Victorian International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students wake up to their results
More than 700 Victorian International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students will find out if they have done enough to get into their dream university course after the release of notional ATARs. See all the results.
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More than 700 Victorian International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program students will find out whether they have done enough to get into their dream university course, following the release of notional ATARs on Wednesday.
A notional ATAR is a rank calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and is used to directly compare the results of applicants who have studied under different Victorian educational systems.
It comes after 823 Victorians IB students found out their scores on Tuesday with the highest result being a 45, which is equivalent to a perfect ATAR of 99.95.
The IB cohort will join 47,461 year 12 VCE students who received their ATARs last week ahead of the first round of university offers coming out on December 23.
VTAC chief executive Teresa Tija congratulated IB students, which included 12 Victorians achieving an IB admission score of 45.
IB is a specialised but academically-challenging diploma program offered to more than 200,000 high school students globally.
Six Victorian government schools offered the program this year, including three selective-entry colleges, and it was also offered to students at 20 independent school campuses across the state.
Werribee Secondary College
Two Werribee Secondary College students who undertook the IB this year were Cedric Wong and Yusuf Olatundun, who both achieved scores of 39.
Looking towards the future, Cedric is hoping to pursue a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Engineering at the University of Melbourne.
“Graduating with an IB Diploma and a score of 39, I believe that I have acquired the necessary skills and abilities for the university life ahead of me,” he said.
“I believe that my goals and ambitions for the future will ultimately lead me towards a successful career, and a life all the more wonderful.”
Meanwhile, Yusuf’s aspiration is to study the Science Advanced Research course at Monash University, with a major in biochemistry.
“I hope to pursue research either in academia or in the industry in the future as I’ve always loved the sciences and the process of discovery that comes along with it,” he said.
“Much of this passion has been sparked by great IB teachers in Werribee Secondary and elsewhere who I thank for their dedication and wisdom.”
Creek St Christian College
Creek St Christian College student Joel Matthews acquired a notional ATAR of 84.90 and was crowned the school’s dux.
He has big plans for the future ahead.
“I plan to move to Melbourne to study Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University,” he said.
“After graduation, I would like to continue studying in Melbourne by completing my Masters in Engineering”.
Carey Baptist Grammar School
Four Carey Baptist Grammar students achieved an IB of 44 or above, which is equivalent to an ATAR of 99.3 placing them in the top 0.7 per cent of the state.
Meanwhile 32 per cent achieved an IB of 39 and above while 87 per cent obtained an IB of 30 and above.
Student Taran Qiu, who was named the school’s IB dux, achieved a perfect score of 45, equating to an ATAR of 99.95.
In terms of VCE results, which the school was yet to release until today, 13 students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above, while seven per cent of all ATARs were 98 or above.
The median ATAR at Carey was 83.4, with Kevin Chen named the 2024 VCE Dux.
Wesley College
Emily Walsh, who completed her IB at Wesley College’s St Kilda Rd campus, achieved an ATAR of 99.40.
The graduate chose to complete the diploma program as she enjoyed the diverse range of subjects it offered and challenged her academically.
The violinist also played in the school orchestra from year 7, which she said was a creative outlet that gave her an opportunity to step away from the academic pressure.
Her goal now is to pursue a double degree in biomedicine and law at university.
As for her advice to the Class of 2025, Emily said students should “stay true to yourself and focus on your goals”.
“Set yourself goals that are personal to you, which align with your values and ambitions. By striving towards these, you’ll find fulfillment, no matter what the outcome,” she said.
Methodist Ladies’ College
A total of 18 students at Methodist Ladies’ College achieved an IB score of 40 or above this year, including one student who achieved a perfect score of 45 and three pupils who obtained a diploma score of 44.
IB Dux Sucundae Hannah Kilpatrick said she was ecstatic over her results which were yet to “sink in”.
“I actually opened (my results) by myself because I was too nervous to open them around my family,” she said.
“But I told my family afterwards and they’re so happy, some are probably happier than me.”
Hannah wants to study medicine at Monash University next year.
School principal Julia Shea said the results students achieved were a testament to their dedication, curiosity and engagement.
“The IB Diploma Program is a remarkable program that equips students to think critically, solve complex problems, and approach the challenges of our world with optimism and an open mind,” she said.
“We are confident that our 2024 IB cohort will go on to lead bright futures and make meaningful contributions on a global scale.”
Other students who received their IB results were Camille Shultis, Kate Zhang and Bianca McMurtrie.
Camille, who has already secured early entry into a double degree in law at Australian National University, chose the IB diploma program to study the environment and global politics.
