Academic excellence - St Andrew's Cathedral School
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Academic
excellence
HSC & IB Diploma
Programme
CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS’
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021
Our 2021 cohort demonstrated
incredible tenacity to achieve
outstanding results
The 2021 cohort, who studied for the 3. T
he average ATAR of the top 10 per Language and Literature,
HSC and International Baccalaureate cent of HSC students was a wonderful Environmental Systems
Diploma Programme (IBDP), achieved 97.0 – higher than last year’s high and Societies and Visual Arts.
some of the best outcomes in the tide mark. The average ATAR of the
Our staff are particularly delighted with
school’s history. This is in spite of two top 33 per cent of our HSC students
these HSC/IB Diploma results, and so
years of interrupted study, postponed was an equally splendid 90. In terms
proud of the efforts by students to
examinations and myriad restrictions of individual subjects, Spanish
continue to work solidly through the
throughout the exam season itself. Beginners, Japanese Beginners,
substantial disruptions and lock-downs,
This group of students demonstrated Mathematics Standard and Music 1
all the while keeping their eyes fixed
tenacious character throughout which saw 100 per cent of students achieve
on the end goal of maximising their
resulted in outstanding outcomes, Band 6s. Other strong results came
opportunities beyond school. We are
as based on the following measures: in Aboriginal Studies, French
equally delighted with those students
Continuers, German Continuers,
1. T
he ATARs. One third of student who have not made published honours
Japanese Continuers, Music 2, Music
ATARs were above 90, that is in the lists but who have achieved personal
Extension, Science Extension, and
top 10 per cent of available ATARs. bests or have overcome adverse life
Spanish Extension, where every
circumstances to achieve solid
2. T
he destination surveys of these student achieved a Band 5 or 6.
outcomes which establish chosen
graduates indicate that almost all Incredibly, all of our Music 2
pathways for their valued contribution
students have been offered a place students who wanted to pursue
to society.
at a tertiary institution (for a degree tertiary study in music at the Sydney
or diploma). First preferences for Conservatorium of Music were In the following pages, we have profiled
courses and universities were made offered a place, including our HSC a broad range of the 2021 graduates,
to the large majority of students. Dux Tim Moore. Our HSC students who represent the incredible breadth
Additionally, almost all of those who also received a record 12 nominations of interests, talents and achievements
did not achieve their first choice have for the state-wide showcases in of our student body.
been admitted to their second choice their HSC subjects.
I know Dr Collier, who led you
at the same or another university.
4. In what was clearly our most through the past two challenging years,
What has been most interesting is
outstanding IB Diploma results in is very proud of your achievements.
that the universities and courses
the past decade, a stunning 82 per Congratulations Class of 2021 – many of
sought by students have varied
cent of our Diploma students you have even surprised yourselves with
enormously, with a total of 27 tertiary
achieved an ATAR above 90. The your outstanding results. Please continue
institutions making 307 course offers
Congratulations Class of 2021 – to our students. The big four
average ATAR of the top 50 per cent
of students was 97.3 and the median
to remind yourself: you are better than
you think you are!
universities in Sydney (Macquarie,
many of you have even surprised Sydney, UNSW and UTS) made up 71
was 93.9. Standout subjects which
Dr Julie McGonigle
saw all students achieving the top
yourselves with your outstanding per cent of the offers made. We also
had 10 students electing to pursue
IBDP grade were in Design Technology, Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School
Japanese ab initio, English Literature,
results. Please continue to remind Vocational Education and Training
Physics, Psychology and Theatre.
courses and apprenticeships.
yourself: you are better than you Other subjects which saw all students
in the top two grades were: French,
think you are! Global Politics, Maths, Philosophy,
Business Management, English
Academic Excellence | 1
Snapshot of our Year 12
2021 HSC and IB Diploma
academic results
From a cohort of 174 students
18% 33% 53%
Achieved an ATAR of 95 or higher Achieved an ATAR of 90 or higher Achieved an ATAR of 80 or higher
Top 5% of ATARs available in NSW Top 10% of ATARs available in NSW Top 20% of ATARs available in NSW
Please note: IB Diploma marks are converted on a fixed scale to an ATAR. HSC
students are asked to provide their ATAR to the School.
Our highest overall achievers by ATAR were:
99.95 99.95 99.75 99.45
Gemma Gardiner Dylan Nguyen Scout Hollyman Honoka Kobayashi
99.45 99.1 98.9 98.55
Alexander Ringrose Ella Colwell Tim Moore Anna Riley
98.55 97.9 97.8 97.1
Lily Sowada Hicks Thomas O’Keefe Jarrod Choi Marc Delicado Corrons
97.1 97.1 97.1 97.05
Avani Fulivai Adrick Lui Lucy Maclean Justin Chen
2 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 3
HSC
HIGHLIGHTS 97 AVERAGE ATAR FOR
TOP 10% OF STUDENTS
IB DIPLOMA
HIGHLIGHTS 99.75 AVERAGE ATAR FOR
TOP 10% OF STUDENTS
130 students (75% of the Year 12 TOP ACHIEVERS 44 students (25% of the TOP ACHIEVERS
cohort) studied the NSW Higher Year 12 cohort) studied the
School Certificate in 2021. NAME ATAR NAME ATAR International Baccalaureate NAME IB SCORE / ATAR NAME IB SCORE / ATAR
Timothy Moore 98.90 Olivia Vouris 96
Diploma Programme in 2021.
