The following schools have advertised in this feature

TAS has again excelled in a range of subjects in the Higher School Certificate.

Overall, nine students made the distinguished achievers list, between them achieving Band 6 results (or equivalent) in 12 courses; English (advanced), English extension 1, mathematics, mathematics extension 1 & 2, music 1& 2 and music extension, history extension, PDHPE, design and technology and visual arts.

Jack Tizzard from Kootingal was awarded the highest band in four subjects, including a mark of 98 in visual arts.

Jack also excelled in the practical component of the subject, his major work being selected for the HSC visual arts showcase ARTEXPRESS to be hung at the Art Gallery of NSW in 2017.

He also achieved Band 6 results in English advanced, English extension 1 and history extension.

“I’m pretty satisified overall – I didn’t aim for specific marks but to just apply myself as best I could across all my seven subjects and am happy with my preparation,” Jack said.

“The work in my English and history subjects also helped me with the writing for my visual arts, and I had a goal to make it into ARTEXPRESS at the Art Gallery of NSW so I’m very pleased about that.” 

Charlie Wyatt, from Warren, was rewarded with Band 6 results in English advanced, and both maths extension 1 and 2, while Angus Lloyd of Armidale achieved Band 6s in English advanced, mathematics and music 2.

Jarrod Bourke of Moree received two Band 6s, in maths extension 1 and maths extension 2.

Charlie and Jarrod were the deputy senior prefects at the school and both were involved in a lunchtime program reading and playing with students at Minimbah School and Charlie was also a CUO in Cadets.

Meanwhile Angus was a school prefect, house captain and involved in the school’s music program.

The remainder of Band 6s were achieved in a range of subjects.

“Once again English and maths have been our strongest performing faculties, but what is particularly pleasing this year has been the strong result in the creative arts,” Headmaster Murray Guest said.

Andrew Knight achieved full marks (50/50) in music extension 1 and has been nominated for the HSC music showcase concert Encore at the Sydney Opera House next year and selected to perform at the regional showcase Bravissimo.

Students performed strongly across all three music courses offered at the school, with all of the music extension students achieving the highest band possible, 75 per cent of students in music 1 scoring a Band 6 and all of the music 2 class receiving marks above 86. 

Year 12 students from the New England Girls’ School woke early last Thursday morning to receive their much-awaited HSC marks with many producing high results and extending well above the state average in ten out of sixteen subjects.

Furthermore, of the 31 students who sat for the HSC this year (compared to 23 last year), six girls achieved the prestigious Band 6 result. 

Principal Mary Anne Evans has praised the Year 12 girls noting the results were a tribute to the dedication and hard work put in by the girls and the staff who supported the girls during their academic journey.

“It is not only the high achievers who should be celebrated but also those girls who improved their performances to lift above what may have been expected of them, to reach their potential and to ignite their passion and purpose for the future,” Ms Evans said.

“Forty one per cent of all examinations sat gained a Band 5, an incredible result from a wide range of abilities across all subjects.”

Of the 16 subjects sat at NEGS, ten of them were above the State average with five subjects, including Agriculture, Ancient History, English Standard, Senior Science and Visual Arts attaining over 5% above the State average reflecting the efforts of the majority of students in these subjects who gained Band 6 and Band 5 results. 

There has been an outstanding increase in the number of Band 6 results achieved in the NSW Catholic Sector this year.

Students in Catholic schools improved more than 2 times the state average improvement in Band 6 results.

The schools in the Diocese of Armidale reflected these outstanding results. The Band 6 results for the Armidale Diocese are the best in 10 years with students from O’Connor Catholic College Armidale.

Students at O’Connor Catholic College were the best performers of the secondary schools in Armidale (based on SMH, December 16). Catholic Schools director Chris Smyth said “the continued focus on student learning with secondary school teachers working collaboratively across the Diocese has contributed to these results”.

“The Armidale system of Catholic schools are characterised by high expectations so that students will achieve their potential.We also support and challenge teachers to improve their classroom practice against professional standards to enhance student outcomes.”

Tim Hanrahan, 2016 School Captain from O’Connor Catholic College in Armidale achieved an ATAR of 97.00. Tim achieved Band 6 results in Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Chemistry, Physics and Studies of Religion 1.

Tim has been offered the prestigious Malcolm Chaikin Foundation Scholarship that supports students studying in the fields of science and engineering at The University of New South Wales. Next year he will study a double degree- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronic Engineering and Masters of Biomedical Engineering at UNSW. 

