The Great Milestone of High School: When Time Flies Like a Rocket

Grade 12 students enter an exam centre in Phnom Penh in August 2025. Tenh Rithy

-Opinion-

It takes 11 years before students finally step into Grade 12 — the last year of their high-school journey. It feels as if every second suddenly moves faster than the speed of light, and before they know it, the sound of the upcoming Bac II exam is approaching. This moment not only marks the end of their high-school path but also the beginning of a new life filled with dreams ahead. It is the greatest time for students to stay focused, prepare and fight for their future. Although the exam does not entirely define their destiny, it pushes them to go further — even as some struggle with pessimism.

As we once experienced, this is not the time for Bac II students to feel overwhelmed by worry. Instead, it is the crucial phase to build authentic knowledge for the upcoming battle. Confucius once said, “It doesn’t matter how slowly you walk as long as you do not stop”. This reminds us that no matter how small our efforts are each day, they will eventually pay off. But the question remains: Are they truly ready for the exam? From this standpoint, this article intends to encourage students to stay hopeful and offer techniques to help them prepare, while also highlighting the supportive role of key stakeholders.

Time flies faster than you think

Grade 12 is one of the greatest times in a student’s life. However, they must see their future both optimistically and realistically because this is the final year to demonstrate their abilities and achieve this important milestone. Time flies in the blink of an eye, and students should start each school day with a positive mindset.

Often, students have more than enough time to study but end up procrastinating without realising it. This leads to fear and panic when the exam draws near. Students should not wait until it is too late. Preparation should begin the moment they step into school — if not earlier. When students are prepared, they feel confident no matter when the exam comes; conversely, if they wait until the last minute, they will feel uncomfortable and unconfident.

Therefore, students must use their time wisely and begin building strong study habits. The more energy they invest in studying, the more confidence they gain. Time is priceless, and once it is gone, it cannot be retrieved. Many students later regret spending too much time relaxing and enjoying life with friends without realising it is their final year of high school.

Students must not be driven by these common distractions. Time is extremely valuable — use it wisely. Remember: “One may wait for the right time to come, but the right time doesn’t wait for anyone”.

Every small effort counts

Success is not earned overnight; it grows from discipline and consistency. No matter how small the actions are, as long as students keep doing them, they will reach their goals. As a Khmer proverb says, “A small drop of water can break a big stone if it keeps dropping”.

No one can expect to study overnight and miraculously pass the exam — it is unlikely to happen. This doesn’t mean students must study all day and night. Instead, they should study consistently and with intention. Each day should feel meaningful.

If they face exhaustion or distress, they should take time to recharge — whether through quiet solitude or time with friends and loved ones. This helps restore calm and motivation. Every success begins with small actions. Make each day count. Small actions today lead to greater achievements tomorrow.

Obstacles are part of the learning journey

In a student’s life, there are no paths as effortless as those offered by generative AI. If one becomes trapped by such shortcuts, one risks losing a sense of what constitutes genuine knowledge. Students must remember that obstacles are normal; they must overcome these fears. Everyone faces challenges — no one escapes them. These are not signs of weakness, but signs of growth.

Students should study wisely by strengthening their writing, reading, testing, calculating analysing, and interpreting skills to prepare for the exam. It reminds us that “The road to success is never easy, and it demands unwavering and consistent commitment”.

As writers who have lived through this challenging time, we know life is filled with both joy and stress. What we can do is stay motivated and focused on our studies. Happiness and stress come and go quickly; we must accept them and keep moving forward. Student life always has its ups and downs — without exception.

A precious reward awaits at the final line

His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), has repeatedly emphasised, “Those who know are those who pass”. In line with his words, those who try hard and dedicate their energy — supported by a well-prepared schedule — are the ones who cross the finish line with great achievements.

Often, those who pass receive scholarship opportunities, learning materials and honours. This is a yearly pattern in our education system. The better the grades — regardless of track — the more precious the rewards. Conversely, students who fail the Bac II exam are often pushed into social discrimination, judged as personally flawed, overwhelmed by despair and gradually forgotten by the public.

Although students receive different rewards based on their grades, all are celebrated in an overly competitive environment. From top officials to school directors, recognition is generously given. This reinforces the general belief that “Hard work must be paid off!”

However, we suggest that MoEYS find ways to encourage students who fail just as fairly as those who pass. They, too, have spent 12 or more years on their educational journey. As we highlighted in our previous op-ed: “Students come from different academic backgrounds; assuming their knowledge through a one-size-fits-all Bac II examination unintentionally perpetuates an unfair education system”.

The role of the mindful teacher

As educationalists, we understand that teachers play a crucial supporting role during students’ final push. From the early years, if educational institutions have well-equipped teachers who are dedicated and committed, the outcomes will be shared by both teachers and students.

Research shows two main impacts on student outcomes: positive and negative. This means teachers must radiate professionalism, especially by building strong, positive relationships with students from the beginning of the academic year. Student growth is deeply influenced by an inspiring learning environment and effective, student-centred teaching.

Teachers should always be there for their students — no matter the situation. We must create classrooms that feel like home, so students attend school regularly and enthusiastically. As one educational proverb says: “Behind every student’s accomplishment is a supportive, inspired and compassionate teacher”.

Call for action

While passing the Bac II exam is important, teachers must look beyond the exam to recognise that students possess diverse talents. They must find ways to nurture those talents for the real world. More importantly, they must teach students to think logically amid the threats of hyperreal AI, excessive misinformation and moral decline. To do this, students need genuine care and guidance that nurtures both intellect and wisdom.

MoEYS has worked hard to remind and encourage students to prepare for the exam. Usually, MoEYS advises candidates to maintain good health, sleep well and stay focused. Although these reminders often come months or weeks before the exam, a more systematic, long-term approach would be more effective.

It would be better if students received steady guidance from the beginning of the year rather than during the chaotic countdown to the exam. Those who prepare well are fearless in the two-day battle.

Furthermore, digital education, monthly and semester exams, and other assessments should be systematically implemented to strengthen knowledge and improve human resources, as Prime Minister Hun Manet and MoEYS have emphasised. Formative assessments after each lesson can help teachers identify what students already understand and what they need to improve.

We therefore recommend that all key stakeholders — teachers, parents and MoEYS — adopt more strategic, systematic and proactive interventions to motivate and support students from the beginning of the academic year, rather than relying on short-term encouragement as exams approach.

Kon Veasnrea earned a Master’s Degree in Education in Mentoring from the New Generation Pedagogical Research Center, and is a state English teacher in Siem Reap province. Meak Loemheak holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and is a state high-school teacher specialising in Moral-Civic studies. The views and opinions are their own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-