VCE results revealed: Students celebrate after horror Covid year
The wait is finally over as more than 45,000 Victorian year 12 students receive their ATAR results following a year of Covid-hit classes.
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The wait is finally over. More than 45,000 VCE students are getting their results after another Covid-disrupted year.
The Covid class of 2021 got their individual Australian Tertiary Admission Rank and study scores online and via text from 7am, earned after 13 years of schooling.
The results showed 39 students achieved an ATAR of 99.95, the highest possible rank.
Of those students, 28 were boys and 11 were girls.
The average ATAR score was 69.26. The girls’ average was 70.6, while boys averaged 67.62.
Almost 14,000 students received at least one study score of 40 or more out of 50.
SCHOOLS PRAISE RESILIENT STUDENTS
As thousands of anxious students received confirmation of their ATAR after years of slogging through Covid-interrupted classes, schools began releasing their results.
HAILEYBURY
• Eight students achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
• 94% of all Haileybury students have been placed in the top 40% in Australia
• 51% of all students achieved an ATAR of 90
Haileybury CEO/Principal, Derek Scott, says this year’s Year 12 cohort “have weathered a barrage of obstacles and changes during their final years at school, but they stepped up and dealt with each challenge.”
CAREY GRAMMAR
• Average ATAR is 80.20
• 17.2% of VCE study scores were over 40
• Six study scores of 50
• Top VCE students achieved ATARs of 99.90.
Principal Jonathan Walter said: “We recognise that our students are more than the sum of their academic results and are confident they enter the next stage of their lives well prepared to take on challenges with courage, compassion and curiosity. We congratulate each member of our Year 12 Class of 2021 and wish them all the very best for their future endeavours.”
CAMBERWELL HIGH SCHOOL
• 20 students received an ATAR over 95 (11.8 per cent)
• 32 students received an ATAR over 90 (18.9 per cent)
• 70 students received an ATAR over 80 (41.4 per cent)
• 102 students received an ATAR over 70 (60.3 per cent)
• Median study of 30
• Eight per cent of study scores over 40
Principal Jill Laughlin said: “We congratulate all our Year 12 students on the conclusion of their studies at Camberwell High School. We recognise the success of our students is in large part due to the hard work of our dedicated teaching staff. We wish all our Year 12 students well on their transition into pathways beyond CHS and I look forward to hearing about their acceptance into courses of choice in January 2022.”
GENAZZANO FCJ COLLEGE
• 40 per cent of students received an ATAR of 90 or above.
• Dux, Madeline Grave received an ATAR 99.8
• Median ATAR 85.6 and median study score of 34
• 6.4 per cent of students achieved rankings in the top one per cent of Victorian students
Today, the graduating Class of 2021 received their VCE results. Congratulations to the entire cohort for your ongoing resilience, courage and confidence to complete your VCE studies. Read more: https://t.co/KIh6E5I6ki#genfcj#ClassOf2021#VCEresultspic.twitter.com/PpdaPOa5t9
— Genazzano College (@GenFCJ) December 16, 2021
MELBOURNE GRAMMAR
• Median ATAR of 90.05
• 50.3 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90+
• Seven students achieved the maximum score of 50 in one or more of their subjects
• 8.5 per cent of all study (subject) scores were graded as 45+
Headmaster Philip Grutzner said the Class of 2021 has also “accomplished a great deal on the sporting field, at the rostrum, on the stage and behind the easel. They have worked in service to others and shown care and interest in the natural environment”.
TOORAK COLLEGE
• Dux Amy Uren got an ATAR of 99.1
• Almost a third of Toorak students received ATARs above 90, placing them in the top 10 per cent of the state
• Median ATAR of 85
Principal Kristy Kendall, expressed her pride in the 2021 graduating class.