The Armidale High School community congratulated the class of 2016 on their outstanding HSC results which were released last week.

In total the school recorded 20 Band 6s and 88 Band 5s in 33 courses that were offered at the school. More than 50 per cent of this year’s candidates scored a Band 5 and/or 6 in 2016.

Relieving Principal, Carolyn Lupton said that this year’s results were a reflection of good study practices and sustained effort. “Our students should feel very proud of their achievements,” Ms Lupton said.

“The commitment of the teaching staff to prepare our students for the HSC is admirable. The support offered to students at Armidale High extends well beyond timetabled school days and our results reflect that.

“While we are enormously proud of the efforts of every one of our students there are a number of students who are among the top achievers and distinguished achievers.”

Torsten Strokirch and Claudia Teece both achieved perfect scores of 50 in English Extension 2 and Extension Music respectively.

The release of the ATARs last week was also cause for celebration with Kyle O’Donohue scoring 93.95, Torsten Strokirch 91.40, Tenzin Khendrup Gyeltshen 88.25, Natasha Favotto 86.35, Jordana Kelly 84.75 and Josh Lisle 84.90.

Many students will take a gap year before entering into university to pursuit further study. A great number of students have also excelled in vocational courses and have completed their schooling with a dual qualification.

“Our school-based trainees will have the jump on other school-leavers as many have already taken up apprenticeships as a result of studying a vocational course at school.”

Careers Adviser Mrs Hardman said: “We would like to acknowledge all our students, their families who have provided them with so much support, and the teachers and support staff who have worked with them over their six years at Duval High School.

“To all students who have excelled, your results are testimony to your dedication, hard work, perseverance and the support of your teachers. Congratulations to our distinguished achievers.

“Our school has an ongoing focus on supporting students to strive for excellence whether it be academic, cultural, sporting or community based.

“Good luck to you as you move onto the next stage in your life. Always strive to bring your ambition to life. We are all very proud of your achievements and wish you every success in your future studies, employment, travel or wherever your life journey takes you. Wishing you great inspiration and success.”

The size of the PLC Armidale Year 12 cohort has been no barrier to the success of the students who graduated from the College in 2016. In fact, it appears that the more personal approach has been a positive contributor to the students’ HSC results, Principal Nicola Taylor said. 

PLC Armidale officially announced its 2016 HSC results today after an analysis was undertaken by Mrs Taylor and senior staff.

In summary, the high score results (Band 6 or equivalent) were achieved by 36 per cent of the cohort across eleven separate courses taught at the College. In addition, 80 per cent of the Class of 2016 achieved a Band 5 (mark over 80) result in at least one subject.

The highest ATAR was achieved by the 2016 Sports Captain, Annaliese Harrington (Walcha) with a score of 96.45. 
Annaliese who had originally hoped to further her studies in Aeronautical Engineering has now revised her plans to study Medicine at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

“I am so excited,” she said. “I did achieve well in my favourite subject which is Physics, but I am really surprised and pleased with my Advanced English mark as well and have to sincerely thank Mrs Clynch for her help and inspiration there.”

Annaliese’s proud Mum,Vicky, thanked the College and staff for their dedication and support as well as the College’s Foundation.

“We are truly grateful to the College staff and especially grateful to the PLC Armidale Foundation for providing Annaliese with an All Rounder Scholarship which has enabled her to achieve such an outstanding result.”

Four other students attained an ATAR over 90: Emma O’Donoghue (Armidale), Genevieve Walsh (Uralla), Georgina Cornall (Armidale) and Clare Askey (Armidale).

Head Prefect, Genevieve Walsh from Uralla was very pleased with her results:

“I am absolutely stoked with some of my results and cannot thank my teachers and family enough for their support this past year.” she said.

In a letter distributed to the PLC Armidale College community today, PLC Armidale Principal, Mrs Taylor said.

“The results reflect the unity and uniqueness which characterized this small, yet very capable cohort. The achievement of the girls both individually and collectively within each course exemplify the culture of learning at the College where girls are encouraged to strive, achieve, excel.

“The Class of 2016 will be remembered for their generous contributions to the wider life of the College and their connection to students across the various year groups. They have shown exemplary leadership skills and honed their individual talents to achieve very pleasing results. The College is very proud of a cohort of well-rounded individuals who have enriched the school community enormously with their vitality, dedication and consideration of others, attributes which will serve them well in the years ahead. Congratulations to all.”