, I got a papercut, and I will personally hold VCAA responsible, is there a work safe equivalent for school?

English
The thing I look forward to most this year, is walking out of the exam never having to do another essay again. I am so tired of english, I despise this subject with all of my being. I will say though that I did enjoy one of my texts which is a rare thing, but i'm not looking forward to reading the next book. This week means that I don't have to do another text response for a while! Woohoo! I think it went pretty decent, I regret not making my contention a bit stronger, but I can't change it now. I'm hoping for a 75+, which would be an improvement from my last SAC, but i'm not aiming too high to get my hopes up. I found out from my teacher that my cohort really struggled in the last SAC, so that makes me a little more relieved. Anyway, it is now time for the creative! I am normally pretty happy with doing a creative as I like creative writing, but the book so far is really boring, so will see how we go.

Chemistry
If you have been on the forums, i'm sure you would have seen my chemistry answers fiasco, which has been the most annoying part of my week. How does my teacher expect me to study if I don't have correct answers to work with?? Well the practice online SAC is next week for rates of reaction and equilibrium. I"m feeling decently confident, but my teacher is going to make 1/4 of the SAC experimental design, which I really struggle with. I don't know if it is just me, but I have found the experimental design in chem a little different from bio, but then again it may just be how my teacher marks it. I have been enjoying AOS 2, and I can't wait to get this SAC out of the way which is in two weeks time. I'm going to try do some checkpoints, and the AOS review chapter questions in the textbook, as well as go over experimental design, if any one has any tips or resources on this, please feel free to comment.

Food Studies
A little behind in this subject. I wasn't able to complete my notes on chapter 8 this week, so i'll try catch up soon. However, this subject is so light at the moment that it provides a nice break. The one things that has been a bit startling, is how english/ business/ marketing/ psychology this subject has become. It really has a bit of everything. I have just two more weeks before the SAC, and since unit 3 will end early if I keep up to date, then I get a five week break, as the teachers need to reorganise unit 4!

Methods
.......  I'll try not to be as negative as I was in my last post, but I have kind of accepted defeat. I am still studying for the SAC (although not as much as I like), and have even changed textbooks. I found that jacaranda just jumped straight into the hard stuff without enough background, so I tried Cambridge and I found they had alot more lead up which is great! I really have alot to catch up on in terms of skills, and my SAC is technically over two weeks (including this week), but I am going to ask for an extension. It will be hard, but I hope I can just scrape a pass, so i'm aiming for 50 -60%.


That's about it for the time being. My journal will be filled with ups and downs, but for now i'm going through a bit of an up. I am still reading Aurora Burning which has been great so far, and I will start reading like a house on fire for english. Catching up with friends via  skype and zoom has been cool, and I think I may find my motivation soon, I think my neighbour stole it.
Two things before I stop, I think in the future I want a bernese mountain dog, OMG they are so big and adorable!!! Also I am so ready for uni, I can't wait to study what I actually want. Going through uni courses and having a look at what they offer just makes me want to start now. Also, I miss bio.... Come back unit 3!!!
That's it for now, till next time!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: lm21074 on May 08, 2020, 10:35:51 pm
Hey Geoo!

Just wanted pop in with this doggo:
open me
A Bernese Mountain Dog! (https://i.imgur.com/3PONlse.jpg)

Awesome job for going on walks (especially with the cold weather we've been having brrr) :)

I hope that you find the equivalent of WorkSafe for VCE and that they can put a stop to papercuts due to unsafe working conditions! ;D






P.S. I was thinking of switching to the Cambridge book for Methods too! Could you please let me know how it goes? :)

P.P.S. Revision, SACs and exams are temporary. Thank goodness VCE doesn't last forever. Not too long until you start uni! You've got this, Geoo! :)

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on May 09, 2020, 06:37:23 am
Hi Geoo!
Yes, thanks for the update! It's so good that you're feeling positive right now and hopefully the paper cut isn't too painful! Congratulations on finishing another english sac (massive achievement, you should be proud!)

Good luck for methods and your other subjects. It's great that you are finding the Cambridge textbook easier to work with.

Food Studies
A little behind in this subject. I wasn't able to complete my notes on chapter 8 this week, so i'll try catch up soon. However, this subject is so light at the moment that it provides a nice break. The one things that has been a bit startling, is how english/ business/ marketing/ psychology this subject has become. It really has a bit of everything. I have just two more weeks before the SAC, and since unit 3 will end early if I keep up to date, then I get a five week break, as the teachers need to reorganise unit 4!
This is fantastic! (5 week break wow!) Do you do a lot of cooking for food studies (and do you have a favourite dish to cook?)
Have an awesome weekend!  8)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 09, 2020, 06:06:56 pm
Hey Geoo!
Just wanted pop in with this doggo:
Awesome job for going on walks (especially with the cold weather we've been having brrr) :)
I hope that you find the equivalent of WorkSafe for VCE and that they can put a stop to papercuts due to unsafe working conditions! ;D
P.S. I was thinking of switching to the Cambridge book for Methods too! Could you please let me know how it goes? :)
P.P.S. Revision, SACs and exams are temporary. Thank goodness VCE doesn't last forever. Not too long until you start uni! You've got this, Geoo! :)
Aren't they cute!!!!! I have only just starting using the cambridge so I will definitely tell you later once I have used it a bit more. However, so far I have found it to be alot better than the Jac one. It provides more examples, and (depending on your maths skills if you like this aspect or not) it provides some easier "lead up" sums that can help alot when preparing to move on to the harder stuff. For example, my basic differentiation skills are very lacking, and I found that the Jac jumped straight into the product rule, and since I didn't have those basics I couldn't do anything. Where as the Cambridge had so much more lead up questions and info that hopefully by the time I get to the product rule stuff i'll be okay :)

I can cheer to that, thank goodness VCE doesn't last forever, I think everyone one would go crazy if they did! Thanks for your encouragement!!
Hi Geoo!
Yes, thanks for the update! It's so good that you're feeling positive right now and hopefully the paper cut isn't too painful! Congratulations on finishing another english sac (massive achievement, you should be proud!)

Good luck for methods and your other subjects. It's great that you are finding the Cambridge textbook easier to work with.
This is fantastic! (5 week break wow!) Do you do a lot of cooking for food studies (and do you have a favourite dish to cook?)
Have an awesome weekend!  8)
Hey Choco! The papercut wasn't too bad, and I got it from my english book nine days, maybe the universe it trying to tell me english is dangerous? I'm so happy that another english SAC is out of the way, and I amd quite proud of it so hopefully it goes okay. 2 english SACs down, only 3 more to go for the year yay!
Thanks for the good luck, I need everything I can take at the moment! When I heard that we will get a five week break, I was over the moon,  and I couldn't believe it to be honest! Hmmm, I cook for food studies every second week roughly. Sometimes it is more, other times it's less. It's not always cooking either, it may be taste tests, science experiments or actually cooking a dish. Some of the stuff that I have done for food can be found on the food studies showcase thread here if you want to check it out.
I think my favourite dish to cook would have to be either chocolate chip biscuits, doughnuts, special fried rice and cake (banana or chocolate) I can't really decide,  :D. What about you, do you cook often? Have a great week too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on May 09, 2020, 07:11:09 pm
Hmmm, I cook for food studies every second week roughly. Sometimes it is more, other times it's less. It's not always cooking either, it may be taste tests, science experiments or actually cooking a dish. Some of the stuff that I have done for food can be found on the food studies showcase thread here if you want to check it out.
I think my favourite dish to cook would have to be either chocolate chip biscuits, doughnuts, special fried rice and cake (banana or chocolate) I can't really decide,  :D. What about you, do you cook often? Have a great week too!
Wow, I had a look at the thread and the donuts look incredibly delicious! Unfortunately my cooking skills are pretty non-existant and I can't really do more than follow a simple recipe. Although, we love watching Masterchef at my house!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 15, 2020, 01:06:23 pm
Update - 15/05/2020

This week on what does Geoo have to complain about now, online SACs! Woohooo.
So, there isn't too much to update on this week, aside from that i'm going a little insane at the moment with the amount of work that needs to be done. I feel like there is so much to do, but nothing at all. It's weird. What I mean by this, is that there is alot of prep work I need to do, but no actual submission work, so the workload is self inflicted, which doesn't make it feel as "important." I don't know if I explained that right, but I think you'll get the jist of it. Before I get into what actually happened this week, I though i'd tell you guys about my procrastination adventures!

So, I got thinking during the week on how when my parents got their year twelve education, it was called the HSC. This was in victoria in the 1980's. This lead me down a rabbit whole of trying to find old exams from the 1980's, but I ended up finding ones from the 1930's in what year 12 was called: Matriculation. That was interesting! But, did you guys know it has only been VCE since 1991, it has had many names before that so go figure. Okay, I also went down a soap making hole. I have no interest in making soap, but I got trapped in the chemistry stuff first (lye scares me), then I got into all the amazing soap designs. Finally in my procrastination adventures, I got heavily invested on learning about the american revolution. Very interesting (i mean Australian history is kinda boring compared to countries that have been around longer) compared to Australian history, which I have only studied the emu war. After that it was onto the american civil war, and that was even more fascinating to dive into. So yeah, you can see why I didn't get much done this week.

English
Good news first, I am now all caught up to date, which is such an awesome feeling. It was just some questions on Like a House on Fire in preparation for the creative SAC in two weeks. Now, I despise like a house on fire. I'm not even reading the whole thing as the creative is only on one short story of our choosing. I got up to around 120 pages and called it quits. Look, I can recognise the great literary devices and what not, her story telling techniques are great, but what in the world was VCAA thinking giving this book to year 12 students? I mean, I'm going to have to write in the perspective of a depressed and abused housewife who is over the age of 45. This book contains content that is so depressing and hopeless. I just felt really sad reading every story, and it just never ended. It's like Kennedy doesn't know what happiness is. 100% choosing Nine Days for the text response in the exam, I hate this book with a passion. AnYwAy, I am looking forward to the creative, I think it will be my highest scorer for english. I have always loved creative writing, so at least I will enjoy it.

Methods
I have done one question of the SAC. I'm not going to lie, it is quite hard. I can recognise some things, but it is really difficult for me. I have an extra week as I was granted an extension, so I have till the 29th of May. I am really just hoping for over 50%, but I really am quite terrified. The good news though, is that I can still get an S for the unit even if I screw up the SAC  ;) dying on the inside
Also, in dumb errors this week, I managed to forget, that if you are given points on a graph, that X value in that point doesn't have to be the same as the X intercept. Gosh i'm dumb.

Food Studies
I have no clue how to study for the upcoming SAC in a week. Earlier this week I spoke to my teacher on giving me some past questions from last years SACs which she gave me, and I will use them quite a bit. FS is weird to study for, as there is practically no external resources outside your textbook and teacher. Checkpoints is weird for this subject compared to others, the answers are just so vague, and they can contradict what my teacher and textbook say, so thats fun to work with. The content has been interesting, but it has become a humanities subject now, and as a science kid I don't know how to study for it. I am having to learn new techniques and am rote learning for the first time. I have normally always understood what I was doing, then applied it through questions and it just stuck, since there are no questions, and i'm not really learning concepts, I have to bring out the flash cards again.

Chemistry
Okay, this subject feels like if someone stuffed a bunch of gas in a container, and didn't realise the pressure was already to high, and everything just ended up exploding because a person with a match stick came along. I'll jump to the point, my chem SAC is next week, and it's online...... I did the practice online SAC, which I only lost three marks for (they were really dumb. I didn't put a unit after Qc, I placed the wrong unit after one K value, and I also didn't say Significantly when describing the intensity of the red colour going down after dilution) which was great. However, I really don't like the online format, this may just be me, but I have always liked to highlight important information and key words as it makes it easier for me to understand what I need to do. I am an awful speller when it comes to online. There is no spell check in the SAC, so I don't even know if that is going to be readable. I really don't like it being online, but what am I going to do :(. Anyway, I will probably do a little more practice, as I need to get my wording a little better (oh, I have been spelling equilibrium wrong this whole time as equailibrium) and just feel more confident in some experimental design parts because why do I have to write a hypothesis in a test that isn't based on and experiment ahhhh. So yeah, on top of rate of reaction and equilibrium  and I need to study up on errors, accuracy..... you science nerds get the point.
On top of this, we are doing chapter 9, just going through electrolysis, and after next week if we are all up to date, we get a week off before we start the month long poster SAC in June.

Thanks for reading that word vomit, and enjoy the weekend guys!
(also, my mini plant isn't doing to well, I believe that since I have had the heater on too much, it has dried out the soil. I need to water it a bit more to revive it.)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on May 15, 2020, 03:23:18 pm
Haha I love your procrastination, it's a lot more interesting than mine. Some interesting Australian history you could listen to is the podcast "The Eleventh" which I found kinda interesting.

 
Update - 15/05/2020
Now, I despise like a house on fire. I'm not even reading the whole thing as the creative is only on one short story of our choosing. I got up to around 120 pages and called it quits. Look, I can recognise the great literary devices and what not, her story telling techniques are great, but what in the world was VCAA thinking giving this book to year 12 students? I mean, I'm going to have to write in the perspective of a depressed and abused housewife who is over the age of 45. This book contains content that is so depressing and hopeless. I just felt really sad reading every story, and it just never ended. It's like Kennedy doesn't know what happiness is.
Wow if this isn't relatable, I totally agree! The stories are so depressing and whilst I can understand the cleverness and the skill required to the stories, they have no link to my life whatsoever. At least once you do your creative you can leave it in the dust.

Good luck for all your SACs (and to your mini-plant). It sucks about the chemistry being online but losing only three marks is fantastic!

Thanks for the update  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 22, 2020, 11:39:51 am
Update - 22/05/2020 - Chem SAC

So..... my second chem SAC happened yesterday, and I don't know how to feel about it. Being the negative nancy that I am, be prepared for a little bit of a rant because of course something had to go wrong, but you can read about that down below.
I'm so ready for the next holidays to come.. I think we are in week 7 next week, but I just want a break. I'm tired and a little burnt out right now, and it's really affecting me. For the first time since the beginning of the year I took 3 straight days off from friday to sunday last weekend, I was just that tired. To be fair though, I did manage to injure my back on Friday, so in a sense my body was forcing me to rest. I'm happy that I took the time off (I watched all of the first season of outer banks.... woops) but I have so many SACs coming up that I really didn't have the time to take it off. Oh well it's happened now, I just have to keep moving on.

I'm not to sure how to feel with the exams being moved back to November. In one aspect, I don't mind as it gets this VCE shenanigans over quicker, but I really did like that we were going to get extra time for exam practice. My school finishes really late I think early term 4, even with the content cuts, so that will be less time.... I'm just going to have to start getting ahead alot quicker so that I have the time to fit in more practice exams.

English
When ever I talk about this subject I feel like a grumpy toddler having a temper tantrum. I don't mean to come across like that, but I'm so over it... We have the creative next week and I still have to write my draft for it. I'm going against the grain and not choosing one of the recommended stories and going with "like a house on fire" the short story, not the book. Claire's thoughts are my worst nightmare, and I feel I could run with that alot better than some of the other perspectives given. Just learning about how I will do this creative has done my head in, because apparently everything I new about it is wrong... I really like to write in inner monologues, but my teachers told me i'll get marked down for that... great. Anyway I'm feeling more confident about this SAC than the others as I normally thrive on creative writing. This SAC does feel a bit odd though. Normally we get a topic and write an essay for it under timed conditions. This time we are going to pre write our draft, get teachers feedback, take this draft into the "SAC" room and rewrite it under a time limit.... odd, but okay. My teacher is away at the moment, so I can't really get any feedback so I have a feeling i'll get an extension. But essentially after this SAC (next week) I have no more english work until term 3 starts. This will be great as i'll have a little break, but i'll use that time to do more practice essays for the exam, I need to revisit my nemesis language analysis....

Methods
I haven't done much of the application SAC as I had to focus on my chem SAC that had a deadline at 4.00 today, so yeah.... I have under a week to get this sent in, and it's not looking good. The funny thing is, I don't actually hate maths. I just only like maths when I get it, and when it's taught to me properly. That's been the most disappointing about this subject, how it's taught. Anyway enough about that, I hope to scrape a pass for this SAC, or at least 45%+, if I get higher than that i'm having a mini party. After the SAC i'll have a little catchup work to do, but what i'll focus on is just going over the Cambridge textbook from the earlier chapters. I don't think i'll ever open up the Jac one again... This subject will be alot of work, but I hope if I just practice alot more and get some exposure that i'll get alot better at it, or better enough to get 25+, so i'm hopping the exams will save me...

Food Studies
I'm done with unit 3 content!!!! YAY! I have two SACs now next week and the week after that. One is going to be and open book practical task, and the other a closed book test. Feeling a little uncomfortable about the SAC as this AOS has been very humanities based, and that freaks me out. I'm going to have to devise a new way to study for it, as it's very different from my science subjects. But once I have done the SACs, no more work for all of term 2! So i'll get a sweet 4-5 week break!

Chemistry
Rant Alert
So this was my first online SAC, and I hated it. It took me longer to think about what the questions were asking me, I couldn't annotate so I found the temperatures questions harder than normal as I couldn't draw my arrows, some questions were so bizarre, had missing info, and others left me feeling pissed off. The chem teachers are really great, but the SACs we have to do are so poorly put together that it has kind of put me off the subject. I love chem, but I just sat there numb after the SAC. I believe I performed better than on the last SAC, but there were a few questions where there was info missing, or just didn't make sense to read.....
For example, there was a question asking me to explain an equilibrium position shift (after changing the concentration of one reactant) change using collision theory... Um what. Collision theory isn't really used to explain how the position of equilibrium changes... So I just explained them separately, implying that adding extra reactant would increase the rate of reaction. They also wanted me to plot a concentration graph on the rates of reactions, however, they were asking about the HCL concentration when they gave a chemical equation that didn't have HCL on it..... Also, we were asked to interpret some data (because the teachers made half the SAC experimental design for some reason), but they missed the labeling of the other two lines, so we didn't know what flask it was that had a higher rate of reaction. So I had to say, "the blue line, which I believe is flask 3" and so on.
Honestly this subject has been a bit of a mess. I would rather do a VCAA chem exam than another Chem SAC. It leaves me angry as I feel like my study score has gone done the drain, in my best subject no less. On the bright side, unit 3 is done know, just one more activity that should take about an and then onto unit 4. It's poster SAC time, and guess what, it's all online, has be readjusted by my teachers (just like the first SAC was) and using second hand data. That was sarcastic if you couldn't get my meaning in how "excited" I am for it.
(also this is my fault, but due to shaking hands, I wrote the aqueous aq symbol as ap.... hope I don't get marked down for that).

Well that's it for now fokes, i'm holding on for now, but I really don't like how my last year of highschool has gone so far.
Oh and if my ATAR sucks i'm going to run away to pastry school.
Haha I love your procrastination, it's a lot more interesting than mine. Some interesting Australian history you could listen to is the podcast "The Eleventh" which I found kinda interesting.
Wow if this isn't relatable, I totally agree! The stories are so depressing and whilst I can understand the cleverness and the skill required to the stories, they have no link to my life whatsoever. At least once you do your creative you can leave it in the dust.
Good luck for all your SACs (and to your mini-plant). It sucks about the chemistry being online but losing only three marks is fantastic!
Thanks for the update  ;D
YAY someone else that feels the same way about like a house on fire! It really is  a well crafted book, but the material is so unrelatedable to alot of people's lives. As soon as my creative is done, it's going in the bin. Thanks for the good luck, and thanks for you support, it's really nice to read :).
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 22, 2020, 12:14:10 pm
(I watched all of the first season of outer banks.... woops)

I finished it all in one day as well, so I guess we have some serious issues we need to address 😂

Well, that's it, for now, folks, I'm holding on for now, but I really don't like how my last year of high school has gone so far.
Oh and if my ATAR sucks I'm going to run away to pastry school.

Yeah, I will gladly join you! (I love cooking/baking)
But your ATAR won't suck cause your gonna smash the exams  ;)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 22, 2020, 09:25:30 pm
I finished it all in one day as well, so I guess we have some serious issues we need to address 😂

Yeah, I will gladly join you! (I love cooking/baking)
But your ATAR won't suck cause your gonna smash the exams  ;)
It is really so addictive so I don't blame you!!! I was watching it was family so I had to pace it over three days since others needed to do stuff.  Thanks for you confidence in me!!! I'm not a big cooker, but I love to bake and have kind been considering doing a certificate 3 in pastry! What do you like to bake?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 23, 2020, 11:44:12 am
It is really so addictive so I don't blame you!!! I was watching it was family so I had to pace it over three days since others needed to do stuff.  Thanks for you confidence in me!!! I'm not a big cooker, but I love to bake and have kind been considering doing a certificate 3 in pastry! What do you like to bake?

Yeah, I'm not a huge cook either but I love to make desserts.
My favourite things to bake are sticky date pudding, cookies, BROWNIES, scones and all different types of cake. Although  I haven't been able to bake anything during iso cause our oven broke  :( lol.
What do u like to bake?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 29, 2020, 01:38:47 pm
29/05/2020 - Update -

I don't know why I have been updating this so consistently over the last month, but here goes another update. Nothing has really happened of late, I have been bogged down in SACs, but I have been given quite a few extensions to get things done. I have reached the mid point slump of my VCE, it's that time where motivation is at an all time low, yet SACs and assessments are everywhere...

English
I have never been so angry in such a long time. So I have my creative next week on Friday, and I had to write a draft. I sent this draft to both my english teacher and tutor, and guess what, they both have contradicting opinions on it, go figure. One person loved aspects of my piece, yet the english teacher thought they weren't necessary and that I drag on quite a bit. I was too descriptive yet not descriptive enough, I had too many actions, yet need more at the same time and the list goes on and on. I'm so over it. This will be my last SAC of unit 3, which I hoped would redeem my low marks, but it doesn't seem like it anymore. I love creative writing, but this SAC (which I scored really high in last year) is making me just so frustrated. Cya later a 38+ in english, i'd be lucky to get over 35.

Chem
I have the week of this week, which has been really nice. Not much to say on this subject. Over the next 4 weeks is our poster SAC, which has not only been done weirdly, but it's also under exam conditions.... This doesn't make sense to me, as when I did other science posters at a VCE level, none of them where under exam conditions. What trickery is this!!!! just like english i'm so mad at how this course has gone.....

Methods
Well here is some good ish news. I have been able to answer pretty much all but 1 question on the application SAC!!!!! Do I know if any of it is right, nope, am I annoyed I have to go back plug my formulas into my CAS and take a picture of it to show I can use my CAS, yes, am I still slightly scared I won't get 50%, absolutely, but the thing is I did more than I thought I could. I'm hoping for over 50%, but I put "the range" for 30-60%, it's wide but I really don't know how I went. Now, for the next torturess months, I am starting from chapter 1 of the cambridge textbook, and just doing sum after sum in hopes of getting a 25!

Food Studies
I was suppose to do my SAC this week, but life happened, and I now have an extension.

So, I may or may not of ever read harry potter before.... Which is why I bought the first book to read on the holidays as a way of cheering myself up. I also had the opportunity to attend the monash webinar for the pharmsci and pharmacy courses this week. It was really awesome to see what they had to offer, and it really puts me into the hard position of a BSci or a BPharmSci. I have ruled biomed out and engineering (I learnt you couldn't use calculators in uni maths, so no thankyou), and I still need to consider location, future interests, jobs, and if that is something I want to do. With a BSci at monash, it's alot closer to where I live (1.10 hours away), I can do a diploma of language on the side, there are two majors I can do at the same time, and I can apply to postgrad med. However, the BPharmsci it alot further away (1.45 hours), I like the smaller campus and cohort, there isn't any flexibility, I can't do a diploma of language (unless I wanted to do the commute), there is so much more emphasis on lab stuff which I am on the fence about, but the main thing is that it has the great combo of chem and bio (can't do post grad med after aswell). So much to think about, but I have plenty of time left to decide.
Yeah, I'm not a huge cook either but I love to make desserts.
My favourite things to bake are sticky date pudding, cookies, BROWNIES, scones and all different types of cake. Although  I haven't been able to bake anything during iso cause our oven broke  :( lol.
What do u like to bake?
Sorry for the late reply! Yes sticky date pudding is the BEST! I love to bake tea cakes, also chocolate cake, biscuits, pastries, bread, brownies, and I haven't made them in a while but cupcakes are great too. That's so sad that your oven broke! I hope it get's fixed soon!
Spoiler
Aside with the mid slump motivation kicking in, I find it hard to keep myself motivated when I have been putting in so much effort without anything to show for it. I keep working hard/smart, doing practice questions and essays, being in touch with teachers, teaching others, reading the books twice, revision etc. Yet, I am not improving, my marks have been slipping, and I am finding it so hard to keep going. I have no cohort to help me up, the changes that have been made to the online courses have really be screwing me over, and it feels like my goals are no longer achievable. My worst scores will still get me in the mid to high 80's, which will be enough I need for the courses i'm looking at, but this isn't what I envisioned. Sorry to be a bit of a debbie downer again, :(
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: brothanathan on May 29, 2020, 07:21:49 pm
29/05/2020 - Update -

English
I have never been so angry in such a long time. So I have my creative next week on Friday, and I had to write a draft. I sent this draft to both my english teacher and tutor, and guess what, they both have contradicting opinions on it, go figure. One person loved aspects of my piece, yet the english teacher thought they weren't necessary and that I drag on quite a bit. I was too descriptive yet not descriptive enough, I had too many actions, yet need more at the same time and the list goes on and on. I'm so over it. This will be my last SAC of unit 3, which I hoped would redeem my low marks, but it doesn't seem like it anymore. I love creative writing, but this SAC (which I scored really high in last year) is making me just so frustrated. Cya later a 38+ in english, i'd be lucky to get over 35.


