By Danielle Kutchel
Five Nossal High School students have proved their mettle, picking up prestigious state VCE awards in one of the most challenging years ever for education.
The students’ efforts were recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award each – one of the highest achievement awards a VCE student can receive.
Three year 11 students received the award for their unit 3/4 subjects in year 11: Lily Lunder for Philosophy, Nalini Jacob-Roussety for Philosophy, and Neha Cherayath for Psychology.
This achievement is made all the more impressive given 3/4 subjects are usually taken in year 12.
Shalaaka Brahmavar won an award for her studies in English Language.
She excelled in the subject while also balancing her responsibility as a school captain in 2020, encouraging other students to keep going during the pandemic.
She is now studying Arts/Law at university.
School Dux Hasna Kazi received a ‘Top All Rounder’ Premier’s VCE Award.
This award is reserved for students who achieve a study score of 46 or higher in at least five subjects.
Only 23 students received this award in 2020.
Hasna also achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95, one of only 38 students across the state – and one of only six females – to do so.
Hasna had a busy subject load in 2020, studying Chemistry, English Language, Specialist Maths, Physics, after completing Maths Methods and Psychology in year 11.
She is now studying medicine at university.
Shalaaka said her VCE result had given her more faith in her abilities after a tough year.
“It gives you a bit of confidence as to how you’re able to tackle the challenges and uncertainty,” she said.
Being school captain gave her an outlet outside of her studies, and allowed her to help her fellow students to stay on track and stay well physically and mentally.
“Everyone was going through this in a very individual and unique way and you don’t know the impact…particularly when you can’t see anyone,” she explained.
The student leadership team also ensured that teachers felt valued too, as they missed out on the usual classroom banter.
She said teachers’ effort and dedication was reflected in the VCE awards.
Nalini agreed that students need to find an outlet separate to their studies to keep them grounded through VCE – lest they lose their identity in studying.
She said Philosophy had changed her “in the most intricate ways”.
“It’s forced me to think critically, expand my intellectual horizons and to read broadly,” she said.
Lily recalled feeling shocked when she received her final VCE score at the end of last year.
Her passion for philosophy helped keep her on track and consistent in her work throughout the interrupted year.
“I was just trying my best,” she said.
“By no means was I getting 100 per cent on everything, I still made a lot of mistakes.
“It gave me the reassurance that I can make those mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them.”
Neha said her VCE award had helped her to believe in herself and what she was capable of.
“I never expected I would get a 50 – but that’s what I did!” she said.
“It was a good way to finish the year even though it was disrupted.”
Nossal High School principal Roger Page said the school was proud of its 2020 graduating class.
“They achieved excellent results in spite of the challenges and disruptions throughout the year,” he said.
“I commend all of our students for their resilience and persistence, and thank their families and teachers for the essential support roles they played in helping them all to attain such successful outcomes.”
