Southeast Queensland’s highest achieving Year 12 students in 2022
From future engineers, musicians, doctors and lawyers the class of 2022 have huge aspirations to make a difference. See the full list of highest achievers and see how they balanced study and school.
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From lawyers to engineers, doctors to musicians and scientists the class of 2022 have inspiring career goals.
High schools across southeast Queensland have provided details of their top academic achievers for 2022.
The ATAR system means many dux awards will not be finalised or awarded until 2023.
Schools not listed are yet to announce their dux awards.
Scroll down to find your school’s dux and high achievers in alphabetical order.
BELLBIRD PARK STATE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Rebecca Mole
What do you plan to do next year?
Go to the University of Queensland and study Advanced Humanities in Western Civilisation and travel at the end of the year with friends.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I went into this year worried I would spend all my time at my desk and leave school with good grades but no real memories. Learning to balance everything ensured I could work hard and do well.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
I have a fairly consistent study routine; I usually study for four hours after school each day and then more on the weekends depending what I have due. As a rule, I don’t study on Friday nights unless I have exams coming up, because I want one night a week to have some time with my family or to just rest and do something I want to do.
Angelin Ravikumar
What do you plan to do next year?
From a young age, my dream has always been to leave my footprint on this world by contributing to medical research and the development of modern medicine for the future, but also be a positive influence for children by providing relief through a career as a Paediatrician.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Everyone will have set backs, but it is important to pick yourself back up, reflect on your progress and be grateful for the distance travelled.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
I have put in up to four hours of study every day, bothered my teachers for help when needed, and spent the weekends practising complicated calculus questions to get where I am.
BRAY PARK STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Haakon Smith
What do you plan to do next year?
I've always been interested in computers, science and their ilk, hence you can probably share in my excitement when I found abstract mathematics. I personally have a deep passion for that and will continue to pursue it along with software engineering, after high school.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
As people we‘re constantly changing, but if year 12 has taught me anything, it’s that managing your own emotions and fears is paramount to achieving what you want. Furthermore, I’d like to note that chaos of the mind is not conducive to studying.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Achieving a high ATAR never felt like work to me because I was generally (and I mean generally...) very interested in the subjects I was learning. However, in reality, it is a reasonable amount of effort. Whether that effort comes in the form of: sitting down at your desk for hours on end writing assignments, or sitting on the bus pretending to be engaged in a conversation while puzzling over a problem/concept you haven‘t quite grasped, it won’t just fall into your lap.
Arabella Dayrit
What do you plan to do next year?
I am planning on pursuing tertiary education in either a Bachelor of Business at Griffith University, or a Bachelor of Business/Law at QUT; as such, my current aspirations are to develop a career as a business, management, or legal consultant.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Hard work and determination always pays off in the end – although applying yourself and remaining persistent can be difficult, commitment is an investment that you will never regret.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
On weekdays, I spent five-six hours after school on assignments, homework, and studying; I also spend around 10 or more hours on my studies on weekend days.
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Caizha Lee
What do you plan to do next year?
To incorporate both of my passions into my future, I plan to undertake a double degree of engineering and science.
What was the biggest thing you learned in 2022?
This year I have learned the importance of maintaining motivation to study. I found that setting small, achievable study goals and using colourful spreadsheets allowed me to feel greater satisfaction with my progress, rather than feeling overwhelmed.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
I maximised my use of class time to take notes, so that after school, I could focus on completing set homework, to which I dedicated 30-40 minutes per subject. At the beginning of the term, I revised at least one subject every day and more intensely revised subjects about six weeks before exams.
Ella Sinclair
What do you plan to do next year?
I hope to pursue a career in medicine and/or the Australian Defence Force.
What was the biggest thing you learned in 2022?
