The good news here is that the education system in Queensland is designed to see ‘every student succeeding’. That means you. That means there is an entire system built around seeing you succeed. Boom.
But- if that’s not how you think things are going right now, then let’s look at how you can use this system to make sure it is working for you.
Know your options
Not everyone’s education path will be the same. School doesn’t have to look like 12 years of 6 hour class days; there are in-school apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience, subject choices and flexible options – to name a few. You can use your senior years to work towards qualifications, explore the subjects you’re interested in or select the subjects for further post-school study if you know what you’re after. You can change your mind. It’s OK. It’s your education, and it has to help you get where you want to be.
Each school will have slightly different options and opportunities, so if you want to know what’s out there waiting for you – just ask.
Know your rights
All young people have the right to a quality education in Queensland and there are a bunch of safe-guards built into the system to make sure no one is slipping through the cracks.
- State schools should be inclusive of student needs, and will be able to make ‘reasonable’ changes to ensure student needs are met.
- You have the right to be treated equally and with respect (remember, it works two ways, the best way to get respect is to give it).
- You have human rights too. You’re a person, not a student, you have a life and it’s made up of a lot more than just school. But your education is yours too and it’s helping you get what you want from life, so when life gets heavy, there are ways the school can help. If things outside of school are getting too much, or if you need some extra support, you can still talk to your school counsellor, support staff or another adult you trust. They might be able to help you find the support you need, and they can definitely try to help make school a supportive place, when they know your situation.
Don’t sweat the little stuff
Remember what’s important to you. Your education is supposed to be getting you where you want to go in life. Be smart about how you use these years and opportunities but also remember who you are, and what it means to you.
Know that there are different kinds of ‘smart’
It’s time to look at success differently- forget about the ‘straight-A kids’ and the ‘D kids’. It’s not a thing, you can’t box people into groups and label them on one area of their life. Sure, everyone has their own skills, but knowing your strengths doesn’t limit you to a label, it means you can be smart about how you achieve what you want.
Know your own worth
The way you see yourself has a huge impact on your life. In a world where we are often surrounded by things telling us we are not enough, it can be hard to remember that you are. Celebrate the things that make you who you are – there is no one else like you. Find people who build you up and accept you as you are, and do the same for them. You are not defined by your past, where you live, what you wear or the grades on your paper.
