St Pauls Grammar School students Josh Lim, Mondira Paul and Marvin Madfouni perfect IB scores

Meet the three star students from one high school who achieved a ‘perfect score’ in the IB (International Baccalaureate) despite studying through a pandemic.

Year 12 is tough for everyone but these three bright students managed to pull a perfect score in the IB (International Baccalaureate), despite studying through a pandemic.

Josh Lim, Mondira Paul and Marvin Madfouni achieved an IB score of 45, which is equivalent to a 99.95 ATAR, when results were released on January 3.

Year 12 star students Marvin Madfouni, Mondira Paul and Josh Lim achieved a perfect score.

The three star pupils belong to an impressive cohort of 49 students, 16 per cent of which achieved results above ATAR 99, 37 per cent above ATAR 95 and 53 per cent above ATAR 90.

The strongest results were achieved in English literature, psychology, chemistry, visual/performing arts and languages including Chinese, French and Latin.

Mr Lim said he found study opportunities in remote learning, despite apparent lockdown challenges.

“In my case, remote learning was very two-sided when it came to study for the IB,” he said.

“Limited travel opened up more time and flexibility with when and how I studied. While I had to be organised and take more responsibility for my learning, I could take on information at my own pace,“ he said.

Marvin Madfouni, Mondira Paul and Josh Lim with St Paul’s principal Ian Wake.

While Ms Paul said the support from her teachers carried her through her two-year IB diploma.

“The support I received from my teachers while studying remotely really drove my learning and encouraged my curiosity,” she said.

Mr Madfouni said his support network really helped achieve the great result.

“After a disrupted two years, it was a bit of a surprise and a great way to end my schooling. I couldn’t have achieved such good results without the support of my family, teachers and the school, and for that I am very thankful,” he said.

St Paul’s principal, Ian Wake, said the whole school community played a key role in supporting student achievement.

“No student excels in a vacuum, but shares their success with a network of family members, teachers, friends and supporters who have helped them realise their potential,“ he said.

Mr Wake said he was proud to hear the cohort’s results despite the challenges they faced these past few years.

“Securing these marks in the IB, despite the many challenges students faced over the course of their final years of study, is testament to their iron-clad determination, flourishing talents and great resilience,” he said.