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Author Topic: Communal VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)  (Read 182207 times)

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Max Kawasakii

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #255 on: April 22, 2017, 08:31:16 am »
+2
Transition from year 11 to 12 is 10000x easier than 10 to 11.

I would totally agree, Year 10 was a super fun year in my case, but then in year 11 I got hit with Chemistry and Further 3/4, needless to say it was quite a jump.
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clarke54321

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #256 on: April 22, 2017, 09:50:51 am »
+2
22/4/17

First week back was good (although I have a terrible cold this weekend and can't really function  :'( ). I received results to my Literature SAC and was very relieved. Results for English should be coming back soon.

I have a German SAC coming up this week. I've prepared quite a bit for it, but am still feeling apprehensive.

Methods SAC is coming up in about 6-7 weeks. Hoping to finish last few exercises in the next week, so that I have lots of time to prepare and do exam questions. Methods is my weakest subject, so need to put in maximal effort.
« Last Edit: April 22, 2017, 09:52:29 am by clarke54321 »
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zhen

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #257 on: April 22, 2017, 06:00:54 pm »
+3
As I've matured, I have realized the difference in public and private school education on a VCE level. Once upon a time I was under the impression that I could get the same education from a government school in comparison to a private school. However in my final years the truth has been made clear;

Public school sector will give you the information and utensils you need in order to succeed but it is very much so a self driven journey. I have found that my teachers have a great understanding of the course but will only deliver the bare minimum. I'm also under the impression that Public school classes are marginally bigger than private school classes. Extra information, but the HS I am currently residing at is actually classed as a rural disadvantageous public school.

I feel like these problems are also evident in most schools, even private schools. For me at Melbourne High, where people expect to have good teachers, there are some good teachers, but there are also numerous teachers that can't teach to save their lives and some completely neglect their students. For example one of my teachers sometimes just randomly leaves the room for 30 minutes, leaving us with no teacher for majority of the period. Some teachers at my school try to teach, but they just end up confusing students, because they know too much (some have their doctorates), they can't be bothered teaching correctly or they try teaching way too fast (2 chapters in 2 periods). I know multiple teachers at my school that just let their students do whatever they want and don't teach at all. So, I feel like for every school you have your fare share of good and bad teachers. Maybe my experience with bad teachers is because my school is also technically public school, but I think that in most schools, VCE is a self driven journey, or at least that's what my experience of it feels like. Also, I'm pretty sure that if your school is a rural disadvantaged high school, then universities lower the cutoff significantly for their courses, which is the plus side to being in a worse school (this is what I've heard, but it might be wrong. Someone should correct me if I'm wrong).
« Last Edit: April 22, 2017, 06:10:14 pm by zhen »

Quantum44

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #258 on: April 22, 2017, 06:22:41 pm »
+2
I feel like these problems are also evident in most schools, even private schools. For me at Melbourne High, where people expect to have good teachers, there are some good teachers, but there are also numerous teachers that can't teach to save their lives and some completely neglect their students. For example one of my teachers sometimes just randomly leaves the room for 30 minutes, leaving us with no teacher for majority of the period. Some teachers at my school try to teach, but they just end up confusing students, because they know too much (some have their doctorates), they can't be bothered teaching correctly or they try teaching way too fast (2 chapters in 2 periods). I know multiple teachers at my school that just let their students do whatever they want and don't teach at all. So, I feel like for every school you have your fare share of good and bad teachers. Maybe my experience with bad teachers is because my school is also technically public school, but I think that in most schools, VCE is a self driven journey, or at least that's what my experience of it feels like. Also, I'm pretty sure that if your school is a rural disadvantaged high school, then universities lower the cutoff significantly for their courses, which is the plus side to being in a worse school (this is what I've heard, but it might be wrong. Someone should correct me if I'm wrong).

Yes, in my opinion the only innate advantages to private/select entry schools is the environment and competition. There is prominent culture of work and even below average students will put some effort into doing well at school, and in each year level there will always be a few people who will get high 99s so you know how much effort and the kind of marks you need to get a high ATAR. I don't think there is a large difference in teaching quality, and the ridiculous amount of money spent by private schools on constantly updating the facilities has zero effect on your academic success. In the end, VCE is very much self driven and there is nothing stopping anyone who goes to a public school from getting a 99.95. In fact, I think private schools aren't going to survive much longer since more and more people are preferring to spend money on getting tutors (who you know are good) than a private education (where teaching quality is a mixed bag).
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Aaron

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #259 on: April 22, 2017, 06:29:32 pm »
+4
Quote from: zhen
So, I feel like for every school you have your fare share of good and bad teachers.

