Marian College Ararat year 12 students Rachael Nailon, Al Gasloso, Taylah Lindsey and Abbi Nellthorp were back at school on Thursday.

Abbi said nearing the end of school life was exciting for the group.

“It is a little bit overwhelming but it is exciting as well,” she said.

“We are nearly at the end, but it is nerve-wracking.”

Fellow student Rachael said the final exams were not far away, but it was important to remain stress free during the year.

“The toughest part will be maintaining motivation all year and then keeping stress off the exams,” she said.

“I don’t really feel the exams are that far away.”

The students will also have extracurricular activities and different sports they are involved in.

Abbi said she wanted to take advantage of these opportunities.

“I think it is important to keep a balanced life between work and sport,” she said.

At Lake Bolac College six students are in year 12 this year, a big increase from one student in 2016.

Will Pedersen lives at Willaura but travels to Lake Bolac. He said the small class gave more time with teachers.

“It is a good opportunity for the teachers to help more,” he said.

“We get better one-on-one time with the teachers.”

Will said all the senior students at Lake Bolac got on well together, which would help them through their year of study.

At Ararat College Shakira Hurst and Patrick Higgins said there was some pressure but school was nearly over for them.

Shakira is studying art, further maths, English, physical education and history revolution, while Patrick has chosen English, maths methods, physics, biology and business management as his.

He said the students were quickly adjusting to year 12.

“It has been alright so far and we are starting to get our heads wrapped around what we have to do,” he said.

“I am not to sure what I want to do next but it will be down the business path.