Despite Victoria currently entering Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions, and amid a declared State of Disaster, Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino MP has just confirmed Year 12 VCE students will still be forced to complete their end of year examinations to attain an ATAR.

"...my message is clear... you will sit your exams", Merlino declared to Year 12s when announcing the closure of schools to all students for Stage 4.

There's no doubt that Year 12 students are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Alongside other year levels, massive disruptions to face-to-face learning programs have impeded our ability to learn at our full capacity, with students all being affected in completely different ways.

Our one size fits all approach to VCE education has seen most young students thrown in the ringer, with students struggling with pre-existing mental and physical health issues especially struggling through this pandemic. But despite this, the Government is still going full steam ahead with end of year examinations, which have left students feeling nervous and overwhelmed.

Students are feeling particularly under pressure in 2020, with decreased job security in their already mostly-casualised workforces and a lack of security for their future years to come.

As published by Beyond Blue, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians, with 75% of mental health issues occurring before the age of 25. These numbers are set to be further reinforced with thanks to the effects of being isolated in a global health crisis. These numbers don't lie.

Examinations in a year of global health concern, where students are slammed with little to no face-to-face educational interaction shouldn't occur. All they'll do is force pressure upon us in a year where we need more support than ever.

Minister Merlino, please cancel, or make big changes to our exams for 2020. It's one big stress none of us need.