Our HSC Dux is Timothy Moore who Gemma Gardiner 45 / 99.95 Adrick Lui 39 / 97.1
Our duxes are Dylan Nguyen
achieved an ATAR of 98.9. Students Jarrod Choi 97.8 Lucy Brownlie 95.8 and Gemma Gardiner who Dylan Nguyen 45 / 99.95 Lucy Maclean 39 / 97.1
listed in NSW’s top 10 in a subject were Justin Chen 97.05 Lilian Knox 95.55 achieved perfect scores of Scout Hollyman 44 / 99.75 Max Chong 38 / 96.25
Justin Chen in Music 2 (fourth) and Music 45 out of 45 and an ATAR
Zachary Whetters 96.35 Tom Baxter 95.15 Honoka Kobayashi 43 / 99.45 Maria Delicado Corrons 38 / 96.25
Extension (second), and Lilian Knox in conversion of 99.95.
Music 1 (fourth). Finn Howley 96.1 Maddie Olney 95.05 Alexander Ringrose 43 / 99.45 Takuya Miyagawa 38 / 96.25
Our top-ranked HSC subjects were Ella Colwell 42 / 99.1 Oskar Stubbs 38 / 96.25
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Spanish Beginners, Japanese Beginners, Anna Riley 41 / 98.55 Gladys Turner 38 / 96.25
Mathematics Standard and Music 1, James Stewart was nominated for two Showcases – Encore for his Music 1
Performance item, and Shape, for his textiles major work. Lily Sowada Hicks 41 / 98.55 Saskia Cooper 37 / 95.2
where 100% of students achieved
Band 6s. Other impressive results came
HSC ALL ROUNDERS
36 Thomas O’Keefe 40 / 97.9 Leo Kershaw 37 / 95.2
in Aboriginal Studies, French Continuers, 93.9 ATAR
(BAND 6S IN 10 OR MORE UNITS OF STUDY) Marc Delicado Corrons 39 / 97.1 Jake Thompson 37 / 95.2
German Continuers, Japanese
Tim Moore 98.90 and Maddie Olney 95.05 Avani Fulivai 39 / 97.1
Continuers, Music 2, Music Extension,
Science Extension, Spanish Extension, THERE WERE 12 SHOWCASE NOMINATIONS FOR MAJOR WORKS, MEDIAN
where 100% of students achieved a WITH TWO SELECTIONS – ALEXANDER JANOYAN (ART EXPRESS) IB DIPLOMA SCORE
Band 5 or 6. AND JAMES STEWART (ENCORE). SUBJECT HIGHLIGHTS
NOMINATIONS INCLUDED: Excellent results were achieved by students in the following subjects:
• Design Technology Standard Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
• Japanese ab initio Standard Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
91
HSC Art – Art Express:
Alexander Janoyan for his work, Wicked Anxiety/Servant Culture 97.3 • Literature Standard Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
• Physics Higher Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
HSC Drama – Onstage: • Psychology Standard Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
Lucy Brownlie for her performance item, About a Goth • Theatre Higher Level (100% achieved Grade 7s).
THE NUMBER OF BAND 6 Matthew Gorey-Meekan for his performance item, Rhinoceros AVERAGE ATAR OF THE TOP • French B Higher Level and French B Standard Level (100% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
RESULTS ACHIEVED BY Olivia Vouris for her performance item, Things I know to be True 50% OF OUR IB DIPLOMA
STUDENTS FOR ATTAINING A • Global Politics Higher Level (100% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
Oliver Gallois for his Stage Design project STUDENTS
MARK OF 90 OR ABOVE IN • Maths AA Higher Level (100% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
ONE OR MORE COURSES.
HSC Music 2 and Music Extension – Encore: • Philosophy Higher Level (100% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
James Stewart for his performance item Why God Why? • Business Management Higher Level (93% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
Tim Moore for his performance item, Requiebros • English Language and Literature Higher Level (87% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
90
James Stitz for his composition, Trio Number 1 for Piano, Flute and Violin
Tim Moore for his composition, Shuffle Velocity
82% • English Literature Higher Level (84% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
• Environmental Systems and Societies Standard Level (86% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
Justin Chen for his performance item, Viola Concerto 1. Appassionato-Moderato • Visual Arts Higher Level (83% achieved a Grade 6 or 7).
HSC Design and Technology – Shape:
Other high performing classes with more than 50% of students achieving Grade 6s and 7s
Isaak Choi for his smart watering garden app and product IB DIPLOMA STUDENTS were: Biology Higher Level, Computer Science Higher Level, History Higher Level,
THE AVERAGE ATAR
WHO ACHIEVED ATARS Maths AI Higher Level, Psychology Higher Level, Spanish B Standard Level.
OF THE TOP 33% OF HSC Textiles and Design – Shape:
OF 90 OR ABOVE
OUR HSC STUDENTS.
James Stewart for his Kimono-inspired jacket Students achieved 56 Grade 7s across 25 subjects.
