So during one of my exams, I was spoken to at the end because I had apparently used the bathroom for a suspiciously long time. This is because I have a bowel disorder which I've struggled with for the past two years. But anyways, the fact that I was using the bathroom for like 7-10 minutes was considered really suspicious so I was approached and told to empty my pockets etc etc. I had my phone in my pocket, but it was on airplane mode and silent. I don't bring a backpack to exams and honestly wasn't thinking about my phone before the exam at all which is why I had it on me. Also, while there is usually an announcement before an exam to empty your pockets and get rid of all devices, there was none before this exam. I know it's a student's own responsibility, but I have severe ADD/anxiety/depression, and it's literally impossible for me to focus/concentrate on something as trivial as my phone during an exam. Before an exam I'm focusing on trying not to have a panic attack and remember everything - not something like whether my phone is on me or not.
In any case, I had nothing to hide on my phone so I let the supervisor go through my phone. The only evidence of work or whatever was some notes I had that were completely irrelevant to the exam that I was using to study BEFORE the exam on the way to school. It was for a specific dot point that wasn't in the exam at all and that I could not have used to further/better my work in the exam. In any case, I was made to feel like it was all okay, but then found out recently that I am receiving a zero for that assessment. For someone who's aiming for a very high ATAR, and a few months ago was not even sure if they could complete their HSC because of physical/mental illness and family issues, this was a massive blow to me. Especially because I've been doing so well consistently in school for years. Someone who's as neurotic and as anxious as me literally would not have it in them to even think about cheating...
Anywho, I understand why this was a problem, but the entire reason I need to use the bathroom is because I've had this persistent problem, and I've gotten a copy of all my patient/medical history for the past few years. I have a psychiatrist appointment very soon so I'll be able to get letters of support. Again, honestly I did not even think about my phone because with ADD and anxiety it's impossible for me to focus on something like that. My principal said that there was no point of appealing to the Board because there was no chance I would win the case, but I'm honestly feeling so depressed and upset about this. I refuse to get a zero for an assessment which I tried so hard in. We haven't received results yet but I genuinely think I did fairly well in the exam. Considering I was seriously considering dropping out and repeating year twelve, this has literally made me feel completely hopeless and really depressed. Really considering the futility of school and all this effort I've put in. I'm a good student, I don't get in trouble and I've gotten good grades, and to hear this, right before school ends for an assessment hurts so much. In the scheme of things I realise this is not the biggest thing in the world, but there was absolutely NOTHING on my phone. I forwarded my teacher all the notes on my phone to prove that there was no correlation with the notes and work, but still nothing...
I want to appeal because the reality is I didn't cheat and the entire accusation is as equally damaging to my reputation as it is hurtful and untrue. I understand there's other pathways to whatever I want to do, but it's honestly the principle of it all as well. It makes me mad that the school system can even think about doing this to a student.
What do you all suggest I do? Considering my medical history/academic history etc it is even worth appealing to the Board of Studies especially after my principal said there was no point?
Sorry for the long post but had to make sure I detailed everything.
In any case, I had nothing to hide on my phone so I let the supervisor go through my phone. The only evidence of work or whatever was some notes I had that were completely irrelevant to the exam that I was using to study BEFORE the exam on the way to school. It was for a specific dot point that wasn't in the exam at all and that I could not have used to further/better my work in the exam. In any case, I was made to feel like it was all okay, but then found out recently that I am receiving a zero for that assessment. For someone who's aiming for a very high ATAR, and a few months ago was not even sure if they could complete their HSC because of physical/mental illness and family issues, this was a massive blow to me. Especially because I've been doing so well consistently in school for years. Someone who's as neurotic and as anxious as me literally would not have it in them to even think about cheating...
Anywho, I understand why this was a problem, but the entire reason I need to use the bathroom is because I've had this persistent problem, and I've gotten a copy of all my patient/medical history for the past few years. I have a psychiatrist appointment very soon so I'll be able to get letters of support. Again, honestly I did not even think about my phone because with ADD and anxiety it's impossible for me to focus on something like that. My principal said that there was no point of appealing to the Board because there was no chance I would win the case, but I'm honestly feeling so depressed and upset about this. I refuse to get a zero for an assessment which I tried so hard in. We haven't received results yet but I genuinely think I did fairly well in the exam. Considering I was seriously considering dropping out and repeating year twelve, this has literally made me feel completely hopeless and really depressed. Really considering the futility of school and all this effort I've put in. I'm a good student, I don't get in trouble and I've gotten good grades, and to hear this, right before school ends for an assessment hurts so much. In the scheme of things I realise this is not the biggest thing in the world, but there was absolutely NOTHING on my phone. I forwarded my teacher all the notes on my phone to prove that there was no correlation with the notes and work, but still nothing...
I want to appeal because the reality is I didn't cheat and the entire accusation is as equally damaging to my reputation as it is hurtful and untrue. I understand there's other pathways to whatever I want to do, but it's honestly the principle of it all as well. It makes me mad that the school system can even think about doing this to a student.
What do you all suggest I do? Considering my medical history/academic history etc it is even worth appealing to the Board of Studies especially after my principal said there was no point?
Sorry for the long post but had to make sure I detailed everything.
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