The importance of challenging myself, having a positive attitude, and maintaining a broad perspective was paramount in 2022, and enabled me to remain focused and take each day as it came. Allowing myself the time to relax, recharge, and chill out with friends was also critical.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
At times, managing schoolwork alongside co-curricular activities was challenging, but prioritising communication, organisation, and time management helped significantly during these periods. Additionally, ensuring that I had a good understanding of the topics, kept up to date with homework, and sought clarification or assistance from my teachers when required, helped to keep my Year 12 studies on track.
Anna Madders
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I hope to study medicine at university with the goal to work as a professional in the medical or allied health field.
What was the biggest thing you learned in 2022?
I learned the importance of balance. Although I have had to focus on my academic studies, I also realised the value of participating in sport, social activities, down time, and community service.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
To achieve my results, I‘ve had to work consistently each week to ensure I understand the content, and review topics from all my subjects. Over the past few months, I have increased my study hours in preparation for external exams.
Shanna Heath
What do you plan to do next year?
In the next few years, I am hoping to study medicine and eventually go into medical research. I am really interested in the positive possibilities brought to the medical field by scientific advancements.
What was the biggest thing you learned in 2022?
I was struggling with constantly comparing myself to those around me academically, and I would start to worry when I saw that people were studying more than me or using different study methods. When I stopped comparing myself to others and started listening to myself, I started to see a difference in my results.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I have a very busy schedule outside of academics with a one-hour commute to school and commitments to co-curricular activities most mornings and afternoons. To stay on top of my study I tried to complete any homework the day I received it, and then I would only do additional study on the weekends.
BROWNS PLAINS STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Liam Kaminski
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I plan to start University in a course in either Engineering or Biomedical Science.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I learnt a lot of things in 2022, but for the biggest things were that life never gets easier. We may get stronger and smarter, but life will always continue to be difficult in various ways. This led to me learning that it is best to surround yourself with true friends.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
To get the Dux and achieving my high grades was an incredible amount of work obviously but it did not require me to study every day of my life. However, I always made sure I was on top of any work given by the teachers.
BURPENGARY STATE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Kaitlin Chilmaid
What do you plan to do next year?
I plan on going to university next year and becoming a doctor, whether that be going straight into it or doing a bachelor degree beforehand.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve a high ATAR?
About 15 hours depending on any exam time periods, whether I needed to do more or less. It did take a lot of work but I’m doing something I enjoy so it wasn’t too much of a hassle. My predicted ATAR was about 99 but most people’s go down at externals because it’s an external exam, nothing like the internals.
What was your best memory from school this year?
Probably sports day, spending time with my friends and just having fun.
Are you looking to have some fun after school is done?
I’m going to schoolies and then for the whole three months before I go back to uni, I’m just going to have fun with my friends, go out with my brother and spend time with my family.
CALAMVALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Danika Sansom
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I plan to undertake a double degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Forensic Science at Griffith University.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 is to believe in myself and to stop stressing so much. I learned to realise that I could only ask myself to try my hardest and no matter the result – if it was my best ability – then I should be proud of myself.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
It is hard to quantify, some weeks I did more or less depending on the circumstances. What I do know is that I made sure to pay attention and participate in class and to ask questions. I knew that if I maximised my time in class and used it effectively, I would have more time outside of school for work, extra-curricular activities and seeing family and friends – things that made me happy.
Chloe Kreegher
What do you plan to do next year?
Currently, I am not entirely certain what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I do hope to go to university next year and possibly study veterinary medicine.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
One of the most beneficial skills I learnt in my senior year of high school was time-management and delegation of tasks. In order to maintain my grades, commitments to my extracurriculars as well as have time for my personal-life, I had to rearrange and compromise with my own workload.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Each week, my schedule incorporated the majority of school afternoons and partial weekends to keep up with my studies, external exam revision and assignment workload.
Fayoumi Bassel
What do you plan to do next year?
