Cleveland High’s Ivan Lai makes Qld academic history in 2024
Cleveland High’s Ivan Lai has been ranked in the top 1 per cent in the world after receiving a near-perfect score in his Year 12 International Baccalaureate results this year.
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He was named as being the most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize, he conducted an in-depth study into the mathematical phenomenon pi and researched the complex concept of coupled oscillators.
Now Cleveland District State High School Year 12 graduate Ivan Lai has been named as in the top 1 per cent of the world’s top academic achievers for 2024 and at the top in Queensland.
More than 50,000 students studied for Year 12 this year with Ivan undertaking the gruelling International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at the bayside high school along with 27 others.
The hardworking bayside student scored 45 out of the highest possible 45, which equated to an ATAR score of 99.95.
Only 36 state high school students out of 28,845 state high school pupils received the highest ATAR possible with 99.95.
Queensland Education Department released the Australian Tertiary Admission Rankings, known as ATAR, on Friday morning but the International Baccalaureate scores were only announced on Tuesday.
His exceptional performance cements his reputation as one of Queensland’s brightest minds in 2024.
Ivan, Cleveland High’s 2024 Dux, has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
Born to Chinese-Australian parents in Sydney, Ivan spent his early years in China before returning to Australia in Year 6.
Transitioning from China’s rigorous education system to Cleveland State School, Ivan quickly adapted, mastering English and excelling academically.
The IB program’s gruelling curriculum was no match for Ivan’s passion for science and technology.
Tackling subjects such as mathematics: analysis and approaches (higher level) and physics (higher level), his IB score placed him in the top 1 per cent of graduates globally.
This feat underscored his dedication to pushing boundaries, particularly through the Advanced mathematics course, which he pursued via distance education.
“The IB program isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about perseverance and leaning on those around you,” he said.
“This journey has taught me that challenges are best faced together.”
Ivan’s achievements are multifaceted.
Beyond academics, he served as Student Council president, excelled in sports including competitive swimming and tennis, and showcased leadership as a STEM Mentor and Army Cadet.
Those experiences helped him manage the pressures of the IB program while fostering personal growth.
Among his numerous accolades, Ivan’s mathematical investigation into pi won first place in the Queensland Science Contest, while his research on coupled oscillators earned him a prestigious bursary from the Australian Acoustical Society.
With aspirations to study aerospace engineering specialising in space exploration, Ivan has received a conditional scholarship at the University of Sydney and awaits responses from global institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cleveland District State High School principal Leonard McKeown said Ivan’s achievements reflected the values of the school and the potential of Queensland students to make a global impact.
“Ivan has always been an academically gifted student but the unique challenges of the IB program have helped him stretch his capacity as a learner and prepare him for success at university,” Mr McKeown said.
“He is particularly strong in STEM subjects and wishes to pursue a career in engineering.
“The International Baccalaureate is a rigorous program and students who receive a score above 40 out of 45 are among the most talented and academically gifted students in the state and we are proud to offer this program.
“Cleveland District State High School is the only school in the Redlands to offer this internationally accredited program and our staff are highly trained and skilled in delivering this globally accepted certificate.”
ALEXANDRA HILLS STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Alexandra Hills State High School Year 12 student Sara Mann followed in her sister’s footsteps and was named Dux of the Year.
Principal Trisha Hutchinson said Sara, who was also school captain, achieved an ATAR of 99.7, with an amazing 100 per cent for general English and straight A results in all general subjects.
Ms Hutchinson said Sara demonstrated an unwavering dedication to learning, earning more than 22 subject awards since Year 7, with six prestigious subject prizes in her final year alone.
“Her academic record is exemplary, with perfect scores in internal assessments for chemistry and English and outstanding marks of 98 per cent in physics, 97 per cent in German, and 94 per cent in maths methods.
“Beyond academic success, she has received numerous honours, including the Gold Quiet Achiever Award, recognising her consistent effort and exemplary behaviour since Year 7 along with membership in the Honours Academy.
“Sara possesses an inquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge, balanced by a great sense of humour and personable nature, and is committed to excellence in every facet of life.”
LOGAN STUDENTS EXCEL
Canterbury College’s Class of 2024 had 34 Year 12 students receiving university offers, prior to their ATARs being issued with 11 per cent achieving an ATAR result of 97 or above.
Most Queensland Year 12 students will receive QTAC offers throughout December and
January.
This year, three Canterbury College Year 12 students achieved an ATAR over 99, representing 4 per cent of their ATAR-eligible cohort.
Alec Dyer worked hard to score a 99.95 ATAR result and was named Dux of the College. Alec is one of 36 students across Queensland who achieved this highest possible ATAR score.
Canterbury’s Zachary Vasquez scored a 99.75 ATAR and was named Proxime Accessit to the Dux.
Lucas Consolati also achieved a high score of 99.45 ATAR.
The results were the college’s third best on record with 16% of Year 12 students achieving an ATAR of 95 or above with 13 per cent of eligible Canterbury students awarded the Premier’s Academic Commendations for their results of six “As” in General and Extension subjects.
Principal Dan Walker said the ATAR results reinforced the college’s aim of being “World
Ready”.
“The fact that our top academic students are achieving among the highest possible ATARs in the whole state is worthy of acclamation,” Mr Walker said.
“Our wonderful Year 12s recorded no less than 140 ‘As’ in general and extension subjects, which is truly remarkable, as well as eight perfect EA scores, and 83 subject results greater than 90.
“I am especially proud that 84 per cent of our Class of 2024 were ATAR-eligible, which compares to just 51 per cent across Queensland, which shows the clear and strong academic focus of our school.”
Many Canterbury Year 12 graduates have already started apprenticeships and traineeships, with the cohort earning 96 separate Vocational Education and Training certificate-level qualifications between them.
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Originally published as Cleveland High’s Ivan Lai makes Qld academic history in 2024
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