How year 12 students are coping spending final weeks of school studying from home

For many, the final year of school is an important one. It means studying for your HSC exams and joining in on school activities or fundraising that you won't get the chance to do again.

School captains from Portland Central and Lithgow High School have spoken to the Lithgow Mercury about how they have been coping with the lockdown during what would normally be their final weeks of schooling life.

Portland Central school captain Alex Gower said that she found working from home had both positive and negative aspects.

"My supportive teachers have made it a lot easier for me to still continue learning from home although I miss the routine of going to school face to face," she said.

"The challenges I have faced are learning to adapt to online zoom calls, not having face to face learning and having a routine that's very different to how it would be at school."

While Alex's routine may be different now, she said she enjoyed the flexibility of having more time in between class Zooms and she feels more productive at home in her own space.

"It's sad knowing I might not be able to have face to face learning anymore with my teachers. I really enjoyed school and it's hard It's happened during my last few weeks," she said.

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Alex praised her teachers for being helpful and understanding during such a difficult time.

"They are also there even when there's not a scheduled zoom call, I can always get in contact," she said.

"I didn't really expect to be out of school this year and it has been a challenge not being at school but with the help of my teachers and how easy it is to be in contact with my teachers, it has made it a lot less stressful for me.

"I'd like to thank my teachers for all the help, support and kindness throughout this time."

Lithgow High's school captain Sam Doran said a challenging aspect for him was being at a computer all day long.

"It does get a bit boring, but overall, I'm still managing to get most of the work done and still have the brain power for studying," he said.

But Sam did admit that compared to the last time he had to work from home, it has been much easier.

"Everything is much more organised and streamlined, I guess we got good at it with practice," he said.

"Most students are going online this time and participating."

Sam said he absolutely looks forward to the day he can return to school to have face to face teaching.

"It's been hard being away from friends, so it would be fantastic to see them. I think also we just learn better face to face as well," he said.

Lithgow High teachers have remained in contact with their students, something Sam is very appreciative of.

"They have been making sure we can get assistance and ask questions, so that has been really beneficial," he said.

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