No need to stress over ATAR exams

One of the most important and stressful times in the schooling lives of Year 12 students will get under way next week with the start of the 2019 ATAR exams.

This year’s graduating students will descend into three weeks of intense examination as of Wednesday when reading time for the philosophy and ethics and the religion and life exams starts at 9.20am.

“ATAR exams are certainly one of the best indicators for tertiary institutions about the capacity of students to absorb a large amount of information, to conceptualise information out of that and have the skills needed for success at a tertiary level,” Southwest education region executive director Neil Milligan said

Mr Milligan also said while he understood why students and parents would see the next three weeks as the most important of their lives, there was no need to be afraid of stress.

“I think you have to accept the fact that it is going to be stressful and to try and not think about it,” he said.

“Swotting up to the early hours of the morning or panicking isn’t helpful, eating well, sleeping well and doing some exercise are the basic components of telling your body it’s OK.”

Last year the South West boasted some of the best individual ATAR marks of anywhere in the State, including an incredible 99.85 from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School student Jamie McGregor.

Jamie was joined in the 99 club by one other BCGS student, two students from Bunbury Catholic College and three from Manea Senior College.

Bunbury Senior High School was the region’s best performing school last year with a median ATAR of 83.95, which placed the school well inside the top 50 in the State.

Principal Craig Pettit said while results would always be different year to year, this year’s cohort was well prepared and he was confident they would give their best.

“A general message to all students leaving their respective schools is to be confident in your own ability, trust that your school has provided you with the best preparation and read everything twice,” he said.

This year’s ATAR exams will finish on November 19.