By Aneeka Simonis and Alana Mitchelson
ACADEMIC geniuses across Casey and Cardinia cleaned up this year, bringing home impressive VCE scores after years of hard work and study.
Ten Beaconhills College students scored an ATAR of over 95.
Rachel Chen was college and Pakenham Campus dux with an ATAR of 99.4 and Lucas Nielsen was the dux of Berwick Campus with 97.4.
Perfect study scores of 50 went to Tess Wilkens for English, Nicholas Prowse and Victor Benko for systems engineering, and Gemma Sorrell for outdoor education.
A total of 242 students completed their VCE at Beaconhills this year, and headmaster Tony Sheumack said he was “absolutely delighted” with the cohort’s results.
“These students have not only been highly successful in their academic subjects, but in their contributions to the college’s service programs both locally and internationally,” he said.
Three Emerald Secondary College students scored an ATAR over 94, with six per cent of final year students scoring 40+ in any single study with the top study score in English being 49/50.
Kooweerup Secondary College principal Felix Patton was proud of the school dux, Samuel Huffer, who received a final study score of 95.5.
He said he was extremely pleased with all the students’ efforts, including four students who scored over 90.
The school’s median study score was 29, and the school recorded a dozen 40 + results.
Chairo Christian School in Pakenham honoured their 2016 dux, Alannah Ellis, after taking out the top study score of 92.15.
Executive principal Rob Bray said Alannah was a deserving dux, and has applied to study science at the University of Melbourne.
“She has made valuable leadership contributions, particularly in the area of music,” he said.
Haileybury in Berwick had eight students who achieved ATARs over 98.
The students, Shi-Yu Chen, Morgan Crantock, Kate Greaves, Dimitri Kypraios, Zara Liang, Terrina McKertish, Mathew Pereira and Nathan Tai, were thrilled with their result as was Clara Charbine who received a perfect study score of 50 for biology.
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School in Warragul boasted some impressive VCE results.
Andrew Gourley scored 98.5, closely followed by Rajasingham who received an ATAR of 98.45.
Oliver Adams had the third best result for the campus, scoring 97.95, a fraction higher than fellow achiever Jack Shaddock who scored 97.9.
Jaymee Hynes was named this year’s Dux of St Francis Xavier College with a score of 98.95.
“I could not have completed Year 12 without the love and support of my family and friends, along with the dedication and guidance I received from my subject teachers, my head of house, Ms Thompson, and my care group teacher Ms Pollard,” she said.
“For me, Year 12 was all about balance. I ensured that I maintained a healthy lifestyle throughout the year, made time for family and friends and spent my mornings and study periods studying in order to keep on top of my school work.
“In my eyes, it is not the score that really matters, but rather the experiences I have had, the people I have met and the knowledge I have gained.”
St Thomas Aquinas College principal Father Michael Fortin said he was very proud of its Year 12 VCE graduates.
“Their overall results show well their attention and service to duty. We heartfully congratulate each one of them, especially the past elected 2016 college captains and vice-captains who have been models of leadership firstly through example,” he said.
“We wish every blessing upon these fine young Citizens of Australia with their bright future endeavours, as we assure each of them continued prayers, support and assistance of their alma mater, St Thomas Aquinas College.”
The highest school achievers at St Thomas Aquinas were dux Therese Foley (2016 Girls College vice-captain) with 92.75, Eliza Braaksma (2016 Girls College captain) with 91.85, Sascha Rayner with 90.55, Richard Ockerse (2016 Boys College vice-captain) with 89 and James Verleg (2016 Boys College vice-captain) scoring 86.4.
About 40 per cent of the class achieved results averaging above an 80 ATAR score.
Almost 30 St Margaret’s Berwick girls achieved VCE study scores over 40 in a range of STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics, together with art) placing them in the top nine per cent for their studies.
These included three perfect study scores of 50: Lani Li in biology, Ebony Hughes in computing informatics and Isabella Imperatore in art.
Minister for Education James Merlino said more than 49,765 students completed their VCE studies this year, while 13,050 completed their Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
More than 14,500 high achieving students received a study score of 40 or more in a subject.
Mr Merlino congratulated students on their efforts, and encouraged anyone feeling disappointed by their result to do something about it.
“If you didn’t get the results you wanted, seek advice from your school and remember there are many pathways to success in life.”
The Gazette did not receive VCE results from Minaret College, Lakeside College, Maranatha, Christian School and Pakenham Secondary.
