Celebrating the Class of 2023

‘In a world that demands more than academic excellence, we are not just leaving as graduates; we are leaving as citizens of the world, armed with the knowledge to make a difference.’

— 2023 School Captain Vangelis Matheou

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023

252

VCE students

278

Total students

IB students 26

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

COMBINED VCE AND IB ATAR SCORES

I am very proud of the Class of 2023. Congratulations to Dux of School, School VCE Dux Johnny Chen from Ivanhoe Campus with an ATAR of 99.95 (highest possible ATAR), VCE Dux of Plenty Campus, Avriel Das with an ATAR of 99.4 and International Baccalaureate (IB) Dux Mei Gethen who achieved an ATAR 98.8.

As an open-entry school, students of all abilities are a part of our School community. Although the results share some of our top achievements, the importance of celebrating the personal best of all our students cannot be underestimated. I congratulate all students who have worked to their capacity and thank the dedicated teaching staff who supported them.

‘Don’t quit your daydreams.

It’s your life that you’re making...

if it makes you nervous it’s probably worth it’

Daydream – Lily Meola

The Class of 2023 did not quit their daydreams. They embraced all that an Ivanhoe education has to offer to make their daydreams a reality. Students embraced a myriad of learning opportunities at Ivanhoe - service, learning, debating, music, sport and so much more.

The Class of 2023 demonstrated remarkable maturity and empathy towards others. Each member of this year level is an exemplary young person of character, with many stories of personal success and achievement. I extend my best wishes to our graduates as they venture into the next phase of their lives.

16.5%

95+ Top 5% of the State

34.5%

60%

80+

Top 20% of the State

Combined VCE and IB median ATAR

HIGHEST POSSIBLE SUBJECT GRADES 84 – MEDIAN ATAR 99.95 – HIGHEST ATAR POSSIBLE

29

Combined perfect VCE subject scores and IB grades of 7 (highest possible grade)

IB HIGHLIGHTS

IB ATAR EQUIVALENT

IB DIPLOMA MEDIAN ATAR

IB HIGH ACHIEVERS

85%

IB

In 2023, a number of Year 12 students at Ivanhoe Grammar School chose to undertake the well-respected International Baccalaureate (IB) to expand their options for tertiary education. The dedication and hard work for these students were realised in early January 2024 with the release of the IB results.

DUCES OF 2023

JOHNNY CHEN

Dux of School, School VCE Dux and Dux of Ridgeway Campus

ATAR: 99.95

What university are you going to and what will you be studying?

I am planning to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne with a Chancellor’s Scholarship. What is your future aspiration?

The Chancellor’s scholarship guarantees me a CSP placement in any graduate course, so I hope to proceed into graduate studies for dentistry at the University of Melbourne and become a dentist.

80+ ATAR

The IB median ATAR is an impressive 91.5 and 85 percent of the IB Class of 2023 achieved an ATAR above 80.

Congratulations to all students, we are extremely proud of their achievements.

In particular, we would like to congratulate our IB Dux, Mei Gethen who achieved an ATAR 98.8, which places Mei in the top 1.2% of the State.

AVRIEL DAS

VCE Dux of Plenty Campus

ATAR: 99.4

What university are you going to and what will you be studying?

I am going to be studying Medicine at Monash University.

What is your future aspiration?

I dream of contributing to global health innovation and practising as a medical specialist, including future medical training in the United States.

MEI GETHEN

International Baccalaureate (IB) Dux

ATAR: 98.8

What university are you going to and what will you be studying?

I will be studying at the Australian National University (ANU) in a law and international relations double degree. I hope to continue learning Chinese within this degree and focus on the Asia and the Pacific region.

What is your future aspiration?

I’m not yet sure of what my career may look like but see myself trying different things throughout my working life and I hope to live and work abroad at some point and be able to see the world.

IVANHOE LEARNERS

AVRIEL DAS

My first memory of school is the beautiful environment at Plenty Campus. It felt like I was at a small university, with student and teacher interactions all around me.

Two major highlights of my time at school were, building relationships with fellow students and my teachers and when I was appointed School Captain, and Executive Officer of Cadets in Year 11. These two huge responsibilities shaped my character.

