OP results 2019: Gold Coast’s Somerset College records ‘extraordinary’ feat

A Gold Coast principal says he’s happy to see OP scores phased out next year, but it hasn’t stopped students from recording some ‘extraordinary’ feats.

SOMERSET College principal Craig Bassingthwaighte is happy to see OP scores phased out next year, but he can’t deny the school has had its success through them.

In the 28 years since the Overall Position (OP) score system was introduced in Queensland, Somerset College has maintained an impressive batting average.

The Mudgeeraba school has had 264 students receive top marks of OP1 – an average of nearly 10 per year.

That means the most common OP score for a Somerset College student is OP1, Mr Bassingthwaighte told the Bulletin.

“We’re absolutely thrilled for the students,” he said.

OP RESULTS 2019: FIRST YEAR 12 SCORES REVEALED

“It’s an incredible statistic … it’s quite extraordinary...and I don’t know how many other schools would share it, my gut feeling is there would only be one other school in the state that could possibly claim that.

“It’s a great way to finish the OP system.”

In line with the figures, in 2019, 10 Somerset College students earned an OP1, including dux and school captain Kevin Song.

“He got the state’s highest possible scores in his individual subjects, it’s only the second time in (Somerset’s) history that it’s happened,” Mr Bassingthwaighte said.

“He’s achieved at the highest level in each subject.

Somerset College year 12 students Kevin Song, Joanne Joe, Julius Wright and Ainsley McCarthy. Picture: Adam Head

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS

“He, along with quite a few of them (top achievers) will be looking at getting into medicine, and some into law and engineering.”

There were 107 OP-eligible students graduating from Somerset College this year, with 24 per cent receiving an OP between 1 and 3.

A total of 37 per cent earned an OP of 5 or above, while nearly all managed a score of 15 or higher.

But while the school has enjoyed success under the system, Mr Bassingthwaighte said it was time for an update.

“We’re not unhappy that the OP system is going,” he said.

“It’s had it’s time and we’re pleased with the new system – we like the way there’s been a reduction in assessment, there’s more time for teaching and learning.”

Mr Bassingthwaighte also supported having assessments marked externally, to foster better teamwork between students and teachers.

“Our teachers are looking forward to being more alongside the students in terms of us against the system,” he said.