There is little doubt that Year 12 students sitting for their 2020 Higher School Certificate (HSC) would be considered by those who have gone before them as somewhat disadvantaged due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Not so for the students themselves.
On the eve of Year 12 break-up, four students - two each from Irrawang High and Medowie Christian School - sat down with the Examiner to reflect on a "disruptive and unprecedented" year as they prepare to sit their final exams starting on October 20.
Teachers and staff have praised the students for their resilience and ability to adapt to the many challenges thrown at them, including bouts of isolation, altered learning, virtual classrooms, social distancing, hand sanitizing and the list goes on.
Irrawang High made the decision early to embrace online teaching by setting up learning platforms, a homework centre, mini lessons, exam techniques and access to support staff and mentors. There were also school holiday workshops.
For 17-year-old Irrawang students Sierra Noffke and Nicholas Hopper, the pandemic had taught them to cope with disruptions and benefit from remote online learning techniques.
"It took a while to get used to online learning, but the teachers were very helpful and resourceful, taking the time to go through the processes so that we can easily access the information and prepare our classes," said Sierra, who is hoping to become a politician or a police officer after a gap year.
"I feel that I am as prepared as I need to be for the exams."
For Nicholas, the challenges brought on by the lockdown took some time to adjust.
"The year has had its ups and downs and I do prefer to learn face to face, but once I adapted to the new technology it became easier," said Nicholas, who aspires to study chemical engineering.
"The new technology meant I was more organised and made preparing and learning more accessible."
Students at Medowie Christian School were further setback when one of their HSC teachers passed away due to an illness in the midst of the pandemic, yet they remained equally accepting of the unusual circumstances.
Anthony White, who plans to join the Army, and Kiara Dawe, planning to do a business degree, both 17, say they are HSC ready.
"The year has been difficult to a certain extent and we faced some challenges trying to navigate the new technology, but the support of teachers eased that burden," said Anthony.
"For me personally, whenever I felt challenged I just took a step back and thought about my long term goals. I think it's very important that students take the time to relax with friends or work part-time outside of study."
Kiara said that the disruptions had brought the small Year 12 student group closer.
"It's hard to compare to other years because we don't know what the year would have been like without COVID. I am just looking forward in a positive way... I feel that I am on track with my studies and my goals."
Teacher Kristin Bell said that she had admired the resilience of the Medowie students.
"Given the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 has caused to study patterns, their ability to socialise, to graduation, formals and with all the rites of passage that were assumed for those before them being placed under a cloud, the students have responded magnificently. They remain motivated to do the best they can," she said.