4 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 5
Tertiary offers in 2022 AREAS OF TERTIARY STUDY OFFERED
Faculty areas – single, combined and double degree
Noting number of offers made
The majority of our 2021 Year 12 cohort ARTS/HUMANITIES 64
were accepted into their preferred courses BUSINESS/ COMMERCE
DESIGN / VISUAL ARTS
73
18
of study and their preferred universities. EDUCATION 1
The breadth of career choices and ENGINEERING 21
university destinations reflects the HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
40
30
diverse student population we have at INTERNATIONAL STUDIES 7
St Andrew’s Cathedral School. LAW 15
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS 28
MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE 8
SOCIAL SCIENCES 17
SCIENCES 55
POST-SCHOOL TERTIARY OFFERS FOR OUR 2021 HSC AND IBDP COHORT:
158 students received 307 offers to Australian higher education programs UNIVERSITY COURSE OFFERS
Based on offers made to SACS students at 14 February 2022
4 international students are studying in their home countries
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY 57 19%
307 tertiary course offers were made to students by Australian higher education providers UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY 53 18%
at 22 universities and four colleges and one New Zealand university
UNIVERSITY OF NSW 45 15%
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 39 13%
193 first preference courses were offered, equating to 63 per cent of students receiving
their first preference AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 25 8%
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG 25 8%
83 students (54 per cent) received more than one higher education course offer
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 3 4%
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY 7 2%
10 students enrolled in vocational education courses
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME 5
Dylan’s unique approach to
learning hits the mark
Dylan
Dylan Nguyen has an underlying belief in a way that was interesting,” Dylan
about learning that has helped him to explained. “For example, my friends and
Nguyen
excel in the International Baccalaureate I wrote a rap (song) about urbanisation
Diploma Programme over the past two in China and that was how we managed IB Diploma score: 45
years. He believes learning happens to engage with the content.” (ATAR 99.95)
more effectively when you cultivate
The HSC and IB Diploma programs
an interest in what you’re studying,
in Years 11 and 12 require a disciplined
no matter the subject.
approach to study. That means many
“It’s a fairly limiting thing to say that hours spent working at a desk getting satellite technology. He entered the
there’s one subject that you like and all familiar with the content. Put in those app into Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Junior
the other subjects are not as good as terms, it’s hard for anyone to get excited global artificial intelligence competition
your favourite. There’s a lot of value to about the idea. But Dylan said once and was rewarded with a top 10 finish
be found across subjects,” he said. “In my you begin to re-frame what you’re out of the 500 projects submitted
experience, what works is when you do learning and begin to view subjects in Australia.
what you’re interested in, but you can also in terms of what excites you, the
Dylan explained how it came about.
become interested in the things you do.” whole game changes.
"After the devastating bushfires in 2020,
The thought of sitting down at a desk "When you’re interested in what you’re I did some research on bushfire
and studying for a few hours can feel learning, you normally do pretty well management and read various
when it comes to assessments,” he said. government reports on the bushfires
like buckling yourself into a car for a
“You’ll look even further and deeper which eventually led to the idea of a map.
road trip with no end. According to
at the content and you tend to look The data is gathered by two European
Dylan, a little interest goes a long way
ahead at what you’re going to do next. satellites, Sentinel 1 and 2, and basically
towards making the whole process
That means classes get a lot easier and the result is a map that categorises land
easier and more enjoyable.
learning becomes a lot more fun.” area according to bushfire risk," he said.
“I try to remind myself there’s real
Dylan said what really made the Dylan also used his creative skills for a
value and beauty to be found in solving
whole learning journey enjoyable was Computer Science internal assessment,
problems and being able to discover
his classmates and teachers. "The which really helped out his mother. "For
how interesting the work you’re doing
influence that your peers can have on the assessment, I had to find someone
is,” he said. “For me it was one of the
you is immense. I found with the IB that who had a problem that could possibly
main ways that I managed to deal with
you really need the support of people be solved through the skills we had
some of the more difficult moments
in your class and your friends because learned in class," he said. "My mum was
of learning the content.”
doing postgraduate studies and had to
a group of people tend to be more
Of course, no one can escape the reality do a literature review but she was
rational than just one person," he said.
that they will find some subjects more finding it hard to get her hands on
interesting than others. Dylan wasn’t Dylan’s passion to explore an area of relevant papers. So I programmed a
interest led to his development of an database search system to help her find
immediately taken by Geography in
app called SatAlight, which helps predict what she needed."
Year 10, but a little creative thinking
sparked greater interest in the subject. bushfire risk areas in NSW. The app has
Dylan is keen to develop skills in artificial
attracted great interest from several
intelligence and has accepted an offer to
“The thing about doing well in Geography organisations, including the NSW Rural
Scan to hear more study Computer Science at Duke
was finding the parts of it that were Fire Services, and even led to a job
about Dylan's time University in the USA from mid-2022. Just
interesting to me or framing the content offer to develop an app that uses similar at St Andrew's like his bushfire risk app, he ultimately
Cathedral School
hopes to develop sophisticated
technologies that benefit communities.
8 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 9
My most valuable life
Stepping into the unknown
lesson that I have learnt at
brings unexpected rewards
St Andrew's Cathedral
Lucy Brownlie decided to enter the
School is Persistence.
“I think it’s helpful to realise people Lucy said one key life lesson she
Rostrum public speaking competition aren't there to judge you, they actually learned while at St Andrew's Cathedral
at the beginning of Year 12. Instead want you to do well,” she said. “I'm School was the importance of persistence.
of cutting down on her co-curricular slowly understanding that not everyone "My House was not always the most
activities, she made the bold move is out to get you when you step on successful in House competitions but in
to give up study time in order to do stage. They’re watching you, which is my final year, with some perseverance,
we were able to take out the top spot in
Lucy
something new. It may seem crazy scary, but you can bring them along
to take on a new challenge at the with you. I love the instant feedback SACS Factor!" she said.
