You can also listen on: Spotify, Amazon Music and Audible.

What we’re talking about:

This episode is for the students who are working really hard to do well in VCE. Put the brakes on for 20 minutes and listen up to get some perspective, consider how you’re coping, and, if it feels right to you, make a healthier choice for you.

2:00 My school experience

In this episode I start by giving you some more information about my own experience as a student in the context of how it led to my current career. I explain how my thoughts around VCE have changed from when I was a student, to when I became a tutor and teacher, and now that I’m a career counsellor.

7:15 Do you enjoy the challenge of school?

Why are you working so hard? Is it because you really thrive on the challenge of learning? Or do you wake up feeling sick about the day ahead? Find out how conversations with some of my students helped me question how things are done in schools.

11:13 Why are most of us so focused on ATARs and results?

The VCE system is all based on ranking students against each other, which inevitably leads to a lot of students being hyper focused on results rather than learning. What I want you to think about is how you could reframe things in a healthier way. You have more choice than you think.

16:08 How else could you approach this?

So what could you do differently to take all this pressure off yourself and stop focusing so much on striving to do well? You could think about what you want to do next, recognise that you can actually do whatever you want, and that you can put a plan in place to get there no matter what results you get. You don’t need a better ATAR. You need a better plan.

Links mentioned:

Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com