2019 HSC first in course: Concord’s Lawrence-Palmer in shock at results
Nicholas Lawrence-Palmer of Concord High School was shaking when he heard he was first in information processes and technology in the HSC.
Inner West
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Nicholas Lawrence-Palmer of Concord High School is still pinching himself after finding out he had topped the HSC in information processes and technology.
Mr Lawrence-Palmer, who used to play the piano, was humming with delight after picking up his surprise award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell at the UNSW campus in Kensington on Monday afternoon.
“I was shaking when I was told at work on Friday that I was first in the subject,” he said.
“I am still shocked though I did work long days to achieve these results.
“I started putting in eight-hour study shifts since the start of term three and it is all worth it.
“I did well in the HSC but thought I struggled in English.
“I need an ATAR of 93 to do computer science, so fingers crossed.”
Ms Berejiklian said finishing first in one of the 119 courses was an outstanding accomplishment.
“Six of the recipients topped more than one course, which is incredible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Congratulations to the 1449 students who received the All Rounder Achievers award this year, for scoring in the highest band in at least 10 units of study,” Ms Mitchell said.
Mr Lawrence-Palmer has been working at Konica-Minolta for the past two weeks and is still uncertain how he will celebrate his biggest academic achievement so far.
“I’m the first in the family to do information processes and technology and I love it,” he said.
Asked to give his advice for those sitting their HSC, Mr Lawrence-Palmer said: “I find that a lot of people don’t study, they just bludge.
“But if you want to do well, you have to stick to a schedule .... I studied usually from 9am to 5pm, with breaks in between.
“After that I relaxed and played video games and also football for my Concorde Division I club.”
More than 66,000 students completed their HSC this year with 7500 studying one or more HSC courses throughout the year.
Around 55,000 students are eligible for an ATAR which will be released this week.
■ HSC students who sat at least one exam will receive their results by SMS, email and online on Tuesday from 6am.