“These young women have worked together through their whole journey, and now they celebrate their success together, as well. This cohort has thrived during difficult circumstances and they have graduated grateful for their experiences and the support of their teachers and families. They are courageous young women who know they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
STRATHCONA GIRLS GRAMMAR
• 52.3 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90+, placing them in the top 10 per cent of the state
• 15 per cent of students with an ATAR of 98+, putting them in the top two per cent of the state
• Median ATAR of 90.35
• 20 per cent of students achieved study scores of 40+, putting them in the top nine per cent of the state
MONTMORENCY SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Dux 96.8
• Top study score of 48, in Psychology, while one of its six English classes had four students with scores in the 40s
Principal Frances Ibbott said she was pleased with the school’s results.
“The resilience of the students that I’ve seen in Term 4, their connection with the school and teachers and the results they’ve maintained are a real testament to the school and school community,” she said.
SUNBURY COLLEGE
• Dux Emma Drummond achieved an ATAR of 98.00
• Another student received an ATAR of 97.15, with four other students scoring in the 90s
“I’m extremely pleased for these students who I know have just worked enormously hard and met a whole number of challenges through lockdown, and the rewards they’re seeing are due to a great deal of endeavour and resilience, which are two of our school’s values, so the fact they’ve exemplified those values is really important,” principal Darryn Kruse said.
MENTONE GIRLS SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Average ATAR of 70.6
• 13 per cent of students achieving an ATAR of 90+
• Dux of 99.25
Principal Linda Brown said the school had worked hard to retain a sense of routine during remote learning, with teachers working hard to retain a connection across its live lessons.
“The results are outstanding. It shows what a great community we have,” she said.
CASEY GRAMMAR
• 55 per cent of students placed in the top 30 per cent of Australia
• More than 13 per cent of these students also placed in the top 10 per cent of the nation
• More than a third of students achieved an ATAR of 80+ (an increase of 8.1 per cent on the 2020 results).
Casey Grammar principal Fiona Williams said that the Year 12 student leaders did a remarkable job in ensuring their peers were supported throughout the year and encouraged them to focus on the positives in all situations.
“Having endured their final two years of senior school during a global pandemic, their optimism and positive outlook is nothing short of remarkable,” she said.
NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL
• 22 students at achieved an ATAR score of 99 or above
• More than 60 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above
• 16 students getting perfect study scores of 50
• Median study score of 36
• Dux of 99.90
Principal Roger Page said he was proud of student’s efforts.
PHOENIX P-12 COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Ballarat’s Phoenix P-12 Community College returned its best ever VCE results.
• 10 students achieving a study score over 40, more than double the number in 2020
• Dux of 99.10.
Principal Karen Snibson said students had worked hard all year through trying conditions.
“Our students were never defined by Covid. Instead they were motivated by it. They worked with real diligence. They were just fantastic.”
“Our teachers’ belief in the kids was also inspirational.”
MILDURA SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Three students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above
• Dux of 95.8.
• The number of students with ATARS in the 60s, 70s and 80s all up
Principal Belinda Hudak praised the hard work of students and staff.
Ms Hudak said the school had been proactive in ensuring that students were aware of all post-VCE options available to them, which had resulted in a significant number of students receiving early offers for next year.
AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL
• 10.6 per cent of students achieved study scores over 40 –– the school’s best result
• Median study score of 31
• As a French specialist school, 87 per cent of students also achieved a median study score of 37 or above for French
• Highest ever dux of 99.75, Dohun Yun
Dohun came to the school in year 8 from China.
Principal Maria Karvouni said Dohun was an exceptional, generous and caring student who set up study groups for the international students at the school, knowing what it felt like himself to be an international student.
“Even through the hardships of learning remotely for two years, our students were able to bounce back and refocus right at the end,” Ms Karvouni said.
BIALIK COLLEGE
• 11.3 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above, placing them in the top one per cent of the state
• 32.4 per cent 95 or above, placing them in the top five per cent
• 52.1 per cent scored 90 or above, putting in the top 10 per cent
• 32.6 per cent of study scores were 40 or above placing them in the top eight per cent
• Median ATAR of 90.2
• Median study score 37
• 6 perfect study scores of 50
Bialik principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner congratulated the Jewish non-selective school’s 2021 VCE class on a “spectacular” year.
