By KATRINA BRANDON

 

THE results are in.

High school students have been waiting as long as three weeks to see results for their VCE exams.

With the countdown rolling in early last Thursday (December 12), the question for students beckoned for what was to come.

More than 22,700 VCE graduates received study scores of 40 or higher, more than 688 received the maximum study score of 50, and 3160 students have been awarded the VCE-Baccalaureate.

Minister for Education, Ben Carroll congratulated the 61,998 students across the state that will graduate this year in VCE, including 8250 VCE Vocational Major graduates who gained practical experience in industries through VET studies.

“Congratulations to every student – you should be proud of everything you’ve already achieved as you move to the next exciting step, whether it be further study, training, the workforce or a gap year,” he said.

Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing reassured those who may not have received the score they wanted, that alternative pathways were available.

“Congratulations. Truly. Your stamina and determination have been years in the making. You’ve put in a lot, given up a lot to get to this point, and there are so many things you can and should be proud of,” she posted.

“It’s absolutely ok if you feel a little bit lost, anxious, exhausted, overjoyed, aimless or sad all at once. I felt a whole rollercoaster of things on that day, and in the weeks that followed.

“You are enough. And no matter what today’s number says, that doesn’t change.

“I just missed out by the narrowest of margins, on getting in to the uni course I wanted to do, and I was devastated. But fast forward a year and I transferred to that course after my first year.

“There are always paths, they may just be a little different to what you imagined.”

 

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School

THE 2024 St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Dux was Indily Francis of Boolarra, who received an ATAR of 98.65.

Close behind, India Van Berkel of Traralgon with an ATAR of 97.8 who also achieved a perfect study score of 50 in Cert III Sport and Recreation, and Annalisa Baxter of Warragul got a 96.25 including a perfect study score of 50 in Visual Communication and Design.

Other very high achievers included: Ann-Maria Thomas of Warragul with 94.35, Oliver Haberl of Traralgon (94.05), Codey Jackson of Warragul (93.85), Lucinda Waller of Buln Buln (93.25), Sienna Christian of Warragul (93.10), Max O’Connor of Mountain View (92.65), and Angela Mirkovic of Warragul (91.50).

In addition to the two perfect study scores of 50 achieved by the class of 2024, Year 10 student Asmi Pathania also achieved a study score of 50 in General Mathematics.

“The school is incredibly proud of the way our class of 2024 embraced every opportunity they were presented with both in and outside of the classroom,” a statement from the school said.

“They have applied themselves to their studies in a dedicated and enthusiastic manner and balanced this with involvement in a wide array of co-curricular pursuits.

“The class of 2024 approached this year with maturity and good humour and have consistently responded to situations in a way which fills the broader community with pride.

“In all, 10 per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 90 and 44 per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 70. The fact that St Paul’s does not stream students out of Year 12, or offer a VCE Vocational Major stream, means that these results are truly indicative of the quality environment of learning and teaching that St Paul’s offers.”

This year’s cohort have a variety of plans for the immediate future from tertiary study in areas such as health, commerce and law, as well as employment opportunities such as apprenticeships and Australian Defence Force traineeships.

“We are pleased to note the increasing number of students who have already secured conditional places in tertiary institutions prior to the completion of Year 12,” the school said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the class of 2024 and helping them find a post-school pathway which allows them to pursue their potential.

“We are incredibly proud of the class of 2024 and wish them the very best for the future.”

 

Lavalla Catholic College

ROHINI Arun Kumar was Lavalla Catholic College’s Dux for 2024.

She received an ATAR of 98.35, including a perfect study score of 50 in biology.

Next year, Rohini hopes to study medicine at university and forge a successful career helping others with their health and wellbeing.

Lavalla Principal, Ryan Greer said the community was proud of Rohini and the rest of the 2024 graduates.

“Whilst Rohini’s results are incredibly pleasing, she is also an exceptional young person who is caring, kind and compassionate towards others,” Mr Greer said.

“We celebrate Rohini’s success and know that she will make a strong and positive contribution to society, with whichever career path she chooses.”

 

Lowanna College

BROOKE Hunter was Lowanna College’s Dux for 2024.

Brooke received an ATAR of 91.55.

Support: Lowanna College’s Year 12 Dux, Brooke Hunter, pictured with Lowanna educator Nicole Taylor. Photograph supplied

“I am surprised,” she said.

“Next year I plan to work and travel and then study something in the sporting field at university.

“It was a weird feeling after exams – they were harder than I expected. I didn’t think I would do that well, and I felt relieved (when exams finished).

“Subjects completed were Sport and Recreation (in 2023), Psychology, Biology, General Maths, English and Physical Education.

“Physical Education and Psychology were my favourite subjects. Biology was hard but I did better than expected, I was surprised at my score (for Biology).”

When asked how her family was feeling, Brooke said: “Mum is just as excited as I am.”

