It is entirely possible to get so engrossed in assignments, tests and presentations that the reasons for a good education can be lost sight of. It's a changing employment world and one thing is for sure -- it will keep changing.
When you're getting square-eyed from computer work and sitting between piles of reference books with coloured post-it reminders stuck all over the place, it can be natural to question: "Why does this stuff count?" or "When will I ever use this?"
Let's consider some facts. Only three out of 10 school leavers will go to university, but 98 per cent of recent graduates will get a job within the first year of seeking employment -- 90 per cent of them into a degree-related job.
And there's still plenty of choice for the other 70 per cent who are leaving school -- trades, academies and dual pathways among them, where the emphasis is on developing broad capabilities so that the student of today is going to be as prepared as possible for what could be a hugely diverse career path.
I should acknowledge my colleague Hekia Parata here for her steady stewardship of the education portfolio since 2011.
When she recently announced her intention to step down from politics, she admitted it was a rewarding job but being Minister of Education was never going to be the most popular job you could hope to have.
Yes, the education portfolio always carries many vocal factions to be appeased but on Hekia Parata's watch there has been $887,000 allocated in extra funding targeted to those kids in the Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu regions most at risk of not achieving.
Education of secondary students has taken on a more holistic approach, making students more productive in both personal and working lives so that they get more ideas during their time at school of what is out there in the ever-changing job market.
Polytechs and industry training groups are more in tune with both their world (the employers) and the intakes (their students).
The secondary/tertiary partnerships with the Ministry of Education and the different vocational pathways recognise that anyone leaving school today needs to be ready to re-invent themselves, as some traditional jobs will most likely disappear through advancements in technology and others -- demanding different skills and aptitude -- will emerge.
These requirements of an education system are mind-boggling to me and probably to your parents, but it's a good reminder to strive hard and do well at school so that you have the best chance of gaining employment that is reasonably secure, financially rewarding and hopefully enjoyable.
I would like to wish every school leaver a smooth pathway towards employment, but in a fast-changing world that may not be realistic.
Just think of what's changing every day in our banks and supermarkets and you're face to face to sweeping changes, so I'll return to the swot.
Keep at it, stay healthy and hydrated, keep calm and do your very best. Bring on that exhilarating feeling that can only come from leaving an exam room with a great summer in mind and knowing that the job has been well done.
I can recall just one Latin phrase from my secondary school days: "Finis coronat opus" -- "The end crowns the work."
