As students in New South Wales eagerly await the release of their 2024 HSC results on Wednesday 18 December, experts from Western Sydney University want students to understand that there are many options open to them – whatever their ATAR results are.
Glenn Campbell is the CEO of Western Sydney University, The College. He has worked as a Board Director, CEO and senior executive in education, government, environmental, and consultancy sectors. Campbell has a deep understanding of employment markets and their emerging skills and capability demands.
“Whether you get the ATAR you hoped or not – or maybe you’re not 100 per cent sure of what you want to do – there’s alternative first-year experiences to explore. Modular-style learning models are offered by some universities where you can experience smaller classes; shorter, sharper one-subject-at-a-time study; workshops instead of lectures; assignments instead of exams; and different support models to work with you in your journey,” he says.
“You can also find courses that give you a great overview of most work destinations within a given discipline like science.”
Perspective is important
Dr Erin Mackenzie is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education and a researcher in the Centre for Educational Research at Western Sydney University. She has experience teaching in secondary schools and universities, and lectures in educational psychology and STEM education. Her research interests include adolescent online interactions, coping and the role of psychological and social factors in adolescent girls’ participation in STEM.
“Some students may feel disappointed with their HSC results or ATAR, but maintaining perspective is important,” Mackenzie says.
“Remember, education is just one aspect of your life, and there are many post-school options and pathways that can lead to your chosen career. Focus on exploring alternative options, seek support from friends and family, and maintain an open mindset about the future to help reframe disappointment as an opportunity to discover new possibilities.”
The ideal pathway awaits…
Dr Rachael Jacobs is a Senior Lecturer in Western Sydney University’s teacher education program. She is a researcher in education and assessment, specialising in creativity and artistic fields. Jacobs has consulted with the NSW and QLD Departments of Education on creativity and assessment and has advised UNESCO’s Futures of Education on ways to make schooling creative, dynamic and responsive to the challenges of the 21st Century.
“It’s important to recognise that some students don’t do well at exams. While there are a lot of students suited to exam style responses, essay writing or working under pressure, others need a diverse range of tasks and need more time to think through responses. Students with a disability may also find barriers to exams so it’s essential we offer them lots of assessment opportunities throughout the year,” she says.
“If a student doesn’t get their first choice of university course, they have other options. Their ideal pathway may lie in an adjacent field to their first choice, and many don’t take their first offer. We have so many excellent pathways in Australia including a fantastic TAFE and vocational education system, Year 12 leavers have more than just university to consider.”