It's not a cya Geoo, but just a testament to how the exam is gonna be. Some examiners spend hours debating over the minuscule of things. That's just how it is with many things, there's no definite interpretation. Everyone has their own subjective opinion. If you have access to a few different rubrics (related to your specific piece), it would be awesome to compare what they're looking for and see what their main criteria are. If not, compare the feedback given by your English teacher and tutor to see what their overall stances are towards your piece. Once you have derived that from their feedback, it would be handy to have a range of high-scoring pieces (which you find on the web for free) with markings. Once you've finished collecting some, put your teacher hat on and analyse if they met all or some of the specific requirements your teacher and tutor had, and jot down how they did it.

Now you might wonder, what happens to the requirements that the high-scoring pieces didn't meet? Sometimes it's good to go back to basics and fill in some  gaps we may have unknowingly, hindering us from being able to interpret the advice given. A gem I would recommend for creative writing is Lajos Egri's "Art of Creative Writing".

Once the learning and re-learning process is complete, try re-writing your creative piece with the relevant adjustments and implementations. It's expected that even after doing all this, there's still something to refine. The feedback you receive from your drafts are invaluable, and the process of trying to improve your work, not only brings motivation but inevitably boosts your ambitions.

Edit: Specifically for SACs, defo stick with your teacher's advice.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on May 29, 2020, 07:53:22 pm
Hey Geoo! Nice to see an update!
With your feedback from your english teacher and tutor, it really sucks that their advice is so contrasting (proves just how subjective creative pieces are). Ultimately, you really should go with what your teacher is thinking, as she is the one marking your piece.

It sucks about the changes to online learning and the difficulties that you've had to face. Just keep at it! You are a hard worker and whilst you may not see it in your marks (and this is the worst feeling, I understand), it will pay off in so many other ways.
You've got this  8)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on May 30, 2020, 05:24:20 pm
-snip
100%. I think that is what bothers me the most about English though, it's subjectivity. There are just to many variables, what some teachers like vs others, and I believe it just ruins the entire subject. There are thousands of books published each year, yet some subjectivity "terrible" books still make it, whilst some literary masterpiece's get locked in a publishing house dungeon. For someone to put a limit on something as subjective as creativity is what I believe to be just so painful.

Thanks for you feedback, i'll definitely be having a look at both what my teacher wrote and what my tutor suggested. it's just so frustrating..... ahh. But I will be going with what my teacher wants, you can count on that!

Hey Geoo! Nice to see an update!
With your feedback from your english teacher and tutor, it really sucks that their advice is so contrasting (proves just how subjective creative pieces are). Ultimately, you really should go with what your teacher is thinking, as she is the one marking your piece.

It sucks about the changes to online learning and the difficulties that you've had to face. Just keep at it! You are a hard worker and whilst you may not see it in your marks (and this is the worst feeling, I understand), it will pay off in so many other ways.
You've got this  8)
Hey Choco, nice to hear from you!
The subjectivity of english is driving me to insanity, why can't it be like science subjects....
I'll be following the teachers advice as you're right with them being the one marking them. It's kind of a bummer, as I really liked what I wrote, but I guess it just didn't fit the requirements. Reading you encouragements really uplifted my spirits, so thanks for cheering me on!  Yes absolutely, I know that my hard work will pay off somehow, it's just a little slow going for the time being.
Thanks for cheering me up, and enjoy the weekend!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 03, 2020, 08:26:53 pm
Mini Update
For the past week, I have officially graduated to become a master of procrastination. No seriously, this past week, I have imitated a vegetable in which I do nothing all day until 8.00 pm, then I realise there are deadlines with SACs in two days. In which I study till 11, sometimes 12 with lots of "breaks" in between.

I have started attending a course to become a master in productivity, but I need to find my motivation first, which is a prereq for the subject. I'm not sure where it is. Last time I heard it was taking a vacation in Tahiti.
 
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 06, 2020, 04:52:42 pm
06/05/2020 - Update - For Once It's Positive

For once i'm not going to be a negative Nancy, and I finally have some positive news! It's been a pretty busy week, and I have lots to complain about, but i'm going to try stick to the positive stuff.

English
So.... I got my second SAC back and i'm so happy! It was the text response SAC on Nine Days that I did about a month ago. I felt so nervous about it since I really needed a good mark in english to recover from the argument analysis, which I got 70%. But.... drum roll please, I got 25/30, 83%. I literally jumped up an down off the ground I was so happy. Earlier in the month I got feedback from my tutor, in which she gave me a 19/30. I was devastated, and lost all hope, but for my teacher not to mark me as harshly, ahh I'm so relieved. English isn't my strongest subject, not by a long shot, but this was a win for once. If I score high enough in my creative, I have a shot of getting into the A range for unit three, which I would also be amazing!
Speaking of which, I did do my creative yesterday, and let me tell you my hand is about to fall off and die. I wrote so fast, I don't even know if it is legible or not. Not quite sure how to feel about it however. I think I did okay, normally creative is my strongest but the differing opinions I got were so confusing. I did my best and that's all I can do. I'm hoping it will be another 25/30, but we'll see. Also, I am never reading like a house on fire again. The book is going in the bin and staying there. Thank goodness it's over!!!! So unit 3 is done now. I technically have no more english work until next term, this is super weird as I feel like we will be behind compared to other schools, and secondly why can't we just start?

Chem
Not as exciting as english but I did FINALLY receive my SAC mark back from March. Wow, I don't think I have ever had to wait this long to get a SAC back... But, I ended up with a 42/50, 84%.  Now like English, I was relieved. If you have been following this crazy journal, you would have seen a rant post about how poorly this SAC was done, so considering all of that, coming out with a 42/50 is pretty decent. I'm not to sure how my cohort went, as remember, at my school we don't get told anything..... so i'm not sure what my rank is. I know some did struggle alot because it wasn't organised in the least, and I had the advantage of studying electrolysis when everyone else didn't (because our teachers really don't make it clear, that's how bad it is). Here is where I get a little grumpy about my mark. First off, I don't know what my rank is, and since i'm aiming quite high, I don't know how bad off I am for getting the score that I want. Second, there are 4 marks I am going to contend..... There is certain material we weren't taught, and we got marked down for not knowing it. The course contradicted itself, and I think I am willing to take the risk of contending them. I will approach in a way of just "hey, i'm confused why I didn't get the mark here, it's say on the course...." So lets hope I don't anger my teacher :.). Overall i'm okay with my mark, but i'm annoyed that I have been pushed out of the A+ range for unit three. I still hope I can squeeze my way into the A range, but all the SACs I have done have been so poorly organised and handled that I really don't know.

In other chem news, I have moved on to doing the unit 4 Poster SAC. And you guessed it, once again it has been done so poorly. I didn't get a choice on what to do(that's fine just make it more complicated), get this, my poster is only worth 5 marks, and 3 online tests is where my marks are coming from. I won't be able to access my log book, textbook, nothing... I don't know what the second hand data will be like, and the log book has been copied and pasted from last year with minimal adjustments that don't make sense. I had to call and email my teacher 8 times to know what I was suppose to do..... i'm just so angry at how this subject is run and organised. The content is easier than figuring out what to do for a SAC my god.

Food and Methods
Haven't done anything for these subject, I need to get a move on..... My food studies SAC was due two weeks ago, thank you extensions.


I have almost hit 120 hours!!!!!! Come on VICROADS! I wish they would at least make an announcement, but I guess they are staying quite due to the uncertainty of it all. Anyway, that is it for me :),enjoy the long weekend!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 14, 2020, 02:02:18 pm
Update - 14/06/2020

So, for the past week I have literally done nothing. Absolutly nothing. Which i'm struggling to come to terms with. I have had a pretty productive year considering everything, yet I think i'm finally starting to slow down. This week, i was running on the fumes of my motivation, just doing enough to keep up yet not enough to get ahead. From Monday to Friday, I did nothing outside two SACs for chem. I just sat at home zoning out to netflix and youtube. On the one hand I really hate how much time i'm losing, especially since I really do have so much on my plate, but at the same time I think my mental motivation and my physical health is just about crash.... So whilst I don't like that i'm taking time off, I do need it in the long run unless I want to crash and burn right before exams. But my word is it frustrating. (why does that sentence sound so englishy..). I'm going to try watch some motivation ted talks and maybe some study videos to try get back on track, as I really need to get back on track otherwise I will fall behind.

There is not much to talk about since I haven't done much this week, but I though I'd give an update on chemistry. Half of it will be a rant (because come on, if you have been reading this journal for long, you know me...) and the other half will be an update.
Chem
Soooooo, I contacted my teacher about contending the marks, and she wouldn't budge. I don't think I angered her, as I came at it from a "what did I do wrong" angle, but the SAC still rubs me the wrong way. I understand now how some of my answers are wrong, I am just frustrated that I was taught different information to the one that was on the SAC, to which it contradicted it. The only real feed back I got was "read the questions well, okay?" and that rubbed me the wrong way. One of the questions was asking me for the equations for the charging reaction of a lead acid battery. I gave this, but I got it wrong. Apparently, I needed to write equations for the recharging reaction before any PbSO4 had formed, but that wasn't stated in the question. So this just rubs me the wrong way. You can look at the question down below, and you tell me...
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/bYdf8ZO.png)

Anyway, moving onto this weeks two chem SACs. This is the poster SAC which is been done online for some odd insane reason. Now the reason i'm not a big fan of online SACs/tests is because I like to write all over my papers to help me understand what i'm doing, so it takes me a bit longer online to understand what i need to do. I had to do task one and task 2. Task one was  an assessment worth 8 marks on my hypothesis, aim, title, reason for my IV and DV, and how I would measure and operationlise IV and DV, this was a 35 minute task and I think it went well. Task two, is the assessment on the methodology and ethics of the experiment, and was worth 12 marks. Task 2 was 45 minutes and went well until my keyboard died, came back to life, and decided to delete random words that I had previously written. I started hitting my desk out of frustration of my work being removed, and decided to place astricks everywhere in hope I could redeem my lost work. So, after that I thought I had honestly doomed my mark and was ready to give up. Good news though, I got my marks back early Saturday morning (I need these tasks to do the next one), and I thankfully got full marks for both. I was so relieved you have no idea, especially after my keyboard. Next week scares me... It's the final online task before I essentially just copy and paste tasks 1,2,3 into a poster format for five marks under the category of "organisation." It's task three, worth 33 marks, and it going to be 180 minutes long..... 3 hours. Now with my health condition, that is hell for me, and I have no idea if i'll make it though or not, will see how I go. But it will be so nice to get that out of the way, so I can move onto studying ahead for unit 4.

Spoiler
Okay so onto the complaining of the week. I think I mentioned in my last update that I needed to do a logbook before I attempted the online tasks. When I handed it in, i thought I was going to get feedback on this logbook before I would do the online tasks. This is because other classmates in the other teachers class started getting their feedback for their logbooks on the weekend before the tasks. Here is where it gets messy, the class I am in..... well, my teacher decided we shouldn't get the logbook marked. I found out later in the week (Thursday) that the teachers hadn't been communicating with each other, and my teacher didn't know that the other was marking the logbook. My teacher (assumed) felt guilty, and put up a message asking students to contact her if they had any questions about the logbook. Since I really wanted feedback, I emailed her with 5 questions on some of my variables, ethics and methodology. I only got one question answered...... So yeah, half the cohort had the advantage of getting marked feedback on their work before they tasks.

I thought this wasn't fair, but I had some classmates from the other class give me some of the general feedback they got so I could apply it to mine (they were very helpful), so that was great and really it was what saved my marks. Here is the part that really annoys me, so on Saturday morning, I open my email to see that I have my results back for the first two tasks, guess what is right above that, only 3 minute later THE MARKED LOGBOOK! So yeah, i'm not happy Jan. Look my teachers are lovely and they are fantastic in their knowledge no doubt about that, but the sheer lack of incompetence, communication, spelling errors, and a failure of proper help and instruction is nuts. I have never had this much trouble with a subject. And that concludes my rant.


Literally did nothing else this week, but I did finally reach 120 hours so woohoo! Now I just have to wait three months for VICROADS to get though the backlog of drivers before I can get my license. But even before then I need to do the hazard test thingy. Well I hope you enjoyed reading this odd update, and enjoy the second last week before school holidays! Only two weeks till the holidays, thankgoodness I need it to come faster!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on June 14, 2020, 05:07:52 pm
So, for the past week I have literally done nothing. Absolutly nothing. Which i'm struggling to come to terms with. I have had a pretty productive year considering everything, yet I think i'm finally starting to slow down. This week, i was running on the fumes of my motivation, just doing enough to keep up yet not enough to get ahead. From Monday to Friday, I did nothing outside two SACs for chem. I just sat at home zoning out to netflix and youtube. On the one hand I really hate how much time i'm losing, especially since I really do have so much on my plate, but at the same time I think my mental motivation and my physical health is just about crash.... So whilst I don't like that i'm taking time off, I do need it in the long run unless I want to crash and burn right before exams. But my word is it frustrating. (why does that sentence sound so englishy..). I'm going to try watch some motivation ted talks and maybe some study videos to try get back on track, as I really need to get back on track otherwise I will fall behind.
I honestly feel this so much, you can do it! It's hard, and June is just the Wednesday of the year. Your journey is so inspiring and I love reading it, and you will get through this! Here are some TED talks, motivational and atar reaction videos that I find help keep me motivated. I also find revisiting your goals and visualising your end goal super helpful too! Don't expect to continue to study like crazy, so take your time and celebrate all your achievements. Start with a sentence, or watch a youtube video on a topic ur learning in class, reward yourself for writing an introduction or completing a few maths exercises :))

Spoiler
Okay so onto the complaining of the week. I think I mentioned in my last update that I needed to do a logbook before I attempted the online tasks. When I handed it in, i thought I was going to get feedback on this logbook before I would do the online tasks. This is because other classmates in the other teachers class started getting their feedback for their logbooks on the weekend before the tasks. Here is where it gets messy, the class I am in..... well, my teacher decided we shouldn't get the logbook marked. I found out later in the week (Thursday) that the teachers hadn't been communicating with each other, and my teacher didn't know that the other was marking the logbook. My teacher (assumed) felt guilty, and put up a message asking students to contact her if they had any questions about the logbook. Since I really wanted feedback, I emailed her with 5 questions on some of my variables, ethics and methodology. I only got one question answered...... So yeah, half the cohort had the advantage of getting marked feedback on their work before they tasks.

I thought this wasn't fair, but I had some classmates from the other class give me some of the general feedback they got so I could apply it to mine (they were very helpful), so that was great and really it was what saved my marks. Here is the part that really annoys me, so on Saturday morning, I open my email to see that I have my results back for the first two tasks, guess what is right above that, only 3 minute later THE MARKED LOGBOOK! So yeah, i'm not happy Jan. Look my teachers are lovely and they are fantastic in their knowledge no doubt about that, but the sheer lack of incompetence, communication, spelling errors, and a failure of proper help and instruction is nuts. I have never had this much trouble with a subject. And that concludes my rant.
BRUH I WOULD BE SO MAD! But at least your classmates were really good, and helped you out! I'm sure you did awesome, keep your head up and keep persevering, the holidays are only 12 days away!

Literally did nothing else this week, but I did finally reach 120 hours so woohoo! Now I just have to wait three months for VICROADS to get though the backlog of drivers before I can get my license. But even before then I need to do the hazard test thingy. Well I hope you enjoyed reading this odd update, and enjoy the second last week before school holidays! Only two weeks till the holidays, thankgoodness I need it to come faster!
OMG YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY CONGRATS ON GETTING ALL YOUR HOURS!!!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 19, 2020, 07:48:59 pm
I honestly feel this so much, you can do it! It's hard, and June is just the Wednesday of the year. Your journey is so inspiring and I love reading it, and you will get through this! Here are some TED talks, motivational and atar reaction videos that I find help keep me motivated. I also find revisiting your goals and visualising your end goal super helpful too! Don't expect to continue to study like crazy, so take your time and celebrate all your achievements. Start with a sentence, or watch a youtube video on a topic ur learning in class, reward yourself for writing an introduction or completing a few maths exercises :))

BRUH I WOULD BE SO MAD! But at least your classmates were really good, and helped you out! I'm sure you did awesome, keep your head up and keep persevering, the holidays are only 12 days away!
OMG YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY CONGRATS ON GETTING ALL YOUR HOURS!!!!
Oh my goodness thank you so much for the links! I have only checked out two so far, but thanks for taking the time to type them out for me. Thanks for your advice as well, I guess it can be hard to picture goals at the moment, but I just have to start writing them down again and stay focused. I do wish there was a time freeze machine, so I could take a couple weeks off with no consequences. But then again we will get a three month break once vce is finished so that is something to look forward too!

Yeah I was really mad for quite a long time, but I just kind of become numb to it all. This subject has put me through the ringer so I think I must be getting use to it. HAHA Thankyou! I'm so happy I have all my hours up, but i'm sad to say I still stuck at parallel parking.... need to work on that.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 21, 2020, 03:35:11 pm
The Grand Unit Three Review and The Halfway Mark Of My VCE Journey

Since I have technically finished all of unit three aside from one SAC, I thought I'd do a review of the year so far, and my feelings on how i'm feeling about the future. There hasn't been much going on recently, but I do have a few things to share so i'll leave that for later.

Chemistry
Lets start positive! I really do love this subject, and learning the content has been super enjoyable except for fuels... that was very boring yet applicable when I went looking for my first car. *Spoilers* So far, I think equilibrium has been the most interesting, but I'm willing to bet when I get around to food chemistry that will overtake it for the top spot. Although, organic chem is also very fascinating, but I do worry about my stick figure chemical structures... This subject has also made me realise that I would like to continue on with learning about chemistry (maybe food chem) in the future as it really is just so broad that it can take me to many places. However, there have been some not so great things with this subject, especially with how it is taught at my school. But since i'm trying to keep this relatively positive, i'll keep it at that.
Whilst my love for the subject has grown, my grades.... not so much. I do think there are a few reasons behind it, but i'm travelling pretty mediocre in this subject. It's quite hard to improve when the material you are given is quite off, but I just have to make do with what I have. I haven't received my second SAC back from unit 3 yet, although i'm not expecting it to be that great, my first SAC was a 42/50 (84%). It's alright I guess, but I certainly hoped to do alot better. Moving forward I just have to be alot more careful in my approach to this subject, and hope I can redeem myself in unit 4 and the exam. Just a side note as well, I knew chem was competitive, but once I saw the grade distribution, wow. In order to get an A+, I needed to only drop 5 marks.... Well i'm already out of that range, so i'm on par for getting a high B+ or a low A. I do hope that my exam performance will boost that up, but then again me and exams aren't best friends.

Foods Studies
I'm so happy I switched from physics to this. Not only has it been quite enjoyable to learn, but it is the lightest subject I do. The content is great, my teacher is one of the best i've had in years, and overall it's been a pretty chill subject when comparing it to the others I do. I am only slightly let down that there isn't alot of practical components in the subject compared to food tech. but I still think its an awesome subject.
Unlike my other subjects, this is the only one that has gone well all year. I have managed to not drop a mark yet, but I still have the last SAC to go, and i'm extremely nervous about it. The first AOS was all about food science which was hands down the best part of the subject! As I moved into AOS 2, I started to get a bit uncomfortable with the work I was doing. I was surprised with the amount of memorisation, lack of resources, and the diverse range of mini subjects in side the subject. There was business, marketing, psych, sociology, chem, bio, agriculture there was so much diversity. Since i'm a science student, I have always been use to having one answer as being correct, but in this subject, there are so many answers it's not funny.
This made the subject quite hard to study for, along side the non existent resources. I'm still learning how to get better are going about studying a subject that is a bit more on the humanities side, but i'm confident i'll get there.

Methods
My bottom subject hello! So I haven't had the best start with methods over the years, due to some procrastination, heavy maths road blocks, and a good chunk of trying to learn mathematics online, it's not fun. I think the biggest hurdle of this subject for me, is that doing it online is really difficult. I feel like I barely get any support, and the materials supplied are okay at best. If I was in a in person classroom, I think I would have a much better opportunity to do better at maths. Having to teach myself hard concepts and having to dig through misleading information is really hard and very taxing. It doesn't help that there are no online lessons for this subject, which is just extremely disheartening, as all of my subjects have online lessons but maths. That being said I do have alot of building block areas the are missing which also make the subject quite hard. There is just so much I don't know, or constantly forget to a point where I learn something then forget it the next day.
I really have no clue how i'm going at the moment. All I know is that I passed the unit (yay)!, and I think I at least got a pass on the maths SAC. And that's all I really need. I never went into this subject with high expectations, but if I can pull of a 25 or even a 30, I'd be so happy you wouldn't believe it. At the moment, I have switched to the cambridge textbook and my god is that textbook a lifesaver! Super happy I went with my gut and switched from the Jacaranda, but never the less, in short, I still suck at maths.

English
It was seriously hard to pick which is the worst subject, methods, or english.  English came out on top by a long shot. Although i'm doing better grade wise in english, and it is also less time consuming, I still really can't stand this subject. The further the year goes on, the more I come to despise this subject with the entirety of my being! What has angered me the most, is how subjective this subject truly is, and how it can change depending on who's reading your work. The discrepancy between what different people want from your essay is just crazy to me, and it has put a big shadow over the subject. The other part the really gets on my nerves is that you can never really get better at english. I think I read heaps of articles on how to get better, got a tutor, did so many practice essays, yet there is really no way to prepare yourself. It can also come down to teachers as well, and how good the feedback is, if you even get any at all in a decent amount of time.
Overall, the only positive thing I can give to this subject, is that in my entire highschool career, the book Nine Days was actually a solid read. Other than that the other two books where honestly just the wrong age group with no relevance what so over that almost made me pull my hair out. But I do have one small tip, if you have like a house on fire for your chosen book for the creative, only read a few of the short stories, study them in depth and call it a day! I seriously didn't read the entire book because I couldn't bring myself to read something so depressing when real life was hard enough.
Like chem, I'm a disappointed in the grades I have received for the work I did. It's all really just felt like a waste of time. Anyway, I ended up getting my creative back, which bare in mind is normally my best piece, and I ended up with a 21/30 (70%). I have never felt so insulted, but I can't change it now, and to be quite honest i'm just a bit numb and extremely exhausted from all the work I put into that piece with no return. However on the good side, I have Just managed to slip into the A range for unit three with my mark being 74/100. Will it stay that way after exams, who knows. I know that my review of english was a bit negative, and I do apologise for that, but i'm really just so done with this subject. The best part about this year, will be leaving english behind for good!

So here are my goals vs predictions as a few other people have done of late:
Spoiler

Goals:
English 38+
Chem 40+
Food Studies 45+
Methods 30+
Atar: 93
Actual Predictions:
English 36+
Chem 37+
Food Studies 44+
Methods 25+
Atar: 89.9
In terms of my exam timetable, i'm really happy with how spread out my exams ares. I have english first in the first week, I have methods in the second week, and I have chemistry on the Monday of the third week, finishing up with food studies on the Thursday the same week. So happy that food and chem aren't on the same day, and I like how spread out they are. So i'll officially be free on the 26th of November! Woohoo!

To wrap this up I though i'd share so personal news:
Spoiler
For some good news, I may or may not have a car..... I know I haven't got my drivers license yet since Vic Roads is closed, but it was a super good deal that I couldn't miss out on. So I can't wait to drive it in the holidays. And for some bad news, unfortunately, one of my plants passed away, I don't know how it happened but he will be truly missed from my desk.

If you are still with me, thanks for reading my long essay of an update, and I hope everyone is looking forward to the holidays. I still can't believe this is my last year of school, and it feels surreal to think that i'm halfway now. Being the person I am, i'm not quite sure what I want to do, but it will definitely be in the science direction! Finally, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that has been with me, and has commented on this journal since I started it last year. I still can't believe that I have nearly reached 30,000 views on this page, I mean why would people care to read about my off abstract life, but once again, thanks for coming along on my weird journey through VCE.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on June 21, 2020, 03:46:01 pm
CONGRATS on finishing UNIT 3 GEOO!!

So exciting!!

I've honestly enjoyed reading your journal this semester, and I'm so proud of how far you've come! Although some things may have not been the best you should be so happy with your efforts and its awesome to see that you're doing well!
And with Methods, I promise you'll overcome the hurdle. Just keep doing your best and itll work out in the end.

And yay! Awesome on getting a new car! Super happy for you! Enjoy being on the roads with that bit of extra freedom!

