STUDENTS across the state celebrated and commiserated when the 2015 VCE results were released yesterday, with local schools acknowledging excellent outcomes for their students.
James Gover was Gippsland Grammar’s dux, with a score of 98.75, including a High Distinction for Monash University’s extension mathematics, while Katherine Warry was dux at Catholic College Sale.
Maffra Secondary College’s dux was Letitia Abdoo, while at Sale College Dustin Haines achieved 96.2, with a study score of 45.8 in specialist mathematics.
Gippsland Grammar principal David Baker said he was exceptionally proud of the results, which were the strongest in years.
“As a school we are thrilled with the outstanding results attained by our high achieving students. In particular we are pleased that our Monash University Extension Mathematics results were of a distinction average and our VET Furnishing students achieved outstanding results. These results ensure we continue to be a leading school in regional Victoria,” he said.
“We would like to congratulate all of our students who successfully obtained their VCE or VCAL certificates. Each and every one of these students has enjoyed a passion for excellence, and now because of their fantastic results, have opportunities abound. I wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Seventeen per cent of Gippsland Grammar students achieved a score of more than 95, which puts them in the top five percent of the state.
Grammar’s average subject study score was 32.3, and median ATAR was 73, with 43 per cent of students scoring higher than 80.
Catholic College Sale senior school coordinator Ken Holmes was also proud of his school’s achievements.
“Once again it has been most pleasing to see the efforts of numerous students rewarded with some excellent individual ATAR results.
“Catholic College Sale takes great pride in witnessing our students strive hard to reach their potential. However, what is important, are the qualities and characteristics demonstrated by students in having a solid foundation upon which to base future careers.
“ATAR scores are sometimes not often indicative of effort and many of our students have every right to feel extremely proud of their achievements. Congratulations, well done and our thoughts and prayers go with you on your journey,” Mr Holmes said.
Maffra’s Letitia Abdoo was very pleased with her results, and excited about pursuing her university studies in education and the arts at Monash next year.
Ms Abdoo said she loved working with children and having a positive impact on them.
“I was initially thinking about primary education, but having been at Maffra Secondary College and seeing the great relationships you can have with teachers at this age, I’ve decided to pursue secondary teaching instead,” Letitia said.
Maffra Secondary College acting principal Adam Hogan said the school was proud of all of its students this year, who will go on to access a range of pathways.
“We’re also really proud of Letitia, who has been a remarkable school captain for us this year; a very genuine and considerate individual who has been a great role model across the school.”
Sale College dux Dustin Haines is looking to take up software engineering at RMIT, after completing University Enhancement studies in Computer Science.
Several students at Sale College also gained apprenticeships or traineeships, with 60 completing VET at Certificate 2 Trade level.
Results were very strong across Victoria, according to Minister for Education, James Merlino.
“Completing VCE is a significant achievement in anyone’s life and I congratulate more than 49,000 students across the state for reaching this milestone. You should be very proud of what you have achieved.”
Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien agreed, and thanked teachers, schools, families and employers for their contributions.
“Completing the VCE is an achievement that all students should be proud of regardless of the result,” he said.
“If you haven’t received the result you had hoped for, there are many pathways that will still enable you to reach your goal.
” Your ATAR score won’t define your life, it’s what you do with it from here that counts.”