“‘We are so proud of every single member of our 2021 graduating class. Each and every one of them has achieved spectacular results, managing the stop-start of disrupted schooling throughout their VCE years,” he said.
“Kol Hakavod to them and their dedicated and hardworking teachers.”
Bialik has remained one of the highest-achieving secondary schools in Victoria over the past decade, with the school ranking as one of the top five schools in the state every year in the last 10 years.
PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE
Of the 126 PLC students who studied the VCE:
• 17 per cent achieved an ATAR of 99+ (placing them in the top one per cent)
• 25 per cent achieved an ATAR of 98+ (placing them in the top two per cent)
• 49 per cent achieved an ATAR of 95+ (placing them in the top five per cent)
• 70 per cent achieved an ATAR of 90+ (placing them in the top 10 per cent)
PLC principal Cheryl Penberthy congratulated the girls on their outstanding achievements.
“We are incredibly proud of our girls for the perseverance and resilience they have demonstrated during the past two years.
“These impressive results not only reflect our girl’s dedication and determination but also reflect the support and encouragement that our entire College community has provided when it was needed most”.
KEW HIGH SCHOOL
• Mean study score of 30
• 23 per cent of students achieved ATARs over 90
• 42 per cent of students achieved ATARs over 80
• Dux 99.4
• Second highest ATAR score was an international student with 99
• Median ATAR of 75
• VET sport and recreation class had 50 per cent of students achieve study scores over 40
“We are really, really proud of our class of 2021,” principal Josie Millard said.
“The school has achieved some really exceptional results and the vast majority of students have choice and agency back and we are so proud of them.”
MAFFRA SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Median study score of 28 is the highest in eight years
• One in seven of its students achieved an ATAR above 90
• Dux 95.55
“I’m just really proud of all of our Year 12 students. They’ve faced challenges associated with remote and flexible learning with such brilliance and persistence,” principal Jennifer Roep said.
“They’ve developed such strong connections during their time here and they’ve just maintained that unwavering support for each other, not just academically but emotionally.
“No matter what pathway their futures take or bring them, they’re just going to be confident adults that will succeed in life.”
ST ALOYSIUS COLLEGE
• Average ATAR of the top 10 per cent of students of 96
• Average ATAR of the top 20 per cent of students of 95
• Average ATAR of the top 50 per cent of students of 88.7
• Dux is Amelie Milazzi achieved an ATAR of 97.95
Amelie said was “ecstatic and very excited” about her results.
“I really wasn’t expecting it — I thought it would be much lower.”
She is now weighing up multiple university offers and wants to study a Bachelor of Commerce and Health Sciences and continue with her Italian.
College principal, Mary Farah, is delighted.
“These results are extraordinary, and truly do reflect the commitment and hard work of our teachers, students and leadership team, not only across 2021, but throughout the educational journey of this cohort.
“We must also congratulate and thank all parents, the value of the support provided for students learning remotely cannot be understated.”
NORTHCOTE HIGH
• About 25 per cent of students received an ATAR over 90, up 16 per cent from last year
• 50 per cent of the cohort ranked over 80, a 10 per cent increase from 2020
• Dux 99.15
• 137 students recorded a study score over 30
• Median study score of 31
Northcote High School acting principal Chris Jones says the school’s focus on supporting students through the pandemic has paid off in improved VCE results.
“These results are really good, they’re some of our best results since 2015,” Mr Jones said. “There was a lot of focus on trying to help students stay engaged and they’ve performed really well.”
BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
• Eight students (6 per cent) with an ATAR of 99 or better, placing them in the top one per cent of the state
• 30 students (21 per cent) scored ATARs of 95 or better and 49 students (35 per cent) scored ATARs of 90 or better, placing them in the top 10 per cent
• Dux Max Kortge achieved a score of 99.75
Headmaster Ross Featherston today announced strong VCE results for the graduating class of 2021 which continues the school’s tradition of academic excellence.