Hope you enjoy your last week!  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on June 21, 2020, 03:59:54 pm
Hey hey Geoo!! ;D

First of all, (as Arty has said above), a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS for getting through Unit 3! An amazing achievement overall and I love the detailed journal update :).

I would also like to say, I'm so sorry to hear what has happened to your plant on your desk (That plant will definitely be missed). On the other hand, good on you for getting a new car!! (What colour is it if you don't mind me asking?).

Congrats for nearly reaching 30,000 views too! (It will definitely come around sooner than you think). Your journal has been so nice to read (from hearing about food studies and seeing your delicious creations to your fiery passion with English/Methods) and you have done an amazing job over all your subjects. Have a great week and get pumped for the holidays which are just around the corner! ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: eloisegrace on June 21, 2020, 05:08:26 pm
Yay for finishing Unit 3! I have been following this journey for most of this year and it is definitely a fav of mine! Good job for all your hard work :)

Chemistry
Lets start positive! I really do love this subject, and learning the content has been super enjoyable except for fuels... that was very boring yet applicable when I went looking for my first car. *Spoilers* So far, I think equilibrium has been the most interesting, but I'm willing to bet when I get around to food chemistry that will overtake it for the top spot. Although, organic chem is also very fascinating, but I do worry about my stick figure chemical structures... This subject has also made me realise that I would like to continue on with learning about chemistry (maybe food chem) in the future as it really is just so broad that it can take me to many places. However, there have been some not so great things with this subject, especially with how it is taught at VSV. But since i'm trying to keep this relatively positive, i'll keep it at that.
Yay another chem lover like me  ;D. I'm stoked that you are enjoying this subject and doing really well too!

Methods
My bottom subject hello! So I haven't had the best start with methods over the years, due to some procrastination, heavy maths road blocks, and a good chunk of trying to learn mathematics online, it's not fun. I think the biggest hurdle of this subject for me, is that doing it online is really difficult. I feel like I barely get any support, and the materials supplied are okay at best. If I was in a in person classroom, I think I would have a much better opportunity to do better at maths. Having to teach myself hard concepts and having to dig through misleading information is really hard and very taxing. It doesn't help that there are no online lessons for this subject, which is just extremely disheartening, as all of my subjects have online lessons but maths. That being said I do have alot of building block areas the are missing which also make the subject quite hard. There is just so much I don't know, or constantly forget to a point where I learn something then forget it the next day.
I really have no clue how i'm going at the moment. All I know is that I passed the unit (yay)!, and I think I at least got a pass on the maths SAC. And that's all I really need. I never went into this subject with high expectations, but if I can pull of a 25 or even a 30, I'd be so happy you wouldn't believe it. At the moment, I have switched to the cambridge textbook and my god is that textbook a lifesaver! Super happy I went with my gut and switched from the Jacaranda, but never the less, in short, I still suck at maths.
Good job for passing methods! It is a super tough subject and I know you can achieve your goals. If you need any help, I am always here Geoo :)

Also, good job for buying a car! Like ashmi said, what colour is it? RIP to your desk plant which will be truly missed haha :-\
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 29, 2020, 06:19:16 pm
Super sorry for the late reply guys! I have been super busy in the last week!
CONGRATS on finishing UNIT 3 GEOO!!
So exciting!!
I've honestly enjoyed reading your journal this semester, and I'm so proud of how far you've come! Although some things may have not been the best you should be so happy with your efforts and its awesome to see that you're doing well!
And with Methods, I promise you'll overcome the hurdle. Just keep doing your best and itll work out in the end.
And yay! Awesome on getting a new car! Super happy for you! Enjoy being on the roads with that bit of extra freedom!
Hope you enjoy your last week!  :D
THANKYOU! It is super exciting yet scared at the time to finish unit 3, it's great because I can finally move onto other stuff but that just means exams are getting closer....  Aww thats so kind of you, I have really enjoyed reading your journal as well so it's a bit of an honor you're reading mine.
I certainly hope so with methods, I just have to keep trying and see how I go! It will be so awesome to have the freedom to just drive and go somewhere. I hope you enjoyed your last week of term two, and have a great holiday!

Hey hey Geoo!! ;D
First of all, (as Arty has said above), a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS for getting through Unit 3! An amazing achievement overall and I love the detailed journal update :).
I would also like to say, I'm so sorry to hear what has happened to your plant on your desk (That plant will definitely be missed). On the other hand, good on you for getting a new car!! (What colour is it if you don't mind me asking?).
Congrats for nearly reaching 30,000 views too! (It will definitely come around sooner than you think). Your journal has been so nice to read (from hearing about food studies and seeing your delicious creations to your fiery passion with English/Methods) and you have done an amazing job over all your subjects. Have a great week and get pumped for the holidays which are just around the corner! ;D
Hey Ashmi!
Thank you, same to you, I still can't believe unit three is done and it's onto unit 4. I have always been unsure if people liked that I did such detailed updates, so it makes me so happy to know that you enjoyed it :).
Is is bad that I have already replaced Mr desk plant...... It was on sale at bunnings and I couldn't help it, so far it's looking okay but only time will tell. I know i'm so excited to drive my car! It's a medium grey kind of colour, there was a red and white as well, but I have always been a big fan of grey cars. It's not silvery either, just a nice deep neutral tone grey.  It really does come around so quickly! I remember when this journal was sitting on 5000 views and I thought it was amazing, so it's been kind of surreal.
That is such a huge complement thank you! I've loved reading your journal as well, especially your passion for physics and hearing another perspective from a tech subject it PTD! Enjoy your hoilidays!

Yay for finishing Unit 3! I have been following this journey for most of this year and it is definitely a fav of mine! Good job for all your hard work :)
Yay another chem lover like me  ;D. I'm stoked that you are enjoying this subject and doing really well too!
Good job for passing methods! It is a super tough subject and I know you can achieve your goals. If you need any help, I am always here Geoo :)
Also, good job for buying a car! Like ashmi said, what colour is it? RIP to your desk plant which will be truly missed haha :-\
Aww thank you that's so sweet of you too say! Yes chem is such an amazing subject, I can't believe all the flack it gets but then again I don't know why some people like methods..... Thank you for believing in me with methods, it's nice to get encouragement, it helps when I need to get through the large chapter review questions. Thanks for offering your help, i'll be sure to ask if I need it, it's nice knowing that it's there :)
Hehe, yeah its a medium grey colour which looks really nice. It's light but not like a silver colour if that makes sense. And yes, RIP my plant.... he is missed but has now been replaced.... i'm a bad plant carer woops.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on June 30, 2020, 06:52:08 pm
The Holiday Update - 30/06/2020

Is it bad to say that i'm a little scared how fast this year is going. It really flew by, but i'm also not complaining. To say that I have been counting done my days to freedom is an understatement, but at the same time it feels way to surreal that this is my last year of school. I remember last year halfway through year 11 when all I wanted was for 2019 to be the year that I graduated, as I was just so done with the system. Now that this is the year, I am very happy to move on from highschool, yet unsure of how the future is going to be. Anyway enough of the sappy stuff lets get onto a few things. So far, I haven't done anything over the holidays, just taking time to take a chill pill, as the last month with having a SAC or more everyweek really took it out of me. Just knowing that there was another deadline almost killed me physically and mentally, so I really needed to take a little break.

In terms of my plans for the holidays, I am going to start right back at chapter one of the cambridge textbook, and really start hammering down the basics, I would like to complete at least 3-4 chapters, but my motivation is limited, and that textbook is huge. I would like to get two weeks ahead for chemistry, meaning I am moving into organic chem. Since I also essentially skipped chapter 9 electrolysis in class, I really need to go over that, especially since I believe its that hardest area in chem. English I also plan to read tracks (i'll be bored out of my mind), and watch charlies country, as well as start on my written oral piece as that is my first SAC back.
For food, I have been given the opportunity to do my SAC over the holidays as my teacher said that term 3 will be packed with work and SACs, so i'll take the chance to lighten my future work load any day. I need to find a topic question, and then i'll send it off to her. This means I won't be getting ahead for food, but I do plan to do extra work in the SAC weeks during the term.
I'd like to get a few unit 3 practice exams out of the way as well, especially for chem and food.... I'm too scared of methods to even bother.
In terms of normal person holidays stuff, i'll be attending the atar notes lectures for my subjects. I have even signed up to the Russian revolutions one even though I don't do the subject.... hmm. Anyway, I'll be driving my car because that's fun, and hopefully get onto on the massive pile of books I have collected to read. Other than that i'm staying warm by being indoors most of the time, and hopefully get into the kitchen to bake more.

Now to the section i'm calling, how did my last few SACs go. I have never felt so numb and drained in my entire life, because right now I don't really care anymore, which sucks because future me is going to care alot. To be fair, by the end of the term, I felt like a zombie and was doing anything I could to just get through those last few weeks, and my work really suffered, It's not too bad, but i'm not looking forward to seeing what my results are from that. So you may be asking what I did..... I finally finished my chem poster thank goodness that's over! It was split into 4 parts, and from the three parts I have ended up with 51 marks, only dropping two in task 3, however, all the tasks add to 60 but there seems to be a miscalculation on my teachers part as task for was worth 6 marks total.... which would bring the OG total score to 59... Odd but not my problem. So mini rant here, task four was worth 6 marks..... for 4 hours of work. It actually gets reduced to 3 marks as this SAC will be scaled down to be out of 30 so that was such a great use of time.

For the chem SAC I know I have 85% from the first three tasks, i'm not just waiting on task 4 to see if I can bump that up too 95%, will shall soon see. The last SAC I did was food studies.... and hour before the deadline. Don't judge me my motivation was very limited and this is soooo unlike me. As you would assume, I don't think that was my best work.... I did really struggle in AOS 2 of food studies as it was very marketing/business based, and my brain hates memorization. I'm hoping for 95% but I really don't feel comfortable with what I submitted.

Now onto my last piece of news, I got my methods SAC back. Ahhh.... when I saw the score I would have sworn she had the wrong student. My expectations were so low, I was hoping for over 45% as a minimum.... but I ended up with 84% like what! How that happened is beyond me. When I saw it my jaw dropped and I almost fainted. Whilst I celebrated this achievement because as everyone knows I SUCK at methods, I'm not letting my guard down, as I know that this was an "easy" SAC compared to many other schools. Even my teacher admitted that this was a SAC based heavily off year 11 methods instead of year 12. So as I said, whilst i'm ecstatic with my results (seriously if this was another subject I would be disappointed, but WOW, that's how over the moon I am), I can't let my guard down as I seriously do have so many gaps in my knowledge, and I know the exam will be ALOT harder than that. But for now i'm celebrating :).

Spoiler
Uni and stuff:
So I don't have too much to update on, as I swear I just keep digging myself into a hole every time I write something like this, as I keep changing my mind. I have now officially ruled out engineering as an option. Here is why: Originally when I looked at engineering, I always saw it as solving problems and creating things with the knowledge you have, and whilst that is still true to an extent, the more a researched it and asked people in that career it doesn't seem like something i'd be interested in. Aside from the maths portion, I do think that i'd like to be more in the action of science rather than the conceptual stuff. I do think that I also had some different ideas on what the engineering specialties I was into actually were... For instance in chemical engineering, I thought it would be about making industrial chemicals, synthesizing them, coming up with new products chemically to solve a problem... but I realised that his was more in line with analytical/physical chemistry, as someone described chem engineering as 70% maths, 25% physics and 5% chem.... not exactly what i'm into.

Then there was biomedical engineering, which I thought would be vaccine production, synthetic food, bionic limbs and eyes, and a range of other stuff, where as I found that alot of jobs for bio engineers are just working on hospital equipment.. not something i'm into. I have also eliminated biomed, as it really is just too restrictive as I want to move around a bit with what I want to study so I want something more flexible.
So I have really narrowed it down to these options:
BSci to either post grad med, food technology, dietetics (unlikely as the job market is REALLY bad i'm not kidding), or maybe a masters/phd.
The other bacholer degree i'm still considering is pharmsci, and potentially pharmacy. But with pharmacy, I don't want to become a retail pharmacist, that sounds like a nightmare to me, so i'd need to speak to some people in the industry to see if that is what i'd be interested in, as I know there are many other branches of the career.
In a BSci, I'd most likely lean towards a chem major at monash (as at Melbourne I'd need to do cal 1 and linear algebra... no thanks) with biochem or mircro bio or immunology. I still haven't decided if I like UoM or monash yet, but i'm leaning more towards monash as I can do two majors or a major and two minors which appeals to me more than the UoM model(plus monash is closer...). However, I do like the UoM model, as I like the humanities subjects there as apart of the degree, but monash really does have the flexibility.

I have some back up careers aside from becoming a runaway pastry chef, radiology (medical imaging) and dietetics.

Here's the thing with med... I have a health condition that is really restrictive with what I can do, which is why I wasn't going to apply for undergrad med. I have decided that if halfway through my undergrad my health is at a good level, i'll pursue med, if not, I'll go down another path. It's a tough decision as I do really like medicine, but I can't see myself in a stressful uni degree that could potentially make me worse... So i'll have to see how I go. It's another reason why I like the BSci, because it allows me to be flexible.

So yeah, that's where i'm at. If i'm honest with myself, I have a strong feeling i'll be doing a BSci at monash or melbourne, but i'm still exploring my options as there is alot that interests me. Plus i'm hoping that I can study a language there, either as a minor or a diploma of language.

For now I hope everyone enjoys their holidays, till next update!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 11, 2020, 09:12:55 pm
Update - 11/07/2020 - Just A Little Update

I'll be embracing my debby downer mood with this update, so you have been warned. Um, I haven't done anything these holidays. All those promises I made to myself just went down the drain these holidays. If i'm honest i'm just tired. Really, really tired. I've been pushing myself quite hard throughout the year, and I think my body just decided that if i'm not going to rest, it will do it for me.
So my motivation has plummeted, as I can't find the will to sit at my desk when I don't have the energy to focus, concentrate or do anything.

Here is the kicker too, for some reason my brain just loves to guilt trip me about not doing any work. It's a real pain. Is it bad to say I feel like i'm a bad year 12? I know i'm not doing anything wrong, and there is no guide or rule book on how to do anything, but I just feel as if i've gone about this whole year the wrong way. I don't know, this is kind of just a word vomit that I hope makes sense. I think what will haunt me for a while is just knowing that I need to do stuff for my subjects to keep on top of everything, and there may just be no time in the term. I feel so unprepared for unit four right now, and I can't go back in time to fix that. There is so much to do!
Anyway, onto another realisation I have had these holidays..... I hate how much my marks affect me. It's like a mood swing with marks, if I get a good one i'm happy with, great fantastic lets party, if I get one that I'm unhappy with, well lets feel sad about something I can't control for a good solid couple of days, and just don't get any work done. I just really want to get out of this cycle of thinking like this, as I know it is unhealthy, and it seriously inhibits my ability to study and get on with other school work.

Spoiler
So I have received a few marks these holidays, and ahh it's been interesting. I'll start with food. I got my first mark back for task one of SAC 2, it was in the morning and I was feeling pretty good. I saw the mark, got 18/20, (which is still a great mark), and was salty about it for the next ten minutes because of why I lost those two marks (it was because I didn't explain why I need to wash my hands or pre organise my ingredients.... I didn't have to do that I any other sac I've done..), and now I was feeling pretty anxious since I knew I would do worse on part 2 as I did it last minute not feeling my best. Well, 5 minutes later, part twos mark of 30/30 came in and bamm, my happy mood is back. That is what annoys me. My family finds it hilarious over how much my marks can get to me, but it really gets on my nerves and I don't know how to stop it. I think that it boils down to two reasons, worry over not getting the end score that I want (study score and atar), and how I attach my marks to my pride.
I also received two chem marks back and oh boy it was food studies part two but over a few days. I received my equilibrium SAC back, which is one of my best areas, and I ended up with a 34/50. If I could tell you how upset I was over that mark, you'd think i'm nuts. Now I put this mark down to the fact that it was my first online SAC, that just went badly. I knew I didn't do that well due to the unfamiliar layout, the mistakes on my teachers part, and how I couldn't draw anything on paper as that would really help me. I think what ripped me apart, was that not only is this one of my best subjects, but I have loved chem for years, and to receive something like that just gutted me. There is also this pride of wanting to do well for your teachers and peers around you and to not go so well just hurts. Knowing that my unit 3 overall score is 76 still shocks me to my core. I can only hope doing better on the exam saves my score.

Now for the next SAC, the poster, I ended up with 29/30, so you can predict that of course my mood went up.... because yay? This achievement was numbed by the last score that I got, that I didn't even feel that much after getting it.... so yeah...

Anyway....
To leave this on a positive note, I have been driving my car, it's been a blast! I have already washed it once (not the great mind you I need to get a good car soap instead of relying on my shammy). And I have now reached 137 hours, but I can't go for my drivers test since vicroads isn't open for onsite vists and tests.... yay! Oh I did make shortbread which was nice but way to crumbly, and I have also started to get back into exercise again? I'm not sure how long that will last but will see.
So it's onto unit 4, good luck to everyone!

Oh and if anyone has seen my motivation floating around, please tell my where it is..... it's gone walkabout!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on July 11, 2020, 10:32:56 pm
Hey Geoo, I get exactly what you mean. This always happens to me - I tell myself I’m going to do work over the holidays/weekend and I end up doing nothing (it sucks). I feel super tired too - honestly, it’s okay to have a break because we all need one. I know what you mean when you say you feel guilty, because I go through the exact same thing too!!! I can never bring myself to study so I just guilt trip myself (which isn’t good haha).

Congratulations on your awesome marks though! You should be awfully proud of yourself (I know I am). You deserve a great big break and you shouldn’t feel bad for taking one. We all need a bit of time to rest, recuperate and power up for another jam-packed term.

137 hours! :0 (I’m on a puny 40 hours haha). It’s great you’ve been driving a lot, I haven’t gotten much of a chance recently. It’s great you’ve been cooking/baking and exercising as well.

Best of luck for term 3 and beyond!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: lm21074 on July 12, 2020, 12:10:19 am
Hey Geoo!

First things first i'm the realestYou are not a bad Year 12. At all. :)

Congratulations on all you've done so far, Geoo! Not long to go, hey.


All the best <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: angrybiscuit on July 12, 2020, 01:01:27 pm
Hey Geoo!
I can safely say that I too belong to the "not doing anything despite having plans and promises for the holidays" club, heck I'm the club president. In all seriousness, it's okay for not achieving as much as you have desired. You deserved a well-earned break from such a hectic term 2. Proud of you for everything you've achieved thus far.

Best of luck for the next term. Just one more to power through before the exams :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 12, 2020, 09:04:10 pm
Hey Geoo, I get exactly what you mean. This always happens to me - I tell myself I’m going to do work over the holidays/weekend and I end up doing nothing (it sucks). I feel super tired too - honestly, it’s okay to have a break because we all need one. I know what you mean when you say you feel guilty, because I go through the exact same thing too!!! I can never bring myself to study so I just guilt trip myself (which isn’t good haha).

Congratulations on your awesome marks though! You should be awfully proud of yourself (I know I am). You deserve a great big break and you shouldn’t feel bad for taking one. We all need a bit of time to rest, recuperate and power up for another jam-packed term.

137 hours! :0 (I’m on a puny 40 hours haha). It’s great you’ve been driving a lot, I haven’t gotten much of a chance recently. It’s great you’ve been cooking/baking and exercising as well.

Best of luck for term 3 and beyond!
Hey Whys,
Thanks for giving me your perspective, it's so nice to know i'm not alone. I think I can get wrapped up in just going over everything I haven't done and guilt tripping myself all the way to the moon, and to hear that someone else is feeling the same way makes me feel like i'm not going too crazy.  The guilt trips are hands down one of the most annoying things about year 12!  Thank you, that's so sweet, and i'm so proud of you as well for getting that wicked UCAT score, so I think we both deserve a pat on the back!

You'll get your hours in no time! I found myself driving more in the summer holidays once school ended, so hopefully when we all get some free time without the worry of work to do, you'll be getting those hours up in no time at all.
I hope you had a great break with hopefully lots of rest, and good luck for term 3!
Hey Geoo!
First things first i'm the realestYou are not a bad Year 12. At all. :)
Congratulations on all you've done so far, Geoo! Not long to go, hey.
All the best <3
Aww thank you :) I must say, I am already counting down the days till the end of year 12! Good luck to you too!
Hey Geoo!
I can safely say that I too belong to the "not doing anything despite having plans and promises for the holidays" club, heck I'm the club president. In all seriousness, it's okay for not achieving as much as you have desired. You deserved a well-earned break from such a hectic term 2. Proud of you for everything you've achieved thus far.

Best of luck for the next term. Just one more to power through before the exams :)
Howdy Biscuit!
Yes you can be the club president i'll be the vice! We need to start making pamphlets asap. Anyway, glad to know i'm not alone, and hopefully you also had a decent rest over the holidays! I guess one of the hardest things is just seeing others get so much done, but your absolutely right when it comes to taking a break from such a crazy term. So thank you for your kind words, you've made me feel alot better :) Good luck to you to term three as well! I can't wait till everything is done and dusted!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 20, 2020, 04:34:56 pm
Update - 20/07/2020 - First Week Back!

I have really mixed feelings returning back to school this week. I'm happy because I can't wait to get this year over and done with, but i'm also scared at the same time for all the SACs and exams i'm about to find myself doing. I had one look at my timetable and I feel like those birds that stick their head in the sand.... Odd analogy I know but I have been watching way too many animal documentaries lately it's all I can reference. So since i'm an online student I have been watching the VCE kids go back to school fiasco and it's certainly been interesting to say the least. I wish everyone who is going back to school good luck though, and I hope everyone stays safe!

Onto the good news, I had good motivation for three days in week one, I got all my weekly work done (except maths) and was ready to rock and roll. Bad news the motivation lasted as long as my first plant, plummeting after Thursday to a point where I did nothing for 4 days. At this point in time i'm very nervous for whats to come, as I really need to get so much work done, not just the bare minimum, but all the prep for SACs and exams, and with the little motivation I have I just can't make myself do anything. It's making me a bit overwhelmed but i'm sure something will have to kick me into action sooner or later.

English
For this boring subject I have the written oral thingy next week, and after that there are no more SACs for this subject this term, as the comparative will be the first week back in term 4.... great planning on the teachers part. Anyway i'm excited to get this one out of the way, but in a sense i'm sad as I normally really like doing the oral persuasive side, so i'm sad to see it cut short. On the plus side, it's not under timed conditions, and I only have to write a 600ish word planned outline of what I would write. Not sure how i'm going to do it, so i'll see how I go. The rest of the term will be dedicated to the comparative SAC *sarcastic yay.* I haven't even read the book yet. I started, got bored, and went to read a sci fi book.... woops. Anyway Tracks is very dry, but the writing style makes up for it. It's a nightmare reading the accent dialogue the author put in there (looking at the German accent where every "U" sound is replace with the letter V.....). I really need to start pushing through this book but as you can tell motivation is lacking.

Methods
This subject causes me soooo much anxiety it's not funny. I feel scared opening emails, the methods study design, my own course and past VCAA exams.... Not to mention my teacher..... I mean I took a look at last year exams, and whilst I could recognize some stuff, I had no idea how to do it, and that scared me so bad....Anyway so far I have found antidifferentiation easier than differentiation itself which is ironic, and I really value my tutor, because if she didn't run my though the basics.... I would have been so screwed this week. Is it bad that i'm already a week behind? I don't mean too, but as I said, i'm scared to even open my textbook out of fear of not understanding. If only I could run away from this subject... that would be nice. On the bright side... at least monash BSci doesn't need it if I screw up...

However I do have a light hearted moment from methods this week, doesn't the integral symbol look like it belongs more in music than in maths? So I have started calling it the music symbol.

Chem
Now I have always had a soft spot for organic chem, and I really did enjoy it last year in unit 2, however, I forgot how much memorisation was involved..... There are so many function groups and naming orders and just way to many hyphens and commas... I did a mini test this week and lost 4 marks because I put a space in my naming... woops. Anyway this subject so far is okay, i'm very scared for time right now, as I may not have before the exams, since this subject is finishing late October.... So I will definitely be trying to work ahead to make sure I have enough time to do practice exams.
Spoiler
On a negative note for chem, my next SAC is in week 5, and it's going to be online. Again. I'm honestly so scared with it being online, especially after the first online SAC with the score I got back from it (58%..). I know I can do well as I know the subject matter, but I can't stand doing tests on a computer screen. I will have to do it, but i'm absolutely terrified to do through that whole mess again.

Food Studies
Well it's great to have this subject back! I do really enjoy the online lessons every Thursday and for once it's nice to interact with everyone. The content is a bit dry at the moment but I don't mind. This week is all on ethical food choices and what not, and it involves a practical activity. There is the big unit 4 SAC called the written report, where I pick and Australian topic on food, and write a report about it under SAC conditions. I have already chosen my topic, "Are GMO foods a viable way to feed Australia in the future, considering a changing climate?" So that's going to be a fun one, especially with my bio knowledge from last year! So now I have to do the research for this topic before I do the final write up in week 6.