This. I've done a fair few placements now in both the public and private systems (for context: I am about a month out from completing a Master of Teaching). The biggest difference that you will find is the allocation of funding/resourcing between both systems. Why do you think it is the case that there are smaller class sizes in private schools as opposed to public schools? Why do you think it is the case that teachers aren't "confident" in their subject areas? Lack of funding to a) make the small classes happen, and b) unqualified teachers having to fill gaps due to lack of skilled teachers in subject areas such as maths and science.You may think trying to teach even 20 students is easy, but I can say from personal experience.. it is not easy. I can't imagine how teachers who teach 25+ handle it... then add on the fact that teachers may be teaching outside of their specialisation too (it happens, just doesn't get disclosed).

Given that government public school funding is based on student enrolments (as a base), a small public school for example would find it extremely difficult to employ high quality teachers AND try to keep class sizes down AND offer high quality programs.

Quote from: Quantum44
In the end, VCE is very much self driven and there is nothing stopping anyone who goes to a public school from getting a 99.95.
Agree.


tl;dr = both systems have good and bad teachers, resourcing makes the difference.
« Last Edit: April 22, 2017, 06:38:22 pm by Aaron »
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TheCommando

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #260 on: April 22, 2017, 11:08:54 pm »
+3
As I've matured, I have realized the difference in public and private school education on a VCE level. Once upon a time I was under the impression that I could get the same education from a government school in comparison to a private school. However in my final years the truth has been made clear;

Public school sector will give you the information and utensils you need in order to succeed but it is very much so a self driven journey. I have found that my teachers have a great understanding of the course but will only deliver the bare minimum. I'm also under the impression that Public school classes are marginally bigger than private school classes. Extra information, but the HS I am currently residing at is actually classed as a rural disadvantageous public school.

So in all honesty this has me super stressed going through VCE, I really want to do well but often find my self feeling like there isn't enough hours in the day for me to do say. This brings on a range of implications;

1. I find myself being late to school often, take this scenario as an explanation. I get home from school around 7:30pm (Commute), eat dinner and do my thing then study for the rest of the evening until I have everything done. I might finish at 11:30, from there I will set an alarm for 8 hours later (I believe getting the right amount of sleep is a key to success), now sometime this alarm goes off at 7:30 and I can get to school on time, other times it might be going off at 8:50. In that case I will be getting to school halfway through period 1. Luckily for me the teachers don't really bat an eye lid at my lateness, partially because I'm always up to date or ahead, I believe it's because I share good relationships with them though.

2. I find my self waking up on 7:30 on weekend and seriously doing 6 hours of pen to paper studying at least, sometime more.. I find that I'm often cancelling social events, don't go to any parties etc etc. At least the weekend offers me this feeling of actually having enough hours in my day to do what I want.

Most of this is self induced stress, but I have high aspirations in regards to my study scores, simply things like wanting to finish the Methods and spesh course before the end of the term.

TLDR: VCE has me stressed to say the very least, it has me disappointed with the quality of teacher at government funded schools, and in the essence mildly isolated from the rest of my friends.

So what were your immediate thoughts to my comment?

*Disclaimer, I know some Public schools have great teaches, and good for you I'm totally happy, but it's not the case on my end.
Hey max, i understand where your coming from and understand how you feel. If it helps there are many people who are as stressed as you. Because u arrive home at 7:30 via public transport you should take advantage of this. My friend lives hours away from school and would just read for the whole trip. Thats something you can do. Or if you do theory based subjects like physics, eco, history you could read about thoose subjects. It's very important you understand balance. You cant study to much, you must have breaks say for 5 min or so evrey 30min etc. if you stufy to much constantly without breaks and for hours on end your brain will really feel streesed and its ability to retain information really struggles. Try going to bed at 9 and doing hw while on transport. I find reading about history topics on the train really useful. You can better manage your time with a timetable. There are plenty of good guides on this in the forum
Would u switch schools btw?
For me i go to a public school and feel lucky i go to the school i go to. The teacher's are great, caring and are willing to spemd their lunch times and spare time just to help you. However the only high school located in this rich area so i understand your point. Rather than feel sad about being 'disadvantaged' use it to help you. Use the feelings of anger or whatever it is to you think u have to work hard just so u can compete with the other schools who students have it easier. Many successful people made it based on the motivation of not having it easy