“I am extremely proud of each Year 12 student, for the commitment they showed to their studies and for their optimism and resilience as a cohort this year,” he said.
“It is also testament to our focus on whole-student development and wellbeing, promoting healthy, balanced minds and habits for our students.”
BALWYN HIGH SCHOOL
• 16 students achieved an ATAR of 99 and above
• 47 students will take their place on the Honour Roll, having achieved an ATAR of 97 and above
• 22 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 95 (84 students)
• 37 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 90 (143 students)
• 17 per cent of study scores above 40
• Eight perfect Study Scores in Accounting, Biology, Business Management, Chemistry, Economics, Further Mathematics, Music Investigation and Indonesian
Principal Deborah Harman said: “We could not be more proud of the 382 students who made up our Class of 2021. They were a magnificent cohort who remained positive, committed, connected and proud – on-site and throughout the three lockdowns necessitating remote learning”.
BENTLEIGH SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Dux 98.4
• 11 per cent of students scoring 90+
• 20 per cent achieved an ATAR of 80+
• 12.5 per cent with a study score above 40
“The class of 2021 probably demonstrates this notion of perseverance,” principal Helen Hiotis said.
“Anything they’ve achieved, they’ve achieved on their own.”
“At the end of the day, education isn’t about the ATAR, it’s about the individuals we create. I can’t be any prouder of these kids.”
BENDIGO SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE
“Our results were really good across the board. The average has lifted for us, so we are really, really pleased. You can see the impact of Covid for some individual students but I think we will have a lot of happy students,” Bendigo Senior Secondary College Principal Dale Pearce said.
“We are very pleased for your students and know what a difficult two years it has been. The majority of these students will have pathways through to university and we have a fantastic revitalised TAFE here too. We have a particularly strong partnership with.”
MELBOURNE GIRLS’ COLLEGE
• Dux 99.75
• Seven students achieved 99 and above
• 35 per cent of students achieved 90 and over
• 65 per cent of students achieved over 80
• Three perfect scores of 50 – in sociology, literature and studio arts
• Median score of 33
Principal Andrew Arney said: “Every single one our students this year have got their own success stories. Their resilience and determination is inspiring to us all. Very excited to see where they go next.”
GLEN WAVERLEY SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Dux 99.55
• 11 per cent of students scoring more than 90
Principal Jo Wastle said the school was really pleased and overall so proud of its students after the challenges of the past two years and for all the teachers for getting them through remote learning during their VCE.
SUZANNE CORY HIGH SCHOOL
• 46 per cent of students achieving an ATAR of 90 or above
• Average ATAR of 89.25
• Dux 99.85
Acting assistant principal Kimberley Pye said a decision to change the way the school ran online learning and classes in 2021 to better engage with students has returned the school’s second best ever VCE results.
Ms Pye said she was extremely proud of both students and staff who had worked hard to deliver the results.
The school’s online lessons weren’t just about covering the course syllabus, with lip sync battles, quizzes and prize draws among the extra-curricular activities to help keep students engaged.
Ms Pye said that students had achieved really high results across the board.
“The students have embraced whatever they do,” she said.
FRANKSTON HIGH SCHOOL
Frankston High School Senior Campus principal Helen Wilson said Year 12 graduates are ready to face any challenge that life presents after shining in their VCE exams.
The school’s 2021 cohort of about 300 students showed a steeled resilience to achieve “remarkable success” in a challenging year in which 15 per cent achieved an ATAR of 90 or more, and 57 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 70.
A total of 12 students achieved an ATAR of 95 or more.
“We said to them at their celebration day that they will go down in history for completing Year 12 in a pandemic,” Ms Wilson said.
GLADSTONE PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
• 22 students achieved an ATAR of 90 or more, the school’s best ever result.
“We are so proud of them, the last two years have been a real struggle, and it is a credit to them that they have done so well. It is credit to the students, parents, and their teachers,” principal Lynne Gutterson said.
BOX HILL HIGH SCHOOL
• Median ATAR 84.7
• 8 students with an ATAR of 99.
