HSC

Higher School Certificate

St Joseph's College consistently achieves strong results in the Higher School Certificate across a wide range of subjects. This ongoing success reflects the college's commitment to providing a balanced and well-rounded education for students. Many Joeys graduates gain entry to highly demanding university courses based on their HSC results.

2011

The Class of 2011 recorded strong Higher School Certificate results, with some outstanding individual and group achievements across a range of subjects.

The Dux of the College was Callum Barry, with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99.55. (Read more about Callum here).

St Joseph’s recorded an average examination mark higher than the state mean in more than 92 per cent of the 40 courses studied at the College in 2011.

Four students were named on the Premier’s All Rounders Merit List for scoring 90 per cent or above in 10 or more units. These students were:

• Callum Barry (12 units above 90%)
• Scott Leung (12 units above 90%)
• Yingdong (James) Liang (10 units above 90%)
• Bradley McIntyre (10 units above 90%)

Three students were named on the Top Achiever's List for placing in the top ten in the state in a course. Callum Barry placed first in the state in Japanese Beginners; Phillip Moser placed sixth in state in Engineering Studies; and Joseph Carey placed ninth in the state in Geography.

Almost half of the 2011 cohort was named on the Distinguished Achievers List for scoring 90 or more in a subject. Of these, 19 entries came from Mathematics, 15 from Mathematics - Extension 1, 12 from General Mathematics and 11 from Studies of Religion 1.

Of all two unit courses studied at the College in 2011, 52 per cent of all results were marks of 90 per cent or higher (Bands 5 and 6). In the demanding Extension courses, 86 per cent of all results were in the top two bands (E3 and E4).

Headmaster, Mr Ross Tarlinton, said the solid results recorded across a broad range of subjects were pleasing.

“Once again we are delighted to have recorded average examination marks above the state average in almost all courses,” he said. “I congratulate every boy in the Class of 2011 who worked to his full potential and was rewarded with excellent results. I also acknowledge and thank the families and staff who supported and encouraged the students as they worked towards their Higher School Certificate.”

Eighteen courses recorded exam means five or more marks above the state examination mean. Particularly strong results were recorded in Engineering Studies (21.23 marks above the state mean), Industrial Technology (10.91 marks above the state mean), Japanese Continuers (9.51 marks above the state mean), and Studies of Religion 2 (9.25 marks above the state mean).

The College recorded strong results in English (the only mandatory course in the HSC), with all courses achieving above the state mean. The most demanding English courses achieved exceptionally well, with 100 per cent of students studying English Extension 2 scoring in the top two bands, 100 per cent of students studying English Extension 1 scoring in the top two bands, and 99 per cent of students studying English – Advanced achieving a mark of 70 or greater.

Mathematics was also strong, with 68 per cent of students scoring a course mark of 80 or greater (compared to 51 per cent of the state). In General Mathematics, 76 per cent of students achieved a course mark of 70 or above (compared to 50 per cent of the state); in Mathematics - Extension 2 every student scored in the top band (E4), and in Mathematics - Extension 1, 77 per cent of students scored in the top two bands.

Twelve courses had 100 per cent of their candidature achieving a mark of 70 or greater (Band 4-Band 6). These courses were: Design and Technology, Drama, Engineering Studies; English as a Second Language, Modern History, Music 1, Music 2, Senior Science, Japanese Continuers, Latin Continuers, Primary Industries Examination and Hospitality Examination.

In addition to the Year 12 candidates, in 2011 17 Year 11 students participated in the Accelerated class in Mathematics and Mathematics – Extension 1. Of these students thirteen achieved Band 6 results (over 90%) in the 2 Unit Mathematics course, eight achieved Band E4 results (over 45 out of 50) in Extension 1 and eight achieved Band E3 results in Extension 1.

Mr Tarlinton said the results reflected the boys’ hard work and commitment to their studies throughout the year. “There are a number of significant achievements this year and the College community congratulates all the boys on achieving their Higher School Certificate.”