2019 HSC: Arndell Anglican’s Muir McLennan comes first in society and culture
Society and culture may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for Muir McLennan, it has earned him the top marks at the 2019 HSC results.
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By his own admission, Scottish-born Muir McLernnan thought he could have done better in society and culture but he still earned the highest accolade in his HSC this year.
Mr McLennan, 18, who studies at Arndell Anglican College, Oakville, actually thought he could have answered questions better after finishing his exams - which makes his first in course award on Monday an early Christmas present.
Mr McLennan, who moved to Australia from Scotland nine years ago with his parents and sister, said being joint first in the course for society and culture was an amazing feeling.
“It still feels surreal to receive the award because I thought I had could have done better in some questions,” Mr McLennan said.
“I was confident with my HSC but never thought I had smashed it.
“With these subjects I am really looking at the changing culture and modern history and find it fascinating.”
In all 134 award winners were honoured by Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell at the UNSW, Kensington, on Monday afternoon.
Ms Berejiklian said finishing first in one of the 119 courses is 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 McLennan, who studied Islam as one a part of his HSC course, said everyone should be aware of the culture surrounding them.
“I am not really sure what I should pursue after the HSC though I received an offer to pursue a double degree in law and social science by an university,” Mr McLennan said.
“I may first travel before deciding which degrees to follow but I want to start it next year.
“It will be a quiet Christmas for us because most of our family is still in Scotland.”
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.