beginning of your HSC year, but you receive during your speech. If you
"One thing I wish I'd realised a few
Brownlie
Lucy counts the decision as a key tell a joke, you immediately feel the
years earlier (than in Year 12) is that
contributor to her academic success. audience respond (which hopefully
getting a bad mark is not necessarily
ATAR – 95.8 includes them laughing). You always
The competition required Lucy to a bad thing; it just highlights where
want to feel that you executed your
write an eight-minute original speech you could have done better and tells
speech deftly and captivated their
on a topic of her choice and give a you where you can improve," she said.
interest for the whole eight-minutes
three-minute impromptu speech on "Again, it's a matter of persistence."
of your speech.”
a topic that was revealed to her 15
Lucy plans to take all that she’s learnt
minutes before she was due on stage. After her eight-minute presentation in
about public speaking into the film
According to Lucy, the experience was the Rostrum competition round of heats,
industry, where she hopes to be involved
deeply satisfying because of the Lucy was selected for the regional finals,
in film and television production. Her first
pressure of the moment and the then the state finals, and eventually the
step is to enrol in a screen production
required preparation. national finals. At the national finals, she
course, potentially at the Australian
was stunned to take out first place and
“I was very nervous in the lead up to Film Television and Radio School at
the title of Rostrum Voice of Youth
stepping on stage but as soon as I Moore Park. Wherever she ends up,
National Champion.
started speaking, the worry slipped her experience of stepping out of her
away, and I found myself really enjoying The outstanding result was not the comfort zone during her HSC year will
presenting my speech, even though only surprise for Lucy. The skills she remain with her as a powerful reminder
there were quite a few eyes watching gained through public speaking also of what can happen when you decide
me,” she said. assisted her greatly in her HSC studies. to try something new.
While public speaking is known to be a “I know this sounds counterintuitive, Lucy took part in the Grand Final
nerve-wracking experience, Lucy said however, I ended up learning how of the NSW Theatresports Schools
she managed to keep her nerves under to organise my time well with all my Challenge in 2021 with the Senior
control and moderate her feelings by co-curricular activities throughout the SACS Theatresports team, placing
practising regularly at home, which built week and I began to use my free time third overall out of 150 schools.
up her confidence. to study more effectively,” she said.
“I always get butterflies before I step on “It’s also helped me with performances
stage. However, I find the best way to in drama class, and it was helpful
deal with the nerves is to practice, which for my English essays. Although essays
often involves speaking to myself in the are slightly different, the importance
mirror or to a wall," she said. of writing engaging paragraphs that use
examples and evidence to support a
She also benefitted from adopting conclusion is present in both styles
an open and generous attitude towards of writing.”
the audience.
10 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 11
At our age, the HSC can be the biggest
thing and it’s so easy to let it define
your life. Having stuff going on outside
of it is so helpful for taking a break.
What was the best thing about your If you could give one piece of advice to
time at St Andrew's Cathedral School? your Year 11 self, what would you say?
This is going to sound really clichéd but It would be two things. Keep up with
honestly it’s the community at SACS. your co-curricular activities and be
Everyone’s so close and the relationship consistent with your studying.
between teachers and students is also Consistent studying, rather than
very good. cramming at the end is way better.
I found exam periods very relaxed
The St Andrew’s string quartet group because I’d done so much work prior.
was another highlight. Mrs Chen, the
Timothy
teacher who runs it, would often bring What’s the key to academic success?
us cheese toasties. We’d rehearse every
It’s got to be your attitude. If you
week at lunchtime and we’d perform at
Moore
want to do well, I think you have to try
Showcase and assemblies. Before
your best. My attitude towards the HSC
COVID-19 hit, we’d also go to Kirribilli
was always to try my best. It wasn’t to
ATAR – 98.90 House and play there once a year.
try and get above a 95 or a 90 ATAR.
What was your favourite subject? There was a lot less pressure as a result.
I knew whatever the outcome was that
English and Music. It’s got to be those I’d be happy because I tried hard and
two. I really enjoyed my music class that meant I didn’t feel extremely
because of the people who were in it. nervous about doing well or about
There’s something so amazing about pleasing my parents.
being able to express yourself through
music. I also really liked learning What’s in store for the future?
about the English texts we did,
I’m going to be studying a Bachelor
especially Shakespeare.
of Music (Education) at the
What co-curricular activities were Conservatorium of Music.
you involved in?
I was involved in lots of music
ensembles and for sport I played soccer
and basketball. I loved it. It takes your
mind off school and studying which
is very relaxing. I definitely think my
co-curricular activities have helped me
with my studies. At our age, the HSC
can be the biggest thing and it’s so easy
to let it define your life. Having stuff
going on outside of it is so helpful for
taking a break.
12 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 13
Ella Maddie
IB Diploma score: 42
(ATAR 99.1)
Colwell Olney ATAR – 95.05
What was your favourite subject? What was the most surprising What’s one life lesson that St Andrew's What co-curricular activities were same time. I now see all the I believed I would find the sleepout
Biology! It encapsulates a range of and enjoyable thing you’ve done Cathedral School has taught you? you involved in? coordination that goes on in the a bit challenging, however, being able
different sciences but is still practical at St Andrew's Cathedral School? St Andrew's Cathedral School has I did chamber choir and senior choir, background for a performance. to spend time with my friends whilst
and makes sense to me. I also find I volunteered to dance for my House at taught me to make the most out of the and I was in the wind symphony, giving back to those who are most in
SACS Factor this year and I am not good How has music helped you with need was incredibly enjoyable. Doing
it interesting how biology explains opportunities you're given, even if it symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra.
at dancing so I was a bit worried about your other subjects? both the preliminary and HSC courses
the world. pushes you out of your comfort zone.