In other news, I have signed up for the book and cooking club at my school. Since my school is a prep to 12... it was an interesting turn out. I have already attended the cooking club, and my goodness I have never felt so old. The average age was probably 8, with the second oldest after me being 14.... So that was awkward. Moving onto the book club, I haven't attended anything yet, as originally they were going to combine all the ages... So I didn't attend the first meeting as I knew I wouldn't be interested as I'm not the biggest fan of middle grade books. (they selected the lion the with and the wardrobe). However I revived an email saying they would break it up into age groups with a separate book for year 11 and 12s. Whilst i'm very happy about this, I feel sorry for the other age group as it ranges from grade 5 to year 9. In terms of reading taste that is huge. I can't imagine being back in year 9 reading a middle grade book, and I couldn't imagine being in grade five reading young adult.
I also think the young adult section is so ranged that the top end should be it's own genre. I mean you have Percy Jackson down the bottom which is decently intense but nothing that brutal, all the way to the hunger games at the top with quite a bit of violence. So I wish those teachers good luck with the 5 to 9's.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: mi-xao-14 on July 29, 2020, 05:24:24 pm
Aww thanks for the belated birthday wish, it will certainly be an interesting year for 18th birthdays, do you have any idea what you are going to do for yours whilst stuck in this quarantine? Not going to lie, it was tough to move on, but there really is no point wasting my time thinking about the SAC marks, I just have to improve for me next SACs! I also hope that you have a great year 12 too! I have had a bit of a read of your journal, and it's awesome to hear how your year 12 journey is going. I noticed your avatar is from my hero academia, I haven't watch that show after the third season since I have been so busy  but it really was an awesome show. Do you find yourself still watching anime alot?
Thank you for your kind words, it has really cheered me up to read them after a tough weekend (methods i'm looking at you).
Enjoy your week!

Ahahah no worries ^^. Sorry for the late reply oops, I hope everything is going well for you, despite the rise of coronav here. Take care and stay safe!!!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on July 30, 2020, 06:43:11 pm
Update - 30/07/2020

It's me! That was such a weird opening but we're going with it. I'm not going great if i'm honest. I still haven't reclaimed my motivation, I have fallen behind on some of my work, and i'm not feeling well physically either. I don't know what's going on with me, but my health problems have started to get worse, which is very concerning to me. I'm getting a lot less done because i'm simply struggling to just focus and concentrate as i'm feeling more tired than ever. I feel like all I ever post on here is just negative. I never really meant for my journal to turn out like this but I guess it just goes to show how random VCE is.

English
I'm about to send of my oral plan SAC thingy as it's due tomorrow, I just have to make some final adjustments. The book I was suppose to read by now is still sitting on my bedside table with a bookmark in chapter one.... I really need to get onto that ASAP, it's just so boring... all I want to do is cosy up and read a fantasy.. not a book about camels.

Methods
I'm once again a week behind, but i've been just so out of it that when ever I look at maths sums I blank out and forget how to do things. So I really need to get ontop of that before it get's ontop of me.... There is two weeks till my maths SAC so I need to hurry up.

Chemistry
Why did I say I liked organic chem? My goodness the amount of memorisation involved is insane... At least with all the earlier stuff alot of it was applicable, but at this point it's solid rote learning! My biggest problem is condensed formula. I can read them and draw them out, but if I saw something and was asked to put it in condensed formula lkjbae. I mean on my mini test I wrote them all backwards so go figure. Also hyphens are my worst enemy!!!!! I keep forgetting to put them after things. Woops. I have one week left till the SAC and i'm terrified.... I really hate it being online, and worst of all there is going to be a live stream of a practical activity. Great, I can't wait for the technical difficulties!

Food Studies
I never thought i'd say this but wow does food studies have alot of content. I'd say it has a little less than bio at this point, there is just so much to get through and not enough time. We are going at rapid speed and i'm not even sure the enterprise could keep up. Sad to say, but i'm also a little board.... It feels like i'm being prepped to have my own farm one day, so I better know how to run it well..


Wow for once I wrote a short update, whats going on? This update was so sarcastic my english teachers would be proud....  Sorry that it's kind of a mess, enjoy the weekend guys! :)
Spoiler
One thing that has me quite worried is the GAT. I'm not worried about the test itself, although my teacher did say they were going to place literacy and numeracy scores on VCE certificates this year but i'm not 100% sure about that. Here is what i'm worried about, i'm terrified of getting the virus, because if I do, well I won't be physically capable of finishing my VCE. I have contacted my school about, to which they said they would send a message to VCAA to see what they can do. At this rate with the virus spreading it's a bit nerve racking to say the least.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on July 30, 2020, 07:03:15 pm
Hey Geoo!  ;D

Quote
I'm not going great if i'm honest. I still haven't reclaimed my motivation, I have fallen behind on some of my work, and i'm not feeling well physically either. I don't know what's going on with me, but my health problems have started to get worse, which is very concerning to me. I'm getting a lot less done because i'm simply struggling to just focus and concentrate as i'm feeling more tired than ever. I feel like all I ever post on here is just negative. I never really meant for my journal to turn out like this but I guess it just goes to show how random VCE is.
Aww, hope you feel better soon. Demotivation is plaguing me as well and it's honestly so annoying because we can never get work done...hope you get your motivation back soon. There's not long to go for exams (3 months, what?!), so hang in there.
Quote
So I really need to get ontop of that before it get's ontop of me
Same feels here. When I'm behind in maths, I find it so hard to catch up with all the exercises. Good luck with the methods sac!
Quote
I have contacted my school about, to which they said they would send a message to VCAA to see what they can do. At this rate with the virus spreading it's a bit nerve racking to say the least.
Hopefully VCAA can do something about that and help you, but yeah the virus is spreading so quickly and it's so scary. I'm hoping that it gets better but at the rate things are going, that's looking very unlikely.  :(

Have a great weekend too!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on August 04, 2020, 04:59:54 pm
Hi Geoo! You probably don't remember me but I used to chat with you on this journal earlier on. I've finally caught up now and it's been such an interesting read. I look forward to reading more updates!
all I want to do is cosy up and read a fantasy.. not a book about camels.
Bahahaha I'm doing Tracks as well. Personally I think the first 100 pages are a bit dry but it picks up when she leaves for her trip. Are you doing Into the Wild for the movie?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 12, 2020, 06:10:33 pm
Update - 12/08/2020 - What Even is VCE?

Hello again, after taking a bit of a break, I am here to update you on almost nothing, ah, not much has happened.  Now I haven't been going the best lately, but I'm going to try steer this update in a more positive direction. However, I know myself, and there may be a slip up here and there when I finish the update, but that's for future me to think about. Be prepared for a bit of a boring update!

So.... I made a VTAC account, wow look at me being productive like the rest of the state. I really didn't intend for that to come of as sarcastic as it did, but oh well. Now that I have done that, I am kind of all over the place in what I want to do. I have ideas of the backups I want, those are the easy parts, but my top 4 is something that is taking me a little time. I have come to the realisation that I probably won't be getting a 25 in methods...... I know my SAC score was pretty good, but once again i'm really struggling with the subject, but more on that later. So that means BSci at UniMelb may be out of reach for me sadly. I'll still be putting it in my preference list relatively high up, but i'm no longer confident I can get into the bachelor. The other three courses that have peaked my interest, BSci at monash (no methods woohoo), BSci in Food Technology/Busman RMIT and Pharmaceutical science monash (also a 25 methods requirement so not sure). All of these are in my top, but i'm not sure what order to put them in. It's been hard going back and forth into what I want to do, but i'm sure I'll just make my preference soon, and I have a feeling BSci is at the top due to flexibility.

In terms of, what does Geoo want to do with her life, i'm not sure, but I have a few directions i'm looking at. As you can tell by my course at RMIT, i'm seriously considering becoming a food technologist/chemist. I have always loved food, the production, the science you name it, so I think it could be an interesting career. However, I could to a BSci and fit prereqs to do a masters in food science instead, to leave myself open to more flexibility, because at the end on of the day, i'm not quite sure.... plus I really want to do some of the majors at uni in the BSci. Oh also, Unimelb BSci has a food science major, so that is something that interests me as well! But yeah, it's a bit of a topsey turvy game of what i'm thinking of doing, i'll hopefully choose soon, as there are really alot of areas i'm interested in, but at least they are all science based. (Pharmsci looks awesome as well...... but also the campus is far away :(, then again so is RMIT and Unimelb.....) 
On a quick note, the majors I am interested in, chemistry (duh), biochem, immunology, pathology, microbio (can someone tell me the difference between micro and molecular bio?), food science and potentially geology (not super interested in this, but I wouldn't mind taking a class in it to see if I like it). An important part that I want the option of is to learn a language in uni, preferably mandarin, Spanish or Russian (maybe french?), so that is something that I look at when choosing what i'd like to do as well. So many options...

Also, i'm thinking of potentially taking a gap year, not sure if I want to yet, but I've come to realise that for years, all I have done is study without much rest for my health condition, and I think finally taking some time off without the looming idea that i'll have to work hard again may be good for me. I'm also so burnt out, and with the covid situation, I can't imagine doing a science degree without labs....

English
I'm bored. The movie was like like a house on fire, technically great in all the literature/arts boxes, but I couldn't get into it, I was bored out of my mind. It was Charlie's Country btw. See, I feel like i'm already going down negative lane... opps. Other than that, pretty happy with how my "not really an oral SAC" turned out, i'm quite pleased with the layout and how I displayed my plans for an argument, now it's just up to my teachers.

Food Studies
Going into GMO's this week which is really interesting, as that's what my report will be about, so i'm looking forward to it. Not much to report on this subject, i'm a little scared of the workload, and i've had to postpone some practical activities for health reasons but it's going okay. For my practical activity last week, I had to make a meal using left overs to avoid food waste, and I ended up finding a wicked recipe for banana oat pancakes, they were awesome! They may become a staple breakfast item...

Methods
Lets not go there, I cried too much over this subject. I'm 4 weeks behind, a SAC next week and I struggle doing sums..

Chemistry
I have a SAC tomorrow, it's kind of an odd one, doing a part of it as an online lesson watching videos of reactions, and then doing an online SAC right after. I'm not looking forward to it, as I haven't studied that much for it, but i'm looking forward to getting it out of the way.

Wow, I think that was one of the shortest updates I gave for my subjects... Anyway, that about covers where i'm at, as I said not much going on right now outside of the regular SACs and VCE, so that's it from me. Hope everyone reading is doing okay in quarantine, and good luck with the online study! I just reread the update and wow that was all over the place, this update was kind of a word vomit of everything, so hopefully everyone got through that unscathed!
Hey Geoo!  ;D
Aww, hope you feel better soon. Demotivation is plaguing me as well and it's honestly so annoying because we can never get work done...hope you get your motivation back soon. There's not long to go for exams (3 months, what?!), so hang in there. Same feels here. When I'm behind in maths, I find it so hard to catch up with all the exercises. Good luck with the methods sac! Hopefully VCAA can do something about that and help you, but yeah the virus is spreading so quickly and it's so scary. I'm hoping that it gets better but at the rate things are going, that's looking very unlikely.  :(

Have a great weekend too!
So sorry for taking so long to reply, thank you for you kind words, i'm still not feeling amazing but i'm getting there. Yes, if motivation was a commodity, i'd buy it in bulk. I hope you are finding your motivation at the moment, and I can't believe there is only 3 months to go it's crazy! Good thing the GAT got moved :) It does feel mountainess when it comes to catching up on all those maths sums, thanks for the good luck, and best of luck wit your studies as well!
 
Hi Geoo! You probably don't remember me but I used to chat with you on this journal earlier on. I've finally caught up now and it's been such an interesting read. I look forward to reading more updates!Bahahaha I'm doing Tracks as well. Personally I think the first 100 pages are a bit dry but it picks up when she leaves for her trip. Are you doing Into the Wild for the movie?
I totally remember you! I was always wondering where you went but I saw you around the forms from time to time, so it's nice to hear from you again! I'm glad you have enjoyed my journal, it's a bit wonky in some areas but it's always nice to know others are reading along! It's awesome that you have started your own journal as well. I guess I can only hope it gets better, because pushing past those pages is ridiculously hard to do! I like the writing style, but the plot is very bland, so i'm hoping it does pick up. I'm not doing Into the Wild, which does look pretty decent for a VCE movie, but I am doing Charlie's Country, which is okay plot wise. It's nice hearing from you again :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: AngelWings on August 12, 2020, 08:18:55 pm
microbio (can someone tell me the difference between micro and molecular bio?)
Microbiology is more towards your study of viruses, bacteria, fungi and so forth, while molecular biology is more like genetics, biochemical pathways and the molecular processes within/ between cells. (Wikipedia, surprisingly, does an OK job of describing these.)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on August 13, 2020, 10:50:56 am
I totally remember you! I was always wondering where you went but I saw you around the forms from time to time, so it's nice to hear from you again! I'm glad you have enjoyed my journal, it's a bit wonky in some areas but it's always nice to know others are reading along! It's awesome that you have started your own journal as well. I guess I can only hope it gets better, because pushing past those pages is ridiculously hard to do! I like the writing style, but the plot is very bland, so i'm hoping it does pick up. I'm not doing Into the Wild, which does look pretty decent for a VCE movie, but I am doing Charlie's Country, which is okay plot wise. It's nice hearing from you again :)
Ahahaha don't worry it does get better (only by a small bit tho)
Food science sounds very interesting! What careers are you interested in with a Food Science degree?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 22, 2020, 05:14:10 pm
Update - 22/08/2020 - Can Someone Give Me Their Energy and Motivation Please?

I feel like i've been run over by a train a few times, then crushed by a bus, followed up by being run over by a car. Wow, that was dramatic. In all seriousness, I have never been so tired in my life. I'm a dead boned exhausted, and want to take an eternal nap for a few years. I'm barely getting anything done, i'm sleeping more, and my chocolate supplies are running low. I believe the reason why i'm so exhausted is just because of two things; a, my chem SAC of eternity wiped me out, and b, i've been prioritising school work over health and it's finally caught up to me. If there is anyone reading from the future, don't do what I did! So, yay me. Anyway there is my little negative section, i'll move onto other things and keep this update as short as I can. Because i'll just go on, and on, and on....

English
I have good news everyone! please get the reference I ended up with an 8/10 for my oral plan thingy..... YAY! I'm so over the moon, finally another 80%! (B+). It just sets me in a good mood for the rest of the english unit 4, which there is only one more to go! It is a while away, being next term, but its just sets the mood compared to unit 3! One minor negative note, still haven't read the book, which I really need to do as we start on the book next week......

Food Studies
Currently in the middle of a SAC which is two parts. Part 1 is this/last week, doing the report part on GMO's! It has been surprisingly more difficult than I first thought, mainly because of how hard it is to find Australian information on GMO's in relation to food insecurity and climate change. So yeah, very research/time intensive. Part 2 is next week, making a meal for a meat free Monday with some theory tested.

Spoiler
So one thing that has kind of put me in a sour mood for this subject is on what my teacher said. I shared with her my aspirations for my study score, being 45+, however she had to break the sad news to me that she has never had anyone get over 40 with this study design. She had one student last year who had perfect SACs scores, an A+ on the exam and ended up with a 39. It's a little discouraging, lets just hope I can break the pattern :) She also did say that she has always been spot on with her study score predictions, so lets hope I can beat her expectations as well.

Methods
Still behind....... there is a SAC, it's scary, but I have an extension!

Chemistry
Spoiler
I don't want this update to be too negative but just like all my other chem SACs at this point, of course I have to rant about it! It was 4 HOURS LONG! I almost died and i'm still recovering! Okay..... i'll take you back to part 1.
Part One It was in the form of an online lesson, where we watched videos of experiments and record observations, inferences and equations. It all kind of went wrong with audio issues, video buffering and so much lag. The teachers wanted detail with this so it was taking a bit of time, especially when some videos had experiments we did not need to know, so we had to interpret what we needed to write down. These videos were from youtube btw, so we ended up watching them on the side because they wouldn't work. The worse part was the teachers kind of kept insulting us, telling the class that we were worse than last years, and that we were in the wrong for getting confused with what to do. Oh, it also includes them saying we were taking too long, being a disappointing/worrying class. Anyway, it got dragged out for 4 hours of hell. Now, with a fatigue condition, you can imagine I was screwed. Anyway, after that I napped for about 5 hours and i'm still very fatigued to this day. Oh and in the end, after 4 hours, they said they didn't want alot of detail, just dot points......facepalm*sigh*
Part Two Next day, had a 75 min test based on the results from yesterday which wasn't as painful. However, since I was dead tired, I blanked during the entire thing, and was pulling theory from somewhere other than my brain. I have ended up not feeling that confident on my score, and i buried my chem dreams earlier this week. So for now, rant over. :)
Microbiology is more towards your study of viruses, bacteria, fungi and so forth, while molecular biology is more like genetics, biochemical pathways and the molecular processes within/ between cells. (Wikipedia, surprisingly, does an OK job of describing these.)
Thank you! I always get them mixed up, and I found that when I did look I got to overloaded with info, so thanks for simplifying!
Ahahaha don't worry it does get better (only by a small bit tho)
Food science sounds very interesting! What careers are you interested in with a Food Science degree?
Mainly working in the food industry, whether that be a food technologist, food safety, regulation, management, food marketing, and product development. It really is so versatile, and combines my love of food, chem and bio in one perfect mix! So yes it is super exciting!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on August 23, 2020, 07:50:22 am
Yay, another Geoo update!  ;D
Amazing job in English, you should definitely be proud of yourself!
I'm really sorry that your Chem teachers said that. They definitely shouldn't be telling your cohort that they're worse than last year's cohort. Don't lose hope in Chem because VCAA will moderate your scores individually based on your circumstances and past marks. We have no idea how sacs are being used this year so there is still hope!
With Food Studies I know it sounds a little hopeless but there are rural kids who get 99 ATARs when their school median is like 80 so nothing is impossible! You got this, especially with your overflowing passion for Food Studies and your career (which is super awesome!).

Edit: just realised I sounded like i was putting down rural kids. I was not. I was referring to this article:
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/we-re-in-a-bubble-country-kids-left-behind-as-education-gap-widens-20190611-p51wfm.html
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on August 23, 2020, 10:36:36 am
Hey Geoo!
I love love love your updates and CONGRATS ON YOUR FREAKING AWESOME ENGLISH SCORE! I haven't finished my novel yet (and my sac is in 2 weeks) so you're doing better than me at this rate!! I really really really can't wait for you to surpass your food studies teachers expectations, you are so freaking dedicated!!
Eat a vegetable and take some deep breaths, there's only like 3 months left! You can do this, the finish line is so close!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on August 27, 2020, 06:15:44 pm
Yay, another Geoo update!  ;D
Amazing job in English, you should definitely be proud of yourself!
I'm really sorry that your Chem teachers said that. They definitely shouldn't be telling your cohort that they're worse than last year's cohort. Don't lose hope in Chem because VCAA will moderate your scores individually based on your circumstances and past marks. We have no idea how sacs are being used this year so there is still hope!
With Food Studies I know it sounds a little hopeless but there are rural kids who get 99 ATARs when their school median is like 80 so nothing is impossible! You got this, especially with your overflowing passion for Food Studies and your career (which is super awesome!).

Edit: just realised I sounded like i was putting down rural kids. I was not. I was referring to this article:
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/we-re-in-a-bubble-country-kids-left-behind-as-education-gap-widens-20190611-p51wfm.html
Hehe thank you, you're so sweet! I did celebrate that english mark with on of my favourite chocolates from my local chocolate shop, it was so great to finally get out of the house lol.
It's a bummer with what happened with chem, but hopefully you're right with the moderating, it;s been the craziest subject I've ever had.
Aww your so kind! Super uplifting, and such a great reminder. It's interesting, my school isn't rural even though there are many rural kids, but I think my school average is like 27? So its time to bust out of those expectations!

Hey Geoo!
I love love love your updates and CONGRATS ON YOUR FREAKING AWESOME ENGLISH SCORE! I haven't finished my novel yet (and my sac is in 2 weeks) so you're doing better than me at this rate!! I really really really can't wait for you to surpass your food studies teachers expectations, you are so freaking dedicated!!
Eat a vegetable and take some deep breaths, there's only like 3 months left! You can do this, the finish line is so close!
Hey J,
That's means so much to me that you enjoy my updates, even though they can be a bit on the negative side, i'm glad you get something out of them :). Haha it looks like we share the same english book procrastination gene! Good luck, i'm sure you'll read it in time, it's hard because there are so many other books on my bookshelf that call my name.....Thanks you for kind words, I celebrated the hell out of the english mark, so maybe it's time I go eat some veggies instead of chocolate. But yes, I can't believe how close we're getting, not long to go!

Mini Update
I might write something longer later in the week but for now, I just wanted to say i'm feeling a bit better. :) I got part 1 of my food SAC in, and I managed to catch up with 2 out of the 4 weeks of methods, so i'm on tract with doing my SAC next week. Till next time!
Spoiler
I also binged watched Star Wars the Clone Wars Season 7, and woah, those last four episodes were amazing. So sad to see the series come to an end, but it was worth the 5 year wait!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on August 27, 2020, 08:29:49 pm
Hehe thank you, you're so sweet! I did celebrate that english mark with on of my favourite chocolates from my local chocolate shop, it was so great to finally get out of the house lol.
Oh, I love local chocolate shops! Too bad I can't find any near me...
what chocolates did you buy?
 All the best with your methods sac!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 01, 2020, 04:59:07 pm
Update - 01/09/2020 - 86 Days Till I'm Free

Hey Everyone! I thought it was time for me to make another update. I find it funny when looking back at my earlier year 11 updates how they were mainly on the shorter side, and I use to post always on Friday.... now look at me. Anyway, in not so shocking news, i'm still tired unfortunately and there's not much I can do about it, but I'm trying to keep pushing through knowing that there is only 86 days till I finish my VCE! Wow it has gone quickly! There is only 70 days till my english exam too which is quite frightening to say the least. I may do a bit more of a deep dive into some of my feelings on part 2 of 2020 later on, but for now I'd give it a solid 4/10.

I attending the monash open day on the weekend, and while I thought it was okay, i'm still left feeling at a loss over not doing it in person. I could feel the bias so strongly it was hilarious! However, I was able to speak to some family friends, we're one goes to uniMelb and the other monash and they were able to give me a little less bias than some of the pre written speeches the monash open day students did. So for right now, i'm leaning more towards BSci at unimelb.... because it has a food science major :). However, Monash is closer being 50 mins away, compared to Melb which is 1:30 mins away. I like both unis for what they offer, but the only thing the i'm still not sure of, is the Melbourne model.... I don't know how I feel on having to do a masters after my bacholer, i'd be scared of being over educated with no job experience :/. So I still have to sort some things out when it comes to uni, but after the UniMelb open day this weekend, i'll be putting in my VTAC applications!

English
Keeping it simple... i'm 20% through the book, have half an idea of whats going on, very bored, and want to read the long way to a small angry planet instead. Also, i'm a week behind because I haven't finished the book,  but that's for future me to worry about!

Chemistry
I managed to catch up and do weeks 5 and 6 last week which was great, and so I need to find time to get weeks 7 and  8 done this week to make sure i'm back up to date. I'm looking forward to getting analytical chem out of the way so I get to my love of food chem ahhh!!! So excited! I must admit I feel as if my school is a little behind with chem, as we will be finishing content mid October... So I will need to finish content on my own in the holidays to make sure I have time to do practice SACs.

Methods
Some advice, Fatigue + numbers = not a good time/idea. Seriously, it just doesn't compute into my brain when i'm tired. I have my SAC this week and it's not looking great as i'm still a week behind and my brain doesn't work. Anyway on a side note, I don't like probability and it doesn't like me. Also the SAC is on theme parks.... which is a better theme than a wedding!

Foods Studies
To end this update on a high note, my written report mark came back in this morning, and wow did I not expect that. What I thought I wrote, was absolute garbage. I thought it was essentially a fluffy english essay disguised as a science report. But somehow, and I don't know how, I ended up with 60/60. I was lost for words when I saw that one. My mouth reached the floor, was essentially how shocked I was. Anyway, part 2 of the SAC was last week, but due to my health i'm doing it this week! Meat free monday is the theme, and I need to go start looking at recipes.