Ben Hall was next best with a 90.1 ATAR.

Ben will be studying engineering at Federation University next year.

The subjects he completed were Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Music (Contemporary Performance), VET Music Performance, English and Physics.

Lowanna College Acting Principal, Julia Niamh congratulated students on their achievements.

“The VCE results are a true reflection of the outstanding effort and determination shown by all our students throughout the year. These impressive efforts will provide our students with the opportunity to access a range of pathways, whether it be university, TAFE, or apprenticeships, she said.

“We are immensely proud and would like to congratulate our College Dux for 2024. Not only has Brooke achieved exceptional VCE outcomes, but she also consistently upheld and demonstrated our values of ‘respect, integrity, determination, growth and excellence’ which will place her in good stead for her future.”

 

Trafalgar High School

TRAFALGAR High School had exceptional VCE results for 2024.

Thirteen per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 90, while 21 per cent had an ATAR above 80.

Dux went to Poppy Susa, with an ATAR of 97.95.

Kudos: Trafalgar High School Dux Poppy Susa, with the school’s principal Brett Pedlow. Trafalgar High School had exceptional VCE results, with more than 20 per cent of students achieving an ATAR above 80. Photograph supplied

There were six per cent of study scores over 40 and 10 per cent of study scores over 37, a median study score of 27 and mean study score of 28.

Trafalgar High School students excelled in Maths Methods and Specialist Maths, Physics, Biology, Legal Studies, Music, and Food Studies.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by our students,” Trafalgar High School Principal, Brett Pedlow said.

“It is particularly noteworthy that one of our SEAL program students, who commenced at Trafalgar High School in Year 7, has carried through to Year 12 and achieved the prestigious title of Dux.

“Poppy’s remarkable ATAR of 97.95 stands as our second-highest result in over a decade – a testament to her hard work and perseverance.”

“Equally impressive is the fact that 13 per cent of our students achieved an ATAR above 90, with 21 per cent scoring above 80.

“These outstanding results reflect the breadth of academic success across a wide range of subjects and key learning domains. At Trafalgar High School, students are empowered to pursue pathways that align with their interests and strengths, supported by a dedicated team that helps them achieve excellent outcomes.

“It is also worth highlighting the exceptional results achieved in high-level mathematics and science subjects. These outcomes not only underscore the calibre of teaching and learning in these areas but also position Trafalgar High School as a leader in academic excellence across Gippsland.”

 

Gippsland Grammar

GIPPSLAND Grammar students excelled in this year’s VCE, with 26 per cent of the class of 2024 achieving an ATAR above 90, placing them in the top 10 per cent of students in Victoria.

Those 20 high-achieving 90+ students represent an increase of 13 per cent of Gippsland Grammar students reaching those same heights from 2023, and includes 10 students who achieved an ATAR above 95, including Dux recipient Grace Ng with an ATAR of 99.85.

Gippsland Grammar’s average ATAR was 74.4, significantly higher than the state average of 69.52.

Gippsland Grammar students received a remarkable 41 study scores of 40 or above, including 11 students who received more than one 40+ study score.

Year 12 student Zara Clydesdale achieved her second perfect study score with a 50 in Visual Communications Design, after receiving the perfect score of 50 and a subsequent 2023 Premiers Award for her perfect score in Media last year, which she studied as a Year 11 student.

This year, two Year 10 students who studied Unit 3/4 Biology achieved 40+ study scores, with Lily Canfield achieving a 46 and Kate Edgar a 44.

Gippsland Grammar’s Head of Year 12, Justin Henderson said this year’s outstanding results were some of the strongest he had seen in his five years at the school.

“This year’s results show the commitment to excellence our students have,” Mr Henderson said.

“They have worked incredibly hard to achieve these results but many of these students have also embraced the whole-school experience alongside their dedication to their studies. In addition to their academic focus, these students have also starred in our school productions, taken on prefect roles, embraced our co-curricular program and competed in our sporting teams; they have displayed excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Traralgon’s Alanna Magee was Gippsland Grammar’s Dance Captain this year and was thrilled with her ATAR of 93.2 and an early offer to study Nursing at Australian Catholic University.

“I couldn’t look at my results this morning so I gave the phone to my sister and I had to judge off her reaction,” Alanna said on the morning of the ATAR results release.

“And when I saw her jaw drop to the floor, nothing could prepare me for the feeling of relief and pride that I felt. And then I burst into tears, and my mum did the same thing when she heard.

“I’ve had a really tough year so I really wanted my score to show that good things can come from struggle. I wanted to do my best for myself and for my family to make everyone proud.

The next milestone for many of these students will be on December 23 when university offers are announced.

Plan in place: Traralgon College Dux, Giselle Daly. Giselle has a passion for English and a desire to peruse higher education in the hope of becoming a secondary school teacher. Photograph supplied