having to perform in front of a large What’s the best thing about doing It ensured I would have a mental break for SOR in 2020 was initially quite
What co-curricular activities were audience. But I had a surprising amount What future plans do you have? Music at St Andrew's Cathedral School? after a full day of classes and just enjoy daunting, but having our awesome
you involved in? of fun and in the end wasn’t concerned it because for me, music is not a chore. teacher, Rev Hwang, and a great class
I’m wanting to study a double degree I came from a school that had a very
about the audience. Instead, it was It's something I like to do. Also, as to learn the material with made the
I played softball. I was worried about in law and science, which combines small music program. The level of
enjoyable to participate in a House someone who used to suffer quite experience highly enjoyable, so much
balancing sport and study but it was two of the subjects I have most enjoyed. music here is just insane. Getting to
event with my friends for the last time. badly from performance anxiety, I’ve so that it remains one of my
actually a great decision because I’m thinking about UTS as it gives me play with so many talented musicians
learnt how to control my nerves (both favourite classes!
training allowed me to de-stress and the opportunity to potentially study is amazing, there’s just so much depth.
have fun. I also participated in the If you could give one piece of advice to forensic science and law. We even got to play with James in performances and in exam settings)
your Year 11 self, what would you say? in a way that allows me to demonstrate What’s in store for the future?
Gawura reading program which involved Morrison at Showcase.
reading to the younger Gawura kids in "Start early!” At the start of Year 12 you my abilities in the given area. Right now, I'm tossing up between
the morning. That was really interesting have to balance so many different tasks. What skills does music give you? two very different degrees – arts/law
I struggled a lot in Term 1 because What is your most enjoyable memory or music performance at the Sydney
and rewarding for me because I have It’s crucial to be able to communicate
I didn't leave myself enough time to get at St Andrew's Cathedral School? Conservatorium of Music. I would be
never really been able to engage with well with your section and the other
the Indigenous community before. things done. You’ll enjoy your final year I can’t actually pick one thing. Two things perfectly happy doing either. Keeping
sections around you. Organisation is
and find it easier to learn all the content I found to be surprisingly enjoyable some sort of music in my life constantly
also important as you have to get
if you are up-to-date and putting in were the Rough Edges sleepout and my is something that's very important
everyone in the same place at the
some time to learn the content as it is participation in the accelerated Studies to me.
being taught. of Religion HSC course.
14 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 15
Psychology was my
favourite subject.
I loved that we got to
delve into the ‘why’
of human behaviour. What was your favourite subject?
I'm going to say psychology. I loved
that we got to delve into the ‘why’ of
If you could give one piece of
advice to your Year 11 self, what
would you say?
human behaviour. We looked at some I'd probably say “pace yourself” because
really interesting case studies that it is quite a long road. In Year 11, I wanted
explore why humans do what they do, to get into it, so I tried really hard and
and these studies often concluded with did well. It was difficult to keep that
surprising findings. effort going through two years. So I think
it’s worth acknowledging that sometimes
What co-curricular activities were you need to step back and keep things
Gemma
you involved in? in perspective.
I played soccer and basketball. I also
What plans do you have for the future?
Gardiner
played the flute so I was in wind quintet
for a few years and I’ve performed in I'd like to study law at the University of
Showcase. I loved being involved in the Sydney or law and forensic science at
IB Diploma score: 45
professional-level productions. The the University of Technology.
(ATAR 99.95) Wizard of Oz was a stand-out. Also, the I was in the school’s Mock Trial
2019 Music Tour to the UK, where we competition team last year and the
sang to English Royalty including Prince experience opened my eyes to the legal
Harry at the ANZAC Day service at world, so combining law with a science
Westminster Abbey. Those co-curricular degree is appealing.
activities have been the best part of
school over the last six years. What appeals to you about
a law degree?
How have you balanced your many co- I guess the idea of setting up a logical
curricular activities alongside your argument and then using communicative
academic studies? skills to present an argument and poke
It's easy to think “I wish I didn't have holes in other arguments is appealing.
sport training, I've got this massive My best subjects align well with the
assignment due, I really don't have time”. verbal reasoning that’s required in law.
But I think it's a fallacy that I need all the And, of course, there's the fact that I'm
time in the world, because I've found an avid crime drama Netflix watcher, so
that it’s hard to use extra time any time there's a new documentary
productively. Having some kind of series, I'm all over it.
commitment to each activity actually
keeps you more accountable.
16 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 17Adrick Isaak
IB Diploma score: 39
(ATAR 97.1)
Lui Choi ATAR 91.7
What’s your favourite subject? How has your love of art and music What future plans do you have? What’s your favourite subject? When did your passion for Design What’s been the most surprising
I've always been an artistic person, so helped you with your other subjects? I'm probably going to go in an artistic Definitely Design and Technology. and Technology begin? and enjoyable thing you’ve done at
I would say my favourite subject is Visual They've taught me to be a bit more direction as I’ve always felt like it was You can do anything you want – you When I was in Year 10, Mr Thill St Andrew's Cathedral School?