Oh, I love local chocolate shops! Too bad I can't find any near me...
what chocolates did you buy?
 All the best with your methods sac!!
They are a rare find nowadays! I love passion fruit chocolates so much, especially when done right. They can be a hint of passion fruit with most ones i've tried, but my local chocolate store does them so strong, so you actually get flavour out of them which is amazing. I also love a good hazelnut, berry, freckle and pistachio. What chocolate do you enjoy?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on September 01, 2020, 05:06:51 pm
Hey Geoo  ;D
OMG AMAZING JOB ON THAT 60/60, my jaw dropped wowowowow. I'm so proud, keep rocking!
Great job on catching up with Chem, I'm still trying to find time to do that ahaha. Keep pumping through English, you only have 70 days of reading books and writing essays on them  :)

I love caramel, pistacchio, a little bit of citrus zing sometimes, and once I tried rum and I really liked it hehe
Keep powering through you've got this!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 02, 2020, 10:26:52 pm
Hey Geoo  ;D
OMG AMAZING JOB ON THAT 60/60, my jaw dropped wowowowow. I'm so proud, keep rocking!
Great job on catching up with Chem, I'm still trying to find time to do that ahaha. Keep pumping through English, you only have 70 days of reading books and writing essays on them  :)

I love caramel, pistacchio, a little bit of citrus zing sometimes, and once I tried rum and I really liked it hehe
Keep powering through you've got this!
Aww thank you! I know the feeling, it's just chugging away at chem, slowly but surely scratching the surface of all that content! I know you'll catch up too! I can't believe I forgot about caramel, it is really such a great flavour. I must say I do prefer normal caramel over salted caramel though! Have a great week!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 03, 2020, 06:13:16 pm
Mundane Mini Update

My poor car has been under constant torment from birds and spiders! I have had it for two months now, and it has been shat on 10 times! What do the birds have against me..... are they plotting something. To this day, I have found 5 spiders, which whilst tiny, are still in my car. Are the birds and spiders working together? Is this a plot to make me move my car? I don't know, but this war isn't over!!!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on September 04, 2020, 01:00:02 pm
Aww thank you! I know the feeling, it's just chugging away at chem, slowly but surely scratching the surface of all that content! I know you'll catch up too! I can't believe I forgot about caramel, it is really such a great flavour. I must say I do prefer normal caramel over salted caramel though! Have a great week!
I finally caught up, thank god! SAME! Salted caramel is kinda nice but in chocolate you kind of get sick of it quickly.

Mundane Mini Update

My poor car has been under constant torment from birds and spiders! I have had it for two months now, and it has been shat on 10 times! What do the birds have against me..... are they plotting something. To this day, I have found 5 spiders, which whilst tiny, are still in my car. Are the birds and spiders working together? Is this a plot to make me move my car? I don't know, but this war isn't over!!!!
BAHAHAHA is there a name for this war? All the best, I know you can defeat them. But seriously, I think it would be a good idea if you take some insect repellent or something with you in the car. I can't imagine what I would do if I was driving and a large Huntsman climbed up my arm!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: The Cat In The Hat on September 04, 2020, 03:15:00 pm
I can't imagine what I would do if I was driving and a large Huntsman climbed up my arm!
Scream, desperately shake it off, and crash the car in the process? :P
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on September 04, 2020, 04:41:15 pm
Mundane Mini Update

I have had it for two months now, and it has been shat on 10 times!

Mostly when parked, or when you've been driving?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: J_Rho on September 04, 2020, 05:09:04 pm
Mundane Mini Update

My poor car has been under constant torment from birds and spiders! I have had it for two months now, and it has been shat on 10 times! What do the birds have against me..... are they plotting something. To this day, I have found 5 spiders, which whilst tiny, are still in my car. Are the birds and spiders working together? Is this a plot to make me move my car? I don't know, but this war isn't over!!!!
OMG i would probably light it on fire if i found more than 2 spiders in it! thats crazy!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on September 04, 2020, 06:12:17 pm
Are you sure there isn't some hole in your car? Or food? My brother spilled chips in my room once and my floor was full of ants (I know it's gross). I had to clean it for an hour!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 05, 2020, 03:33:11 pm
I finally caught up, thank god! SAME! Salted caramel is kinda nice but in chocolate you kind of get sick of it quickly.
BAHAHAHA is there a name for this war? All the best, I know you can defeat them. But seriously, I think it would be a good idea if you take some insect repellent or something with you in the car. I can't imagine what I would do if I was driving and a large Huntsman climbed up my arm!
I'm not sure, but I think i'm going to call it the great war of the arachnids and Ornithurae.... I don't know it sounds fancy. Yeah huntsmans can be quite scary when they want to be! Especially when driving, I'd hate to see one crawl over me.
Mostly when parked, or when you've been driving?
A mix of both. I've had about 3 instances when the car was moving, and 7 when sitting outside my driveway, so it's a combo attack from the region of birds. It's very well organised!
OMG i would probably light it on fire if i found more than 2 spiders in it! thats crazy!
IKR it's quite terrifying! Love my car to light it on fire though, however I would consider putting it in a cement box, then they wouldn't be able to get in :) Although i'm still a bit scared as I have seen a few redbacks around my car.....
Are you sure there isn't some hole in your car? Or food? My brother spilled chips in my room once and my floor was full of ants (I know it's gross). I had to clean it for an hour!
I have looked and I don't believe there is a hole, there are some easy spots to squeeze into but that's just the nature of the car. I have strick rules on food in my car to avoid smelling it out, so i'm pretty sure there isn't. But that would be so gross, I can just imagine a herd of ants on the floor ewwww! I had them on my kitchen floor once when I spilled honey on the ground, and whilst I thought I cleaned most of it up, I clearly didn't as the next morning they were EVERYWHERE!   
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 10, 2020, 04:48:28 pm
Update - 10/09/2020 - 77 Days Till I Can Nap Without Guilt

I feel like I update this way to frequently? Not sure? I guess it's just a great way to express the all the lovely feelings and thought's I have as I ride the Rollarcoster of VCE. Anyway, just to follow up on last weeks update, I have already had 2 more birds decide my car is a toilet, and I was out and about just minding my business. Honestly it's unbelievable! So i'll try keep this update a bit on the shorter side and hopefully on the positive side, even though i'm feeling like negative Nancy on steroids right now :)

VTAC Preferences
Now I haven't submitted them off yet as I haven't had the time to stare at my computer screen for 45 minutes, but I now have a decent idea of what I want to put down. It was helpful to go to both the monash and Melbourne open days even though they were online, and I think I have finally made some decisions. If I hate them later, I can always do a switchero.
Spoiler
1) BSci Unimelb.
2) BSci Monash
3) PharmSci Monash
4) Nutrition Science Monash.
5) BArts Uni Melb
6) BArts Monash
7) RMIT Food Nutrition and Technology.
8 ) BDesign Monash
I might change around a few after three, but I know that I really want to do food science at Melb uni, and if that doesn't happen, i'd still be happy to do a Bsci at monash :)

English
26% through the book...... I feel like it's a word vomit all the time, and I really dislike Robyn as a character, to me she  comes across as a bit of a hypocrite. For example, she goes on, and on, about how she feels bad for the camels, weather it's been trained for riding, or has a peg put through it's nose, but then she goes ahead and does it anyway! I feel bad saying that as she is a real life person instead of a character. Lets hope it improves but wow I need to push through this book.

Chemistry
I'm still 2 weeks behind, which isn't a place i'm happy to be in, but I hope I get up to date by next week, and that I can finish content on the holidays. I have my last SAC the first week back on food science which is kind of scary, as I have 2 other SACs and a GAT. I'm going to be sooooo exhasted that week. The school will finish content on the second week of term 4, but once again i'm hoping to to that on the holidays!

Food Studies
I have one more week of content left!!!!!! Yay! Then I have finished unit 4 except for the last SAC which is also on the first week back in term 4. I'm actually in contact with my teacher at the moment to see if I can do it over the holidays to so that I won't be to worn out by that week. There won't be a practical portion this time round thanks to the adjusted study design, so it will only be a 100 minute test. But, I just finished my last SAC for this term, which was the food studies SAC! Thank goodness that's out of the way. I made a lentil soup which honestly had too many lentils in it. On a side note, I wasn't very happy with my answers, but I have said that before and got good marks before, so i'm sure it will be okay.

Methods
Uh, i'm in a WTF mode. So I "finished" my last methods SAC of the year yay, which I found to be easy in the maths aspect but it felt more like an english SAC, as the wording was just bizarre. "Find the span from the northern border to the widest part of the river," I had no clue from what point was the widest part of the river, and it was quite subjective, so I just went with the minimum of the function and crossed my fingers. Anyway, I got an email back from my teacher offering me a bit more time to finish two questions I didn't complete as I ran out of time...... I have never seen this happen before. On the one hand this is great, as I get more time to go back and see if I can answer them, but one the other hand I feel like this is dragged out and all I want is for it to be over.... In other news, I have 3 weeks left of content till I finish unit 4, then it's time to start crying as I run out of motivation for exams!


Congratulations! You dear readers, have made it to the end of my shenanigans! I'm currently very unproductive, out of motivation, and have a deep desire to just forget about VCE and start baking again. Honestly I have been so distracted with chocolate tempering videos! Oh and kittens. Lots and lots of kittens.  Just checked out the DUNE trailer, and wow that looks awesome! I have the book on my shelves, and I think I should finally pick it up (after tracks of course :P). Also, i'm now 99.96% sure i'll be taking a GAP year next year, but this update is already longer than I expected, so i'll leave that for next time. Anyway, please send some motivation and energy through the mail, and send wishes for my car's safety against the birds!!!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on September 11, 2020, 09:49:25 pm
I feel like I update this way to frequently? Not sure?
Absolutely not! We love the frequency of your updates!

I have already had 2 more birds decide my car is a toilet, and I was out and about just minding my business. Honestly it's unbelievable!
Looks like the arachnids and Ornithurae are winning! Don't let them!

So i'll try keep this update a bit on the shorter side and hopefully on the positive side, even though i'm feeling like negative Nancy on steroids right now :)
If you ever need to vent feel free to PM me matey!

For example, she goes on, and on, about how she feels bad for the camels, weather it's been trained for riding, or has a peg put through it's nose, but then she goes ahead and does it anyway! I feel bad saying that as she is a real life person instead of a character. Lets hope it improves but wow I need to push through this book.
It doesn't really get better but it does get less unbearable. I hope I am not going too far but PM me if you want some handy notes as we've just finished Tracks at school. I've got some handy dandy quotes you might like!

On a side note, I wasn't very happy with my answers, but I have said that before and got good marks before, so i'm sure it will be okay.
Congrats on finishing all of your sacs! Dude, I always get this gut feeling regarding how I answer questions and it always messes with my mental health until I get it back so do your best to ignore it. Your mindset is so good though!

Anyway, please send some motivation and energy through the mail, and send wishes for my car's safety against the birds!!!!
Sending some motivation: Pew Pew!
I shall pray to the gods for your car's safety but the rest is up to you to defend your castle. Right now it's an easy win for the arachnids and the Ornithurae are winning: 2 to 0. If I wanted to be mean I'd add like another 10 points for the number of spiders and birds that pooed on your car hahahahha.

Keep pushing through, you've got this! 77 days until you can take a nap without guilt remember!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on September 18, 2020, 09:09:23 pm
Update - 18/09/2020 - Holidays!

I think it is crazy how fast this year has gone... There were certainly some moments which went by slowly, but overall it's gone at break neck speed and I am only now just coming to terms with the fact that my final year of my highschool education is finally coming to an end. Wow. I'm really looking forward to finally having the freedom after school (come on Vic Roads, please open up soon), and just having the chance to do something that isn't study!

Let's jump right in to the subject rap ups:

English
I am almost done with the book now, thank goodness! I've read 85%, and I plan on finishing the rest tomorrow so I can finally start planning on doing my practice comparative SAC which is the first week of term 4! Super excited to be getting english out of the way, I only have one more week of compulsory content to do and then it's the SAC and goodbye unit 4! Overall the book was just.... meh. I give it a solid 3/10, and that's mainly because there were way to many monologues that filled in the "what's happening" parts of the book. Alot on camels, alot on the dessert, stuff on what she's thinking, it went on, and on, and on. I also wished she had more paragraphs in her work, it felt like one big chunk of text. Also, I wish for the english exam I could write and essay called "Why Robyn should have bought a Toyota instead of camels to the desert," I felt so sorry for the camels....

Methods
I'm really annoyed that I am still three weeks behind on content, it's really dragging me down, but I hope to have it all finished by the end of the holidays so I can start exam revision soon. Other than that, there are no more SACs, and I am still petrified of this subject...

Food Studies
I've finished all the content!!!!!! Woohoo! Such a great feeling, 1 subject down, 3 to go! I do still have one more SAC left that was suppose to be done week one term 4, but I asked my teacher if I can do it in the holidays and she gave me the go ahead. Since this is my last exam, this subject will go on the back burner for a little bit as a prioritise english, methods and chem. I did get back my last SAC with I ended up with a 40/40, super happy with this, and it's really the only subject I feel comfortable with at the moment.

Chemistry
Like methods I still have a good chunk of content to get through! I haven't started AOS 2 so I need to get cracking! Like the other subjects, i'm aiming to get all the content out of the way by the time to holidays end so that I can start practice exams and revision! I still do have one more SAC also in week 1 of term 4. My class is doing one more week of content after the SAC, but to me that's to late so i'll speed ahead and do it. Also.... I skipped over electrolysis back in unit 3, so I need to go back to that chapter... woops.

Final VTAC Preferences
Spoiler
1) UniMelb - BSci
2) Monash- BSci
3) Monash- PharmaSci
4) Monash - Arts
5) RMIT - PharmSci
6) Monash - Nutrition science.
7) RMIT - Food Technology and Buisman
8 )RMIT- Food Technology and Nutrition -

Just Some General Feelings
Spoiler
To be frank, i'm very overwhelmed at the amount of work that needs to be done, and to be quite honest I don't think i'll reach my goals. Something i've hinted at in this journal is that I suffer from a few health conditions, and I worked myself way to hard in the first half of the year that it has messed with my performance and energy with the second half. I keep telling my self I just need to push myself for a bit longer, and then I can take time to recuperate, but i'm scared that I have just affected my health too much. I currently have an eczema flare up on my writing hand at the moment, that is making it very hard to do any form of hand writing, and I have bought so much moistening cream it's not funny (shoutout to cerave tubs...). I'll seriously be bringing hand cream into my exam room lol. I also got notified that because i'm high risk with our friend covid, I have been given access to have my own separate room for the exams and the GAT, which has given me some sense of security. My health isn't as bad as it was in the first half of year 11, but it's certainly taking a toll. My brains like, hey, it's just a bit more to go, and then it will be time to rest, but my body is on full vcay it's time to chill out mode so ahh, pretty annoyed! But hey, at least I've got the mental motivation, I just have to convince the rest of myself to get on board!

Overall i'm just a bit scared my health will get in the way of me achieving my goals, and affecting whether or not i'll get into the course I want. For now all I can do is give it my best shot and hope for the best.  I can't be to hard on myself as I know that this isn't something I can control, and I just need to do the best that I can, not matter how hard I tell myself otherwise. I just have to keep thinking that there are many pathways if I don't get the score that I need, and it's not the be all and end all. Anyway, that was a bit personal so moving on...

Thanks everyone for all the support you've given me, and please go enjoy the holidays, even if we're all trapped inside!

Homeworkisapotato  :)
Absolutely not! We love the frequency of your updates!
Looks like the arachnids and Ornithurae are winning! Don't let them!
If you ever need to vent feel free to PM me matey!
It doesn't really get better but it does get less unbearable. I hope I am not going too far but PM me if you want some handy notes as we've just finished Tracks at school. I've got some handy dandy quotes you might like!
Congrats on finishing all of your sacs! Dude, I always get this gut feeling regarding how I answer questions and it always messes with my mental health until I get it back so do your best to ignore it. Your mindset is so good though!
Sending some motivation: Pew Pew!
I shall pray to the gods for your car's safety but the rest is up to you to defend your castle. Right now it's an easy win for the arachnids and the Ornithurae are winning: 2 to 0. If I wanted to be mean I'd add like another 10 points for the number of spiders and birds that pooed on your car hahahahha.

Keep pushing through, you've got this! 77 days until you can take a nap without guilt remember!
Aww thank you! I must say I haven't been attacked by the birds this week, so I have a feeling i'm winning the battle slowly! I may take you up on those notes for tracks, I swear the book has more content on camels that actual story... But that would be amazing thank you! Gotta love those thoughts in SACs and Exams going, "is this really the right answer....", but glad i'm not alone in those thoughts!
Thanks for the extra motivation and I shall keep fighting those annoying birds, but I think I may have gotten ahead with the spiders... I haven't seen them round for a few days, but we shall wait and see. Have a great holdiay!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on September 18, 2020, 09:53:49 pm
Hey Geoo, I'm so happy you updated your journal! Great job in Food Studies, the relief when you finish all the content in a subject is so worth the hard work throughout the year.
Spoiler
I'm very sorry that you have to go through this but I just wanted to let you know that mindset is everything and you have such a positive attitude and an amazing amount of resilience which I think no physical barriers can stomp down on. I know and you know that you can overcome this and achieve your goals!
I'm so bad at understanding social nuances on text so feel free to send a PM if you want my Tracks notes. Have an amazing and productive holiday <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ArtyDreams on September 18, 2020, 10:00:48 pm
First off.....congrats on finishing the term Geoo!! How crazy is it that TERM THREE is finished?!

I am so so positive that you WILL achieve your goals! Just keep at it the best you can, I'm sure you will catch up. Just keep at it, and don't forget to look after yourself. Everything will slowly fall into place. Also, if you ever need methods help, feel free to give a shout!!

And yayyyy......UniMelb gang going strong! Bsci is my first preference too. Would be so awesome if we both get it!!

Enjoy your holidays Geoo!!  You deserve it :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 03, 2020, 12:46:00 pm
Update - 03/20/2020 - Term 4

Homeworkisapotatoe  :D
Hey Geoo, I'm so happy you updated your journal! Great job in Food Studies, the relief when you finish all the content in a subject is so worth the hard work throughout the year.
Spoiler
I'm very sorry that you have to go through this but I just wanted to let you know that mindset is everything and you have such a positive attitude and an amazing amount of resilience which I think no physical barriers can stomp down on. I know and you know that you can overcome this and achieve your goals!
I'm so bad at understanding social nuances on text so feel free to send a PM if you want my Tracks notes. Have an amazing and productive holiday <3
Hey Potato! Getting through the content is always such a good feeling!
Spoiler
Thank you, even though I wasn't the quickest to respond, i've reread this little message many times and it has never failed to put a smile on my face. Thanks for believing in me, and your amazingly kind words![ I hope you can achieve all your goals this year as well, and I have no doubt you will, good luck with all the exam prep for bio and don't forgot to take a break every now and again!
I hope you had a productive yet relaxing holidays, and good luck for term 4!

ArtyDreams  :D
First off.....congrats on finishing the term Geoo!! How crazy is it that TERM THREE is finished?!

I am so so positive that you WILL achieve your goals! Just keep at it the best you can, I'm sure you will catch up. Just keep at it, and don't forget to look after yourself. Everything will slowly fall into place. Also, if you ever need methods help, feel free to give a shout!!

And yayyyy......UniMelb gang going strong! Bsci is my first preference too. Would be so awesome if we both get it!!

Enjoy your holidays Geoo!!  You deserve it :D
Hehe, thanks Arty, I still can't believe we are about to head into term 4, it's absolutely boonkers! Aww, thank you! Your words have really cheered me up, I can sometimes get into this werid head space of where it's like, ahh i'm never going to get there, but it's always nice to be reminded that there's still a chance. Yay for uni melb, yes that would be awesome if we both got in! Good luck for term 4!!!

I still can't believe that this is it, this is the year my education ends (well not literally because uni is just around the corner). It just feels so surreal, and I still haven't really processed that this is it, it's not like will be going into summer holidays we will just be going into normality? Anyway i'll leave my brain to process that later, for now, the holidays have been somewhat crazy, a little unproductive, and overall just very sick of lockdown.

So to keep things rather frank, i've got 153 hours but vicroads is closed, so i'm getting a little jealous of some of my rural friends who are getting theirs, at this rate I think i'll end up getting mine after my exams. Speaking of exams, still terrified that they are approaching. Because even though i'm happy to get the year over with so I can finally relax, at the end of the day i'm not prepared so there is still alot of work to be done before that! I think that like everyone this year, motivation is more like a creek than a river, and it's just not happening when it comes to getting stuff done. I've been getting a bit done, but at the rate of a snail. But I can't really fault myself for that as my health is still deciding if it's going to cooperate with me, so I can't be to harsh on myself, but I do feel really behind, I haven't even done a practice exam. I remember last year for bio that I wished I started earlier..... woops.
In kinda bad news, my dermatitis had gotten so bad that i've now developed a staph infection, great..... So i'm now going to go on some antibiotics before that turns into something worse. In better news, with the GAT being next week, my chosen centre is about an hour a way, so I finally get to leave the 5 km zone! 

English
I finished reading tracks about 1/4 into the holidays which is a relief, but I can't really recall much about it... I still haven't turned in my practice comparative which I was suppose to turn in two week ago before the SAC that is next week, but i'm still struggling to hand write at the moment so it's been slow going. It's 38 days till the english exam and i'm excited to get it over with yet scared to do it. I really need to work on getting my essays done in under 60 mins though.... it takes me a while.

Chemistry
I set out to get three weeks of work done, but I only managed to get 2 weeks done, which i'm okay with but a little grumpy about it. I have my final chem SAC this week which is super exciting to get out of the way and completed. As soon as the SAC is done and I get through chapter 17, it's off to exam revision... which still feels super late.... Oh and I managed to get a 33/40 for the organic chem SAC from hell, not a great score, but it's okay. It's over 80% which is the main thing and I should feel pretty good about it since I was quick sick that day, but i'd rather it be in the 90's to be comfortable.

Methods
There are moments in life when i'm like..... you're an idiot. I set out to get that last 3 weeks done which is all probability, and guess what, I didn't even touch methods. Out of all the subjects, methods is the hardest to do when tired, my brain is like why problem solve just tell me the answer.... I don't know it's weird. In good news, I ended up with an 80% for my last methods SAC, I still don't know how that happens, it's bizare to me, but I think most of my scores come from that I get the method right.... not the actual question. So i'm so nervous for that exam!

Food Studies
This is the only subject that has been done and dusted! I finished my last SAC during the holidays instead of next week as there was no way I was getting 3 SACs and a GAT done and i'm really glad my teacher allowed this.  So now I have done everything, and it's an incredible feeling! This subject is now going on the back burning for a while, as I focus on my other 3 subjects, especially since this is my last exam which is on the 26th of November.

Anyway, i'm feeling a bit better going into term 4. I'm still kinda scared of exams and the outcomes it can bring, but at the same time it's nice to know that this is it! I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday at least, and lets try not to beat ourselves up for not getting much done.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on October 03, 2020, 07:41:39 pm
Aww I'm happy that I could put a smile to your face <3 and thank you! Productive it was, relaxing ehh not so much ahaha
AMAZING job on your sacs, getting above 80% is no easy feat (ESPECIALLY if you're sick) and congrats on finishing food studies. It feels so good to just finish a subject and put it in a box to revisit later without feeling guilty. Also, with methods, I'm sure that you got 80% from your strong content knowledge, believe in yourself! I'm so proud that you've finished Tracks, do you still hate it?
With all my heart I know that with the positive mindset that you have, your health WILL improve! There's a dam about to break and flood in Torquay which sucks and seems like as if nature just wants to shove the middle finger at humanity this year but hopefully some of the water will flood into your creek so your river of motivation overflows (hopefully that wasn't cringe). All the best with your English and Chem sacs, you'll smash it as usual  ;D

Looking forward to the next update <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on October 03, 2020, 08:22:49 pm
Hey hey Geoo!!

You know when you see a Geoo journal update there is definitely going to be some spicy Food Studies comments🤩

Every time I visit this journal, I always go straight to the Food Studies comment and YES BRO!! Congrats for finishing all of your SACs! That is a big achievement on its own and I hope you celebrated it with more food 🍲🍲🍲.

English, oh man I can't believe that the exam is so close😭. Also, amazing job in Chemistry! Doing a SAC when you are sick is pretty tough just like Potato has mentioned, and even with that, you were still able to pull off an amazing score. [You have some superpowers there]

Either way, you are doing a beautiful job Geoo and keep up the great work! Everything will pay off in the end and we all believe in you. Make sure you rest up before getting back into the action💪 [I couldn't find a better emoji but you get what I mean🤣]. Thanks for the journal update and you GO GEOO!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on October 04, 2020, 07:28:12 am
Hi Geoo!
YESS an update  8) A massive congrats on methods, I know how hard this subject has been for you with your health issues (and also let's be honest, it's methods  :() but you did amazing despite the challenges and that's very inspiring ;D

Also, voluntarily doing a SAC early was a great idea for food studies and also shows how confident you are in this subject. I'm with Ash I'm always super excited to see a food studies update because there are not too many people around the forums that do this subject.

