Schoolies tips

Year 12 reset: Refocus, recharge and finish strong

We’re halfway through the year—and if you’re in Year 12, things might be starting to feel a little full on.

There are assessment deadlines, thoughts about finishing school and conversations about results, future pathways and where life might take you next.

If you’re feeling the pressure—you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out just yet.

The myQCE website is here to help you pause, reflect and refocus. It’s full of tools, tips and real stories from students who’ve been right where you are.

Here’s how you can use the mid-year break to get back on track and move through the rest of the year with confidence.

Reflect and reset

Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:

  • What’s been working for me this year?
  • What’s been challenging?
  • What habits could I tweak going into Term 3?

This is a great time to look at what’s helped you stay focused—and what’s been in the way. It might be time to shift your routine, reduce distractions or ask for help in one of your subjects.

Head to myQCE’s Study Tips for practical ideas on time management, staying motivated, and taking care of your wellbeing when things get intense.

Understand your QCE progress

In all the talk about results and pathways, don’t forget about your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). It’s your official record of senior learning—and a key milestone.

You can earn QCE credit through a range of learning, including:

  • general and Applied subjects
  • VET courses
  • school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
  • university subjects
  • other recognised learning.

The QCE recognises both academic and hands-on learning and it opens the door to many different futures.

Visit QCE explained to understand how it all works, what you need to complete your QCE and how to stay on track.

Explore your options beyond school

Still unsure what life after school looks like? That’s okay.

Whether you're interested in university, TAFE, trades, starting work or taking a gap year, you have more options than you might think.

Learn more about different post-school pathways, including info on:

  • university entry
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)
  • traineeships and apprenticeships
  • work and other flexible pathways.

Remember, Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is the organisation responsible for issuing Australian Tertiary Admission Rankings (ATARs), not the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). If you're planning to apply for university, check out the QTAC website to explore their timelines and advice.

Get inspired by other students

You’re not the only one figuring it out.

The QCAA career stories showcase young Queenslanders who’ve earned their QCE and gone on to do all kinds of amazing things—some expected, some surprising.

You’ll hear from students who took university pathways, completed traineeships, launched careers in health, childcare, construction, IT, creative industries and more.

Their journeys are a great reminder that success looks different for everyone—and that your path is your own.

Prioritise your wellbeing

Senior school is important but so is staying well.

Use the break to slow down, sleep in, connect with friends and family and reset. Look after your physical and mental health so that you can return to school feeling more balanced and focused.

If you're looking for practical strategies to manage stress, procrastination, or perfectionism, check out the series of videos featuring clinical psychologist Dr Judith Locke. These short clips offer tips on study balance, limiting distractions, transforming information and more.

If things ever feel too much, don’t go it alone. Reach out to:

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to stay motivated through the rest of the year.

What if your final results aren’t what you hoped for?

It’s natural to have hopes around your end-of-year results but if things don’t go to plan, it’s not the end of the road.

There are lots of ways to reach your goals, even if your results aren’t exactly what you expected. Many students explore options like:

  • bridging courses
  • TAFE to university pathways
  • apprenticeships and traineeships
  • further study after working for a while.

Read more about alternative pathways and flexible post-school options.

Tips to carry into Term 3

Here are some quick wins to help you stay organised and on top of your goals in the second half of the year:

  • Mark key dates on a calendar
  • Revisit your study routine—what’s working? What’s not?
  • Know what’s required in each subject
  • Speak up early if you need help
  • Take time to recharge and do things you enjoy.

You’ve got this

If you’re feeling the pressure right now, that’s okay. You’re not falling behind—you’re learning and growing.

The second half of the year is your opportunity to reset, refocus and finish strong. No matter your pathway, the QCAA is here to support you through your senior years.

Visit myQCE to explore your QCE pathway, check your progress, learn new study tips and see how other students are making their futures work.

This guest blog post has been supplied by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Team. We thank them for their contribution and expertise. You can find out more about QCAA on their website www.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

Last updated:
8 July 2025