By Noel Towell
Gabriel Carrubba doesn’t have an ATAR score. The emerging Australian writer, director and film producer didn’t even sit the VCE, but that hasn’t stopped him from carving out his dream career in the movie business.
Gabriel Carrubba never sat his VCE, but that hasn’t held him back from launching a filmmaking career.Credit: Justin McManus
Carrubba, 28, whose debut feature, Sunflower, had a cinema release around the country this year, said this week that he dropped out of year 11 to follow his acting dream, despite being told it was a bad idea.
“I don’t know if it was blissful ignorance or if I just had a hunch, but I stuck to my guns,” Carrubba said.
After a stint in acting school, he ventured into the industry, but acting work dried up. South Melbourne private college JMC Academy, which specialises in creative industries, ended up giving him what he needed to crack the movie business.
“JMC and everyone there equipped me with the tools I needed to pursue a career in filmmaking,” Carrubba said.
“Regardless of not having an ATAR score, not having a year 12 pass, I was still able to pursue a career in filmmaking, which has become my fulltime job.”
More than 40 per cent of students enrolling in university last year did so without using an ATAR, although nearly all universities require a year 12 completion for students aged under 21 to get into an undergraduate course.
La Trobe University education expert Therese Keane, who has worked on VCE study design for more than 25 years, advised students who are disappointed with their results on Thursday not to panic.
Keane said a disappointing ATAR score was “simply a detour, not the final destination”.
“While it’s disappointing for those who don’t get the ATAR they were hoping for, there are many pathways to achieving their goals,” the academic said.
“Students need to understand their results, explore alternative pathways, reassess their goals, seek support and look for late or alternative offers.
“Many students discover success through unforeseen opportunities. Many universities run days to help students with changing their preference if they do not get their desired ATAR.”
Premier Jacinta Allan also sought to soothe nerves among the 75,000 students waiting for exam results to drop at 7am on Thursday.
“I can imagine the next few hours are a bit of a nervous time. I certainly remember that nervous time,” the premier said. “Your results don’t define you … There’ll be a world of opportunities there to open up.”
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