In Year 11, I completed Biology, Psychology and Health & Human Development, and in Year 12, I studied English, Methods, Chemistry, and a subject at the University of Melbourne (Psychology). I loved how the VCE Sciences challenged my thinking and fostered my interest in the healthcare industry. It even provided a pathway for me to complete a university tertiary study as a Year 12 student.

I loved being a member of various ensembles, debating, softball and soccer as well as social justice initiatives, but my favourite cocurricular activity has been cadets. As Executive Officer of Cadets, I enjoyed collaborating with a team of students and liaising with staff about their creative visions in high pressure environments.

Travelling has been a major activity for me during school term breaks. Travelling helped me to discover new perspectives about different cultures. I also served on the Yan Yean Youth Council, which gave me an understanding of how local government works. In Year 12, studying a Psychology subject at the University of Melbourne was a profound experience intellectually and socially. I also enjoy playing piano and flute.

Having younger students look up to you as a role model has been the greatest responsibility and privilege as a Year 12 student. Year 12 is the bridge where we cross into the real world, while others at school are still learning from us, and our experiences.

I hope to successfully complete a medical degree as I dream of a life purpose where I can enrich the lives of others. I also have a future goal of studying and working in the United States as I’m inspired by the medical innovation taking shape overseas.

Being reflective is an important core value to learn from difficult life moments and overcome adversity. Reflecting also helps one focus on the most important priorities in our lives.

EKUM SEKHON

I started at Ivanhoe’s Plenty Campus in Foundation before changing schools. I re-joined Plenty Campus in Year 6 and my first memory was being introduced as a new student to the Year 6 class on the first day of term. A major highlight of my time at school was playing soccer. Just the enjoyment of playing with your friends every Saturday in a sport you love is immense. My favourite highlight would have to be our 6-6 draw in the first game of the 2023 winter sport season. I invested a lot of time and effort into soccer and had the honour of representing Victoria and Australia in 2022 and 2023. My ultimate dream is to play soccer professionally overseas.

I took on Physical Education and Biology in Year 11 and Chemistry, Psychology, Mathematical Methods and English in year 12. I wish to pursue medicine as a career path and likewise chose subjects such as Chemistry and Mathematical Methods which I not only enjoyed, but completed for consideration into medicine as they are pre-requisites. I chose Biology and Psychology because I generally enjoy science as a subject. I love sport as well which is why I selected Physical Education.

I always enjoyed the AGSV athletics season, participating in athletics over three years across secondary school and coming third by such a close margin in the 400m in Year 11 was a major highlight.

The best thing about Year 12 was the freedom I experienced that I found helpful in balancing my studies and soccer commitments.

The Ivanhoe Learner Attribute Balanced resonates with me. I’ve learnt to balance my studies and soccer commitments throughout secondary school and have learnt the importance of organisation.

LONG SHI

My first memory of coming to Ivanhoe Grammar School was making friends with my classmates in Year 7. I’m still friends with most of these people, and that’s my best memory.

The major highlight of my time at school was the annual camps. Especially the Year 8 Camp, because it was the first time, I tried kayaking.

My VCE subjects were Chinese Second Language, Maths Methods, English, Chemistry, Biology, and Music Performance. I chose these subjects as they reflect my strengths and interests and will help me get into science courses at university.

The co-curricular activity I enjoyed the most is cadets, because you get an extra camp, and it allowed me to bond with my friends better. Drawing and playing the clarinet are two activities I enjoyed and was involved with at school.

The best things about Year 12 were learning new knowledge constantly and working with my friends to consolidate that knowledge. I hope to study science at Melbourne University, and to eventually become a research oncologist.

The Ivanhoe Learner Attribute that most resonates with me is Innovative, because in the modern world where there’s a lot of competitiveness, being innovative and creating new things is important in setting yourself apart from others.

There’s no harm in caring and no point in never trying.

Adrienne B

#ClassOf2023

Amelie M

JAZZ GORDIJN

A major highlight of my time at school was the valedictory celebration. Having the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and commemorate what was such a big year, is something I will always remember and be grateful for.

The subjects I did in my final year were Analysis and Approaches Maths, Literature, French, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry. I loved Psychology and French from the beginning of secondary school and am looking to pursue them further on in life.

