Find out how Queensland’s smartest Year 12s did

It’s an intense, internationally-focused curriculum offered in only 21 Queensland schools - this is how the state’s International Baccaluareate graduates performed in 2019.

St Peters 2019 Year 12 graduates Ben Kennedy and Ella Hussey-Simmonite completed International Baccalaureates last year. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

THEY were on tenterhooks until last week, but for the 2019 Year 12 International Baccalaureate graduates the wait was worth it.

IB students study an intense, internationally-focused curriculum.

The program is offered in only 21 Queensland schools.

They include St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly State High, Toowong’s Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) and Kelvin Grove’s Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) and, in Logan, John Paul College, as well as regional schools.

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QASMT principal Kath Kayrooz said 2019 was the first year where Year 12 IB students had to receive a diploma to get into university, so the pressure was on.

“Most schools have 20 or fewer students doing an IB but our children do it exclusively. We had 151 graduate last year and all received a diploma,’’ she said.

“The world average is only 70 per cent, in comparison, and 93 per cent of our students exceeded the world average.’’

Last year’s QASMT dux, Utkarsh Sharma, scored 44 out of a possible 45.

“What differentiates the IB from other syllabuses is its ability to create well-rounded people, which I personally stand by,’’ he said.

“Apart from the rigorous academics in the IB, its various other components such as theory of knowledge, extended essay and creativity, activity and service have helped me to develop into a more well-rounded individual than what I otherwise would have been.’’

St Peters graduates also turned in a stellar performance last year, with all 47 Year 12s enrolled achieving the diploma.

When converted to an OP (Overall Position) equivalent, 23.4 per cent achieved an OP 1–3.

An astounding 48.9 per cent achieved an equivalent OP1–5, 91.5 per cent were in the OP1-10 band and all of the 2019 graduating class were in the OP1-15 band.

“They have worked hard and deserve their success,’’ St Peters Head of College, Tim Kotzur, said.

“The IB Diploma is an enriching and challenging journey that prepares our students well for the rigours of university studies.’’

St Peters graduate, Ella Hussey-Simmonite, said she had accepted an offer to study arts and economics at the University of Queensland and hoped to do an exchange program and work overseas.

“I liked the sense of community (among IB students) – we got to know each other well – and liked the international focus,’’ she said.

Fellow graduate Ben Kennedy, who received an IB score of 43 out of a possible 45, (OP1 or ATAR 99.6 equivalent) said he made sure he was prepared from the start of Year 11.

“I got my first preference, arts/law at the University of Queensland. I’m hoping to major in political science and criminology,’’ he said.

QACI principal Gavin Bryce said 77 of its 2019 Year 12s received a diploma.

“As a Queensland Academies campus, QACI exclusively offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum so that each and every student can enjoy the benefits of studying this world-class educational program,’’ Mr Bryce said.

“The IB attracts students who seek to challenge themselves in a supportive, like-minded environment.

“Globally-minded students are drawn to the internationally recognised IB Programme as it opens up endless opportunities worldwide for graduates.

“The QACI culture coupled with the breadth and depth of the IB Diploma Programme fosters lifelong learners who strive to play active roles in their local and global communities.”