Q&A: How to navigate Year 12 effectively

Lachlan, Prefect and Chairman for 2026, and Grace, Pymble student, facilitated the Q&A. Here are the insights Lachlan gained from the experience:

Describe the atmosphere in the Wenkart Theatre.

Before the panel began, there was an excited buzz in the room. The incoming Year 12 Knox Grammar and Pymble students introduced themselves to each other, creating a dynamic atmosphere of both celebration and anticipation.

How was the experience of hearing from the Old Boys and Girls?

Hearing from the Knox Old Boys, and the Pymble alumnae, provided meaningful insights into how to effectively navigate Year 12. This is achieved not only by striving for academic success, but also by maintaining balance, to maximise enjoyment in the final year of high school. The panellists were able to relate to the experiences of the cohort and expose the challenges and hard truths of Year 12, which not only motivated the students listening but also instilled a newfound confidence as they embark on this final chapter. Having such a wide variety of panellists, who each had very different schooling experiences, ensured all voices were heard, and identified that there was no ‘right’ way to approach Year 12, as the journey will be different for everyone.

What are key pieces of advice you can see yourself and your peers taking into the future, and why?

Following the panel discussion and conversations with my peers, one piece of advice that really stood out to me and my cohort was to drop the ego. The Knox Old Boys and Pymble alumnae put into perspective that the HSC is rapidly approaching, and that real success will come from collaboration rather than competition. Dropping the ego means working together to achieve the best collective outcomes, not only in academia, but in all aspects of school life. This mindset is essential for building a supportive team that gets around each other at all Year 12 events, including sport fixtures, musicals, and cadets. For me, I’ve already noticed this advice starting to influence the Class of 2026 and I believe it will continue to shape who we are as a year group heading into our final year.

After the panel discussion, how do you feel about going into Year 12 in 2026?

At first, everyone was a bit nervous. However, once the panel began, the atmosphere completely changed and it felt like I was sitting in front of a whole different year group. Everyone was focused, engaged, and genuinely looking for guidance and insight into Year 12. I believe from this, that every single student learned at least one crucial piece of advice about Year 12 and the HSC, and that will positively influence them in their final year of school. Following the discussion, I feel genuinely excited about going into Year 12, and I have seen that confidence in my peers, too. We all now have a clearer idea of what to expect in the year ahead, and feel better equipped to tackle the challenges that will come our way.