Max Kawasakii

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #261 on: April 22, 2017, 11:42:22 pm »
+3
Hey max, i understand where your coming from and understand how you feel. If it helps there are many people who are as stressed as you. Because u arrive home at 7:30 via public transport you should take advantage of this. My friend lives hours away from school and would just read for the whole trip. Thats something you can do. Or if you do theory based subjects like physics, eco, history you could read about thoose subjects. It's very important you understand balance. You cant study to much, you must have breaks say for 5 min or so evrey 30min etc. if you stufy to much constantly without breaks and for hours on end your brain will really feel streesed and its ability to retain information really struggles. Try going to bed at 9 and doing hw while on transport. I find reading about history topics on the train really useful. You can better manage your time with a timetable. There are plenty of good guides on this in the forum
Would u switch schools btw?
For me i go to a public school and feel lucky i go to the school i go to. The teacher's are great, caring and are willing to spemd their lunch times and spare time just to help you. However the only high school located in this rich area so i understand your point. Rather than feel sad about being 'disadvantaged' use it to help you. Use the feelings of anger or whatever it is to you think u have to work hard just so u can compete with the other schools who students have it easier. Many successful people made it based on the motivation of not having it easy

That's why I love these forums, one person's insight becomes another man's wisdom. Other can just widen your perspective on so varies subjects/topics it amazes me.

 I study Methods/Spesh/Eng/JapSL so you are right, I guess I could be doing Japanese reading and analyzing on the bus, that's a great idea! (Normally I just sleep, or read unrelated school books.)

Luckily for me I have read through innumerable forums to gather insight as to what is a 'good study reigeme', and currently the one I attempt to stick to works really well. So although time consuming, my study timetable is very generous for breaks etc.

A famous name on ATAR notes, pi, once said (jokingly might I add), study today for an easier tomorrow, that for some reason stuck, so I always make sure I'm up to date by tomorrow. But I do need to learn to balance things better you are correct.

I wouldn't consider swapping school, I have to pay for my own tuition, and wouldn't be able to afford the private sector. This however has like you said, motivated to do more and study harder.

Apprrcaite your reply, insightful and I will be taking a couple things away from it, thank you.
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zhen

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #262 on: April 27, 2017, 07:25:16 pm »
+1
27/4/2017
Ok, today I got back an absolutely horrendous chemistry test score.  :'( After doing pretty well in my first chemistry SAC I felt horrible seeing my score. I think I deserved it since I prioritised my specialist SAC a couple of days before it and studied intensely for specialist, but neglected my chemistry test since it wasn't a SAC. I felt that I shouldn't have slacked off in the last couple of days of last term (the test was on the last day of last term) and I should have studied a lot more for it. I guess over the weekend I'm going to have to do heaps of study for all of my subjects to redeem myself for this score.
« Last Edit: April 27, 2017, 07:26:48 pm by zhen »

Quantum44

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #263 on: April 27, 2017, 08:26:29 pm »
+3
27/4/2017
Ok, today I got back an absolutely horrendous chemistry test score.  :'( After doing pretty well in my first chemistry SAC I felt horrible seeing my score. I think I deserved it since I prioritised my specialist SAC a couple of days before it and studied intensely for specialist, but neglected my chemistry test since it wasn't a SAC. I felt that I shouldn't have slacked off in the last couple of days of last term (the test was on the last day of last term) and I should have studied a lot more for it. I guess over the weekend I'm going to have to do heaps of study for all of my subjects to redeem myself for this score.

Well I think it's fair enough prioritising a SAC over a test, particularly since spesh is more difficult than chemistry, and clearly you are still going fine in chemistry as you did well in your first SAC which is the one that counts :)
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cookiedream

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #264 on: April 28, 2017, 05:49:39 pm »
+7
| 28.04.2017 |

- Spesh SAC is O V E R. It was four hours in total (i know, 4 hours of Spesh how am I still alive) where our school divided it up to two hours Wednesday afterschool, one hour Thursday and one hour today. Wednesday's part was mainly vectors and a bit of complex numbers, and personally I found it really hard. So when I heard that quite a lot of people found it easy I thought h o w ? Thursday's part was mainly complex numbers but with a little trig at the end. I thought it was quite easy. When I came home and I thought about my answers, I realised that for one of the questions I multiplied something by zero and I didn't put it as 0. I thought the zero was a one. [insert facepalm emoji]. But oh god, today's part was all trig and it was the WORST

- Not gonna study today to celebrate that my first Spesh SAC is over and I'm still alive. But at the same time I have my Eng Lang sac next Wednesday after school. Now I'm going through this mental conflict. Should I study or watch youtube? Study or youtube? Study or youtube? Study or youtube? ....

