According to statistics released by the State Government this week, the gap year is becoming increasingly popular among Ballarat students who complete Year 12.

The statistics suggest as many as one in four students will defer a university degree to do other things.

As a society, we put a lot of pressure on those who are undertaking their VCE studies.

Some students become all consumed by the expectation of others that they will do well. There is a perception among some, wrong though it is, that failure at VCE level equates to failure in life.

Any wonder so many students see the gap year as a way to release the pressure valve that intense study can create.

For many students, the gap year means travelling overseas or working to save money to help fund future university courses.

Either way, such experiences can be invaluable in the personal development and growth of the individual.

D'Arcy decision shows rules apply to everyone

Australian swimmer Nick D'Arcy has learnt the hard way that actions have consequences.

D'Arcy won't be swimming at the Olympic Games in Beijing in August because of his alleged involvement in a fight that left former swimmer Simon Cowley with nasty facial injuries.

D'Arcy has been charged with assault-related offences as a result of the incident. Those charges are yet to be heard in court.

In the meantime, though, D'Arcy's last point of appeal has ruled he won't be going to Beijing.

It is a tough lesson for a young man to learn, but it sends an important message to other young people - no matter how talented a sportsperson you are, the rules apply to you as much as they do anyone else.

It is a message we need to see applied more widely in sport in this country.