“It’s really important to keep doing what you love and try to fit that into your study schedule,” she said.
“Keep trying new things; it’s never too late to start something new.”
As for Camille’s peer Kate, she pursued the program to push her academic boundaries, while fellow student Bianca – who is on a mission to raise $10,000 for an 800km charity bike ride in Thailand – said the course has helped her make a difference.
Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School
Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School graduate Danielle Bernardo will also receive her results on Tuesday, after balancing her schooling with her role as Student Representative Council co-president.
Mac.Robertson Girls’ High was one of three selective-entry state schools which offered the IB program this year.
“Student voice and agency is very strong at Mac. Rob and Dani and her co-leader have done a fabulous job of leading the very many student leaders and sub-committees to achieve great student involvement and participation,” principal Sue Harrap said.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College
Five students at Presbyterian Ladies’ College achieved perfect IB scores of 45, including graduate Megan Liem who said completing the extended essay was a “significant milestone” in her academic journey.
“Upon finishing the essay, I felt an immense sense of accomplishment, reinforcing my passion for learning,” she said.
“The support and encouragement from teachers and peers have been invaluable, and I am proud of the person I have become.”
Other students who achieved perfect scores were Yueheng (Jenny) Gong, Lauren Chew and Akshala Ravindran.
Lauren, who wants to study commerce and law at Monash University next year, said the program pushed her to be a better academic.
“Although there have been many challenging concepts in the course, I am appreciative of the way it has deepened my understanding of the world,” she said.
Yueheng added the program encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, while Akshala said it equipped her with the skills for “responsible future action”.
Principal Cheryl Penberthy celebrated the students’ extraordinary achievements, which she said were a reflection of the “legacy of excellence that defines PLC”.
Students Lauren Chew, Alison Chin and Jenny Gong were named as the school’s IB Duces after achieving an IB score of 45.
Alison, who plans to study a science degree at the University of Melbourne or Monash University, said the program has inspired her to “give back to the world”.
Kardinia International College
About a third of IB students at Kardinia International College, located near Geelong, received scores that equated to an ATAR over 95, while almost 60 per cent of IB students received an ATAR above 90.
There were 44 students at the college who undertook the program this year, including Ezann Tan who achieved an IB score of 44 which converted to an ATAR of 99.5.
Other top IB scorers were Freddie Tobane and Asher Lowery who obtained IB scores of 43 and 42 respectively.
The college also achieved a median IB score of 35, converting to a nominal ATAR of 90.65.
Principal Catherine Lockhart was delighted with the results.
“Combined with our strong year 12 VCE results, we now have the complete picture of our Class of 2024 and would like to congratulate all our year 12 students on their excellent results,” she said.
Ivanhoe Grammar School
Students participating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Ivanhoe Grammar achieved an excellent set of results, with 11 pupils obtaining a score of 40 or above.
School co-captain Alana Edgley was the top IB performer, and obtained an almost perfect score of 44.
“Receiving my IB results is an incredible relief, and I am extremely proud,” she said.
“The program is a tremendous challenge but exceptionally rewarding, and I am so grateful for all the support throughout the process.”
Principal Gerard Foley is looking forward to consolidating the results with the school’s VCE figures from last week.
“Overall we are delighted with the performance of the Class of 2024, with one of the most pleasing aspects being the high number of students who exceeded expectation and produced personal bests when it counted most,” he said.
Brighton Secondary College
Brighton Secondary College students Isla Scott and Isabel Credaro did so well in the IB Diploma Program this year they both were awarded the school’s Dux for IB.
Isla achieved a score of 38, and said most of the results were what she expected.
“I’m very happy with my result and I’m glad that I chose to pursue IB,” she said.
“I’m hoping it helps me study law and global studies in the future.”
Principal Anne Stout said the school was delighted for their students who had worked hard all year.
“The IB has equipped them with a genuine readiness for life beyond school and we know that they’ll be successful in the pathways they each choose,” she said.
“Their results are a reflection of their commitment to their studies and we are really proud of their efforts.”
Students undertaking the IB diploma program have to follow a strict learning criteria as part of their studies, which consists of six learning area groups including language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences and mathematics.
Additionally, they can participate in an arts subject or choose a second subject in the above learning areas.
Students are also required to participate in three components that are core to the IB diploma program.
This includes writing a 4000 word research essay, completion of the theory of knowledge course which develops critical thinking skills, and participation in “CAS” which is a creativity, physical activity and community service program.
IB students can use their diploma to get into university, similar to how year 12 VCE graduates are required to have an ATAR to enrol into some undergraduate courses.