Broadly speaking, my aspiration is to keep growing. I am always motivated to solve problems no matter the industry, institution or workforce it is in. I want to experience all the skill sets I am yet to learn and to try everything to broaden my horizons - my plan for next year and the years to come.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The key takeaway I took from 2022 is that, when you genuinely enjoy something and you make it align with your passions, you can truly excel at it. I found this takeaway applicable in my everyday studies, where I combined my passions in school content and expanding its application to real-world problems to solve issues that would further assist the greater society.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/high ATAR?
My study schedules are dynamic due to prioritisation of tasks. But in the broader sense, I made sure to put in enough work such that I have a mental satisfaction that my understanding of content is at a great extent and can be applied to critical thinking questions.
Ko-An Yu
What do you plan to do next year?
Hoping to study Primary Education at Melbourne University and thinks it would be very cool to be an IB teacher one day.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Found that she thrived working in a collaborative environment and studying with friends. Very much a determined goal setter as this keeps me motivated to have accomplishment.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Each week would have a particular focus on two subjects that were the most challenging. Had an afternoon routine to study for about five hours in the evening. Had a very set early sleep time of 10pm which worked well for her.
CORINDA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Anthony Ngo
What do you plan to do next year?
After graduating, I plan on attending university and studying a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Queensland.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 was definitely that studying isn’t all there is to school and life in general. Yes, studying may be a semi-important part of your life, but there’s so much more to experience during your time during school, and so many relationships which are integral to establish and tend to, so don’t spend your whole school year beating yourself up both mentally and physically to achieve your ‘dream grades’.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
To be honest, I study around four hours a weekday at most, and around five-six hours a weekend, which isn’t much. This is due to a variety of reasons, mostly slight procrastination and time spent on myself.
EARNSHAW STATE COLLEGE
Madeline Sheahan
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I hope to go to QUT and study a double degree in Science and Communication.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
If I had to pick the biggest thing that I have learnt this year, it would have to be the ability to put things in perspective and be resilient. There have been many times when I have felt like giving up, particularly when maths was involved. However, I remind myself that this is short term pain for long term gain.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
The last month I can safely say I have done nothing but study. I come home from six hours of school, where I study even in the lunchbreaks, and I study until 9:30 at night. I have had similar constant study habits, although less extreme, for the last two years.
Amitol Singh
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I’m hoping to study medicine.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 was the importance of time management. Time management is absolutely key in maintaining your grades but also not overworking yourself. It is certainly possible to achieve good grades, while also not shutting out the rest of your life.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Throughout grade 12, I put in a few hours daily towards school work, most of which involved completing homework, revision activities, and attending before/after school tutorials. The time I put in per subject varied depending on my focus for that particular week, and hours studying increased as assessment time approached.
FAITH LUTHERAN COLLEGE
Joe Molinaro
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I am hoping to start an auto-electrical apprenticeship, and possibly an associate degree in electrical engineering.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
As a society we are quick to assume that the grounds of success are dictated by our level of education, the number of friends and followers we attract, or our possessions as a symbol of our financial standing. Yet, as the year has progressed, I have realised that the people we would consider ‘unsuccessful’, are those who are the happiest and perpetuate the most meaningful existences.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Work hard but know when to relax. Most of all, define your own success, don’t let others around you invalidate your victories and triumphs.
GROVES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Gemma Olivia Benea
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I aspire to rely on the strength of my Lord and His wisdom to continue pursuing further knowledge in the sciences in order to bring Him glory.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I had been constantly establishing and re-establishing higher and higher expectations upon myself. I did not truly understand the weight of this pressure until awards night came. Once I finally got what I was working for – I will admit it, I was taken aback because I did not feel as if I truly deserved it, despite how much effort I had put in.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
Throughout senior phase I had to develop a personalised schedule (as everyone is different) to ensure that I completed my tasks and studies on time. I also constantly pestered my teachers with my non-stop questions.
IPSWICH GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Eliza Carniel
What do you plan to do next year?