Anyway you've got this and we are SO close to finishing, just the final hurdles to go and we'll be free  ;)   
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 13, 2020, 03:53:02 pm
Super sorry for the late replies, I have enjoyed reading all of them  :)

Potato
Aww I'm happy that I could put a smile to your face <3 and thank you! Productive it was, relaxing ehh not so much ahaha
AMAZING job on your sacs, getting above 80% is no easy feat (ESPECIALLY if you're sick) and congrats on finishing food studies. It feels so good to just finish a subject and put it in a box to revisit later without feeling guilty. Also, with methods, I'm sure that you got 80% from your strong content knowledge, believe in yourself! I'm so proud that you've finished Tracks, do you still hate it?
With all my heart I know that with the positive mindset that you have, your health WILL improve! There's a dam about to break and flood in Torquay which sucks and seems like as if nature just wants to shove the middle finger at humanity this year but hopefully some of the water will flood into your creek so your river of motivation overflows (hopefully that wasn't cringe). All the best with your English and Chem sacs, you'll smash it as usual  ;D

Looking forward to the next update <3
Well i'm super glad your holidays were productive and that you can hopefully get a little rest in despite the crazy up and coming weeks. Haha thank you, yeah i'm still in a little shock I was able to pull an 80% but i'll take it, and the feeling of finishing a subject never gets old! I'm sure you felt the same with bio finally being over! I'm still not the biggest fan of Tracks, I do agree with you that it did get better, but I had a really hard time with just getting into the story. I felt alot of it could have been condensed alot more, and I found Robyn grated on my nerves of few times. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and some of the storytelling elements, but i'd give this book a 4/10. Especially when I compare it to Nine Days, which for an english book was alot more enjoyable. What was your overall rating of the book?
Aww thank you, I do hope my help will improve, but it's supper supportive people like yourself that really help me push through it, so thank you. Yeah I still can't believe what happened at Torquay, but nice way to continue the analogy! I laughed out loud with that one. I hope you enjoyed your first week back, and good luck with exam revision!

Ashmi
Hey hey Geoo!!
You know when you see a Geoo journal update there is definitely going to be some spicy Food Studies comments🤩
Every time I visit this journal, I always go straight to the Food Studies comment and YES BRO!! Congrats for finishing all of your SACs! That is a big achievement on its own and I hope you celebrated it with more food 🍲🍲🍲.
English, oh man I can't believe that the exam is so close😭. Also, amazing job in Chemistry! Doing a SAC when you are sick is pretty tough just like Potato has mentioned, and even with that, you were still able to pull off an amazing score. [You have some superpowers there]
Either way, you are doing a beautiful job Geoo and keep up the great work! Everything will pay off in the end and we all believe in you. Make sure you rest up before getting back into the action💪 [I couldn't find a better emoji but you get what I mean🤣]. Thanks for the journal update and you GO GEOO!!
Ahhh! A wonderful comment by Ashmi! I could say the same when I read through your own amazing journal, I love reading about the things you get up to in PD, it's great to see some of the technology subjects coming back in style! And thank you, it was amazing getting all the FS SACs out of the way, it's such an amazing feeling!

Wouldn't it be amazing to have superpowers..... I always thought i'd be someone who would either control the elements, or create wormholes.... what would yours be.... woops tangent, but yes it's always crazy with what can happen when life throughs you under the weather, even with SACs!
Thanks for the cheer and the amazing words. Good luck with all your exam revision too, I know you can do it, and don't forget to rest up yourself! (The arm emoji works perfectly!)

Chocolate
Hi Geoo!
YESS an update  8) A massive congrats on methods, I know how hard this subject has been for you with your health issues (and also let's be honest, it's methods  :() but you did amazing despite the challenges and that's very inspiring ;D

Also, voluntarily doing a SAC early was a great idea for food studies and also shows how confident you are in this subject. I'm with Ash I'm always super excited to see a food studies update because there are not too many people around the forums that do this subject.

Anyway you've got this and we are SO close to finishing, just the final hurdles to go and we'll be free  ;)   
Yes it's not long now till we are free of the VCE, it's insane how fast it's approaching! Even though it's a few weeks later, i'm still in shock over that methods score to this day, but unfortunately i'm still struggling with it quite a bit still, which is scary as there is only 5 weeks till the exam.....
Quote
let's be honest, it's methods

I have never agreed so much with a quote all my life! I love food studies so much, and it's a really nice break from my heavier subjects, so i'm super glad you enjoy reading the little tib bids of my adventures. It would be nice to see more people undertake food studies, but I know some people get scared to that nasty scaling!  Thank you for your lovely kind words, and we should eventually take our freedom soon!!

Anyway, always happy to hear from you, and good luck with all your exam prep!

I've been absolutely exhausted this past week, so I may give an update later in the week! Thanks for being patient with the replies!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on October 14, 2020, 02:02:22 pm
Super sorry for the late replies, I have enjoyed reading all of them  :)

Potato
Well i'm super glad your holidays were productive and that you can hopefully get a little rest in despite the crazy up and coming weeks. Haha thank you, yeah i'm still in a little shock I was able to pull an 80% but i'll take it, and the feeling of finishing a subject never gets old! I'm sure you felt the same with bio finally being over! I'm still not the biggest fan of Tracks, I do agree with you that it did get better, but I had a really hard time with just getting into the story. I felt alot of it could have been condensed alot more, and I found Robyn grated on my nerves of few times. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and some of the storytelling elements, but i'd give this book a 4/10. Especially when I compare it to Nine Days, which for an english book was alot more enjoyable. What was your overall rating of the book?
Aww thank you, I do hope my help will improve, but it's supper supportive people like yourself that really help me push through it, so thank you. Yeah I still can't believe what happened at Torquay, but nice way to continue the analogy! I laughed out loud with that one. I hope you enjoyed your first week back, and good luck with exam revision!

Ashmi
Ahhh! A wonderful comment by Ashmi! I could say the same when I read through your own amazing journal, I love reading about the things you get up to in PD, it's great to see some of the technology subjects coming back in style! And thank you, it was amazing getting all the FS SACs out of the way, it's such an amazing feeling!

Wouldn't it be amazing to have superpowers..... I always thought i'd be someone who would either control the elements, or create wormholes.... what would yours be.... woops tangent, but yes it's always crazy with what can happen when life throughs you under the weather, even with SACs!
Thanks for the cheer and the amazing words. Good luck with all your exam revision too, I know you can do it, and don't forget to rest up yourself! (The arm emoji works perfectly!)

Chocolate
Yes it's not long now till we are free of the VCE, it's insane how fast it's approaching! Even though it's a few weeks later, i'm still in shock over that methods score to this day, but unfortunately i'm still struggling with it quite a bit still, which is scary as there is only 5 weeks till the exam.....
I have never agreed so much with a quote all my life! I love food studies so much, and it's a really nice break from my heavier subjects, so i'm super glad you enjoy reading the little tib bids of my adventures. It would be nice to see more people undertake food studies, but I know some people get scared to that nasty scaling!  Thank you for your lovely kind words, and we should eventually take our freedom soon!!

Anyway, always happy to hear from you, and good luck with all your exam prep!

I've been absolutely exhausted this past week, so I may give an update later in the week! Thanks for being patient with the replies!

This is your journal - the timing of when you update is about what works best for you :)

I hope that the exhaustion hasn't been too challenging!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on October 14, 2020, 03:42:57 pm
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What was your overall rating of the book?
I found it quite meh to be honest, but like you I also found the writing style a bit enjoyable but there are definitely better memoirs around!

Quote
Aww thank you, I do hope my help will improve, but it's supper supportive people like yourself that really help me push through it, so thank you. Yeah I still can't believe what happened at Torquay, but nice way to continue the analogy! I laughed out loud with that one.
I'm happy it made you laugh ahaha I'm so bad at poetry and all that analogy stuff!

Quote
I hope you enjoyed your first week back, and good luck with exam revision!
I hope you've had a great face-to-face week and enjoyed seeing your friends again. Thank you so much and all the best for your exam revision and exams <3
Looking forward to the next update  ;D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 15, 2020, 07:07:12 pm
Update - 15/10/2020 - It's Time To Panic!

So, where to begin... Does anyone have this odd feeling where you feel there is so much to do but nothing at all? I think that with most of the deadlines gone my mind is ready to go into holiday mode and i'm like wait, wait, wait, there is still exams to go, hold out a little longer. I ended up taking about 6 days off after last week as I was just exhausted from everything. I feel like i'm wasting alot of time, and I keep try to justify it as you'll get there in the end, even if it's only 6 practice exams and not 20..... so because i've wasted so much time, I really need to focus on the quality study, and try not to blame myself and guilt trip into thinking I need to do more.

The GAT
Not going to spend too long on this but it went okay. I found the arts questions quite hard and a bit to abstract to really be confident in my answers. I felt myself losing time as I was quite behind when trying to get through the MC, I ended up half guessing a few answers. As in, eliminate 2, and look at the best possible option left. Honestly the maths section didn't go to well, and I got overwhelmed at all the information presented in front of me, and what I had to do in the short span of time. Although weird thing, I used my food studies knowledge more in that weird rice question than actual maths..... yay gelatinisation!

Other than that, I liked the second writing task alot, so that was enjoyable! Couldn't care less about the cars one though. Also I completely blanked on how to spell believe and intrigue..... thanks brain. Oh and even though I brought a dictionary, none of the fancy art words were in there.....

English
I have now finished everything in this subject, so it's time to move onto the painful task of exam prep. If there is one thing i'm worried about, it's how fast I can write, and the amount I can get down without my hand hurting. Other than that, I think my comparative went okay, I wasn't supper proud of it, but it was decent. I might do a quick reread of Nine Days, even Tracks (maybe only some parts of it) and do a rewatch of Charlies Country. Making a quote to themes chart is a high thing on my list of stuff to do. But if there is anything I can say, is that finishing english and never having to do it again will be a highlight of my VCE!

Chemistry
Finally finished everything for this subject, thank goodness! I really need to get a move on with the revision, and then start some practice exams asap. My SAC went pretty well, and for the first time i'm feeling decently confident. It was a food science SAC so that was straight up my alley, and it was the first SAC since term 1 THAT WAS ON PAPER! That made me so happy. If there is one thing i've learnt this year, is that I hate chemistry questions online, I need to highlight stuff and annotate it, so it doesn't help when it's online.... Anyway it's time for me to crack open the textbook....

Methods
Don't really want to talk about it. Still 2 weeks behind....

Food studies
Nothing new, but my teacher handed out some amazing revision booklets to do since there are barely any food studies resources to do any revision (yay for tech subjects...). So she made these awesome summery booklets based on the AOS's, so i might do AOS 1 tonight. I must say, doing AOS 2 of unit 4 chem was also a semi revision in itself! But it will be back to online revision classes next week.


Okay so that's pretty much it. There is still a long way to finish line in terms of work, but not alot of time left to do. I really need to get a move on.....  But yay i've finished all the SACs, I never have to do one again, it's feels really surreal!

Spoiler
=Bri MT
This is your journal - the timing of when you update is about what works best for you :)

I hope that the exhaustion hasn't been too challenging!
I guess for me, leaving responses unanswered feels like leaving the text message you really need to get back to but it's been a week. But yes, i'll take it easy, it can just be hard to get out of the habit, thank you :)
It's been a bit hard to get things done with the exhaustion unfortunately, and i've fallen a bit behind with the exam prep, but i'm hopefully about to get back on the horse after a decent amount of rest. Thank you for the kind words!

Potato
I found it quite meh to be honest, but like you I also found the writing style a bit enjoyable but there are definitely better memoirs around!
I'm happy it made you laugh ahaha I'm so bad at poetry and all that analogy stuff!
I hope you've had a great face-to-face week and enjoyed seeing your friends again. Thank you so much and all the best for your exam revision and exams <3
Looking forward to the next update  ;D
100% agree there are so many better memoirs compared to Tracks! I really loved educated by Tara Westover, and it's just interesting when you start to compare these autobiographies, and you look at Tracks and go, meh.

It's interesting actually, because VSV doesn't really allow people to chat or interact with one another, so not many people are friends there. It's only the people who know each other outside of the school, like I know alot of Royal Melbourne ballet dancers who may all be in the same group. And since the cohort at VSV is so large, I think around 400 students when to a university for the GAT and because I had a private room, I took it normally at the school. So everyone was quite separated. It's certainly an interesting set up. But I hope you got to enjoy seeing your friends again after so long, it's crazy when you realise just how long it has been.
Aww thank you, and I hope all the bio prep is going well!  :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on October 16, 2020, 05:38:33 am
Hey Geoo, it's great to see another update!!

I really need to focus on the quality study, and try not to blame myself and guilt trip into thinking I need to do more.
This is a big problem for me too but don't worry! Once you start doing some more quality study you'll feel better. Of course, yourself > everything else including studies

It was a food science SAC so that was straight up my alley, and it was the first SAC since term 1 THAT WAS ON PAPER! That made me so happy. If there is one thing i've learnt this year, is that I hate chemistry questions online, I need to highlight stuff and annotate it, so it doesn't help when it's online.... Anyway it's time for me to crack open the textbook....
There's that sneaky food studies comment I was waiting for ;) Great job!


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100% agree there are so many better memoirs compared to Tracks! I really loved educated by Tara Westover, and it's just interesting when you start to compare these autobiographies, and you look at Tracks and go, meh.
Exactly! I've always wanted to read Becoming by Michelle Obama but I've never got the time!

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So everyone was quite separated. It's certainly an interesting set up. But I hope you got to enjoy seeing your friends again after so long, it's crazy when you realise just how long it has been.
It sounds really interesting! I really did enjoy it, I didn't even realise how much I missed them until I saw them and now when I'm with them

Quote
Aww thank you, and I hope all the bio prep is going well!  :D

Thank you so much!

Looking forward to the next update <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 16, 2020, 06:10:45 pm
Hey Geoo, it's great to see another update!!
This is a big problem for me too but don't worry! Once you start doing some more quality study you'll feel better. Of course, yourself > everything else including studies
There's that sneaky food studies comment I was waiting for ;) Great job!

Exactly! I've always wanted to read Becoming by Michelle Obama but I've never got the time!
It sounds really interesting! I really did enjoy it, I didn't even realise how much I missed them until I saw them and now when I'm with them
 
Thank you so much!

Looking forward to the next update <3
Thanks for the encouragement! I still need to find the bandwagon that is motivation but you're 100% right! Yeah I've had some family members read Becoming and they really loved it. It's just amazing to see how different people are when they have to retell there stories. How they express themselves and their writing styles are what really can make for a great memoir! It's somewhere on my "books I need to read after VCE" list.
I'm glad you got to meet up with your friends after so long, it's finally nice to be able to see people again. I always enjoy reading your posts :) Till next time.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on October 16, 2020, 07:14:32 pm
Thanks for the encouragement! I still need to find the bandwagon that is motivation but you're 100% right! Yeah I've had some family members read Becoming and they really loved it. It's just amazing to see how different people are when they have to retell there stories. How they express themselves and their writing styles are what really can make for a great memoir! It's somewhere on my "books I need to read after VCE" list.
That's soo true!!!
 
I always enjoy reading your posts :) Till next time.
Thank you, it's so kind of you to say! It's such a pleasure reading your updates :D
Stay safe!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on October 20, 2020, 11:27:02 pm
Mini Update

Random late at night compulsive mini rant. So......... i've finally started practice exams for chem, just finished the third one and OMG I just keep missing the point of the question. I either don't read all the information, skimp on the questions, or for some odd reason, jump to assumptions the question doesn't even go in the direction of. I feel like i'm in one of those quiz game shows, where they start to tell the question, but before they finish I just answer it..... without knowing the rest of the context. What's getting on my nerves, is that I know i'm doing it, but yet I still can't stop it.....

I know it's mostly because i'm tired, but it's just because i'm always tired. Ah, anyway rant over. I'm getting high 60's to low 70's in my first few practice exams. I started with 2010! Anyway, i'll make progress, but it's really frustrating when you look at the answer and it's like, a) I knew that, and b) why did I forget to draw the the last oxygen on the carboxylic acid, I'll honestly never know.  I just laugh at myself because the mistakes are sooooo stupid. Ahh anyway enough of this spare of the moment rant, goodnight!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on October 21, 2020, 06:21:59 am
What's getting on my nerves, is that I know i'm doing it, but yet I still can't stop it.....
Hey Geoo! I totally understand you, I go through this all the time! Academics can be learnt but how to perceive different questions is the hardest thing ever so I understand your frustration. Have you tried writing a specific procedure to reading each question on a sticky note and having it next to you while doing the exam? I used have something like:
- read question
- highlight key words
- re read question
- go through do's and don'ts for this question type (so if I get  a restriction enzyme question I tell myself make sure to include specific recognition site)
- answer the question
- quick scan over my answer and see if it actually answers the question
This helped me minimise my mistakes as I was actively going over and checking if I made silly mistakes. That being said, I'm still the queen of silly mistakes!

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I know it's mostly because i'm tired, but it's just because i'm always tired.
I relate to this so much! Coming back home and doing it is the worst! Have you tried waking up early in the morning and doing it?

You're doing great! Silly mistakes can be fixed and you're likely to be more alert during the actual exam so don't be too hard on yourself. You're way too hardworking to get stopped now when you're so close to the end. You can do this! All the best!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: dedformed on October 21, 2020, 10:15:09 am
Mini Update

but it's really frustrating when you look at the answer and it's like, a) I knew that, and b) why did I forget to draw the the last oxygen on the carboxylic acid, I'll honestly never know.

helloo bean

In a similar boat to you here, I could receive an award in how many stupid mistakes I make along the way with biology exams. Homeworkispotato has some pretty solid advice there for  what to do when you're in an exam. In terms of reflecting, for me what works is to write down my mistakes (even if I knew the answer but just misread the question) and categorise them based on "silly mistake", "misinterpretation", "genuinely didn't know" (and some other themes). As your stack of completed practice exams grows, you might notice trends in what kinds of mistakes you make and in which areas of study. There's only so many ways they can assess the same content so the questions become more predictable every time you consciously log mistakes into this "journal" that you create. You could also skim over it the week before the exam to rejuvenate the meticulous learner inside you to be hyperaware of potential mistakes

In terms of getting ahead of the questions before reading them properly, perhaps try to be more conscious of reading the questions during the exam? Like before you sit an exam, tell yourself that you'll read each question twice regardless of how easy it is. If it's multiple choice, skim the other three options that you haven't selected and make mental notes about why your choice is the best option. This may seem laborious at first, but once it becomes intuition you'll have a better grip on the what the questions are asking during the real exam.

Good luck! You still have four weeks to go and you'll be Chemistry Goal Achieving Lord with enough practice.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 02, 2020, 04:30:41 pm
Update - 02/11/2020 - Still Shocked That It's Time

Hello. So I think everyone has been in it's exams time to cram mode, and I thought i'd give a bit of an update just as a bit of a break for myself. These past few weeks have definitely been busy in terms of doing lots or prep for exams and i'd say i'm in the middle when it comes to productivity. I'm doing no where near as much as I did for biology last year, and i've kind of comes to terms with that. Now at this current point in time i'm feeling very neutral about things, not of positive not too negative. I've also decided that i'm no longer aiming for a 90 atar anymore. None of my courses require over 90, and to be honest i'd need to be putting in a lot more effort to get that type of score, which i'm not willing to put the effort into it. I'm not giving up or having a crisis, i'm just being realistic.

Here's the thing, I do not want to make my own health conditions worse by over pushing myself in VCE. I'm putting my health above my grades for once in my life. My predictions will still get me into the courses I need with the boost from SEAS and at the end of the day that's all I need. Why put in all the effort for one little score that could end up impacting the rest of my life if i'm not careful. It just doesn't make sense. So, i've come to terms with that I can't physically get that 90+ atar unless I push myself to death which I don't want to do. So i'm taking a bit of a laid back approach to study. I'm still making progress, but having more days off to recover from all the study. I don't want anyone to interoperate this as being negative or giving up. To me at least, this is a very positive change in mindset, a sort of recognition that i'll still get where I want to go without consuming my health to get there. So yeah a bit of a realisation for me, but a good one at that.

Now moving on:
Chemistry
I am at a point where I just laugh at myself with this subject. It's hilarious. I think I might post a complication of Geoos really dumb mistakes. The latest, "omg you're an idiot" moment, instead of n=m/M, I thought it would be better to multiply, n=mxM. Brilliant, just brilliant!
Other than that, feeling pretty positive.  Chem exams are always really nice to do as they feel just so comforting after all my other wild subjects. I received my last SAC score with a 27/30, bringing unit 4 89/100 and unit 3 76/100(ouch...). Super happy with this one, as it's my favourite area being food science! Other than that, i've done the 2010-2013 practice exams, slow but going, and i'm currently averaging around mid 70's for practice exams which i'd like to boost up to the mid 80's to feel comfortable. I'm trying to really hone in on my problem areas by going over chapters questions on areas that I struggle, but I think I might start doing this with checkpoints. Anyway, at the moment faraday's law is kicking me so badly, but once again, I just have to work on it.

Food Studies
This subject is coming along nicely, but wow I forgot how much content there was! Non the less it's going ok. I haven't started practice exams as i'm doing revision booklets and I want to use the practice exams sparingly, as there aren't many. I got my last SAC back with a 40/40, so once again stoked with this! I have quite high hopes for food studies, and I think it will be the only subject I get my 40+ with. I was really honored actually by something this week. My teacher make commercial resources for the subject, and she asked me if she can use my answers as part of future food studies resources, which is just such an awesome feeling! So yeah, wild ride this subject, but I hope to do 2 practice exams this week.

Methods
I don't care. I'm too tired with this subject. I'll do a little more revision, but I don't remember anything.... I have only done one practice exam, which was the VCAA 2017 exam 1, which I think I could only remember how to do 3 questions..... so it's not looking great. There is only two weeks till the exam, and to be honest I don't really care that much. I'll rock up, do my best, and happily do a maths course in uni to fill in the gaps. I've felt so unsupported with this subject this year, and that's demotivating. However, I remain positive, and i'm okay with the outcome of this subject.

English
incoming rant
Okay, let me start off by saying I am happy with where I currently am at for english. However, I have never been so angry at my english department. The teachers haven't marked any essay that any student has sent in, and there is only a week till the exam. I'm just flabbergasted. I have never been so let down by my teachers in my life. They have decided that they will mark a few, but they will get them back to us by the end of the week...... yes because that is just so much time for improvement. I was talking with my classmates and they are equally as disappointed and annoyed over the lack of priority of our practice essays. There aren't many students that even send essays in, it's only around maybe 25 at most, and with 8 english teachers on staff for around 300 students, this shouldn't be happening.

Onto the positive note I mentioned, i'm lucky that I have a tutor whos has been fantastic and is giving me feedback. I have only done around 3 TR's, and 2 AAs. I'll be getting around to doing more comparatives in the week, but as I said it's slow going. I have gotten my writing for my TR's to 10 minutes plan, 45 minutes writing, and 5 minutes of proof reading. For AA, I think i'll shorten my planning down to 5 minutes instead of 10, but i'm playing around with it at the moment. So far, all essays seem to be at around a 7, and i'm waiting back on a AA to see if that could be an 8. I don't quite know, but i'm hopeful for over 35. And just as i'm typing this my comparative mark came in. I'm am over the moon with a 48/60! Super happy with that, and it's a big improvement from unit 3. Now I can only hope I can pull this off in the exam.

Oh, does anyone have any tips on memorising quotes? It's something i'm really struggling with. I recorded my voice talking about them, stuck them up on the walls, but nothing is sticking!

Wow this is quite long, but i'd thought i'd touch on how some other random stuff:
Spoiler
VICROADS IS FINALLY OPEN!!!! Woohoo! Super excited. However, the waiting list is quite long so that's not great...... but I am hoping to apply earlier with special considerations as I can't use public transport due to health reasons, so that is something i'm looking forward to after VCE. Instead of schoolies, which I wasn't interested in going to anyway, a friend and I are planning a mini roadtrip around vic once vce is over, lockdown has lifted, and I have my license. So that's very exciting.
I think what i'm mostly looking forward to with finishing this year, is finally having a rest. I'm so tired, and I can't wait to put my feet up, take a decent rest, and get back to life.
That was crazy long, but thanks for reading, and good luck with exams everyone!

Potato :) and dedformed

Thank you both so much for you're amazing tips. Whilst i've been slow to respond, i've been giving some of the a test ride and they same to be helping along. My mistakes book is way to long for my liking, but I think it's helping? I remember bio and the amount of mistakes I made were nuts.... you guys have brought back memories xD
Quote
I relate to this so much! Coming back home and doing it is the worst! Have you tried waking up early in the morning and doing it?
have been trying to wake up earlier, but I haven't had much luck doing them in the morning :/ But thanks for the tip potato :)

Quote
In terms of getting ahead of the questions before reading them properly, perhaps try to be more conscious of reading the questions during the exam? Like before you sit an exam, tell yourself that you'll read each question twice regardless of how easy it is. If it's multiple choice, skim the other three options that you haven't selected and make mental notes about why your choice is the best option. This may seem laborious at first, but once it becomes intuition you'll have a better grip on the what the questions are asking during the real exam.
I've definitely been trying to be aware and alot more conscious of reading the questions, and I think it's making a difference but definitely slowing me down. So I guess I just need speed up the process a bit more. Thanks for you're wonderful advice.

Good luck on you're bio exams! I know you both will do amazing!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: angrybiscuit on November 02, 2020, 07:01:49 pm
Hey Geoo!
I commend you for putting your health first. I like to tell my friends that ATAR is temporary but health is forever, which I don't think a lot of people take as seriously. 

Awesome job on your subjects, if you ask me everything is coming along nicely :D Your English situation is however very unfortunate, you should try posting some essays on AN if you're comfortable. I'm sure someone would like to critique it.

