‘No way, no way’: Beautiful moment students told of perfect ATAR score
An incredible 34 students from the Class of 2023 have received the perfect ATAR score as more than 27,000 school leavers today learn their result. See the video of the moment Qld’s top students found out their score.
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‘No way, no way’.
That was the reaction from one of Queensland’s top students the moment he found out he’d received the perfect ATAR score of 99.95 this morning.
In heartwarming video released today as more than 27,000 Queensland school leavers receive their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank, the top students can be seen grabbing their faces in disbelief, hugging family and jumping around with excitement.
An incredible 34 students in the Class of 23 achieved the top ATAR of 99.95, one more than the 2022 cohort.
For John Paul College graduate Syed Mehdi Hussain it was disbelief when he learnt he had achieved the perfect ATAR score.
“No way, no way really?” Syed said before doing a little jump with his mother.
Seyd said his family, particularly his brother, had been integral to his roaring success.
“I owe everything to my whole family, they helped me so much,” the emotional young man said.
“My parents and my brother especially.”
He now plans to study finance or a medical degree after seeking advice from his teachers and family.
Four of this year’s students to achieve the top ATAR were surprised with an invitation to QTAC head office in Milton where they were told all their hard work had paid dividends.
“That’s so good,” were the first words out of an emotional Isla Williams when she discovered she achieved the perfect score, words which were followed by hugs and laughs from her parents.
The St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School graduate said she didn’t expect her ATAR to be this high. “This is better than I could have ever expected,” Isla said.
“My friends and family were supportive. I’m sure at home I drove them crazy but it made it so much more manageable.”
Fellow high achiever Ethan Harvey, a Brisbane Adventist College graduate, plans to study engineering next year. He shared his secret to success and advice for future school leavers.
“Focus on Year 11. Even though it doesn’t count towards an ATAR it really helps you be ready for Year 12,” Ethan said.
“And just revise throughout the year. Don’t leave it all for the last month and try to cram.”
Two of the other students to receive perfect ATARs were Coolum State High School student Xin Ying Ng and Syed Mehdi Hussain from John Paul College at Daisy Hill.
The final year 12 results brings to a close the students’ 12-year schooling journey filled with teachers, books, classrooms, textbooks, and in more recent years lockdowns, face masks, mandates, and learning from home.
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre said more than 50 per cent of the 27,000 Year 12 cohort were eligible for an ATAR, figures consistent with last year.
“It’s an incredible pleasure to share in the excitement of students along with the friends and family who have supported them in reaching this important milestone in their education journey,” Dr Griffiths said.
“These students have shown great perseverance and resilience through their studies, including being in high school during the pandemic, and I commend their efforts.
“As they now turn their attention towards embracing their next chapter, I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
QTAC chief experience officer Chris Jack assured students who did not receive their desired ATAR had other options on the table.
“Institutions may apply rank adjustments on top of your ATAR for various reasons, including school subjects studied, and regional and school based adjustments,” Mr Jack said.
“There are many alternative pathways to tertiary study for students who are keen to pursue further education and QTAC is happy to talk to you about your options.”
The results pave the way for tertiary offers with the first major round to be released by QTAC on Monday, December 21. Students have until 12pm on December 18 to finalise preferences.
OTHER TOP SCORER STUDENTS
*We will continue to add to this as schools inform us of the top performers
BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL:
Two students at Brisbane Grammar School achieved the perfect 99.95. While three students achieved 99.90 per cent.
The median ATAR for the entire cohort is a huge 94.20.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE:
John Paul College had an incredible two students achieve a perfect score.
Along with Syed Mehdi Hussain, Aaron D’Mello also received a 99.95.
PADUA COLLEGE:
Matthew Martin received his ATAR of 99.95. Matthew is planning to study Medicine.
Meanwhile, three students received subject scores:
Dominic Smith: 100/100 Music
William O’Driscoll: 100/100 Music
Lachlan Thomas: 100/100 Design
ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL:
Dux of the school Se Yeon Kim achieved the perfect 99.95 per cent.
ROCKHAMPTON GIRLS GRAMMAR:
Bridgette Williams was a top student in Queensland for English (100 per cent) with 98 per cent for English & Literature Extension.
WHITSUNDAY ANGLICAN SCHOOL
School Dux, Parsa Shahidzadeh, achieved the perfect 99.95 ATAR, and was eligible for a QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation for achieving an A in at least six general subjects.
Fellow Whitsunday Anglican graduates Suzannah Elliot Haynes, Jay Gaunekar and Annalisa Vitale also received a QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation.
Principal Andrew Wheaton said the school had achieved “stellar results”.
“My congratulations must also go to the extraordinary teachers who have supported the students on their journey, setting strong foundations over many years to achieve these outstanding results,” he said.
“My thanks to our parents and the wider community who play such a meaningful role in the lives of our students.”
SOMERVILLE HOUSE
Dux of School, Carly Oh, achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95 and Proxime Accessit, Naomi Ura, got an ATAR of 99.90.
Principal Kim Kiepe commended the school’s “cohort of remarkable young women”.
“We know that the support of families and the dedication of teachers contributed to the success of each individual,” she said.
“Whether it be in the classroom, on the sporting field, on stage for music and drama, in conjunction with their service in the broader community and spiritual pursuits.”
ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL
Celeste Delforce also picked up a perfect 99.95 ATAR. She hopes to study Medical Science or Advanced Science next year, and work towards a Medical degree. She is inspired by her mother’s career, and her interest in biology and chemistry during her senior years.
“I’ve found ATAR isn’t a job you solely do on your own, but rather culminates from the efforts of yourself and those around you who believe in you,” she said.
“I was so fortunate to have an amazing family, lovely friends and incredible teachers who always patiently listened to my questions and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in my subjects.”
SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Two students – Scye Collen and Jessica Lawrie – scored a perfect ATAR of 99.95.
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL:
Thomas McClintock achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95
MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE:
Student Louis Rebula also achieved the perfect ATAR of 99.95.
“We congratulate all boys in Year 12 on their outstanding results, excellent finish to the school year and the fine young men they have become. We thank all our dedicated, caring, and competent teachers,” Head of College Michael Newman said.
TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL:
The Dux of Toowoomba Grammar School Riyan Khan received a perfect ATAR of 99.95
GRACE LUTHERAN COLLEGE – ROTHWELL AND CABOOLTURE CAMPUSES
The Rothwell Campus Dux Shani Darling achieved an ATAR of 99.9 while runner up Dux Daniil Chechurov got 98.9.
Meanwhile at the Caboolture campus, Dux Marissa Mali achieved 98.65 and runner up Anna Webster got 97.2.
MATTHEW FLINDERS ANGLICAN COLLEGE:
Student Agnethe Kjaer achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
ROCKHAMPTON STATE HIGH:
The standout performer, Miriam (Mim) Grice, secured an impressive ATAR of 99.35.
Mim, who serves as one of the RSHS school vice captains and as House Captain for Tucker, also manages her own successful photography business.
She is set to embark on her chosen path, entering the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Queensland in Brisbane in 2024.
Mim has been in contact with the school since receiving her ATAR score and says, “I am incredibly blessed and privileged to have met so many beautiful friends and educators throughout these last 13 years; I’m excited to see what God has in store next. Also, thank you to my lovely family — you’re the very best.”
Alyssa Promnitz, who scored 93.3, has said she is excited with her results because it means she can enter her chosen course at QUT in 2024.
William Cho, who scored 89.7, said he “couldn’t have asked for a more supportive school community. With the support of my teachers and family I was able to attain a score that gives me multiple opportunities. I’m excited for the future.”
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