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ATAR results not the end of the world for students

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

STUDENTS have been reminded that all is not lost even if they don’t get the score they wanted after the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores were released yesterday afternoon.

Curtin University clinical psychology professor Peter McEvoy said there were several potential reactions to receiving a lower than expected mark.

“The first reaction might be to take the meaning of that number as an index of your self-worth and draw broad conclusions and allow it to impact your mood.

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“Another reaction might be that there is no way out of the situation and to think that the course must be done now, which makes people feel miserable.

“There are multiple factors for that one mark and it doesn’t mean it represents who we are and where we will end up.

“People need to be aware of the pathways and it’s critical about the way they respond and to gain motivation.

“Students need to inform themselves of the pathways and find the information and look towards their goals.”

Department of Education School Curriculum Standards Division executive director Allan Blagaich said there was a range of reasons why students did not achieve their WACE.

“Most importantly, all students, at the completion of their secondary schooling will receive the Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement, also known as the WASSA,” he said.

“Students can use the WASSA to support their applications for future employment, further education and training.”