Oh, does anyone have any tips on memorising quotes? It's something i'm really struggling with. I recorded my voice talking about them, stuck them up on the walls, but nothing is sticking!
I like this method called active recall if all else fails. Basically, you sit with a piece of paper and try to recall as many quotes as you possibly can WITHOUT the aid of any notes. When you've exhausted your brain, get another coloured pen and write down all the quotes you missed out on. Repeat this process over and over again (but make sure you take long breaks between each recall).

It's an abstract way of remembering quotes, but it has worked wonders for me. The first day you'll find that you'll only remember a couple. But after a number of days, you'll find you can recall plenty. It's actually a very good method of memorising quotes rather than looking at notes over and over again because ultimately in the exam, you'll only have a pen and your brain to refer to. Active recall aims to mimic those contexts. Give it a try if nothing else works :)

Goodluck with everything and with VicRoads, hope you get your Ps soon!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 03, 2020, 09:27:28 pm
Hey Geoo!
I commend you for putting your health first. I like to tell my friends that ATAR is temporary but health is forever, which I don't think a lot of people take as seriously. 

Awesome job on your subjects, if you ask me everything is coming along nicely :D Your English situation is however very unfortunate, you should try posting some essays on AN if you're comfortable. I'm sure someone would like to critique it.
I like this method called active recall if all else fails. Basically, you sit with a piece of paper and try to recall as many quotes as you possibly can WITHOUT the aid of any notes. When you've exhausted your brain, get another coloured pen and write down all the quotes you missed out on. Repeat this process over and over again (but make sure you take long breaks between each recall).

It's an abstract way of remembering quotes, but it has worked wonders for me. The first day you'll find that you'll only remember a couple. But after a number of days, you'll find you can recall plenty. It's actually a very good method of memorising quotes rather than looking at notes over and over again because ultimately in the exam, you'll only have a pen and your brain to refer to. Active recall aims to mimic those contexts. Give it a try if nothing else works :)

Goodluck with everything and with VicRoads, hope you get your Ps soon!

Aww thanks biscuit! You are 100% right. The atar is temporary and health is forever, and it's definitely something that needs to be considered by alot of people. I even see people without health conditions just deteriorate because they don't take care of themselves. So I hope you too are taking the time to rest up and pace you're self in this crazy exam time :)

I have started implanting what you suggested with the quotes and i'm sure it's going to do alot more than me just staring at my wall all day! Thanks for the wicked awesome suggestion, I think you might have just saved english for me! I've been at my ends wits trying to cram them in my mind, so fingers crossed I can remember them all. Thanks for taking the time to write it up for me.

Good luck on all you're exams, you're going to do amazing!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on November 07, 2020, 11:56:00 am
Hey Geoo! Sorry for the late reply, I've been sososososo busyyy!

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I'm not giving up or having a crisis, i'm just being realistic.
This is such an amazing mindset to have! SO proud of you <3

Quote
To me at least, this is a very positive change in mindset, a sort of recognition that i'll still get where I want to go without consuming my health to get there. So yeah a bit of a realisation for me, but a good one at that.
That's an amazing realisation, and all the best you're gonna meet and exceed your goals with amazing health too!!

Quote
Good luck on you're bio exams! I know you both will do amazing!!
Thank you so much Geoo you legend! You're so sweet! All the best for all of your exams and English this Tuesday (I know most of the Journal community here don't like it ahaahha). Take care of yourself <3
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 08, 2020, 11:45:41 pm
The Pre Exam Update - 08/11/2020

This will probably the last update i'll make till exams are over. This will be a short update, and I really just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me all from all over the forums. You guys have helped me make it through this year, and this forum has been so supportive and uplifting throughout my year 11 journey to this crazy year. So once again, just a massive thank you to everyone, your support means so much. Wishing everyone luck on their own exams, I know we will all do amazing, we have put in the effort so now we'll get the reward.

English
I'm feeling pretty prepared for the exam. I have a few quotes still left to go, but angrybiscuit, you have been a lifesaver! Your active recall has worked great and I've got 95% memorised thanks to you! I can't wait to get this exam over with, and it will be such a relief to say goodbye to this subject. I'm feeling confident in section C, but part A and B feel a little meh. I'm sure i'll be okay, but i'm just hoping for some easy prompts this year!

Food Studies
Just finished AOS 1 of unit 4, so only have a little content left to go then i'm done and can start practice exams. I'm not quite comfortable with this subject as I haven't done any practice exams, but i'm sure i'll rectify that feeling once I start doing them.

Methods
I really despise this subject, the dumb mistakes to just having no clue is amazing. Once again the aim is pretty low, so i'm feeling fine about it, it's just frustrating!

Chemistry
Still in the same position as the last update. I have only one the 2014 exam of late as english has been priority, so it's time to get on that bandwagon again as soon as english is done. Fingers cross I can get into the 80's!

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 16, 2020, 09:58:21 am
Mini Update

I have one of the largest mosquito bites on my hand, and it just so happens to be on my thumb, on my writing hand..... I have an exam tomorrow, and I i'm struggling to hold a pen.... dam insects....  It's so swollen and itchy, seriously just why bugs, why!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: keltingmeith on November 16, 2020, 10:03:22 am
Mini Update

I have one of the largest mosquito bites on my hand, and it just so happens to be on my thumb, on my writing hand..... I have an exam tomorrow, and I i'm struggling to hold a pen.... dam insects....  It's so swollen and itchy, seriously just why bugs, why!

Stingose + ice pack should get the swelling down to a reasonable level by tomorrow. Add some paracetamol if it's still bothering you. Might make today a bit of a struggle to do practice exams, so potentially focus on some kind of non-writing study (eg - if it's methods you have tomorrow, maybe consider just playing around with your calculator, and see if you can discover any new functions you didn't know were there before. You might discover something that gives you the edge in exam 2!)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 18, 2020, 08:09:56 pm
Mid Exam Update - 8 Days To Go

I know I said that I wouldn't update till exams were over, but here I am! So it's been an interesting start to exam season to say the least. I actually live a long way from my exam center, so I moved up to be with my grandmother so i was much closer to were I would be taking my exams. I haven't been as productive throughout exam time, as I found that after my english exam, I just crashed. Pushed myself a little too hard, and wasn't able to do anything for three days which was annoying. My mozzie bite is looking a little better, still swollen and itchy though, thanks  Keltingmeith for the tips! However, despite that i'm still feeling pretty good at the moment, and a bit anxious yet excited with my remaining exams. Vicroads is finally open for bookings again, now I just have to wait until it's available!

English
I can't tell you how relieved I am that this is exam, this subject, is finally over. I can finally put this subject past me! I'm keeping Nine Days, as I actually thought it was quite a decent book, however, Tracks and Like a House On Fire are going straight to my fire pit as kindling. As for how the exam went, I think it went pretty well. I actually had 2 minutes less reading time as I had to go to the loo beforehand, and when I finally got back I was so happy at the prompts. Oh, I had a bit of bad luck though, the night before I had a huntsman crawl onto my neck.... that wasn't pleasant and scared the crap out of me!

For Nine Days, I got a prompt right up my alley, all on social expectations, which is my best "theme area." I wrote that one quite decently and I think it's a 7, maybe an 8, i'm not sure, but I walked very pleased with it. I've honestly forgotten alot of what i've written, so I really don't have a clue. But I think that was my best essay out of the three. For part B, the prompts were okay. The first prompt covered a very niche theme that wasn't even mentioned at my school, or in any online texts or guides, so I think my entire cohort took the second option. Even my teachers were quite stunned.

Part b went, okay I think. My first paragraph wasn't that great, but the other two were a lot better as I became more clear and concise as the time lessened. Overall I think it's a solid 7 piece, nothing to amazing. I might of forgotten to mention more about the structure of the text, but there was enough in there to be satisfactory. Part C was extraordinary bland. When I opened it up I found my self laughing as my dad is a licensed drone user, and I knew some of the lingo. Anyway, I was beating myself up for a while, as I forgot to analyse the second picture, but oh well that's life. I don't think that's one of the best pieces i've done, I think the exam pressure really set in and made me rabble on for a bit too long. I'm I can't remember if I mentioned the "do" part. I used up all my rest breaks which really helped, and was the last person to leave. But was pumped that I walked out with three fully completed essays, all about 3-4 pages long with conclusions, so very pleased with this one. Once again, very happy to say goodbye to english, I can't say i'll ever miss you. Oh and I had this thought: I memorised around 90 quotes for all three combined texts, and it sucks to spend all the time memorising them, learning them, analysing them, and never having to use it again. I know everyone will say you get comprehensive language skills, or good analytical ideas to take with you, but with science or maths subjects I feel I have learnt a skill for life with knowledge I can take with me. It's not like i'll stub my toe and remember a quote to express the utter anguish my food it going through. idk, it just feels like so much work without much return.

Methods
Honestly i'm just really numb right now. I'm halfway between frustrated and disappointed. I won't even discuss what I think I might have got, but all I can say is that it went really badly. Exam one through new things at me that I just hadn't seen before, the marks I could get I made dumb mistakes in, and overall just feel gutted. I did all the VCAA exam 1's and nothing could have prepared me for that. Exam 2 went a little better, but I still didn't answer many of the questions. It was a hot day, my heart condition didn't really like that, and I had a headache, so it wasn't the best for optimal performance. So yeah, i'm happy that it's over, dreading the results, and praying that I get what I want. I honestly feel that all my work went down the drain. Like I wasted so much time for it to be all pointless in the end. So i'm quite frustrated with how I went. But there are always plenty of pathways to get were I need to be, so I hold solace in that.

Chemistry
Chem is up next, and i'm quite mixed about how i'm traveling with it. I'm making, so many dumb mistakes. It physically hurts how bad it is. I'm hoping to nip it in the bud, but it looks a little late for that. I've got 3 more practice exams to do, and them i'm calling it, just going to be going over some notes, and harnessing on my weak areas. I'm also a little annoyed at my calculator. It's not it's fault as I input the numbers, but what it spits out can sometimes be slightly wrong because I did something stupid like press the multiplication button instead of plus. So at the moment, half way between confident and sacred.

Food Studies
It will be nice to end my VCE on a positive note! I got my practice exams back from my teacher, and it's around mid to high 80's which is really great. The hardest thing about this exam is how little time there is to think and write. There is just so much to write.  At the end is also a pesky 10 mark question that is almost an essay which isn't that fun. I've got two more exams to go, and just touching up on some of my weak areas and that's it, i'll be free.

Overall i'm feeling quite tired, i'm ready to just kick back and relax, and finally take some time for myself.  That's all from me for now. Till next time!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on November 29, 2020, 07:10:17 pm
Update - 29/11/20 - I Can't Believe It's Over

Did that just happen? I can't comprehend that my 13 years of education has finally come to an end. I have so many surreal memories of my younger self going "that's never going to happen," "that's so far away."  I remember graduating from year 6 believing that going through primary school had taken the longest time ever, and that going into highschool would feel the exact same. To some degree it did. Years 7 to 10 for me all blurred into one, sometimes I swear i'm still living in 2015 it's weird. I've made friends, lost some, moved away from where I lived for 15 years, found out I had some health stuff, got into book reading, found out that i'm decent at english (I hated this subject since prep, and still do), dealt with itchy uniform skirts', had some great teachers, some terrible ones and along this entire school journey from perp to year 12 I still can't comprehend that's it's done. Knowing that it's over brings me the two feelings of joy and grief.

Joy, because I can now finally do something that I want to do for myself. I've been putting schooling above everything else in my life for the past three years (not one of my greatest decisions mind you), and i've barely had anytime for myself and my hobbies. I can't wait to do cooking, baking, crochet, pretending that I can paint/draw, clean up my room, paint that said room and hang out with family and friends.  After year 11, I was completely burnt out, I did nothing on the school holidays and I still felt burnt out. So coming into year 12 I wasn't in the best state of motivation, and I felt as if I was a deflated basketball that had to keep being used as it was the only ball available. I'm also so unbelievably happy to say goodbye to english. Thank goodness I never have to do that ever again. I dragged myself through 13 years of it, and never again. I already said goodbye to school uniforms when I left mainstream, but those were so uncomfortable (looking at you winter skirts.....) so yay that that will never be a thing I have to do. So yeah, there is definitely plenty of joy when I think of leaving school!

Now for the sad part, the grief. I think i'm always going to morn that stuff in highschool that could have happened. I didn't get to meet any of my year 12 teachers this year due to covid, I wasn't able to get to a science lab, or go to a formal or camp. I'll always feel a bit sad when I think back on all the times I missed out on certain "key highschool moments," or the great relationships I formed with my teachers, to my fellow peers I sat with everyday in class. I'll also feel a bit sad that due to some health issues, I never really got the full highschool experience. But overall, the stuff to be sad about isn't all that bad, and it's a good feeling to close a door (after my atar...) to this part of my life.

Regrets?
I have a few, not many though. I really wish I took food studies 3/4 in year 11 along with bio to get six subjects total by picking up another this year. Regretted doing methods online (never again.....). Not keeping in touch with some of my earlier teachers when I could have.  So yeah, not many regrets, but still a few that make me think, ahh wish I did that instead!


Now, I didn't post this update the actual day I finished exams. I finished on Thursday, and the emotions were definitely mixed. I bombed chem, which left me so down and frustrated with myself, and then I did okay in food studies which kind of just melowed out the feelings. I spent the rest of the day shopping with my mum, we went all the way out to the city, never found a park after an hour, so we went to St Kilda, then Brighton and spent 3 hours in traffic to get home. So after all that, I just came home and crashed. I just kinda slept for two days and read books and tried to tell my brain to shut up. With that all going through my mind, I just wasn't up to posting something so soon. So here is how those last two exams went:

Chemistry
I left that exam feeling more upset than I did for biology, and that's saying something. I never cried after bio, I just felt numb, but with this exam, I just burst into tears after walking out of that exam. I woke up the morning with just terrible pain in my stomach (yay health), felt dizzy and headachey all the way to the exam room, sat down feeling just crap, and tried to push myself to do an exam whilst feeling awful. I couldn't concentrate or think right. I just couldn't tell the difference between a condensation reaction or a hydrolysis reaction, didn't read questions (that one with the percentage..... I didn't leave it in a percentage because I didn't see that part), I ran out of time and left the last question plus 5 marks in the SA blank, and 8 whole multiple choice unanswered (I did randomly colour in the boxes last minute though in 30 seconds, but didn't have time to work it out). I thought the exam was easy too. The topics were right up my alley, the last question was easy this year compared to others, and I just didn't do well at all.

Just like bio, I think when you know you're good at this subject, when you love and enjoy it to your hearts content, work so hard to do you're best, but yet other factors get in the way, it's gut retching. I didn't care about what score I got for methods as I hated the subject, but with chem, it has been my favourite science since I learnt what chem was, It's what I want to pursue when go to university, and to just know that you're favourite subject, is the one you bombed, is one of the worst feelings I've felt in the world. I'm not quite over it yet, and just dread the score i'm going to get, but I'm tyring to move past it  the best I can.

Food Studies
I can end my crazy exam stuff on a mildy positive note. I think I did okay. The exam was a little harder this year, but overall pretty decent, the 10 marker was nice however I feel like an idiot, and only when I just finished, I found another half a page of writing space..... that I didn't see, so facepalm me. Also this was just so dumb:

How is a steak cooked on a grill?
A) Radiation
B) Convection
C) Conduction
D) Microwave

It was A...... but I picked B, because I had this whole over thinking moment of confusing electromagnetic radiation as the only type of radiation possible with microwaves. Big facepalm on that one.  It's annoying because my gut was A, but I over thought it, changed my mind and went B ahhhh! Anyway, the rest of the questions went fine, I answered all of them with 5 minutes to spare, and there were only a few where I was just like what is that..... Overall, i'm okay with my performance, not super happy, just fine. I put my pen down, and walked out feeling pretty happy with myself, and ecstatic that it was finally over. Then I shopped and napped for 2 days lol.

How i'd rate my exams:

1) English
2) Food Studies
3) Chemistry
4) Methods
Never thought i'd be happy with english being my best exam but there you go.

Odd ball thoughts:
I have never gone through so many pens this year..... In primary school I always never ran out of pens, this year I went through 23.
I don't know what to do with myself.
I still feel oddly guilt for not studying even though there is nothing to study.
I've already played 7 hours of stardew valley....
OMG I have so much to read, and the last book on an ember in the ashes is coming out in 4 days!
I'm scared of my new dentist this week since my regular one retired earlier this year...
I won't be getting my drivers license till next year, a story for another time, very pissed off.
My plant survived year 12 with me, I really need to water it......
And finally, I can't believe it's almost Christmas.

So for now, this is it for a while. I'll still be around on the forums, and I may revive my baking journal as I get more back into my passions. Congratulations to everyone whose made it through this crazy year, and enjoy the break! (good luck to all the LOTE kids still going, not long to go).

I really didn't mean for this to be soooooo long..... but this is always seems to happen woopps.....
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on November 29, 2020, 08:31:35 pm
Hey hey Geoo😄

I am so excited to see a journal update!🤩. I absolutely love how honest and open your updates are (and the Food Studies humour of course).

Congrats for completing your exams!!! You did it girl and we are SO SO proud of you🥰.

 Sell your uncomfortable winter skirts (got to get that money $$$) and spend heaps of time on your old hobbies. I cannot wait to see some more delicious cooking from you! (your cooking skills are out of this world👨‍🍳). Do you have anything in particular that you want to make?

I'm also so unbelievably happy to say goodbye to english.

This is without a doubt the quote of the year for all the English students that just hate the subject. Honestly, I feel exactly the same and I'm so relieved to be able to remove everything to do with English away from my life.

Just like bio, I think when you know you're good at this subject, when you love and enjoy it to your hearts content, work so hard to do you're best, but yet other factors get in the way, it's gut retching. I didn't care about what score I got for methods as I hated the subject, but with chem, it has been my favourite science since I learnt what chem was, It's what I want to pursue when go to university, and to just know that you're favourite subject, is the one you bombed, is one of the worst feelings I've felt in the world. I'm not quite over it yet, and just dread the score i'm going to get, but I'm tyring to move past it  the best I can.
Yep, this feeling absolutely sucks. Just remember that the exam only measures one particular moment in time. Sometimes you can control the outcome and sometimes you can't. After all, one little setback doesn't completely diminish your full love for Chem that you have gathered for a whole year. You have got this and if you wanna talk my DMs are always open💕💕

Have a lovely and relaxing break Geoo! ;D You did it!!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: The Cat In The Hat on November 29, 2020, 08:37:49 pm
It's over and we can all rejoice together! :D Your journal is interesting, even though I do neither Chem nor Food Studies. Anyway, finally time to relax!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on November 29, 2020, 09:00:35 pm
YO Geoo! I know I PM'd you but I was just too excited when I saw you updated! Super proud of you and sending lots of love your way. Congratulations and I hope your reading spree will be fantastic. I'm soo envious right now, I wish I could go on a reading spree but Year 12 transition is starting tomorrow gahhh. Please PLEASE revive your baking journal it's so wholesome and I'm really happy to know you'll be staying on the forums :D

I know that you came out with mixed feelings (same though) but I hope that above all you are PROUD of yourself for the persistence and resilience you have shown throughout the year. Seriously, it's not easy and you are such a strong person. If you ever need to vent or anything my PMs are open :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on November 29, 2020, 09:17:01 pm
Hey Geoo!  ;D
So nice to see an update! I've loved reading your journal entries these past 2 years and I love how detailed the updates are!!

A massive CONGRATS on completing all your exams! That is no easy feat and you've done so well!

Tell me about it! School uniform is unbearable! I hated wearing the heavy blazers and I always felt like it was dragging me down to the ground haha (a bit dramatic but that's how it felt lol).

I'm so sorry about chem. But know that you worked so incredibly hard this year and you put so much effort into the subject and one exam's not going to take that away from you.

Quote
I still feel oddly guilt for not studying even though there is nothing to study.
Same! Whenever I approach my desk, I just ignore my pile of exams and retrieve my laptop and head downstairs to begin a Netflix binge lol. I feel guilty as well haha.

Quote
OMG I have so much to read, and the last book on an ember in the ashes is coming out in 4 days!
I've heard so much about this book! How is the series? I'm thinking of reading the books. I can never get enough of fantasy haha, it's my jam.

Quote
My plant survived year 12 with me, I really need to water it......
Haha, this is reminding me of how forgetful I am with watering my plant. It's so sad. I just water it randomly when I'm supposed to be watering it quite regularly. Hopefully, I'm nicer to my plant...

Have an amazing break Geoo! You totally deserve it!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Joseph41 on November 30, 2020, 04:50:11 pm
Congrats, Geoo. :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: angrybiscuit on November 30, 2020, 06:02:11 pm
Hope I'm not too late! Congrats Geoo! Enjoy your ability to nap without guilt :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on November 30, 2020, 08:08:50 pm
Hey Geeo!!

Don't beat yourself up for the food studies thing, we all make mistakes and it's okay (easier said than believed haha). I know how hard you've worked and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours - I know you'll go places. :)

All we can do now is forget about exams and try to enjoy the peace and quiet before December 30. Your feelings are something I can definitely relate to, and what I'm trying to do is tell myself over and over that my study scores, my ATAR, doesn't define my knowledge. I know you'll have plentiful opportunities later in life, and the ATAR won't matter in a few months.

I can also really relate to the pen thing, I went through SO many pens, especially near the end of the year when I was doing practice exams and I felt like a literal machine pumping out pens and pens worth of ink haha.

I'm so proud of how far you've come, and reading this journal and your journey has been a great experience.

Have a wonderful break!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on November 30, 2020, 10:17:16 pm
Hi Geoo!
CONGRATULATIONS on finishing, I'm so proud and am so glad that I've followed your journal for over a year now  ;D

I felt exactly the same after the chemistry exam, chem being my favourite and best subject, it was difficult to walk out knowing that I underperformed. But like the others have said beforehand, this does not undermine your hard work, your passion for the subject or your ability to pursue chemistry next year!

Joy, because I can now finally do something that I want to do for myself. I've been putting schooling above everything else in my life for the past three years (not one of my greatest decisions mind you), and i've barely had anytime for myself and my hobbies. I can't wait to do cooking, baking, crochet, pretending that I can paint/draw, clean up my room, paint that said room and hang out with family and friends. 
This sounds awesome, I'd love you to continue with your baking journal (honestly inspires me to get in the kitchen and cook some stuff). Are you planning on painting your room a certain colour or having a feature wall?

So for now, this is it for a while. I'll still be around on the forums, and I may revive my baking journal as I get more back into my passions. Congratulations to everyone whose made it through this crazy year, and enjoy the break! (good luck to all the LOTE kids still going, not long to go).
Can't wait to continue to see your forum user pop up on my unread posts, you've been such an incredible member of the AN community and I'm excited to see where you head next year. For now, enjoy your time off and congratulations again for completing year 12. Keep being awesome Geoo 8) CM
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on December 31, 2020, 03:32:32 pm
The Results

Thank you to so many of your wonderful responses, I have been reading them over and over again and can't thank everyone enough for the support! I took a bit of a break from ATAR Notes as I was feeling really negative about my overall performance after exams, and just didn't want to think about it for a bit. I absolutely love this community and am happy to be back. This is going to be a long post so buckle up.

I actually had a decent night sleep, and according to my fit bit around 6 hours so yay for that! I woke up at around 6:40 and nervously checked my email. Nothing had arrived yet so I said good morning to my parents and grabbed my laptop again and at 6:44 they were there. At this point my heart rate was just going crazy..... i reached 150 bmp. Anyway, my parents and I ran down the stairs and just stared at the email. I was intrigued but scared to open it, and when I did oh boy was I shocked. Before I tell you what I got, just a bit of a background on my predications.

I didn't post up my predictions on atar notes because I was so disheartened by my performance. On the day before my atar, I was hoping for mid 80's, having quite a few thoughts that there would be a 7 in the front. I was prepared to score that low, I had accepted it, i'd made new preferences and everything, being quite content knowing that i'd tried my best and that there are always others options. So you can imagine that after I saw my study scores, put them into a calculator, then went online at 7.00 am to find out that my ATAR was:

                                                                               
93.2

I think I jumped out of my chair, making all sorts of noises and couldn't contain myself. I'd done it. Back in 2014 when I was looking at what i'd like to do, I researched B.Sci's from all the unis and I remember looking at monash that had an ATAR of 92, and that's what my 12 year old self set as a goal. In year 11, when I was entering VCE, I said I want a 90, and here we go, I got that. I'm so happy with this score, despite everything that has happened in my life, I got the score I wanted. My Mum almost cried and we all just sat their staring at the number. I'm over the moon! Due to health issues I never thought this would happen, and to get this far i'm just so happy.

So now onto the study scores:
                                                                       
English
                                                                                         
  B+, B+, A = 36
This is the only score i'm a little disappointed in, but honestly i'm very happy with it at the same time. Perfectly happy with this considering that in year 11 all I wanted was a 30, and to get over 35 is amazing for me. I've never been an english student, so to get a score of 36 i'm very content with it. I was hoping for a 37-38, especially with how I felt coming out of exams, but i'm very happy that it's over 35. If I was to give advice to anyone wanting to do well in english, please read books. My english only improved after falling in love with reading and consuming books (that I actually like, not the english books themselves) that I enjoy.