Arts. Science and Mathematics are very joyful and cheeky when it comes to some kind of calling. There are a few can create software, it can be a device, (computer science teacher) offered Some of my best experiences have
known but in Visual Arts I get to reinvent learning. The art world has opened my choices for university – either UNSW it can be a piece of furniture, anything. to teach me some of the basics of come from trying things that I honestly
myself and make new things. I love the eyes and I bring that sense of curiosity with a double degree of arts and fine I like being able to decide what programming and I loved the problem- expected to fail at. An example would
analogy of artists being like gods in that into my other subjects. I now approach arts, University of Sydney majoring in I personally want to do and I like solving and creative aspects of it. be my participation in the Middle School
they have the ability to create new my other subjects visually, which can be fine arts and minoring in graphic design, learning the skills and creating the I also enjoyed the feeling of venturing drama productions. At the time, I was
worlds and inspire others to be really useful when you're learning about or the National Art School with a product for myself. It's nice to have into the unknown. The most rapid terrified of going on stage to perform
immersed in that world. abstract concepts. It’s been a good way full-time Bachelor of Arts. a bit of freedom. advances in human history have come in front of an audience, but I managed
to play to my strengths. from the software we are developing to get a small role and pushed myself
You’re known at School for shredding What’s your major work for Design today and I want to contribute to that. to accomplish it. I don't think my acting
on the guitar. How has the School If you could give your Year 11 self one and Technology? was very good but being part of the
helped you musically? piece of advice, what would you say? I created a device for the garden. What contribution would you production was amazing and it has got
I’m always very excited to play music Nothing is as stressful as you might first It’s solar powered and collects like to make? to be one of my favourite memories.
with other people, performing and think. There’ll be so many things you information from the soil’s moisture I want to work on developing
jamming out and having that synergy have to face – challenges and difficulties, and temperature, sending the software that can make a difference, What will you study at university?
together. It's very magical. I loved SACS but you will make it through. information to a web server which not necessarily 'save the world' but if I I’m thinking of studying Software Design
Factor, where I got to share my musical processes it and allows you to store can develop something to improve the at either Macquarie University or UTS.
talents alongside others. The School it on your phone. Your smart home quality of life for a few people, I would
has really given me that opportunity system can interface with the device be happy. I'm particularly interested
to play with a variety of musicians. and if the garden needs watering it in researching the possibilities of AI
will automatically water the garden. (Artificial Intelligence).
18 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 19The new perspectives you get from
learning about another culture and the problems
they face can be really helpful in other subjects.
For instance, I studied Environmental Systems
and Societies, so the events of the 2015
Paris Agreement on climate change tied into
both my subjects of English and French.
Scout
What co-curricular activities were you You studied Higher Level French as What habit has been most helpful
IB Diploma score: 44
(ATAR 99.75)
Hollyman
involved in and how did you balance part of the IB Diploma. How did that for your studies?
these with your studies? help your other subjects? Every time I got a question wrong,
I played softball and football and was I really enjoyed literature in English – it's I would stop and add it to a list. I have
part of the leadership team as School my favourite subject – so being able to a document of the trickiest questions
Vice-Captain. I also play the saxophone, study it in French, too, was really cool. or the ones that I struggled with most
so I was in a few ensembles. Things like Being able to apply the literature in my school work that I then use in
football and softball helped me to stay analysis in English and then compare my revision. Revising them helps me to
motivated with my study, because if I how we do it in French was really feel more confident in those topics.
had spent all day Saturday in my room, interesting. Also, the new perspectives
I probably would have been on my you get from learning about another What future plans do you have?
phone or doing something else rather culture and the problems they face can I have been accepted into Health
than study. Co-curricular activities have be really helpful in other subjects. For Science at ANU and am currently
really helped me strike a good balance instance, I also studied Environmental thinking that is what I will do in 2022.
of study and rest. Systems and Societies, so the events There’s also the possibility of studying
of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate astronomy, which is something that
You did an interesting semester-long change tied into both subjects and it I had been talking about with our Head
course on Indigenous culture. What was easier to then memorise different of School Dr Collier. He organised a
did you learn from it? case studies. phone call for me with his son, who
The course came at a good time for is a professor of astronomy and
the Leadership Team as we began What’s the most surprising, astrophysics in South Africa.
connecting with rural Indigenous yet enjoyable thing you’ve done
schools for some of our projects and during your time at St Andrew's
that was really interesting. It was also Cathedral School?
great hearing from Indigenous leaders Getting lost on a Duke of Edinburgh
at the School and learning some of hike with the rest of my group. Although
the Dreamtime stories. it added extra time to the overall journey
that day, the collective frustration we
felt when we realised we had been
walking in the wrong direction for almost
an hour ended up making us all laugh
and share riddles to boost our morale,
and it actually turned out to be a pretty
fun experience.
20 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 21Jake James
IB Diploma score: 37
(ATAR 95.2)
Thompson Stewart Two high Band 6s
in Music and Textiles
What’s the most surprising What’s been the best thing What future plans do you have? How did you become interested in with a denim jacket made from a What advice would you give to your
thing you’ve done at St Andrew's about your time at St Andrew's Science is a subject I've grown to love. both Textiles and Music? patchwork of recycled denim. It’s Year 11 self about to enter Year 12?