• Highest ATAR of 99.85
• 32 per cent had ATARs over 90
• 19 per cent had ATARs over 95
• 59 per cent had ATARs over 80
• Four students with perfect study scores in chemistry, further maths, drama and psychology.
Principal Losh Pillay said she was really proud of all of student’s efforts, saying the communal support shown by students and staff – particularly through periods of remote learning – had been really outstanding.
WILLIAMSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
• First ever study score of 99.95, one of 39 students across the state
• Four students score an ATAR of 99 or above, with 35 achieving above 90.
• Highest-ever mean ATAR, mean and median study score.
The graduating class includes an Australian representative at the RoboCup soccer tournament and a keen environmentalist.
“It’s the best results we’ve ever received, in the face of the challenges of the last two years – it really is remarkable,” principal Gino Catalano said.
“Our staff have spent so many hours with their students outside of their face-to-face hours, and our students are so appreciative of the care they’ve been shown. We’ve created a really caring community and the students really wanted to do the best they could for their teachers.”
FOOTSCRAY HIGH SCHOOL
“We’re pleased considering the two years these students have had. We’ve seen real improvements and we’ve had some really successful results and subjects,” principal Frank Vetere said.
“It’s actually an improvement on last year.”
“In my experience, this is the cohort that had the most complex VCE over two years of extremely complex teaching and learning.
“To be able to get through it and maintain and improve is just absolutely outstanding and a testament to teachers, students and their families – families had a significant input in supporting their children during these two years.”
BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE
• Mean English score of 26, up from 19 in 2019 and 23 in 2020
• 12 students across their subjects received study scores of 40 and above
• Three students achieved study scores in the 90s
• One student received a perfect 50 study score – the school’s first-ever perfect study score
• Dux achieved an ATAR of 94.6
Principal Trudie Nagle said the results were “the best results we’ve had in decades”.
“I’m the happiest and the luckiest person going around in Victoria,” she said.
“High expectations, accountability and just knowing what our focus is every day and doing it to an excellent level. The kids have been remarkable.”
FINTONA GIRLS’ SCHOOL
• 21 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 99+
• 33 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 98+
• 54 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 95+
• 72 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90+
• Median ATAR 95.85
• Median Study Score of 36
• Dux 99.95
Principal Rachael Falloon said: “I am absolutely delighted for the Class of 2021. They embraced every opportunity no matter the challenge and should be so very proud of all that they have achieved in their studies and in their leadership of others.”
MAC. ROBERTSON GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL
• Over 99: 15.3 per cent
• Over 90: 80.7 per cent
• Median ATAR: 95.85
• 15 study scores of 50
Principal Susan Harrap said: “Congratulations to our committed and determined students. Of course today is about results but it is about so much more than that.
“These results are a celebration of our school community showing that even in the face of adversity together an inuring focus on care, connection and growth, yield outstanding achievements. We could not be prouder of the class of 2021.”
KOROWA ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL
Korowa, in Glen Iris, also did very well, with 40.3 per cent of students receiving an ATAR of 95 or higher.
While 97.4 per cent of its students achieved an ATAR of 70 or above.
The results include 3 perfect study scores of 50, with a median ATAR of 91.85 and median study score of 36.
MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL
• Year 12 student Ramodh Jayasinghe achieved a perfect score of 99.95
• Five students achieved 99.9
• The median ATAR was 94.8
• Almost 12 per cent of students achieved 99 or over
Overall, 72.14 per cent of students received ATARs over 90, compared to 68.69 per cent in 2020.
Principal Dr Tony Mordini congratulated VCE students for their “outstanding results”.
“These boys have been particularly affected by Covid with several disruptions, but they have shown absolute dedication to achieving outstanding results,” Dr Mordini said.
“I would also like to thank the staff for their dedication.
“I look forward to seeing how they contribute to the community.”
KILVINGTON GRAMMAR
• Thirty six per cent of Kilvington Grammar’s Class of 2021 achieved an ATAR of 90 plus (top 10 per cent of the State)
• Two students achieved an ATAR of 99.9, becoming joint duxes of the school
• Three perfect scores of 50 were achieved in English, Further Mathematics and Psychology.