After high school, I am interested in pursuing a Medicine or science-based tertiary degree.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The past years of the pandemic have reset our expectations on certainty. 2022 was no exception starting with a COVID-19 start-to-school delay and flood disaster. These challenges highlighted the importance of resilience and a positive mindset in uplifting others and keeping yourself focused on your goals.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
This year I was committed to giving my best effort to my studies. I developed a consistent weekly study routine and implemented effective study techniques so that I could have more time to enjoy my last year of high school with my friends and family.
Lauren Stacey
What are your plans next year?
Next year, I am planning to take a gap year so I can build my practical skills. I hope to gain employment in a health- sciences field, with the longer term goal of studying dental science.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I learnt that the key to academic success is building a support network of skilled teachers, supportive family and like-minded friends. Having disciplined study habits, healthy sleep routines and avoiding distraction are also essential. We were empowered early on at IGGS with what good study skills look like.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
While there were peaks near assessment deadlines, I aimed to commit to 15 hours of study each week outside school. IGGS offered an early commencement subject in Year 11, so I could complete a Year 12 subject while still in Year 11. This meant I could focus on five subject areas in my final year.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Taylah Kidd
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I am hoping to study a Bachelor of Medical Science at Griffith University, with the intention of continuing the degree with Provisional Entry into the Doctor of Medicine.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
In 2022, the biggest thing I learnt was that to achieve success, you must look after yourself, whether this be by taking time out to go to the park, playing sport or playing games with friends. These activities can help reset the mind and make study time far more productive.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
I would spend around 16 hours studying a week, with Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings (plus an afternoon here or there) being my time off to relax and recharge.
Shreyas Raman
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I plan to enter a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science dual degree.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
A valuable realisation that I came to in 2022 was the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Despite my continued revision for internal assessments, mock exams and now external exams, maintaining a strong commitment to my co-curricular and to my leadership roles was something that I always tried to make time for.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/ high ATAR?
During the time before school starts (from 7.00am-8.00am), and after school ends (3.30pm-6.00pm), I stay on campus and work for one or two hours. Maintaining this routine like clockwork over the past year leaves me with limited energy for study in the evening, but I try and work for an hour each night on weekdays too.
Kimberley College
Lily Mayers
What do you plan to do next year?
Instead of going straight to university after graduating year 12, Lily Mayers has applied for a 12-month Council traineeship with Logan City Council.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
When she is not in the classroom, Lily volunteers on the weekends at the RSPCA Op Shop. Lily said ‘she really enjoys being able to give back to the community as well as it is a break from study during her free time.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/ high ATAR?
Lily believes time management is an important skill for year 12 and that everything can’t be left to the last minute with the level of study input and effort varying each week dependent on the tasks due. She has also realized that her self-worth is not solely based on a final score, she has so much more to experience and offer.
Leah Duncan
What do you plan to do next year?
Leah Duncan is looking forward to entering university next year with plans to pursue a law degree, aspiring to work as a criminal defence lawyer.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Leah has had the opportunity to follow her passion for public speaking by participating in debating and later mooting competitions during her time at Kimberley College including the role of senior counsel which sparked her love for both legislative study and law practice and ultimately her future career ambitions.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/ high ATAR?
For Leah, adaptability has been vital to understand throughout her schooling journey whether adapting to new subjects, assessments, and strategies for creating an ideal path to success combined with choosing subjects that align to her interests.
LORETO COLLEGE
Molly Convery
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I aim to study Nursing/Midwifery or Advanced Mathematics at the University of Queensland, having studied Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, and Biology.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Collaboration, actively seeking and acting upon feedback, and establishing a strong support network are essential. Setting realistic and timely goals and committing to a revision program kept me focused and greatly assisted me in meeting deadlines.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
More important than the number of hours spent studying is the effectiveness of the study. Each week I remained committed to completing all homework tasks. Draft assignments were completed in full so that teacher feedback could be best utilised. In-class diagnostic testing identified areas for improvement, with revision time dedicated to those topics yet to be mastered.
Claire Jukes
What do you plan to do next year?
