Despite another year filled with challenges, uncertainties and home schooling, Berwick’s Haileybury students achieved some of the best VCE results in the school’s long history.
In a remarkable feat, eight Haileybury students achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
Adding to the school’s achievements, 94 per cent of all Haileybury students have been placed in the top 40 per cent in Australia and 51 per cent of all students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10 per cent in Australia.
Haileybury recorded a median ATAR of 90.
Lisa Gorman said she was surprised to be one of eight students with an ATAR of 99.95.
“I thought I would do well, but I was so pleased with the results,” she said.
“My family is celebrating an early Christmas tomorrow, so that is where we’ll start the celebrations.
“I am normally super tired when I’m at school so having more sleep during lockdown really helped.
“That kept me motivated to study which was fantastic, and of course the school and my teachers offered great support along the way.”
Duvin Nambuwasam also received an ATAR score of 99.95 and said he never expected to do so well.
“Any win these days feels like a bigger win given the circumstances,” he said.
“What really helped me to do well was the support system provided by the school, especially all my teachers and the brilliant online learning program which helped me to do the best I possibly could.
“I celebrated with my family and then came to school and met with my friends, so I got to share my achievement with them which was great.”
Haileybury principal Derek Scott said this year’s Year 12 cohort have weathered a barrage of obstacles and changes during their final years at school, but they stepped up and dealt with each challenge.
“Our Year 12 students have endured some of the most unusual and unexpected circumstances,” Mr Scott said.
“They have dealt with disruption and the switch to and from virtual online learning.
“They’ve endured separation from their school peers and unpredictability about exactly how their senior studies and exams would take shape.”
Mr Scott said despite the challenges, the students continued to work incredibly hard and stayed focused on their future.
“Their excellent results reflect their determination and dedication — their achievements are remarkable,” he said.
“They were supported by brilliant, dedicated teachers who were extraordinary in meeting the challenges.
“We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and they represent the very best and brightest of our school.
“They now step outside the gates of Haileybury ready to learn more about the world and to make great contributions to their communities.”
