Alysa: We had two questions and they were kind of from our trial papers. It was good because we knew how to answer them and it wasn't a big bomb shell.

Caeden: I think I went OK, we'll see how we go when the results come out but I'm quietly confident.

Alysa: English was a big bomb shell. There was stuff that didn't relate to what we learnt about, and it was very contradictory to the syllabus.

Caeden: English was a bit of a shocker. Some of the questions were a bit left-of-centre when it came to the texts and different themes. I've also done a Music exam and I think I went pretty good.

Adam: I've only done Advanced English, and it was definitely not up to what I thought I could have done. It's a bit nerve-wracking that's the standard for the rest of the exams. Then again, that was English. Maths and Science will be much better. I do do four-unit English but that's because I like creative writing a lot more than critical writing. Extension 2 is the creative writing bit, but I still thought I could have done a lot better than I did in that exam.

Alysa: Assignments, because I'm able to get feedback from teachers and you have a deadline so you're able to manage your time. I'm someone who can't work well under pressure.

Caeden: Probably exams. If I get lots of time, I'll just do it the night before. Exams are more my style; get in there, get it done.

Alysa: Exams are good, they do teach us to revise, but I think what would be better is once we do a topic, we do an exam on it, rather than having to revise on everything we learnt.

Adam: My main goal is to go to uni next year. So as long as I can get to uni, I don't really mind ATAR-wise. It is a little nerve-wracking ... but I know it's not the end-all-be-all.

Alysa: I worked through year 12 but didn't do much because I wanted to focus on school.

Caeden: I work at Batemans Bay Ice Creamery. I took a few days off here and there when I needed it to study.

Adam: I work at the Adelaide Hotel in Moruya. My boss was really understanding that school's first.

Alysa: I want to do nursing. I'll be going to Canberra hopefully.

Caeden: I want to go to University of Canberra and do a Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). I want to be a school counsellor or drug and alcohol rehabilitation. It's something I'm really passionate about.

Adam: Bachelor of Science at ANU. I like the idea of going into research.

Alysa: I'm just going to be working.

Caeden: I'm in a band (Potent Soap) and we've got a whole bunch of shows coming up in December so there isn't really any time.

Adam: I'm going up to Queensland, not for Schoolies, but in the same area.

Alysa: I haven't been putting too much pressure on myself even though it's quite hard not to. As long as I give it my best, that's all I can do.

Caeden: You need to have a good release when you're feeling stressed out. I play the drums and getting out there and hitting them as hard as I can is good.

Adam: Without it sounding like a cliche, I like long walks on the beach.

Alysa: Oh, I am. Today's halfway through my exams so I've only got three left.

Caeden: Yes, but it's going to be a bit sad at the same time. I'm looking forward to no more exams but signing out of here for the last time will be a bit emotional.

Adam: 100 per cent, but I'm going to miss teachers and friends.

Alysa: Don't burn yourself out in year 11. Because by year 12, you feel kind of burnt out and you don't have any motivation.

Adam: Before, I was under the impression that if I'm going to be disappointed, it's because I didn't study enough. (Now) I've only done the English exam so far, but I'm thinking even if I studied another 100 hours, there are some things I just could never have prepared for. Of course it's important to study, but don't put that pressure on yourself.

READ MORE