Key results include:
• Four students in the top once per cent of the state (achieving an ATAR of 99 plus)
• 17 per cent of students were in the top 5 per cent of the state (achieving an ATAR of 95 plus).
• 36 per cent of students were in the top 10 per cent of the state (achieving an ATAR of 90 plus).
• 70 per cent of students were in the top 20 per cent of the state (achieving an ATAR of 80 plus).
Principal of the Ormond school, Jon Charlton, said he was extremely proud of the students’ achievements during a very challenging two years.
“I honestly could not be more proud of this group of students. They have had to endure the final two years of their senior schooling in the midst of a pandemic and multiple lockdowns.
“To have achieved what they have while having to continually pivot from online to onsite learning is a testament to their grit, drive, optimism and resilience. It is quite remarkable really.”
“I congratulate the entire Kilvington community for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of our year 12 cohort. Many members restricted their movements in the lead up to the exams to help in the endeavour to keep the School open during the critical exam period. For that we are incredibly grateful.”
THORNBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Students at Thornbury High have maintained the school’s strong performance of recent years, with a third of students recording an ATAR of 80 or above.
Nine students ranked 90 or above, with the school’s dux scoring 97.25.
Principal Michael Keenan said he was pleased with the results and also said it was great to see students socialising after such disruption in the past two years.
“We actually had our Year 12 graduation last night, it was great to see students all together after missing out on so much,” he said.
JOHN MONASH SCIENCE SCHOOL
• 232 completed VCE
• 34.5 per cent of ATARS are over 95
• 62.1 per cent received ATARS over 90
• 88.4 per cent received ATARS over 80
• 94.8 per cent received ATARS over 70
• Median ATAR is 92.65
• Nine perfect study scores of 50
• 18.65 per cent of the study scores were over 40, highest number in recent years.
The Clayton school’s principal Peter Corkill said: “This shows the commitment of the staff and the kids over two years. The previous year’s cohort offered tutoring for the current cohort, we have kept the ship steady, everyone in touch, the one point of truth.
“The big news is, we make every effort to take the competitive nature out of VCE and champion collaboration and mutual support. We are at pains to do it. It is about working together … and everyone has bought into that.
“It is that collaboration, that strong sense of team, and they are amazing kids. We are really, really proud of them and their teachers, they have all done a fantastic job.”
MLC
Methodist Ladies’ College, long one of the top scorers, said 9 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above, ranking in the top one per cent of the state, with three students receiving 99.95.
In addition, 31 per cent of students of the Kew school achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, in the top 5 per cent of the state.
46 per cent of students achieved an ATAR or above 90, in the top 10 per cent of the state.
There were 25 perfect study scores of 50, across 12 subjects, which includes an impressive 6 perfect study scores in English.
MOUNT SCOPUS
• 10.6 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above
• 35 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 95 or above
• 53 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above
• Nine Study Scores of 50
Principal Rabbi James Kennard said, “Transitioning back and forth from in-person to online learning while maintaining motivation for studies was exceptionally demanding for our students. We are therefore prouder than ever at their achievements, and we thank their teachers for their endless support and commitment.”
THE KNOX SCHOOL
• 39.6 per cent of students achieved above 90 ATAR
• 64.6 per cent of students achieved above 80 ATAR
• 87.5 per cent of students achieved above 70 ATAR
• 87.63 median ATAR
• 84.06 mean ATAR
• 16.14 per cent Study Scores over 40
• 33 median Study Score
The School Dux, Sadhana Sughesh, achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.85, whose results included two perfect Study Scores of 50 in English and Further Mathematics, 49 in Biology, 48 in Psychology and 43 in Mathematical Methods.
ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL
• 17 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 98, placing them in the top 2 per cent of the state
• 33 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 95, placing them in the top 5 per cent of the state
• 83 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 80, placing them in the top 20 per cent of the State
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF FOR Covid CLASS
Lucy Carter could hardly believe what she was reading on her screen at 7am this morning when her results came through.
