Erica Barclay, Genevieve Moseley, and Janelle D’Souza achieved top VCE marks at Mater Christi College.
By Casey Neill
MONBULK College’s 2011 high achievers start university in the next few weeks, after their Year 12 results ranked the school among the state’s most improved.
Principal Margaret Uren said the school had focused on supporting high achieving students in the past two years, through programs and activities, and it was “really, really pleasing” to see it pay off.
Ms Uren said the school had also improved study spaces to help students work together in groups. She said nine per cent of students gained an Australian Tertiary Admission Score (ATAR) of 90 or more, and 17 per cent scored 80 or more.
“Most of them got into the course that they wanted to as well,” she said.
“We’re hoping to back it up and have set up similar strategies.”
She said facilities in a new science building set to open this term would include another new study space, and the 2011 Year 12s had already passed on advice and encouragement to their successors.
Kallista student Lachlan Cleeve was the college dux, with a 96.35 ATAR.
“I was ridiculously surprised,” he said.
Lachlan achieved a study score of 51 for his best subject, German. He credited the outstanding result to a two-month college trip to Germany in Year 11.
He studied for about two hours each weeknight.
“On weekends I didn’t do much study,” he said.
“I probably should have done more.
“The best thing for me was just making notes and actually studying.”
Lachlan was excited and nervous about starting his physiotherapy course at Monash University’s Peninsula campus, because it also means moving out of home.
Mount Evelyn’s Neisha Mclean will start biomedicine at University of Melbourne.
“It’s a bit daunting,” she said.
She was thrilled with her 95.5 ATAR.
“I couldn’t believe it was real,” she said. “I was relieved the effort finally paid off.”
Her advice to Year 12s was to study consistently throughout the year – not just cram before exams – and to take time out with friends.
At Belgrave’s Mater Christi College, more than 90 per cent of further study applicants were offered places. More than 70 per cent were offered their first preference.
Principal Mary Fitz-Gerald said last year’s 132 Year 12 students ensured the school’s mean study score remained at 32.
College dux Maria Bergamasco achieved an ATAR of 98.55. Four other students, Monica Biondo, Genevieve Mosely, Erica Barclay and Janelle D’Souza, also scored above 98.
About 16 per cent of students scored higher than 90, and 40 per cent higher than 80.
“These outstanding results are an affirmation of our commitment to all students achieving their personal best and a source of great pride and satisfaction for students, families and staff,” Ms Fitz-Gerald said.
