Middle Years 

Being comfortable with feeling uncomfortable 

This week has seen the Middle Years students complete their end of year examinations. For some students this is a stressful time, while others enjoy the challenge. Either way examinations are associated with feeling uncomfortable, so students have to get used to being comfortable with these feelings of discomfort and get on with the job of doing the exam. Students have needed to be responsible for their learning, get themselves organised, pay attention, and revise well to ultimately do their best.

Each year I speak to students about how they approach difficult questions in tests or exams. When reading a difficult question, students first thought is often, “I can’t do this” or “I have no idea how to do this question”. This first thought, while uncomfortable, is quite normal, but I encourage students to stop and rephrase this first thought to, “what do I know about this question?” This simple rephrasing can often change students’ perspective on a question and get them started. Sometimes they complete the question, but other times they at least get a start and put something down on paper. Being able to deal with feeling uncomfortable in a positive way is a lifelong skill that I hope all the Middle Years students can develop. Many wellbeing practitioners (myself included) view this as pivotal to lifelong wellbeing.   

Next week the Year 8s head off to the Otways for their camp. I hope this goes well for them and they get a chance to continue building their skills in being comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, while getting on with the task at hand.

Finally, congratulations to the Year 7s, Year 8s and Year 9s on completing their academic year, but I also welcome them to the step-up program and the beginning of Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10.

Ben Hawthorne

Head of Middle Years