Smiling ear-to-ear with mother Barbara Carter by her side, the 18-year-old Ballarat Clarendon College student said her study score of 98.05 was well beyond what she expected to achieve this year.
“I’m over the moon, honestly,” she said.
“After the pandemic, this is just incredible. It makes all of the hard work and all of the hard times worth it.”
Lucy studied English, Further Maths, Legal Studies, Heath and Human Development, Biology and also completed Physical Education last year.
“This is beyond anything I expected for myself,” she said.
Ballarat Clarendon College has long punched above it’s weight for school results.
This year they had 7 per cent over 99 – 11 students, 15 per cent over 98 – 23 students, 30 per cent over 95 – 48 students, 55 per cent over 90 – 83 students, 83 per cent over 80 – 131 students.
Ninety five per cent of the schools students scored over 70 – 150 students.
The mean ATAR of girls is 90 and for boys it was 87.2, with median ATAR 92 for girls and 89.5 for boys.
The school’s median study score sits at 37. They had 12 study scores of 50 and 32 per cent of study scores over 40.
After arriving in Australia as a refugee from Syria in 2014, 18-year-old Loyola College student Fadi Abo was pleasantly surprised to have excelled in English during Year 12.
With a study score of 38 in what is his second language, Fadi said his overall scores got him over the line to study a Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University, where he will major in Law and Business.
“I was particularly proud of that because English is my second language,” he said
“It was good news to see that even with some linguistic and cultural differences, I was able to separate myself from my lack of experience.”
Fadi said he is choosing to see jumping in and out of the classroom during the lockdowns as something that has left him being able to adapt to changes on the go.
“It felt like our workload had multiplied by 10, but I like to be positive,” he said.
“It was definitely challenging having to switch from online from face-to-face (learning), as well as masks.”
But the bright student is no stranger to change.
Fadi and his family were forced to flee civil unrest in Syria in a “whirlwind” bid for freedom before arriving in Paris in 2012.
Following another move to New York in a bid to seek refuge, Fadi and his family settled in Australia in September 2014.
“We faced instability and a lack of security before we arrived here.
“I will always try my best, regardless of the challenges ahead.”
“A huge relief” was how Josephine Akuei, also of Loyola College, described opening her results on Thursday morning.
After a tough year struggling to take in content during virtual classes, Josephine said she is ready to put the lockdowns behind her as she gears up to study a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University in 2022.
“I’m just so grateful that it’s over and done with now,” Josephine said.
“I’m more of a visual learner so being in lockdown made learning a lot harder,” she said.
Josephine said while completing subjects that included Psychology, Health and Human Development and theatre studies may have impacted her grades, she was grateful to see her final school year through with her friends.
“We were cut off from each other and found it harder to take in content online, but it felt good to be on the same page.”
A career in biomedicine is in the sights of Box Hill High School dux Joy Kim.
The 18-year-old achieved an ATAR school of 99.85, making her top of the graduating class.
Ms Kim said she had worked hard to achieve good results but had been shocked to receive such a high score – which included a perfect 50 for chemistry.
She also studied English, biology, specialist maths, maths methods and physics.
Next year, Ms Kim hopes to study a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne, saying she had always been interested in pursuing a career in health.
But first up will likely be a dinner with friends and family to quietly celebrate the end of her VCE journey.
Trinity Grammar student James Carlyon received 99.25 and is now confident he can get into a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne Uni then Engineering.
“It was such an amazing relief and now it’s all done.”
Mount Waverley Secondary College dux Rachel Tan, 17, achieved a perfect score of 99.95.
She has been dux of her year level every year since Year 7 and did not think she could achieve perfection in Year 12.
“It doesn’t feel real. I have been working every day, so I have been really busy and have not been thinking About the ATAR,” she said.
“I was hoping for over 99 and this was out of the question. I didn’t think anything this high. I was shaking when I opened the results page and I checked the results page about 50 times.