I hope to gain entry into a Medical or Advanced Science degree.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
During 2022, I have learned how to best supplement my academic studies with involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities. My involvement in sport, music and service to the community has allowed me to gain a more well-rounded high school experience.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I did spend an average of two hours studying every day. I achieved my most successful results when starting preparation for assessment many weeks in advance and ensured that I consistently reviewed topics learned earlier in the term.
LOURDES HILL COLLEGE
Kristianna Quesada
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I plan on undertaking a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Queensland, and I have future aspirations of studying a Doctor of Medicine.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I have learnt this year is based on habits of mind. At the beginning of the year, I aimed to improve my chemistry grades and by engaging with teacher feedback I was able to do this. I have learnt that asking for help is the most important part of learning.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
For Years 11 and 12 I chose three science subjects as my electives. While these are content-heavy subjects requiring a lot of hard work, my genuine love of science meant I was learning for passion, rather than learning for an ATAR.
Clare Mar Fan
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I would like to study either a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics or a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering at the University of Queensland.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
In 2022 I have learnt is the importance of fulfilling my potential. During Year 12 I did not know what I wanted to pursue after school and therefore was not aiming for a certain ATAR, rather I was pushing myself to achieve all that I am capable of.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
Each week I divided my time evenly over my subjects to ensure I was revising the content of each subject. Although my weekly workload meant occasionally missing out on social events, I am proud of the dedication I have shown to work on each subject for multiple hours each week.
MARSDEN STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Johnathan Stone
What do you plan to do next year?
I plan on studying a Bachelor of Math/Science, majoring in statistics and minoring in astrophysics aiming for a PhD in astrophysics.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 is how to have fun while still managing my time. I did this by setting clear boundaries on school time and my time, allowing myself to be in the best headspace to achieve the best I could.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
A lot of my learning was done in class the first time I heard it and by teaching or spreading the knowledge to my family and close friends. Outside of school I had studied two hours almost every morning before school, potentially more for when I had exams on.
NORTHPINE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Stephen Mondia
What do you plan to do next year?
My goal is to study medicine and to become a doctor.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in my year 12 journey has been finding a balance between studying for assessments, looking after my mental and physical health, spending time with friends and family and managing my extracurriculars.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the Dux/ high ATAR?
The effort I put into achieving my goals required discipline and dedication, especially when juggling six general subjects. Thus, despite the apparent challenge of a massive workload, I found it best to persevere and work through each problem until there was a solution.
PADUA COLLEGE
Nicolas Falzon
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I would like to study a bachelor, and then a masters, of engineering and chemical engineering at UQ.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I try to study each subject each day. When I get closer to exams I may alter this schedule, depending what I want to focus more on.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt, and my biggest recommendation, is collaborative learning. Having a group to share problems with, being able to help each other and working through challenges has really helped me this year.
Leo Lofaro
What do you plan to do next year?
I would like to study a bachelor of engineering at UQ, to eventually get into aerospace engineering.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I tend not to use a schedule and my study is based on what I feel, what's coming up and what I need to do. Getting lots of sleep is really important to me, I always go to bed at 9:30!
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Resilience! I found year 11 really difficult, and learning to be resilient was the message I took away from that. If you stick through it, and change your mindset, you can achieve anything. Also, sleep. Getting enough sleep was really important and has really helped me this year.
Samuel Martin
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I plan to join my friends Leo and Nicholas at UQ and studying chemical engineering.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I don’t tend to use a rigid schedule. I like to focus on the work I’ve been given that day and use Microsoft tasks to make a list of what needs to be done
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
A group mindset, such as the friendships groups I have, have really helped me this year. You may have had your hard years academically, but having friends that support you (plus some friendly competition!) have made all the difference this year.
Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus
Suki Wallace
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year, I’m hoping to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney to further explore my interests in Chemistry and Biology, two subjects I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout high school.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
In 2022 – a year characterised by stressful examination sessions – I learnt that hard work and dedication earn a person the right to feel confident in their capabilities. A tendency to let nerves turn into unnecessary panic, at times, not only undermined my capacity to draw confidence from all my preparation, but also made me forget how much I enjoyed engaging with the content itself.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
There is no doubt that this achievement required many hours of study per week; learning the content, consolidating concepts and practicing applying the skills I had learnt in class. Nonetheless, I think that what facilitated this achievement was a consistent approach to study over the two years of the IB diploma, which I know resulted in a calmer final year.
ROSEWOOD STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Gwenyth Bruce
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I will be attending university to hopefully undertake a course in engineering or biotechnology, however I’m not certain in my field.
What was the biggest thing you learned in 2022?
This year I learned a lesson in resilience. School can make you feel very isolated, as there is so much pressure to succeed. Sometimes you may find yourself walking down the path of “nothing is good enough.” If there is one lesson I learned, it’s that sometimes you need to let things go and persist.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
There is probably no set amount of work I put in for each week. Instead of having times in my schedule dedicated to studying certain topics for certain periods of time, I focused on gauging how much time I would need to master a topic depending on its difficulty.
SOUTHERN CROSS CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Leo Favaretto
What do you plan to do next year?
The pathways I am most considering include physics, law, mathematics, finance, and engineering (my most likely option for now).
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
In an academic sense, the most significant thing I have learnt this year is the importance of planning and time management. This is something I never used to be good at, but over my senior year I’ve quickly realised up the importance of planning out your time to complete work, study, and write assessments.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
Other than the five plus hours of study per day during externals, my normal weekly study has been well-paced to avoid getting burnt-out. Most weeks I’d study under two-three hours per subject outside of school, in addition to any assessment work and my other commitments (making use of class time and planning certainly make this more achievable).
Jake McCallum
What do you plan to do next year?
I have applied to courses that entail research, medicine, engineering, and finance; but what I aspire most, would be to establish a long-lasting legacy of my own.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
Ambition is the biggest key to success. Without ambition goals decay into forgotten dreams, opportunity into wasted potential, and success into failure. I learnt this in 2022 when I started to see how significant motivation was to succeed in the senior year of school, as those who had a burning ambition (for tertiary education specifically) prospered, and those who did not quickly lost all motivation.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
For me, it was not specifically about the hours I put in weakly to achieve high results, but rather the consistency and efficiency at which I forced myself to work. Someone could study 10 hours a day leading up to the externals, yet they would still likely not achieve to their fullest extent.
ST JAMES COLLEGE
Nalbeen Barkho
What do you plan to do next year?
My plan after graduating from high school is to become a dentist. I am currently applying for a place at a dental school, and I know I have a long road ahead of me.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I have learnt this year is being understanding towards classmates. Moral values like honesty, kindness, and empathy. Adjusting with others and the importance of punctuality and self-discipline.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
For my schoolwork, I study five ATAR subjects and for each subject I work four hours or more each day, so in total from 18 to 21 hours each week.
ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE, SPRINGFIELD
Kayla Thygesen
What do you plan to do next year?
I plan on going to university next year to study a Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics, although I do not have a specific university in mind.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learned was to not put so much pressure on everything – especially school grades. In the past, I spent more time studying than I did this year, but because of my stress, I was actually getting less work done.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I would generally spend two hours on schoolwork each day, including on the weekends. Leading up to exams or assignments, I studied a little longer to balance finishing assessments and homework. Depending on how much time I had, this could be up to four hours a day.
Lena Douchin
What do you plan to do next year?
I am planning to go into medicine, hopefully a direct entry for school leavers, to eventually be a surgeon.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I learnt to stay motivated no matter what and to make good planning to ensure you are on top of your studies.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I worked pretty much every day after school and on weekends, especially when coming to assignment and exam time.
THE GAP STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Douglas Kirkland
What do you plan to do next year?
I am planning on studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UQ, while working part time in the hospitality industry. Moreover, I am applying for provisional entry to the UQ Doctor of Medicine program.