- Sometimes I just casually look at the pile of textbooks and study notes on my shelf and I think
"Hmm yes there is much to do, and I know that whenever I study hard I do well, but I dunno...another youtube video then I'll definitely study"
and the next hour I'm like "After dinner I'll study"
then "I'll study before bedtime so that my brain can absorb and process it while I sleep"
then "Nah I'll study in the early morning".
And then I wake up in the morning from my alarm and I think "Nah, I shouldn't stress myself out from studying in the early morning."
And the cycle repeats

- Lastly, I just want to thank everyone who left me really nice comments on my guides and sent me kind messages over PM. You guys are all so awesome! Really, I'm so glad that I get to be a part of such a friendly and supportive community ;D
« Last Edit: September 12, 2018, 01:38:04 pm by cookiedream »
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2016: Methods [44], Psych [48]
2017: Bio [50], Eng Lang, Chem, Spec
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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #265 on: April 28, 2017, 06:08:19 pm »
+6
- Sometimes I just casually look at the pile of textbooks and study notes on my shelf and I think
"Hmm yes there is much to do, and I know that whenever I study hard I do well, but I dunna another youtube video then I'll definitely study"
and the next hour I'm like "After dinner I'll study"
then "I'll study before bedtime so that my brain can absorb and process it while I sleep"
then "Nah I'll study in the early morning".
And then I wake up in the morning from my alarm and I think "Nah, I shouldn't stress myself out from studying in the early morning."
And the cycle repeats
Can I jus say i feel ya. . . .  in those sentences, i actually thought you were describing me hahahaha. Good luck for your SAC results and your upcoming SACs. I rlly hope you smash them :)
ok so its been a while since i last posted on this thread so here i go:
28/04/17
- my parents have been sick for the last week so I'm feeling super stressed about everything.
- helping them with making food, medicine & everything
- my home doesn't feel like home. . . i miss the laughter and all of us jus having amazing convos on the dinner table
- my test marks have been going pretty ok so far but I know I have to improve
- i have 3 SACs next week so i rlly have to prepare but i honestly can't be bothered, idek why
- i've never written an essay with a surprise topic so i'm going to make sure i finish at least 2 drafts under timed conditions before next wed
- hmm i'm actually liking maths nowadays which is pretty surprising considering i can't do math at all.
- it's my friend's bday on the 9th so i need to find a good present (what do boys even like. . . . .???)
- going to prepare a nice cheat sheet for one of my SACs today. . . . if i feel like doing work :/

j.wang

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #266 on: April 28, 2017, 08:43:35 pm »
+6
| 28.04.2017 |

- Sometimes I just casually look at the pile of textbooks and study notes on my shelf and I think
"Hmm yes there is much to do, and I know that whenever I study hard I do well, but I dunna another youtube video then I'll definitely study"
and the next hour I'm like "After dinner I'll study"
then "I'll study before bedtime so that my brain can absorb and process it while I sleep"
then "Nah I'll study in the early morning".
And then I wake up in the morning from my alarm and I think "Nah, I shouldn't stress myself out from studying in the early morning."
And the cycle repeats


how does a stranger know me so well  :P

zhen

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #267 on: May 09, 2017, 04:31:50 pm »
+3
Today I received my first specialist SAC and I was not happy with my result.  :'( My score was above average for my cohort, but I know I could have done better and that I will need to do better to get 40+ in specialist. Before my next SAC, I plan to do heaps of practice questions under timed conditions to prep me better, since I feel like the main problem that I faced was that I made numerous stupid mistakes because I was rushed.

clarke54321

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #268 on: May 09, 2017, 07:01:39 pm »
+3
9/5/17

At the moment, I am in the middle of a week long Lit SAC. It's going quite well. To my surprise, I've really enjoyed the creative unit. Tomorrow I have an English SAC based on Argument Analysis. I'm feeling a bit stressed about it. Hoping it will be okay and I'll be able to draw out some insightful analysis  :P

Received a German SAC back that I wasn't entirely thrilled with. I kind of knew that the result of this SAC would be less than pleasant at the start of the year, though (given it is on an area that is my weakest). Hopefully it won't affect my overall score too much.

Also been prepping for the upcoming Method SACs in June. Should be a fun time......... ;D
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geminii

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Re: VCE Journey Journal (feel free to participate!)
« Reply #269 on: May 09, 2017, 10:44:11 pm »
+4
9/5/2017

I've had two out of four lessons of my first specialist 3/4 SAC - it's pretty difficult and I have to do some study before the third lesson on Friday!

I've also had three out of four lessons of my first methods 3/4 SAC. Is it weird to say I've had a lot of fun doing it?? I guess it's good though! My last lesson on it is tomorrow morning, period 1!! ;D

Next week is my second chemistry 3/4 SAC which goes for two weeks. I'm hoping to get better than I did on my last SAC since I'm aiming for 40+.

Now I'm going to go back to studying for methods tomorrow haha :D
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