News

2016 HSC Results and Student Achievements Acknowledged

Macquarie College maintains “Top 150” Schools ranking through its commitment to education excellence in the Hunter Region.

Macquarie College is proud of the achievements of its 46 students who recently completed the Higher School Certificate in 2016.  As a result of 28 top band results from the HSC class of 2016, Macquarie College delivers one of the Region’s highest performing secondary school programs.

Macquarie College is the leading faith-based education provider in the Region, offering a Pre-School to Year 12 education experience underpinned by Christian values and principles.  This Christian framework supports students throughout their entire schooling, and in the holistic development of young people who will contribute not only to our local community, but to the wider global community in the future.  Of the 46 students completing their HSC this year, 16 students began their education in Kindergarten at Macquarie College and are known as ‘K-12 Originals’.

Highest ATAR Year 12 Dux, Alex Bodkin, achieved Top All Rounder by receiving 90 or higher in five examinations undertaken (Chemistry, English Advanced, Mathematics, PDHPE, Studies of Religion 2) and received an ATAR of 97.7.  As a result, Alex intends pursuing a career in emergency medicine and trauma response, if successful in gaining entry to Medicine at James Cook University.

Throughout 2015/16, Alex’s approach to studying her HSC involved a good balance of study and relaxation.

“I was really organised right throughout the HSC, I committed to regular study but these were not strictly timetabled,” Ms Bodkin said.

“By keeping up to date with readings, note-taking and summaries every week, I wasn’t overloaded, it was just about making continual progress.”

“While I would have liked a few more marks to open up a more options, I’m proud of these marks and now just have to wait for offers to be made.”

“I went to the gym every day after school because I made time for that, as well as weekly dinner catch-ups with my friends.  It was really important to me to do that in between study sessions.”

“I’m really grateful for all of the assistance I received from my teachers, because they were so approachable throughout the HSC, to help with anything.  They really cared for us and made sure we understood, and had the best chance possible to do well in the exams.”

Sarah Jones achieved an excellent result in Studies of Religion 2 unit, ranking 6th in the State.

Aidan Gageler has an additional reason to celebrate this year, after his Visual Arts Major Work was selected for inclusion in the ARTEXPRESS exhibition touring New South Wales in 2017.   His work, a photographic series titled “Wanderer above the fog”, featured landscape images from across the Hunter Valley and demonstrated advanced photographic composition and editing techniques.

Macquarie College Principal, Dr Bruce Youlden, congratulated this year’s cohort on their achievements, confirming that the HSC results are one of many important elements which represent students’ overall achievement during their time at the College.

“The 2016 Year 12 cohort has worked hard to achieve personal best results in every area of academic study and co-curricular pursuits,” Dr Youlden said.

“Our staff have nurtured this cohort over many years as they progressed through the Senior School, challenging each individual to learn course material comprehensively, and understand ways in which it can be applied to their daily lives.”

Dr Youlden praised the students and their families following today’s ATAR announcements, reflecting on the journey they have experienced over the past two years and the new life experiences awaiting the departing Year 12 students.

“We are proud of the students’ efforts and know that these performances will open many doors to future study and employment for a rich and fulfilling future.”

“Macquarie College continues to offer a well-rounded program of academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual learning which enriches the lives of our students as they enter society and guides them in their life choices as young adults.”

SUMMARY OF YEAR 12 PERFORMANCE IN THE 2016 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

STUDENT ATARs

9% received 95+

20% received 90+

48% received 80+