“It has been a tough two years and I have had amazing teachers, and thanks to the support of my parents and friends I have been able to do this. I am over the moon.”
Ballarat High School dux James Sharp achieved an ATAR of 92.9, having studied biology, chemistry, further maths, maths methods, English and psychology.
James wants to study medicine or biomedical science and get into the medical profession, hopefully to be a doctor.
He’s looking to study at either Monash, Deakin or Melbourne University. James kept focused during his VCE and was keen to keep engaged throughout remote learning.
Ballarat High School principal Gary Palmer said: “I give my congratulations to James – this is a great reward for his hard work and perseverance for the last two years.”
Julian McIntyre delivered Williamstown High School its best ever ATAR result. achieving a perfect score of 99.95.
Julian’s high score topped his brother Daniil’s 2019 score of score 99.9.
Julian studied English, specialist maths and French and a university extension program this year having completed Year 12 maths methods and physics in 2020.
“My family is thrilled. The principal called and congratulated me this morning and the school is definitely on the up-and-up thanks to a really good team of teachers. I also had an English tutor who helped me immensely by allowing me to sharpen my writing.”
“Williamstown High School is tracking very well for academic success. A few years ago, the top score was 95 or 96 and nice as it is to have the personal achievements, it’s very good to have gone through the state school system.”
Williamstown High School has delivered its highest ever result, with Julian McIntyre achieving a perfect score of 99.95.
Julian’s high score topped his brother Daniil’s 2019 score of score 99.9.
Julian studied English, specialist maths and French and a university extension program this year having completed Year 12 maths methods and physics in 2020.
“My family is thrilled. The principal called and congratulated me this morning and the school is definitely on the up-and-up thanks to a really good team of teachers. I also had an English tutor who helped me immensely by allowing me to sharpen my writing.”
“Williamstown High School is tracking very well for academic success. A few years ago, the top score was 95 or 96 and nice as it is to have the personal achievements, it’s very good to have gone through the state school system.”
Vermont Secondary College student Mitchell Cann has scored a perfect ATAR of 99.95 and plans to continue his studies in a most topical field.
“I want to do medicine at either Monash or Melbourne Uni, possibly specialising in infectious diseases,” he said.
“I’ve wanted to do medicine since Year 7.”
He said he had been expecting to rank about 98 and that keeping in contact with his teachers had been vital in managing to continue to stay focused during the pandemic.
Vermont principal Tony Jacobs said Mitchell’s fantastic result was the leading highlight of many, with almost 51 per cent of the school’s 199 VCE students recording an ATAR above 80, and almost 27 per cent ranking above 90.
Mr Jacobs said the outstanding results were extraordinary given the circumstances.
“These guys have pretty much had two years of lockdown, and they’ve missed out on the combined co-curricular program, on social occasions,” Mr Jacobs said.
“In those circumstances, to achieve these results is outstanding.”
Twins Tom and Greg Umansky were overjoyed on Thursday morning to both get over 99.
Tom received 99.55 and Greg 99.2.
“To be honest I didn’t think I would get over 99. I am so happy and can’t believe it,” Greg said.
He said the twins weren’t too competitive and wanted each other to do well.
“I waited for (Tom) to open his first and I then just wanted to get close to him.”
When asked what his plans were for the day, he said: “Probably we’ll go and get a drink.”
The McKinnon Secondary College student said their teachers were incredible and helped them a lot.
The sporty twins completed twin courses of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physical Education and English, as well as being members of the school senior soccer team.
Greg is aiming for a tertiary course in physiotherapy or radiography, while Tom aims to apply for dentistry.
The benefits of having a fellow student at home was seen as a key ingredient in their success, with both agreeing that having someone to push them through the toughest days of lockdown was a luxury the majority of the state simply didn’t have.
Victoria’s top VCE students will be revealed on Friday at 12.01am.
A searchable database on the Herald Sun website will feature every pupil who achieved a VCE subject study score of 40 or above, with the scores also printed in Friday’s edition of the paper.
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