Ballarat Grammar graduates pursue maths, medicine, arts

High achievers from Ballarat Grammar’s class of 2019 have impressive ATARs, lofty goals and sound advice for future students.

Impressive results: High achievers from the Ballarat Grammar graduating class of 2019, left to right, Ruby Green, Thomas Burnett, Sophie John, Teresa Heath, Angus McLean, Justice Nicholson, Stephanie Hancock, Headmaster Adam Heath, Luke Williams, Annabella Lewis, Jesse Cruickshank, Amy Zuell, Ella Squire.

BALLARAT Grammar students have received impressive results for their final year of studies in 2019, with two students achieving the school’s top ATAR ranking of 99.75.

Thomas Burnett and Sophie John said they were thrilled with their achievement and grateful for being able to pursue university degrees and future challenges.

Sophie was effusive about her final year and time at the coeducation independent school in Ballarat.

“We are a community of active learners,” she said.

“It’s pretty incredible to look around in a classroom and see a group of passionate students all eager to discuss and learn, and it’s the subsequent friendships I’ve formed with both my classmates and my teachers that have helped me grow so much as a person, showing me not only how to be a good learner, but how to be a good person as well.”

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Thomas said one of the things that made Grammar special were the conversations between staff and students outside of just the course content.

“Whether it be talking with our tute-group mentor about his coffee-roasting business, or talking about politics and the education system with my physics teacher, Saeed,” he said. “These relaxed and informal conversations contribute to what makes the school’s sense of community so strong.”

With five students achieving an ATAR ranking of 99 or above, 17 students achieving 95 or above, and an impressive 35 students achieving 90 or above, the Ballarat Grammar class of 2019 plans to pursue passions from applied maths and research, to medicine and arts.

Grammar students completing applied learning pathways in Vocational Education and Training and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning achieved similarly impressive success with eight students securing apprenticeships for 2020.

Headmaster Adam Heath was proud the whole year level achieved so much growth over the year.

“Across the cohort, our students have achieved results which reflect their diligence and commitment to excellence in all that they do,” he said. “We are very proud of everything they have achieved through their service activities, dedication to sport, to the arts and to the community.”

Thomas and Sophie had advice for future Year 12s.

“My advice would be to take pride in your work and give it your best shot, but find balance,” Thomas said.

“You need to be sustainable in how you’re working, and although you’ll need to make room for a decent bit of study next year, don’t let it be at the expense of your wellbeing, hobbies, or health.”

Sophie said he didn’t have any regrets. “I know I enjoyed every opportunity Year 12 had to offer and remembered to have fun among all the stress and responsibilities,” she said.

To find out more, visit bgs.vic.edu.au.