Cathedral School? Cathedral School? I did three sciences in the IB Diploma I’ve always enjoyed the arts subjects. inspired by the kimono, with wide I would say ‘improve your time
I would say participating in water polo My favourite thing about the School is so I committed to spending more than I used to want to be a costume designer sleeves and dropped shoulders. management’ as it has always been a bit
was surprisingly fun for me. As someone the hundred ways you can get involved. 50 per cent of my study time in that and that led the way into fashion and of a struggle for me. I’m someone who
The amount of variety in the subjects How have your skills in Textiles and tends to work better under pressure so
who used to swim competitively for field over the past two years. I found constructing garments. My interest grew
you can take is huge too. I think it's great Music helped you with other subjects? I often made the mistake of starting
seven or eight two-hour sessions a Sports Exercise and Health Science and now I’m quite interested in fashion
week, I was usually exempt from that the teachers recommend all these really interesting, so I’m thinking of and thinking about how to put clothes They have helped me practise and something too late.
competitive school sport, however co-curricular activities because studying applied science in diagnostic together. I’ve always done a lot of develop my creativity. Textiles require
I wanted to have a go at using my ultimately they care as much about our radiography at Sydney University. singing, mainly musical theatre and you to come up with new ideas and
skills in the water within a team-based wellbeing as they do our education. I’ve been involved with various choirs concepts, while Music is very heavily
SACS sport, and I really enjoyed it. and ensembles throughout my time at performance based and it has really
What advice would you give to your St Andrew's Cathedral School. I was helped me gain confidence.
How has sport helped you with Year 11 self about to enter Year 12? in The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the
other areas of your school life? What is the key to your various
I would say don't stress about whether Roof, and Mr Burns.
you've got your study plan set in stone. academic successes?
I feel like co-curricular activities,
especially ones that you do quite A month away from my trials, I was still What did you create for your I like to lean on the creative side of
often or daily, help you to become refining my study plans, altering how Textiles major work? things but it was good to have a balance.
more disciplined at school and teach I might approach studying something. I created an apparel garment using It was nice to have a day where I had
you how to be committed to something. Things change. You learn new things. traditional techniques from Japan. Legal Studies and English but then also Scan to listen to
I think it’s good to balance different I guess that's why you don't have your I wanted to turn their techniques into Textiles, where I could do an hour of James perform 'Why
God, Why?' – from
things in your life so you’re not just final exams at the start of Year 11. an art form that acknowledges Japan’s sewing and Music, where I could sing. his HSC Showcase
focusing on study. history and culture while still being a It brought diversity into my day and it performance item.
garment that’s wearable. I ended up really helped me to focus.
22 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 23I’d like to be an archaeologist ...
It would be so interesting to contribute
to history and change the known course
of history – making discoveries.
What interests you about studying thing I did was sign up for the musical
History and History Extension? with some persuasion from my mum.
I love Ancient History. I had always I never would have thought I’d enjoy
wanted to do ancient history because it as much as I did. I made so many
I was much better at source analysis, friends, which really helped me as a
where you make judgments about the new student to fit in to SACS life, and
past by looking at archeological and it was a very memorable experience.
Lilian
written sources. I find it interesting
What do you think is the key to
because we don't know what happened
academic success?
ATAR 95.55 in the past, so you can try to piece it
Knox
together and make your own I believe the key to academic success
assumptions. I think that's a really is balance. Whether your hobbies are
good thing that goes with the freedom music, sport or dance, you need to
that we had in History Extension. My make sure you prioritise what you think
major research was on Hatshepsut, is most important. Having an activity
the second known female Egyptian that helps relieve stress is so essential,
pharaoh. I contrasted several historians’ especially around exam time. It’s
assertions about Hatshepsut’s motives important to remember that there is
for dressing as a man throughout her always something you can do outside
reign, which was really interesting. of school work that can make you
feel a little bit better.
Alongside your involvement in music
ensembles, you were the Sports What do you hope to do next year?
Captain. How has your involvement I will probably do a Bachelor of Arts
in sport and music helped you in degree majoring in ancient history and
other areas? either archaeology or anthropology.
Sport and music really helped me I love it. In the HSC, we got to have
balance the stress of school that comes really sophisticated discussions about
with school work. It gave me an outlet different kinds of historical thinking.
for all my stress and tension from the It really makes your brain work.
school day and I found that this really
made a difference in how efficient my Do you have any long-term
studies were. goals/dreams?
I’d like to be an archaeologist because
What’s the most surprising or I want to be able to travel. It would be
enjoyable thing you’ve done at so interesting to contribute to history
St Andrew's Cathedral School? and change the known course of history
The musicals! When I first came to – making discoveries. That would be
St Andrew’s Cathedral School, the first really nice.
24 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 25Maddie Lucy
Whitham Maclean
ATAR 85.45 ATAR 97.1
HSC Pathways
You decided you were going to do I’d also say, ‘don't be scared about the English. It’s also helped me with film What was your favourite subject? How has your involvement in music What’s the most valuable life
HSC Pathways in Year 10 which allowed fact that you have to repeat Year 12 and analysis as I’m able to discuss musical My favourite subject was Theatre. I love and drama helped you in other areas lesson you’ve learnt at St Andrew's
you to extend your HSC studies try to make friends with the younger techniques used in films. I have performance and I've always been quite of school life? Cathedral School?
beyond the one year. Why did you grades’. I was really lucky that I had experience improvising in music and I involved in the drama and music aspects Performance in general is interesting I think there’s a great culture at the
decide to do it? friends and I don't think any of them find think the fast thinking involved helps me of the School. I did the IB Diploma, so because it helps you with public School of getting involved, to throw
The main reason for Pathways was to it weird that I’m still here. in situations where I’m not fully prepared the Theatre course was really great. It speaking or even working in a team. yourself into things and really explore
give myself the best chance to show for something and I need to think fast. gives you a lot of freedom to look at I feel like it really carried over to help your interests and passions. This is
You’re passionate about music something I intend to continue to do
my abilities and it helped me because different theatre traditions and explore even in my leadership role as House
composition. What did you do for What’s one piece of advice you’d after school – take advantage of
I didn’t have the stresses and anxiety some really obscure theatre Captain in Year 12. I think theatre really
your major works? give to your Year 11 self? opportunities and give everything a go
involved with completing the HSC in practitioners. helped me become more confident and
one year. It was easier to manage the Last year I did Music 1 and got a Band 6 Keep updating your notes, because that translated into some of my because I think there is so much we can
workload and easier to get the best HSC result and an Encore nomination you can be tested on everything. Also, What did you enjoy about playing assessment tasks where you have to learn about ourselves and others from
results and I noticed that my marks for composition. I did a series of music I did all my notes online but then I had the main character in the production talk for a really long period of time. new experiences.
