HSC 2019: Thomas Hassall Anglican College students reveal secrets to success
An independent school in Sydney’s southwest has climbed up the state rankings for the HSC, with this year’s cohort producing the school’s best results yet. Find out their secrets to success.
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Thomas Hassall Anglican College has achieved its best results in the HSC yet, climbing up 55 places in the state rankings.
This year, the independent school in Middleton Grange produced five All-round Achievers who received the top band in 10 or more units of study and 35 Distinguished Achievers — students who achieved the highest band for one or more courses.
Data from the NSW Board of Studies shows the school has jumped from 178 in 2018 to 123 in the state.
Principal Ross Whelan said the success of the 2019 cohort was the result of a number of factors, including a supportive home environment, connection with teachers, hard work, the drive of students and the cohesiveness of the student body.
“We’re steadily improving as a school. This is our best result but it won’t be the best result ever. We’ll get better,” he said.
On Tuesday, there were grins, screams and quiet sighs of relief as students woke to their results.
For Angela Khamo, Daniella Saliba, Joseph Logozzo, Lachlan Shead and Camille Leslie, the joy was compounded upon discovering they were All-round Achievers too.
“I screamed,” Angela said.
The 17-year-old was overjoyed after realising she had surpassed her ATAR goal, finishing with 96.85.
“The whole year I was working towards that number,” she said.
On top of her brilliant performance in the HSC, 17-year-old Daniella, an accelerated student, was named dux of the year, finishing Year 12 with an ATAR of 99.4.
The group said they couldn't have done it without the support of their teachers and family.
Their secrets to success included setting small goals throughout the year and maintaining a consistent work ethic.
“I set several small goals that would obviously lead up to achieving the bigger picture which, honestly, I never thought I'd get there but somehow I did,” Daniella said.
“It’s really important that you stay resilient and persevere because it’s a difficult journey, but you need to have balance in your life.”
Joseph, who wants to pursue studies in aerospace engineering, will be the second person in his family across three generations to attend university.
Lachlan, who said learning to enjoy all his subjects was key to doing well, wants to complete a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies.