HSC RESULTS
CLASS OF 2024
We honour this significant milestone with immense pride, recognising the Class of 2024 not only for their academic results, but also the dedication and effort that brought them here. “
Headmaster’s Message
Congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2024 on their remarkable achievements in this year’s HSC. It is a pleasure to celebrate these wonderful students for their outstanding results and, equally importantly, their contribution to the life of the school. A signature of this cohort was the great perseverance and determination in realising their academic potential, together with a deep sense of camaraderie and care towards one another. As such, we honour this significant milestone with immense pride, recognising not only their academic results, but also the dedication and effort that brought them here.
The journey through Year 12 is a transformative one, marked by greater demands and more complex challenges. Students are pushed to think critically and with discernment, grapple with complex ideas, and stretch themselves beyond their previous limits. Witnessing their growth and transformation firsthand has been inspiring. The Class of 2024 has demonstrated a commitment to learning and an enterprising spirit that has exemplified what it means to strive for personal and collective excellence across such a broad spectrum of interests and endeavours.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the expert team of educators I work with; the teachers and support staff who have worked tirelessly to provide the most optimal learning conditions for our students to grow and thrive. To parents, I thank you for choosing Central Coast Grammar and for partnering with us as we have nurtured, encouraged and guided these brilliant young women and men across their time at our school.
This year’s achievements are extraordinary. 21% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+, two students placed in the top ten in NSW for their subject, and we had the highest ever percentage of Distinguished Achievers, recognising students who receive a Band 6 or E4 in one or more subjects.
The depth of talent was further recognised by 32 Major Work nominations across Visual Arts, Music, Dance and Industrial Technology. Ava Chippeck’s Dance Core Performance has been selected for CALLBACK’s annual showcase, one of only 30 works selected across NSW, and Modie Schmidt’s avant-guard film has been selected for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS.
I am also proud to share that over 70 early university offers for diverse fields including engineering, information technology, architecture and health have already been made. These offers reflect not only academic aptitude, but also the initiative and determination that define this group.
On behalf of the entire Grammar community, I wish the Class of 2024 every success in their endeavours and hope that they will take with them a deep love of learning and a commitment to employing their talents and gifts for the betterment of our society.
We look forward to following their progress as they make their way to a wide range of post school destinations and wish them every success for the road that lies ahead.
Phil O’Regan Headmaster
70% EXAMS SAT RESULTED IN BAND 5 OR 6
Karina Cowie ATAR 99.3 21% OF STUDENTS ACHIEVED AN ATAR OVER 95 5th IN THE STATE FOR Chinese in Context Sherry Li RANKED In the SMH Top 100 NSW Schools 46 th
10th IN THE STATE FOR History Extension Lindsay Hallam
32 TOTAL NO. OF HSC Major Work nominations 31% OF STUDENTS ACHIEVED AN ATAR OVER 90
14th IN THE STATE FOR PDHPE Janine Southwell 10th IN NSW FOR ENGLISH ADVANCED AND ENGLISH EXTENSION IN THE SMH TOP INDEPENDENT SCHOOL’S LIST
84 STUDENTS ON THE Distinguished Achievers List
4 STUDENTS ON THE All Rounders List
Top Achievers
Three students were recognised as Top Achievers, placing them in the top 20 in their course in New South Wales.
Extension
All Rounders
Four students were recognised as All Rounders for achieving in the highest band in ten or more units of study.
Poppy Cameron Economics
English Advanced Legal Studies
Modern History
Society & Culture
Karina Cowie Biology Chemistry
English Advanced
English Extension 1
English Extension 2
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Advanced (Year 11 accelerant)
Studies of Religion 1
Jacob Crane
English Advanced
English Extension 1
English Extension 2
Legal Studies
Modern History
Society & Culture (Year 11 accelerant)
Studies of Religion 1
Lincoln Matodes Biology Chemistry
English Advanced Physics (Year 11 accelerant)
Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Extension
Lindsay Hallam 10th in History
Sherry Li 5th in Chinese in Context
Janine Southwell 14th in PDHPE
HSC Showcase Nominations
OnSTAGE
DRAMA
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Isobel Hingerty
Eloise Hunt
Lili McDonald
Eilidh Watson
GROUP PERFORMANCE
Charles Harold Anthony Thomas Gregory
Phillip Timothy III.V.
Isobel Hingerty
Will Legget
Lili McDonald
Astrid Smith
GROUP PERFORMANCE
The Dusk Demon
Elyse Mostowyj
Arianna Mulligan
Cole Olsen
Macy Rudd
Harry Atherton
CALLBACK
DANCE
These students were nominated for all three of their practical works: Core Performance, Core Composition and Major Study Performance works.
Ava Chippeck (SELECTED)
Lili McDonald
Yasmin Pine
ENCORE MUSIC
Harry Atherton
Charlton Schoeman
Eilidh Watson
Lili McDonald, Ava Chippeck, Yasmin Pine
VISUAL ARTS
Skye Gerrish
Yasmin Pine
Modie Schmidt (SELECTED)
Scan code to view ARTEXPRESS
Selected work by Modie Schmidt - an avant-garde film
SHAPE
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Maya Clarke
Benjamin Martin
Max Murray
William Richardson
Skye Gerrish
Yasmin Pine
Benjamin Martin
William Richardson
From the Head of Senior College
These results represent much more than academic achievement. They highlight our students’ drive, enthusiasm, and perseverance in striving for their personal best across all areas of school life.
This year’s cohort has embraced feedback from teachers and peers, sought support when needed, collaborated effectively, and prioritised daily connections with one another. Their focus on wellbeing, balancing their studies, and achieving their potential has truly paid off.
Janine Comber Head of Senior College
VET Award Winner
The VET Awards shine a spotlight on excellence, honouring students who have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication.
Scott Daniels won The Skill Engineer Ltd.’s 2024 VET Award for outstanding effort and dedication during his work placement in Electrotechnology.
Scott completed the two-year electrotechnology course through TAFE (including 70 hours of work placement) as part of his Year 11 and 12 studies.
A winning formula: pursuing dual passions in music and mathematics
By Charlie Schoeman
When I came to Grammar, all I wanted was to become a better musician. Once I started, I realised that my passion for maths was just as strong as my passion for music, so I worked to develop my skills in these two areas. The teachers supported me with all endeavours related to these areas, answering any questions and encouraging me to work harder than I thought possible.
One of my all-time highlights is the We Will Rock You senior musical production. The moment during Bohemian Rhapsody when I came on stage and played guitar was awesome - it felt
like I was in a movie! Though nerves were high at the time, looking back makes me realise how fortunate I was to have that experience.
Performing at the Year 12 Colloquium dinner is another highlight because I was playing classical guitar, which isn’t a style my peers were very familiar with.
Being a new student comes with challenges, especially in high school. I remember my second school service where my roll call class was on duty, and I was asked to read the prayer. That helped me break the ice with
people who I hadn’t spoken to yet; I had to learn how to be outside of my comfort zone. While the school became my comfort zone, helping me to tackle more challenges, I started out being new, and that experience helped me grow significantly.
I’ll miss the people at Grammar more than anything. I’ll especially miss my study, maths, and music periods. I always looked forward to them and it’s strange to think I’ll never have another Period 5 maths class on a Friday, or another roll call period, or another service.
After school I intend to begin a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Classical Guitar Performance, and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies majoring in Mathematics at the University of Sydney. This double degree choice is perfect for me as I can study both music and maths together as a double major and it opens doors for further study in either area.
My dream is to become a professor of mathematics at a university, with my specific interest being in pure mathematics. In my spare time, I also hope to be a classical guitarist. I believe my experience at Grammar has helped equip me for this through teaching great time management skills, as well as how to study
effectively. These skills will both be necessary to become a professor and to manage the busy schedule that I see myself having.
I am grateful for my time at the school. Through the many opportunities I’ve been given, I’ve been able to balance academics with a whole range of other interests, including music and being House Captain of Banksia, which has really shaped me to become who I am today. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and so I am truly blessed.
“My dream is to become a professor of mathematics at a university, with my specific interest being in pure mathematics and researching topics within it.
Charlie Schoeman
Stepping out of the wings: Lili’s transformational journey
By Lili McDonald
Learning I had been nominated for the HSC Dance CALLBACK showcase for all areas of Dance, and for the OnSTAGE showcase across all areas of Drama, was an overwhelming experience. All the hard work and endless energy put into those subjects paid off and I was very proud to be in the running to represent the school at that level. Being nominated for Captain of the Firsts Hockey team was also a fantastic opportunity and a super fun experience.
In Year 8 we had to choose a language which I hesitantly decided would be French.
Friends had told me languages were boring, but French became my favourite subject. Starting off with only basic knowledge of numbers and the alphabet, I was guided by the extraordinary Madame Ribal who fostered my love for the country and the culture, inciting a true passion for the language. By the end of Year 12, I was able to sustain conversations across multiple tenses as well as read and write fluently. Opportunities like the New Caledonia Tour in 2023 contributed significantly to developing this skill. I was exposed to an entirely new culture and offered a myriad of situations to practise speaking French with
I was transformed from someone who wouldn’t speak unless spoken to and who couldn’t get up and say a nursery rhyme in front of the class, to someone who had a key role in the Senior Drama Production.
Lili McDonald
native speaking people, some of whom are now friends.
Getting involved in the musicals and drama productions were the most fun moments every year. We’d joke around, rehearse with friends, sing, dance and contribute to the special community that lives in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Performing for those four nights is simultaneously the most exciting yet exhausting week of the year, but I would never trade them for anything.
When I started at Grammar, I was shy. At times I’m still shy, but I’d say Grammar instilled a sense of confidence in myself that I lacked before. In Years 7 and 8 I had a huge fear of public speaking, or speaking anywhere really. The fear of how I was being perceived by others was squashed however by my commitments to the drama program. Drama pushed me so far outside my comfort zone that it terrified me at first, but eventually made me a bit of an adrenaline junkie; I became obsessed with the feeling of performing for others. We were encouraged to be silly, entirely transparent and make mistakes publicly, which irradicated my fears of looking like an idiot. I was transformed from someone who wouldn’t speak unless spoken to and who couldn’t get up and say a nursery rhyme in front of the class, to someone who had a key role in the Senior Drama Production.
I have been offered early entry for International Relations at ANU in Canberra, but I am deferring for a year to travel, as that has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. My goal is to become a diplomat, but there are so many aspects to International Relations that this might change in the future.
Making a difference through service and leadership
By Skye Gerrish
My proudest achievement was taking part in the Cambodia Service Program. Raising funds, building houses and changing the lives of beautiful Cambodian families while experiencing their culture, and creating memories with an amazing group of people is something I will cherish forever. Seeing the families crying tears of happiness after presenting them with the houses that we had built will forever be one of the most heartwarming moments of my life.
Year 11 Odyssey Camp and our Year 12 Geography trip to the Great Barrier Reef were also highlights. A sporting highlight was tying the netball final with three seconds
to go, then winning in overtime. I was lucky enough to be part of the First’s Netball team for four years and co-captain for two years with amazing girls, and our awesome manager, Mrs Clements, so getting to finish on a win was super special.
My time at Grammar also helped me develop many of my interests and skills, most significantly my love for sport. I played netball and basketball from Year 2 to Year 12 and over this time had incredible coaches, managers, role models and teammates. Playing these sports gave me opportunities to play at representative levels both inside and outside of school. One of my favourite memories is
missing a week of school to go to Broken Hill for representative basketball in Year 6.
The many other opportunities I took part in, including debating, mock trial, and Model United Nations fostered a love for public speaking and leadership. It also helped inspire me and gave me the confidence to stand up for what’s right, something I will always carry with me.
The school felt like my second home, and I am truly going to miss the sense of family. I’m not only going to miss seeing my wonderful peers every single day, but my amazing teachers who dedicated so much of their time to support and guide us. Their generosity and passion for our success is something I will forever be grateful for.
I’ve discovered that it was never awards or titles that gave me success; success has never been shaped by these things, but by the person you choose to be and the impact you have on those around you. My biggest aspiration for the future is to pursue something I’m passionate about that brings me happiness, and to be someone who creates meaningful change in the world.
My peers and teachers have inspired me and taught me the value of gratitude, humility, and generosity. While I may not have a clear roadmap for the future yet, I know the lessons I’ve learned here - to approach life with purpose and compassion, to embrace challenges with resilience, and to face the unknown with excitement - will guide me wherever I go.
Raising funds, building houses and changing the lives of beautiful Cambodian families while experiencing their culture, and creating memories with an amazing group of people is something I will cherish forever.
Skye Gerrish
A podium finish: sporting success and academic achievement
By Lincoln Matodes
I have had many achievements throughout my time attending Grammar, however, my proudest achievements were in my last year of school. I took my passions outside of the academic world more seriously and devoted more time into areas that I loved. From becoming age champion in cross country to being appointed tennis captain of the Firsts, these sporting achievements and others led me to be named Sportsman of the Year. This focus on co - curricular activities counter-intuitively allowed me to gain further success academically. Despite my busier schedule, I was encouraged to make the most of my time to excel in my classwork, being
competitive in all my subjects and ranking first in Physics.
The supportive and diverse environments at Grammar allowed me to explore a wide range of activities, starting out in my early years taking part in the Junior Guitar Ensemble, Robotics and Public Speaking/Debating, then transitioning into a variety sports and academics in my later years.
Almost every fond memory pivots around my friends, whether that includes the friendly competition driving my successes, or the day-to-day navigation throughout the
schooling years. Becoming Sportsman of the Year, ranking first in a subject or being named age champion in Cross Country were highlights precisely due to the competition my friends gave me - they inspired and motivated me to be the best version of myself.
My main challenge was accelerated Maths Advanced and Maths Extension 1, where I was pushed beyond my years to complete two HSC subjects ahead of time, forcing the rapid improvement in my organisational and intellectual skills. This challenge was vital in creating the person I am today. These challenges have gifted me with the mindset to always look to be better, allowing me to flourish in new environments and never settle for what I am not happy with. This attitude towards life - the drive for competition and personal growth - is invaluable for me, and I believe will guide me to a successful future.
For any students who may be reading this, my advice is find what you love, join any club or team that piques your interest and give it a shot. To those who have found what they love, push yourself, just for the sake of it, truly try and be the best you can manage at your chosen activity. Enjoy any obstacle or challenges you may face, as you will only get stronger from them.
“
This focus on co-curricular activities counter-intuitively allowed me to gain further success academically. Despite my busier schedule, I was encouraged to make the most of my time to excel in my classwork, being competitive in all my subjects and ranking first in Physics.
Lincoln Matodes
Leading by example: building a community of care
By Sofia Harper
During Year 12 I was fortunate enough to be named House Captain for Acacia. In this role I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, being a person of support and guidance for other students and having a greater opportunity to make change within the school. I introduced a new initiative, Beanies for Those in Need or ‘CareBeanies’ which began during 2024 with the ongoing support of Mrs Vickers and Mrs Peebles. The aim was to provide support and comfort to premature babies and people battling cancer, and students across the senior college came together to produce over 200 beanies, an amazing achievement for everyone.
At Grammar I found an unknown love for musicals, participating in the Senior School Production ensemble every year since 2019’s Wicked
Additionally, the school has fostered my love of languages, starting with my study of Japanese in Year 8 and then continuing it on to Year 12 as an HSC subject. I learnt that I loved Geography and am now planning on continuing studying this at university. Most importantly, I developed skills of leadership, and I now have confidence in myself as a person.
The Cambodia Service Program was a trip that will always remain a big part of my schooling experience. The Great Barrier Reef Tour enabled the Year 12 Geography class to learn our syllabus in an immersive way, gifting us experiences of the beautiful reef ecosystem. The Senior School Productions fostered a community that was full of joy and new experiences. Finally, Year 12 itself - although challenging during exam times - was a year to be remembered.
I will miss the community at Grammar. The teachers have always been so supportive and engaging, and being able to see our year group each day was something that most of us took for granted.
The beginning of Year 7 was very challenging for me. I came from a smaller public school and barely knew anyone when I started. From there, probably like most new students, it took time to create friendships. Throughout high school, my friendship group continued to change which
at times was challenging, but it enabled me personal growth in my character, and resulted in an amazing group of friends in Year 12.
Assessment blocks and exams were always difficult. I found myself feeling stressed and overwhelmed during these times. That enabled me to develop my productivity and work on creating a version of myself who aimed to leave each exam happy, knowing I had done the best I could.
In 2025, I am excited to be working in Japan as an assistant language teacher at one of Grammar’s sister schools, helping to teach English to senior high school students. After Japan, I plan on studying geography at university and potentially minoring in Japanese. I would also like to continue crocheting and donating beanies to hopefully one day set up a not-for-profit ‘CareBeanies’ to bring more awareness to the cause.
The aim was to provide support and comfort to premature babies and people battling cancer, and students across Senior School came together to produce over 200 beanies, an amazing achievement for everyone.
Sofia Harper