What was the biggest thing your learnt in 2022?
Of most consequence to me was grasping the vastness of opportunities present before me. I’ve realised how much control I have over my lifestyle, and how that impacts my day-to-day experiences. It is both exciting and intimidating to understand how much freedom I really have, and how that freedom can be used to live towards a fulfilling and promising future.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
For most, it is unthinkable to pull off over seven hours of study a day without regimented breaks, and serious consideration as to diet and physical health. During external exams, I have put in around seven hours of study a day, following a schedule that works for me and allows for me to feel pretty good about myself when it comes to balancing study with the rest of my life.
TRINITY COLLEGE
Sasha Whitby
What do you plan to do next year?
Next year I’m hoping to study a dual degree in a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (secondary).
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I would probably say that the biggest thing I learnt throughout my year is how important it is to take time. That it’s okay to slow down, treat yourself with kindness, and actually enjoy yourself. Learning that it’s okay to struggle and find things difficult was also really vital.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
It’s difficult to place a finger on exactly how much work I had to put in this year to achieve my results. For me, it’s definitely a case of remaining consistent in the face of pretty bad senior burnout. Doing small sections of study regularly helped me to get everything done and avoid the panic and insurmountable stresses that can come from deadlines.
WAVELL STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Priya Drago
What do you plan to do next year/your aspirations?
My love for geography grew throughout the year and I have chosen to study a double degree of urban planning (honours) and science next year, despite my previous conception that a non-stem degree was not for me.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
This leads me to the biggest thing I have learnt this year – don’t let your preconceived notions of what you or others believe dictate what is right for you. Many people have questioned my choice of degree and university, saying it would be a waste of my ATAR and all the hard work I have put into subjects like specialist math or chemistry; but if you truly enjoy something even when it may be ‘easier’ or ‘more fun’ you shouldn’t let anyone stop you from chasing that.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
I tried to study 15 hours a week throughout year 12 to allow time for a part-time job and a social life, however when exams got close, especially external exams, I would try and study around 30 hours a week.
Jericho Ibasco
What do you plan to do next year/your aspirations?
Academically, I plan to attend UQ undertaking a dual degree in a Bachelors of Mathematics and Bachelors of Science.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The most important skill I learnt in 2022 was to be more present and not to look too far ahead. If you come into year 11 just thinking about every exam and every piece of assessment you have for the next two years, you’ll be too overwhelmed to even function. Take it one exam at a time and you’ll make it to the end in one piece.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
This really varied from week to week. Some weeks you would come home and understand every concept perfectly and you wouldn‘t need to study at all. Other weeks you wouldn’t understand a single thing going on and you’d spend hours going over notes at home to still not understand.
Matthew Speechley
What do you plan to do next year?
I have had a passion for engineering all throughout high school, and with my ATAR results I intent to study a double degree of engineering and physics.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
I think the biggest take away from this year has been understanding my personal limits. The additional difficulty and pressure forced me to re-evaluate how I approach the process of learning. Despite these concepts coming to me more naturally I still need work hard to perfect the final part of the learning.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the DUX/high ATAR?
The amount I studied normally depended on how long it took to complete the nine per cent. For some subjects it only took a few days, others I’m still working on.
Keely
What do you plan to do next year?
My aspirations for next year are to do a Bachelor of Radiation Therapy in order to become a radiation therapist. However, if I do not get into that course, my second preference is advanced science at QUT.
What was the biggest thing you learnt in 2022?
The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 is while regular study and keeping good grades is important, having fun between those times and enjoying your final year of secondary school is just as important in order to avoid losing motivation and to look after your mental health.
How much work did you have to put in weekly to achieve the high ATAR?
I don’t really keep track of how many hours a day that I spend studying because I am a big believer in quality over quantity. I find that studying and doing schoolwork as much as possible throughout the day and afternoon works better for me than staying up late and trying to cram, and I hope that I will feel that has paid off once I receive my ATAR score.
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