Chemistry
A, A+, A = 38
Is this a trend with my science scores? Another 38? Anyway i'm fine with this. After walking out of that exam expecting a low 30's, to get 38 is fantastic all things considered. At the begging of the year I was hoping for a 40, but seeing as my health kinda died on exam day and left me leaving a few questions blank, I couldn't ask for anything better. I loved this subject so much and enjoyed it all year round, I can't wait to continue studying it at uni.

Methods
C, C, C = 26
OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I GOT OVER 25!!!!! I did it, have no idea how, have now idea why, but I did it. I walked out of both exams expecting like 19 or something, I was holding out hope for a 20 at the most, but wow, a 26, I am speechless. I looked at that score and almost died, how I got that I have no idea, seriously I don't know. I swear I didn't even score over 20% in those exam, but I don't care, I got 26. I'm am so happy with this. I had removed all the courses with a methods requirement of 25, and now that it's back on the table I don't know what to do with myself, but i'll write about that later. So yes, super happy!!!!!!

Food Studies
A+, A+, A+ = 48
Speechless........... Just speechless. When I saw that score on my email, I just didn't believe it. I came out of that exam feeling fine, I was just average in my performance didn't feel anything much aside from relief of that being my last exam. I was expecting a 39-41 tops, but to get 48, once again was just over the moon. I think what made this more special though, is making my teacher proud. I texted her as soon as I got it, remembering our conversation earlier on in the year saying that every student she's had despite getting full marks on SACs ended up never getting a 40, the top score was 39. So to be the first one in her 25 years of teaching just made us both so happy, and I couldn't have asked for more than that. I was always scared to pick a subject that scaled down so much (this scaled down to 46.47), but this just goes to show that you should always follow your passions, not the scaling! This subject saved my atar, and I cannot be more thankful to it. Whilst it was dry at times (looking at you Unit 4 AOS 1....) I thoroughly enjoyed it


After all that I can't believe it's over...... just in a few minutes. I remember reading these year 12 journals and thinking wow, i'd love to achieve that, and now I can say that I achieved my goal, despite everything of this crazy year, to my health, I achieved what I set out to do. I can't be more happy than that. Currently I have to make some decisions regarding my results, so that is what is preoccupying my time at the movement. I've had to eliminate some courses that I really wanted due to them only being full time, and due to health reasons I need that part time option available to me. So the options i'm juggling are the B.Sci and UoM/Monash, and the Science/commerce and Monash. I would have liked to have the option of Radiology/Medical Imaging, but all the courses are only offered full time, so going to have to cross those out. I have pharma sci at monash in the back of my mind as well, but I still have no clue..... So yeah, plenty of decisions to make.
For now that is it until I make a decision on preferences, on get a course offer on the 14th, so till then, thank you all for the support and kindness everyone has given me, I couldn't have got through it without it.

Congratulations to the class of 2020, and good luck to all the year 12's next year.

Thanks for reading, and have a happy new year everyone!


Ashmi

Hey hey Geoo😄

I am so excited to see a journal update!🤩. I absolutely love how honest and open your updates are (and the Food Studies humour of course).

Congrats for completing your exams!!! You did it girl and we are SO SO proud of you🥰.

 Sell your uncomfortable winter skirts (got to get that money $$$) and spend heaps of time on your old hobbies. I cannot wait to see some more delicious cooking from you! (your cooking skills are out of this world👨‍🍳). Do you have anything in particular that you want to make?

This is without a doubt the quote of the year for all the English students that just hate the subject. Honestly, I feel exactly the same and I'm so relieved to be able to remove everything to do with English away from my life.
Yep, this feeling absolutely sucks. Just remember that the exam only measures one particular moment in time. Sometimes you can control the outcome and sometimes you can't. After all, one little setback doesn't completely diminish your full love for Chem that you have gathered for a whole year. You have got this and if you wanna talk my DMs are always open💕💕

Have a lovely and relaxing break Geoo! ;D You did it!!

Aww thanks so much! I've enjoyed seeing a fellow tech student on the fourms, and reading about your PTD journey has been just as fun and exciting, and something I always look forward to when seeing the updates. Your folio is amazing btw! I still haven't done much in the kitchen unfortunately aside from a banana cake and pavlova, but I hope to get to it soon!
Yes, good bye english, I've removed everything but some of my essays.... don't know why i'm holding onto them, but I think even though I hated the subject, I still put in so much effort and time that I've just felt this need to keep something. lol.
Thanks for your kind words Ashmi, hope you had a great Christmas and enjoy the new year!

The Cat In The Hat
It's over and we can all rejoice together! :D Your journal is interesting, even though I do neither Chem nor Food Studies. Anyway, finally time to relax!

Thanks so much!!!!! I hope you've finally had the time to relax yourself, enjoy the break!

Potato

YO Geoo! I know I PM'd you but I was just too excited when I saw you updated! Super proud of you and sending lots of love your way. Congratulations and I hope your reading spree will be fantastic. I'm soo envious right now, I wish I could go on a reading spree but Year 12 transition is starting tomorrow gahhh. Please PLEASE revive your baking journal it's so wholesome and I'm really happy to know you'll be staying on the forums :D

I know that you came out with mixed feelings (same though) but I hope that above all you are PROUD of yourself for the persistence and resilience you have shown throughout the year. Seriously, it's not easy and you are such a strong person. If you ever need to vent or anything my PMs are open :D
Aww thanks so much potato! Super happy for your amazing bio score as well, I always knew you were going to do amazing!!! Hopefully now with school holidays in swing you'll have a little time to do some reading, but I know the feeling. That time between year 11 and year 12 can get quite hextic!! Hopefully you get some rest before the big year ahead. Thanks for being so supportive, enjoy the rest of the break, and good luck for year 12, you're going to do amazing!.

Evolio
Hey Geoo!  ;D
So nice to see an update! I've loved reading your journal entries these past 2 years and I love how detailed the updates are!!

A massive CONGRATS on completing all your exams! That is no easy feat and you've done so well!

Tell me about it! School uniform is unbearable! I hated wearing the heavy blazers and I always felt like it was dragging me down to the ground haha (a bit dramatic but that's how it felt lol).

I'm so sorry about chem. But know that you worked so incredibly hard this year and you put so much effort into the subject and one exam's not going to take that away from you.
Same! Whenever I approach my desk, I just ignore my pile of exams and retrieve my laptop and head downstairs to begin a Netflix binge lol. I feel guilty as well haha.
I've heard so much about this book! How is the series? I'm thinking of reading the books. I can never get enough of fantasy haha, it's my jam.
Haha, this is reminding me of how forgetful I am with watering my plant. It's so sad. I just water it randomly when I'm supposed to be watering it quite regularly. Hopefully, I'm nicer to my plant...

Have an amazing break Geoo! You totally deserve it!
The netflix binge has been insane..... I think i've gone through the umbrella academy, a few seasons of Brooklyn 99, a few movies and others..... it's a bad cycle... It does feel a bit weird to not be sitting at the desk everyday, but a refreshing change non the less.  I have really enjoyed the series, it's been an awesome read. Whilst it does have fantasy elements (more so in the later books) it isn't that heavy in them. It's more on the historical side with a bit of an "evil government" spin. But I highly recommend it! I have the exact same problem with watering my plant. I think the last time I did it was 2 weeks ago..... better get onto that.
I hope you have an amazing break yourself, and thank you for your kind words, it sucked at the time with chem, but time has definitely helped heal the wound. Enjoy the time off and good luck with next year, I know you'll do so many amazing things!

J14

Biscuit

 
Hope I'm not too late! Congrats Geoo! Enjoy your ability to nap without guilt :)
Never too late, thanks Biscuit! The Naps have been amazing without guilt! 10/10 would recommend Enjoy the break and congrats on finishing year 12.

Whys
Hey Geeo!!

Don't beat yourself up for the food studies thing, we all make mistakes and it's okay (easier said than believed haha). I know how hard you've worked and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours - I know you'll go places. :)

All we can do now is forget about exams and try to enjoy the peace and quiet before December 30. Your feelings are something I can definitely relate to, and what I'm trying to do is tell myself over and over that my study scores, my ATAR, doesn't define my knowledge. I know you'll have plentiful opportunities later in life, and the ATAR won't matter in a few months.

I can also really relate to the pen thing, I went through SO many pens, especially near the end of the year when I was doing practice exams and I felt like a literal machine pumping out pens and pens worth of ink haha.

I'm so proud of how far you've come, and reading this journal and your journey has been a great experience.

Have a wonderful break!
Aww thanks Why's that's so kind of you :). I've stopped thinking about the mistake now, but I do find it rather funny now, which I guess it always good to laugh at our own mistakes. Unlike last year, I stayed away from the atar calculators and what not, so the peace leading up to the release date was really nice and quite. I live in a touristy area, so it's been quite actioned packed around where I live, but there was so much to do that it took my mind off everything. I hope you had some peace from all the schooling and a good Christmas. You are 100% right, the atar really doesn't define who you are, it's just a moment in time. Thanks for being awesome Whys, enjoy the break and have a wonderful new year!

Choco
Hi Geoo!
CONGRATULATIONS on finishing, I'm so proud and am so glad that I've followed your journal for over a year now  ;D

I felt exactly the same after the chemistry exam, chem being my favourite and best subject, it was difficult to walk out knowing that I underperformed. But like the others have said beforehand, this does not undermine your hard work, your passion for the subject or your ability to pursue chemistry next year!
This sounds awesome, I'd love you to continue with your baking journal (honestly inspires me to get in the kitchen and cook some stuff). Are you planning on painting your room a certain colour or having a feature wall?
Can't wait to continue to see your forum user pop up on my unread posts, you've been such an incredible member of the AN community and I'm excited to see where you head next year. For now, enjoy your time off and congratulations again for completing year 12. Keep being awesome Geoo 8) CM
Thanks Choco!!!!!!!! Congrats on finishing as well, and thanks for all the support you given over the year it's meant so much!!!
Walking out of chem felt awful, but I know that i'm not alone, looking at it all now with my score and everything it doesn't hurt as much, time does wonders! I'm sorry to hear that you underperformed as well, I have no doubt that you have flied through the other subjects!
I think i'm just going to paint it a boring white? Not sure yet, it's currently a weird lemony - cream colour which i'm not quite a fan of, and it doesn't have any windows, so i'm not quite sure what colour will work in there atm, but I don't think i'll do a feature wall.... or maybe I will...... i'm so indecisive.
I've always looked forward to when you post on your journal and around the forums, thank you for your amazing support, and best of luck with next year and beyond :)

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ashmi on December 31, 2020, 04:01:41 pm
YES, CONGRATULATIONS GEOO!!🤩

I'm SO proud of you and I'm absolutely relieved to hear the miracle score in Food Studies! You deserve it for all your hard work and dedicated passion for it over the course of this year. Let's give one massive round of applause to this beautiful AN Food Studies Queen!❤️️

Also, WOOHOOO you got past the Methods prerequisite!! That is one super big achievement and the pain you went through all year was worth it. ;D. Time to get those courses with a 25 in Methods back into your preferences because you worked so hard and your determination got you through.

You can't see me behind this computer screen, but I'm crying my eyes out in happiness to see that you achieved your goals and I'm happy to see my AN Tech buddy reach her dreams. You did a terrific job with all of your subjects and everything you paided off.

YOU DID IT!!💕💕

Congrats Geoo and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again in the future. Give yourself a pat on the back and have an amazing new year!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: ramadani on December 31, 2020, 05:58:47 pm
Congrats Geoo! All the best :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: whys on December 31, 2020, 06:28:41 pm
You have no idea how excited I got when I saw you updated!

Firstly, I want to congratulate you on that magnificently sexy study score for food studies. Your passion and hard work have really shone through this journal, and it must feel amazing to reap the results of your determination. Another massive congratulations for exceeding your expectations/goals for your other subjects too, and that beautiful ATAR!!! You are truly an inspiration to the AN community, because no matter what's thrown at you, you know how to bounce back, make the most of the situation, and keep powering through. I'm so happy for you, and all the best for the future later on in uni - I know success will follow you throughout your tertiary education and beyond.

Have a wonderful new year!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Bri MT on December 31, 2020, 06:50:48 pm
Congratulations!!

If you do a BSci at Monash hopefully I'll see you around some time!

If you haven't checked it out already insanipi has recently finished honours in pharmaceutical science and is one of, if not the most, regular uni journallers so I recommend looking at that.  There are a range of BSci journallers (or past ones) from both Monash and UniMelb you might be interested in looking at too. More from Monash iirc. 3/4 of my units each sem are normal science ones but tbh you're better of talking to one of the ANers with more of a biomed bent rather than me.

Special congratulations on food studies! Your ATAR is fantastic (obviously) but it's especially great to see you score in the top 1% of a subject you love :D
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: eloisegrace on December 31, 2020, 07:06:52 pm
Oh my gosh Geoo! Congratulations!!

You ATAR is incredible and your food studies score 🥵🥵 a girl could DREAM !!

Good luck for uni whatever course you get into (esp w that 26 in methods how gooood) ❤️
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: angrybiscuit on January 01, 2021, 04:56:15 pm
Geoo,
OMG OMG OMG
You are incredible! Congrats and all the best for whatever's next :)
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Sine on January 02, 2021, 08:54:20 pm
congratulations! great to see that you beat out your expectations.

That 48 in food studies is special!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: homeworkisapotato on January 08, 2021, 03:32:36 pm
CONGRATULATIONS GEOOO YOU QUEEN!! 48 IS AMAZING I hope you are soooo proud of yourself. You are definitely the AN Food Studies Queen now and I'm soo happy for you <3
 You are soo inspirational and you have shown everyone that no matter what life throws at you you can achieve your goals if you put the effort in :D
I hope you have an amazing holiday and also are you planning on starting a uni journal?
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Evolio on January 08, 2021, 04:46:27 pm
GEOO! Those results are AMAZING, especially that food studies score! You've worked so hard this year and it's all paid off and I'm so happy for you!

You are such a determined soul and you are so resilient and you've accomplished sooo much!

I know you are going to go far and all the best for the future!

Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 03, 2021, 05:08:02 pm
Ashmi
YES, CONGRATULATIONS GEOO!!🤩

I'm SO proud of you and I'm absolutely relieved to hear the miracle score in Food Studies! You deserve it for all your hard work and dedicated passion for it over the course of this year. Let's give one massive round of applause to this beautiful AN Food Studies Queen!❤️️

Also, WOOHOOO you got past the Methods prerequisite!! That is one super big achievement and the pain you went through all year was worth it. ;D. Time to get those courses with a 25 in Methods back into your preferences because you worked so hard and your determination got you through.

You can't see me behind this computer screen, but I'm crying my eyes out in happiness to see that you achieved your goals and I'm happy to see my AN Tech buddy reach her dreams. You did a terrific job with all of your subjects and everything you paided off.

YOU DID IT!!💕💕

Congrats Geoo and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again in the future. Give yourself a pat on the back and have an amazing new year!
Thank you so much Ash! I'm still getting over that methods score, still have no idea how I did it, but I certainly did move up some of the old preferences back in! I felt the same way when you hit it out of the park with your amazing score for PDT! It's been great to read of a fellow tech buddy succeed with me, and hopefully we can get a trend  going to bring more people on the forums to the tech side! Thanks so much for your continued support throughout the whole of my crazy VCE journal.  I wish you the best for your journey through uni, and thank you once again for you lovely words and support! I kind of cried to!  Good luck with 2021!
 

ramadani
Congrats Geoo! All the best :)
Thank You!!!!!

Whys
You have no idea how excited I got when I saw you updated!

Firstly, I want to congratulate you on that magnificently sexy study score for food studies. Your passion and hard work have really shone through this journal, and it must feel amazing to reap the results of your determination. Another massive congratulations for exceeding your expectations/goals for your other subjects too, and that beautiful ATAR!!! You are truly an inspiration to the AN community, because no matter what's thrown at you, you know how to bounce back, make the most of the situation, and keep powering through. I'm so happy for you, and all the best for the future later on in uni - I know success will follow you throughout your tertiary education and beyond.

Have a wonderful new year!
Aww Why's your words nearly brought me to tears. Thank you so much for your lovely words. I always got so excited to read your own journal up dates so I feel honored that you have been following and supporting me throughout my VCE. I'm still kind of shocked at how I went, and I still can't believe food studies even though it's already been a month. I hope you have an amazing time at med school, and I wish you the all the best for 2021 and beyond. Thank you so much for all the support for the last 2 years, I hope you had a great new years!

Bri
Congratulations!!

If you do a BSci at Monash hopefully I'll see you around some time!

If you haven't checked it out already insanipi has recently finished honours in pharmaceutical science and is one of, if not the most, regular uni journallers so I recommend looking at that.  There are a range of BSci journallers (or past ones) from both Monash and UniMelb you might be interested in looking at too. More from Monash iirc. 3/4 of my units each sem are normal science ones but tbh you're better of talking to one of the ANers with more of a biomed bent rather than me.

Special congratulations on food studies! Your ATAR is fantastic (obviously) but it's especially great to see you score in the top 1% of a subject you love :D
Thanks so much Bri! I hope to see you around the campus when I can finally get there!
There are so many amazing Uni Journals that I have been following that have helped to make my decision a little easier, and thankfully I have made a decision on where I wanted to go. Insanipi tempted me to go completely to the pharmSci side, but I think i'm too stuck to the clayton campus  ;)
Thanks for your kind words Bri, I'm still a bit shocked at that food studies score, but couldn't be happier!

Eloisegrace
Oh my gosh Geoo! Congratulations!!

You ATAR is incredible and your food studies score 🥵🥵 a girl could DREAM !!

Good luck for uni whatever course you get into (esp w that 26 in methods how gooood) ❤️
Thanks so much elosie!!!!!!  Good luck with year 12, I know you will do amazing, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye for your updates. I hope your year 12 goes so much smoother than us 2020er's, and thanks for the support! :D

Biscuit
Geoo,
OMG OMG OMG
You are incredible! Congrats and all the best for whatever's next :)
Thanks so much Biscuit!!!! Wishing you the best for 2021 and Uni!!

Sine
congratulations! great to see that you beat out your expectations.

That 48 in food studies is special!
Thanks Sine! I'm still in disbelief and it's a month later!! Best of luck with 2021!

Potato
CONGRATULATIONS GEOOO YOU QUEEN!! 48 IS AMAZING I hope you are soooo proud of yourself. You are definitely the AN Food Studies Queen now and I'm soo happy for you <3
 You are soo inspirational and you have shown everyone that no matter what life throws at you you can achieve your goals if you put the effort in :D
I hope you have an amazing holiday and also are you planning on starting a uni journal?
THANKS so much Potato!!!! Your words mean so much to me! I hope you have a great year 12 and an even better 2021, I know you will do amazing. Not sure yet if I'll do a uni journal yet. I might but i'm not sure it would be all the interesting, but I'm still thinking about it :) . I hope you had a great holiday break, and looking forward to your journal updates!

Evolio
GEOO! Those results are AMAZING, especially that food studies score! You've worked so hard this year and it's all paid off and I'm so happy for you!

You are such a determined soul and you are so resilient and you've accomplished sooo much!

I know you are going to go far and all the best for the future!


Thank you so muchhhhhhh!!!! I feel so bad as I had wanted to congratulate you on your own amazing results but have been so busy I couldn't get around to them! Your support and messages from my entire vce journey have meant so much to me, and I really appreciate all the lovely messages you've left me over the 2 years. Your words mean so much to me, and I just wish you all the best for 2021 and beyond!


I'll be releasing the grand conclusion to this journal soon, but I really just wanted to thank everyone for the lovely replies.
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Geoo on February 03, 2021, 06:41:20 pm
The Final Update and Conclusion

I don't even really know how to start this off. I've been wanting to conclude this journal for a while, but it's take a bit of decision making to know what I want to do and where I want to go. Now that I have finally made some of the bigger decisions of late, I think it's finally time I can wrap my journal up. In terms of other news as well, I ended up finding out that I was the Dux of my school for 2020! So that was super exciting! I now have to write a speech to present to the 2021 cohort, so that will be interesting. I haven't done any forum of public speaking since like grade 7 so wish me luck! It is online though, so I do get to record it a few times before I have to send it off.

Before I go into my future plans, I want to say to the the batches of students coming into the vce doors next, to always put yourself first above everything. Your health is more vital than anything your atar score could ever give you. As someone who went through their VCE with a health condition, keep striving to reach your goals no matter how far out of reach they may seem, but at the same time accept that unfortunately with poor health can come with limitations, and take all the opportunities to make your life easier in anyway shape or form. I wish the class of 2021 luck, I hope you guys have a better year 12 run then the class of 2020  ;)

In terms of where i'm going in the future, well that's a long story. When I had to put my final preferences in, I was so back and fourth between UoM and Monash, and ultimately decided to put UoM as my number one preference for the main reason that it has food science as a major. However, after preferences closed and I had more time to think, I ended up feeling a sense of dread at what I choose. So I decided that I would try for the February round to get into Monash. When Jan the 14th arrived, I received my offer from Melbourne University for the bachelor of science. I always thought that when you get and offer to UoM, you should be feeling excited, ecstatic and over the moon. Instead I wasn't feeling like that at all. At that point when I got the offer I was determined to change to Monash, however something popped up that I wasn't expecting.... I got a pretty nice scholarship to Melbourne.

This just threw me for a loop. I wasn't expecting that at all, and it made me start to rethink my plans. Should I got to UoM instead of monash? Would the scholarship really help make the world of difference?. So once again I was back to square one, going back and fourth over my options. I still decided to participate in second round offers and put monash as my first preference again, whilst I accepted the offer from melbourne.

Melbourne offered me a fantastic scholarship, the opportunity to do food science and Russian, and it has a really pretty campus. Where as it's downfalls came in the form of being really far away, terrible for having to drive in (public transport isn't a great option for me), more expensive, and having the degree actually be a bit of a let down. What I mean by that is I'd have to do a masters just to be even remotely qualified.

Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/vQamQ5B.png)

As you can see there is not much there to the major, and it would really require me to do a masters, which as Melbourne is really expensive. Comparing it to other food science degrees, it was a bit lackluster.

So, when it comes to Monash, whilst it didn't have food science (except it does have a degree in food science..... but only on the Malaysia campus  :'(), it was alot closer to home, had better transport, the parking is cheaper, i've heard the chem labs there are a bit better, and i've heard DDS is a bit nicer than Melbs :)

So whilst it was a hard decision with giving up a scholarship and a direct pathway to food science, I choose monash. Every person I spoke to honestly told me that having a long commute, especially with a health issue can really make life at uni more painful than it needs to be, and that is one of the biggest reasons why. I also realised that there are practically no jobs in science and would need to do a masters anyway, and since most food science masters just ask of doing a generic science degree, so I thought i'd be doing that masters at melb anyway, why don't I just go to a uni that's closer. I'll be doing that one unit at Monash called food chem and that nutrition unit to get my fix of food science though!!!

Monash also has a great pharma department and connections that i'm also heavily interested in, as well as being a great chem school. So yeah.... After a solid two months of thinking lots of back and fourths, I have chosen to study a Bachelor of science/arts at monash. I don't think i'll stick with the arts, as I realised I could just do a diploma of language instead of a whole degree, and I want to do another minor in a science so that probably won't last. :P I originally had commerce and science, but I realised I hate commerce except for marketing, and I don't want to spend money that was increased due to the government increasing arts and commerce doing something I don't like.

Now after all that, in the end, I see myself ending up following my passion for food science. Hopefully in research and devolvement (R&D). I still have my mind open to working in the pharmaceuticals industry as well, especially in policy or even the therapeutic goods administration. My backup option is medical imaging for a more "safe" career.

I still continue to go overboard with everything, woops this post is soooooo long! For now, looking at my vce from a month on, I'm happy with the work I put into it, and i'm happy with the atar that I achieved. I wish I could have gone back in time to tell myself not to worry so much, but in the end, the reason i'm so happy and content is because of all the worrying that forced me to do the work. I'm not sure about doing a uni journal yet, so you never now if there might be a little post about my Uni experience in the future. I'm still contemplating a GAP year, so I can't tell you too much on that.

To end this off, I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, and replied throughout the journal. I couldn't have done it without you guys! I'll still be around on the forums, trying to push life into the food studies thread, but till then, thank you to everyone and good luck for the future!
Title: Re: Geoo's VCE Journey
Post by: Chocolatemilkshake on February 04, 2021, 07:47:37 am
A fantastic conclusion to an absolutely fantastic journey Geoo! CONGRATULATIONS on dux of your school and good luck for preparing your speech!!! That's amazing and is a reflection of the very hard work you've put in over the last two years.

Sounds like the decision between Monash and Melb was a difficult one but you got there in the end (plus, come and join the Monash gang  8)). I definitely agree that whilst you would have done just as well at UniMelb, having a shorter transport time is going to make it a lot easier for you and your health in the long run. Looking forward to seeing what amazing things you do in the future.