Fraser Coast Anglican College records ATAR success after devastating year

A Fraser Coast principal has praised the resilience of a graduating class, achieving success in ATAR while grieving a classmate who died in a devastating car crash.

Fraser Coast Anglican College 2022 Year 12 students (front L-R) Lara Christ, Aaron Shanmugam, Zac Tyson, and (back L-R) Jackson Hay, Emmily Lingard, Toivo Blanc, Kemisola Osedimilehin, Paige Kandola, Stephanie Wright and Jo Lewis.

Fraser Coast Anglican College’s 2022 Year 12 cohort has celebrated their ATAR success, with 90.6% receiving a score of 80 or above, and one student achieving a 99.4.

Principal Joe Wright said the success of the cohort spoke volumes about their dedication to their studies, and also their resilience following the tragic death of classmate Brody Smith shortly before the beginning of their final external exams.

The 18-year-old died in a horror car crash at Tuan Forest in October.

“We are proud of their results, but we are most proud of how they supported each other and the courage they showed in that final term, the way that they honoured their missing classmate,” Mr Wright said.

“It’s a small and very tight group and it hit them so hard. We put lots of supports around them, and not just from the school, but the community as well. But the best support they got was from each other. They tried to motivate and focus each other.

“You go from thinking one day that ATAR and exams are coming up, then that happens, and it changes your perspective on life. It teaches you a very important lesson that life isn’t all about exams.

Fraser Coast Anglican College 2023 Year 12 students Kemisola Osedimilehin, Aaron Shanmugam, Emmily Lingard and Jackson Hay.

School captain Aaron Shanmugam, who achieved a 99.4, said the tragedy had rocked the cohort, but their sense of community was what got them through the difficult time.

“Brody was a big part of our community and a good friend of mine,” he said.

“Having that sense of community and being able to rely on each other and talk to each other about how we were feeling through it all helped. Trying to move on is very difficult with all the emotions you feel.”

Aaron is now hoping to be able to study medicine, and has some sage advice for others looking to achieve a high ATAR in the future,

“The main thing is to stay focused and listen to your teachers, they are always looking out for your best interests,” he said.

“And look after yourself. Getting sick can mess things up, so it’s important to look after yourself. Keep practising and God will see what you are doing and reward you.”

Brody Smith, pictured at formal with Charlotte Hilton.

Prefect Lara Christ achieved the top female result for the college, with a 98.95, which she said feels somewhat surreal.

“It was something I thought was out of reach for me in Year 11,” she said, while adding that it’s “proof that with hard work and dedicated teachers, anything is possible”.

While her subjects and strategies differed somewhat from Aaron’s, Lara’s advice to others also highlights the importance of wellbeing while you strive for success.

“To be perfectly honest, my study strategy was living a balanced life … I worked, played sports and was involved in many extra curriculars. Having this balance meant I was never burnt out, though I would get up very early and often study late at night, I surrounded myself with activities and people that had my back when things were hard and kept me striving to do my best.

“Achieving an ATAR like mine or higher is done through choosing subjects you love and have some natural ability in.

“You don’t have to do ‘the 6’ (biology, chemistry, English, math methods, physics and specialist maths). I didn’t do ‘the 6’, I did what I enjoyed, which gave me motivation for my subjects. If, when Year 11 starts, you are not enjoying a subject or struggling, look at your options and chat to your school’s career counsellor.”

“But most importantly, your ATAR isn’t everything and university doesn’t have to be your pathway to success. There is a whole wide world out there and sometimes it will take a few years out of school to find where you fit.”

Next year Lara plans on moving to Brisbane to study a dual degree in electrical engineering and physics before eventually pursuing a PhD.

“I also hope to continue my avocation for intelligent young women in STEM,” she said.

“I was the only girl in my physics class and one of a handful in both my higher maths classes. Hopefully in the future there will be more girls to support each other in these subjects and going into these industries because doing it alone can be challenging, but women can provide a unique and valuable perspective.”