HUNTER students preparing for the Higher School Certificate after two years of upheaval have been reminded there are multiple ways to achieve their goals.
As reported last week, the University of Newcastle will give an additional five adjustment points on top of the raw Australian Tertiary Admission Rank to all HSC students who list UON in any of their five preferences, in recognition of the challenges they have faced in their education.
Students may also be eligible for adjustment points through programs including the Educational Access Scheme, Year 12 Adjustment Points Scheme, Regional and Rural Adjustment Points Scheme and the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme.
As well as ATAR based admission, students can gain entry to UON through pathways including the Schools Recommendation Scheme, Year 12 Spotlight Program and enabling programs. UON is also introducing new diploma programs.
UON Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Human and Social Futures, Professor John Fischetti said students and their families may benefit from practising positivity each day.
"You will go fine and be fine," Professor Fischetti said.
"Go for it, but give yourself a break. This is one small phase of a brilliant life ahead.
"Human brain wiring includes more than 100 billion neurons, which, especially in young people, can be changed by stimulation - good or bad.
"The unanticipated time that we now have with our children is tough and stressful, but it is also amazing. We are there to see them struggle, we are there to help them succeed."
Professor Fischetti said it was crucial to remember the HSC was an important milestone but not the be all and end all.
"All options for your amazing futures are available after the HSC," he said.
"Those may involve taking a slightly different path to enabling programs, or to a degree that is related and through which you may apply to transfer into later on based on your success. Don't give up on your dream."
He said these were unique times and it was important for students to take care of themselves and others.
"Get outside every day for a walk, jog or bike ride," he said. "Eat well and get plenty of rest. The stress we all feel is real, but we can moderate it through healthy practices."
He also suggested students reach out if they're not going well and to check in on their friends.
"Build a support network around you that 'gets you'," he said. "We have to all breathe through this right now. And feeling connected to supportive friends and family is so crucial."
Professor Fischetti said some students were thriving learning from home, which he said could help them develop "future-focused skills", including how to deal with ambiguity, critical thinking, taking more ownership of their own learning journeys and embracing uncertainty.
"Let's let our great year 12 students go ahead and complete what they started, but ease off on the pressure we put on our kids," he said.
"There are multiple ways to accomplish one's goals no matter how it turns out."
UON will be hosting its September 6, 7 and 8 open days online.