greatly improved as soon as I started compositions based on films. My first syncing errors, so I'd say to back up all of Jane Eyre?
with it. So I did Maths, Art and Music in piece was a musical duet based on The your notes on a hard drive. I learnt that The experience of stepping into a new What do you put your academic What are you hoping to do in
2020 and in 2021, I did four-unit English. Shining. The second piece was a rock lesson the hard way. character and understanding their success down to? the future?
band piece and the third piece was an journey from different perspectives is I always had a pretty busy schedule Next year I’ve accepted an offer
What would you say to someone who orchestral number based on animations What future plans do you have? something I’ve found to be really which I believe kept me focused. to study the Advanced Diploma in
is considering doing HSC Pathways? done by some Finnish animators. I’m aiming to study music composition rewarding and unique. It was a huge I learned to work my study time around Performing Arts at ED5 International.
I think a lot of people don’t know much and then move into a scriptwriting/ commitment but it was so worthwhile my extra-curricular activities as well as It’s full-time five days a week of dancing,
How have your skills in music helped creative writing and film studies degree. singing and acting so I’m really excited
about Pathways. They don't know, for because it's something I'm passionate spending time with my friends and
you with your other subjects? I could see myself doing education to get started!
instance, that you can take up to five about. Of course, the show weeks family. I always try to stay balanced
years to complete your HSC, so you The creativity needed to write music has down the track as well. themselves are so exciting! and have goals to work towards which
could do a subject a year if you wanted. aided my creativity with writing for keeps me motivated.
26 | St Andrew's Cathedral School Academic Excellence | 27LANGUAGES
HSC SUMMARY
Subject highlights 100% of Spanish Beginners students achieved a mark in the top performance band (Band 6)
100% of Japanese Beginners students achieved a mark in the top performance band (Band 5 and 6)
100% of French Continuers students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
Our staff are particularly delighted with these HSC/IB Diploma 100% of German Continuers students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
results, and so proud of the efforts by students to continue to work 100% of Japanese Continuers students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
100% of Spanish Continuers students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
solidly through the substantial disruptions and lock-downs, all the
while keeping their eyes fixed on the end goal of maximising their IBDP SUMMARY
100% of Japanese ab initio Standard Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark.
opportunities beyond school. 100% of French B Higher Level and Standard Level students achieved a mark in the top two Grades (Grade 6 or 7).
50% of Spanish B Standard Level students achieved a mark in the top two Grades (Grade 6 or 7).
HISTORY AND HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
ENGLISH
HSC SUMMARY
HSC SUMMARY 100% of Aboriginal Studies students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6).
91% of HSC Advanced English students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6). 90% of HSC History Extension students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (E3 and E4).
87% of HSC Extension 2 students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (E3 and E4). 82% of HSC Business Studies students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6).
80% of HSC Legal Studies students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6).
IBDP SUMMARY
100% of IBDP Literature Standard Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark. IBDP SUMMARY
87% of IBDP Language and Literature Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7). 100% of IBDP Psychology Standard Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark.
85% of English Literature HL students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7). 100% of IBDP Global Politics Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
100% of IBDP Philosophy Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
93% of Business Management Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
MATHEMATICS
60% of History Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
HSC SUMMARY
74% of HSC Mathematics Advanced students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6). DESIGN, VISUAL ARTS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
81% of HSC Mathematics Extension 1 students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (E2, E3 and E4).
75% of HSC Mathematics Extension 2 students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (E2, E3 and E4). HSC SUMMARY
100% of HSC Visual Arts students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6).
IBDP SUMMARY
100% of HSC Design and Technology students achieved a mark in the top three bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6)..
100% of IBDP Mathematics Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
50% of IBDP Maths AI Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7). IBDP SUMMARY
100% of Design Technology Standard Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark.
83% of Visual Arts Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
SCIENCE
50% of Computer Science Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
HSC SUMMARY
100% of HSC Science Extension students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6). MUSIC AND DRAMA
71% of HSC Chemistry students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6).
79% of HSC Physics students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6). HSC SUMMARY
79% of HSC Biology students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6). 100% of HSC Music 1 students achieved a mark in the top performance band (Band 6)
92% of HSC Earth and Environmental students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6). 100% of HSC Music 2 students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
100% of HSC Music Extension students achieved a mark in the top two performance bands (Bands 5 and 6)
IBDP SUMMARY
100% of HSC Drama students achieved a mark in the top three performance bands (Bands 4, 5 and 6).
100% of IBDP Physics Higher Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark.
IBDP SUMMARY
20220601
86% of IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7).
60% of IBDP Biology Higher Level students achieved a mark in the top two grades (Grade 6 or 7). 100% of IBDP Theatre Higher Level students achieved a top Grade 7 mark.
28 | St Andrew's Cathedral SchoolSt Andrew’s Cathedral School Gadigal Country Sydney Square Sydney NSW 2000, Australia T +61 2 9286 9500 www.sacs.nsw.edu.au
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