As for the rest of my subjects, I have always had a keen interest in the sciences and was able to pursue this through the IB Program. The co-curricular activity I enjoyed most was being a camp leader on Year 9 Camp. Having missed out on a lot of camps due to COVID-19, it was great to get back out there and bond with other year levels.

The best thing about Year 12 was the support I had from my teachers and the strong friendships I formed; without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. In the future I hope to become a psychologist and continue to learn French. The Ivanhoe Learner Attribute that most resonates with me is Compassion. I think it’s important to be kind to others and show empathy and support to those in need.

Oliver M

Henry Y

Long S

#ClassOf2023

A

knows they don’t need to be perfect to be respected.

Liv R

#ClassOf2023

#YoungPeopleOfCharacter

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

A young person of character strives to be the best version of themselves.

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

A young person of character makes active e orts to understand other people.

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

A young person of character consistently displays good qualities in thought, word and deed.

#YoungPeopleOfCharacter

Someone who has character is truthful to themselves and their own values system.

#YoungPeopleOfCharacter

young person of character

YOUNG PEOPLE OF CHARACTER

During their time at Ivanhoe Grammar School the Class of 2023 were involved in a diverse range of learning opportunities.

The Class of 2023 took part in 12 Cadet Camps.

The Class of 2023 participated in more than 50 rounds of DAV debating.

The Class of 2023 represented the School in more than 100 rounds of AGSV/APS Sport across 16 summer and winter season sports.

The Class of 2023 contributed to thirteen AGSV/APS sporting premierships.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Class of 2023 performed in more than 30 Concert Nights.

The Class of 2023 performed in nine Musicals.

The Class of 2023 assisted more than 25 community organisations.

Liv C

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

Chelsea D

The Class of 2023 contributed to more than 30 nights of community outreach.

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

Erin D

#ClassOf2023

Sachin W

#ClassOf2023

A

Leighton L

#ClassOf2023 #YoungPeopleOfCharacter

A

Erion B

#ClassOf2023

and is persistent.

A person of character gives generously without concern for reward.

A person of character always perseveres through tough times.

A person of character always holds themself to a high moral standard.

Young people of character consistently seek opportunities to make a positive impact.

young person of character learns and adapts to every situation.

young person of character is honest, responsibile, understanding, respectful, has integrity

STUDENT PATHWAYS WHERE TO NEXT?

TERTIARY

Australian Catholic University - 3.83%

Deakin University - 6.62%

La Trobe University - 23.34%

University of Melbourne - 24.40%

Monash University - 21.95%

RMIT - 12.54%

Swinburne University of Technology - 6.27%

Victoria University - 1.05%

TERTIARY OFFERS

Architecture & Building - 5.8%

Creative Arts - 4.9%

Education - 2.6%

Engineering & Related Technologies - 11%

Health - 12.2%

Information Technology - 4.7%

Management & Commerce - 19.4%

Natural & Physical Science - 14.5%

Society & Culture - 24.9%

HONOURS COURSES OFFERED SPECIAL PROGRAMS

45

98.5%

Over 98 percent of the Class of 2023 received a university offer as at 5 February (excluding students who didn’t apply for a local university place through the VTAC system).

45 students from the Class of 2023 were offered places in Honours courses.

DOUBLE DEGREE OFFERED

NOTABLE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Every year students get accepted into Special Programs such as:

26 students from the Class of 2023 were offered the ASPIRE Program at La Trobe University.

12 students from the Class of 2023 were offered the University of Melbourne Graduate Entry Guarantee.

PARENT SATISFACTION WITH CHILD’S TERTIARY PLACEMENT

65 Disappointed

65 students from the Class of 2023 were offered a double degree (excluding University of Melbourne as they do not offer double degrees).

Every year, many of your students receive notable scholarships. Congratulations to all students who were awarded a scholarship!

Parent Score 9.06

In a recent survey of parents of the Class of 2023, their average satisfaction was found to be extremely high regarding their child’s tertiary placement.

‘A young person of character is someone who remains loyal to their values even in the face of adversity. They are people who openly take on challenges and don’t let difficult times define them.’

— 2023 School Captain Avriel Das