Parramatta, Cumberland, Blacktown students who topped their HSC courses

From Italian to maths and English, multiple students across western Sydney are celebrating topping the state in their HSC courses. Read about their success.

Cerdon College Merrylands student Annalise Reynolds-Pace has excelled in learning Italian.

From creative to traditional academic subjects, students across Parramatta and Cumberland have shown their talents and topped the HSC.

Kevin Wang from The King’s School at North Parramatta emerged as one of the state’s smartest students after clinching first spot in chemistry and mathematics extension two.

Carlingford’s James Ruse Agricultural High School student Faiyaaz Marzooq Karim came first in agriculture.

Zayn Boulad from Alpha Omega Senior College at Auburn trumped the English standard course while fellow Auburn student Ahmad Mohammed Al-Dawod came first in Arabic continuers.

Tara Anglican School for Girls student Hannah Jade Campbell did her North Parramatta school proud when she topped the state in hospitality.

Zayn Boulad from Alpha Omega Senior College, Auburn. Picture: Tim Hunter

Showing a knack for trades, Maronite College of the Holy Family Harris Park student Julien El Bazouni achieved first place in construction.

Cerdon College Merrylands student Annalise Reynolds-Pace achieved a double win and topped the state in Italian continuers and Italian extension.

Annalise has loved the language since first learning the language in year 7 and consolidated her skills when she travelled to Italy as part of a school excursion.

“I’m so passionate about the Italian language,” she said.

“I worked really hard but wasn’t expecting to come first in the course and that made it really special.”

Her teacher Maria Marando said Annalise gave 100 per cent and often sought extra chances to hone her Italian skills outside of class.

Cerdon College Merrylands student Annalise Reynolds-Pace.

“She lived and breathed everything Italian, watching movies and listening to music too.”

Annalise is planning to go to university to become a paramedic next year. She hopes to use her Italian as an exchange student and when she travels.

Across the Blacktown community, Mt Druitt’s CathWest Innovation College student Joshua Phillips topped NSW in information and digital technology.

St Andrew’s College Marayong student Joanna Owusu achieved first place in Community and Family Studies.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting it at all,” Joanna said.

“When I got the call from NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority), I was screaming and ran downstairs to tell Mum and Dad and it was just so exciting and brilliant.”

Joanna hopes to study health or education and hopes the subject, which “is about the world around us” will help her.

“It’s about our interactions and how we can support others,’’ she said.

After challenging learning in lockdown, Joanna said students “should all be proud of how we stuck together to get through everything”.

“My tip to future HSC student is to reach out for help when you need it,” she said.

“Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed because there is support out there from your teachers and from your family as well.”

Ajeshwar Singh, who studied Punjabi continuers at the Secondary College of Languages at The Hills Sports High School, Seven Hills, came first in the subject.

Glenwood High School’s Nicholas Andrew Freedman came first in Indonesian continuers.