Plenty of heartwarming stories are emerging from North Coast public schools following the release of 2020 Higher School Certificate results.
NSW Education Secretary Mark Scott paid tribute to every student who had completed their HSC in 2020.
“Considering the particular challenges of 2020, we are extremely proud of every student who has shown the determination and resilience to achieve their best and finish their HSC,” Mr Scott said.
“They now leave school with the skills to embark upon a successful life, no matter what they choose next.”
Executive Director Rural North Meghanne Wellard commended all North Coast students on completing their HSC in a year that has brought a unique set of challenges.
Ms Wellard said many students were already enjoying the fruits of their labour as they embark on apprenticeships, traineeships or other employment while others have been assured of an early entry place at university.
“There are certainly plenty of reasons to celebrate,” Ms Wellard said.
“Parents and teachers can certainly share their pride as they look back on 13 years of schooling and how the students have been rewarded for their efforts.
“These results are sealing students’ personal goals and will be a solid foundation for their next step to further study or employment.”
Executive Director Regional North and West Lisa Muir said the release of HSC merit lists today by the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA – which administers the HSC) has brought a whole new dimension to celebrations.
“There have been some exceptional results and everyone who has been recognised on a NESA achievement rankings list deserves special congratulations,” Ms Muir said.
“I am particularly delighted with the spread of schools across the North Coast that have been noted for their achievements.
“It really highlights how our North Coast public schools focus on individual students to achieve their best across the full spectrum of abilities and aspirations.”
Ms Wellard applauded the accomplishment of Jessica Sanchez who topped the state in Community and Family Studies through the North Coast Institute, Maclean, and she and Ms Muir congratulated four students who were declared All-Rounders2 because they scored a top band result in ten or more units:
- Byron Bay High School – Mia Thom and Chiara Wenban
- Casino High School – Declan Ellis
- Coffs Harbour Senior College – Benjamin Broekman
Nine North Coast students also ranked as Top Achievers1
- North Coast Institute, Kingscliff: Patrick Leary (Automotive Examination)
- Byron Bay High School: Mia Thom (English Advanced and Society and Culture)
- Southern Cross School of Distance Education: Abigail Lydon (French Beginnners); Eden Annesley (Music 2); Chiara Wenban (Spanish Beginners)
- Alstonville High School: Eva Jones (Investigating Science)
- Banora Point High School: Shauna Walker (Maths Standard 1 Examination)
- Coffs Harbour Senior College: Catherine Lagettie (Studies of Religion 1)
- Woolgoolga High School: Sophy Simson (Textiles and Design)
Ms Wellard and Ms Muir also commended the 35 North Coast public schools where students earned at least one top band to make them a Distinguished Achiever3. They were:
Banora Point High School
Kingscliff High School
Murwillumbah High School
Wollumbin High School
Alstonville High School
Mullumbimby High School
Byron Bay High School
Ballina Coast High School
Southern Cross School of Distance Education
Kyogle High School
Nimbin Central School
The Rivers Secondary College Lismore High School Campus
The Rivers Secondary College Kadina High School Campus
The Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High School Campus
Casino High School
Evans River Community School
Grafton High School
Maclean High School
South Grafton High School
Coffs Harbour High School
Coffs Harbour Senior College
Toormina High School
Woolgoolga High School
Bellingen High School
Dorrigo High School
Macksville High School
Nambucca Heads High School
Camden Haven High School
Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus
Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus
Bulahdelah Central School
Great Lakes College Senior Campus
Chatham High School
Taree High School
Wingham High School
NESA definitions:
- Top Achievers– students in the top places in each course (provided their result is also in the top band)
- All-round Achievers – students who are Distinguished Achievers in courses totalling 10 or more units.
- Distinguished Achievers – students who have received a top band result in one or more course