2025 H SC Achievements Highlights &
‘Never
give
up – no
matter how far you think you’ve strayed from your intended path, keep pushing yourself. Progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks don’t define your outcome. But with persistence, small efforts have a big impact, making even the most difficult moments lead to growth and achievement.
Aliza Ali, Year 12 2025
It is with immense pride that I introduce the HSC results for the Class of 2025, a cohort that has arguably achieved the most significant academic results in the College’s history.
Praise for such a milestone belongs first to the students themselves. They worked with extraordinary discipline, but more importantly, they maintained a sense of unity, supporting one another through every challenge. This collective strength was a key architect of their success. I also wish to recognise our teachers, who taught with both faithfulness and intelligence, and our parents, whose care and stability provided the essential foundation upon which these achievements were built.
The statistics within this booklet are truly historic. We celebrate a record-breaking 26 “All-rounders” and three “First in State” rankings across English and Languages. Most remarkably, of the 107 students across the entire state who reached the very pinnacle of ATAR rankings (99.90 and 99.95), four were from this cohort. Furthermore, with 57.5% of our students achieving an
ATAR of 90 or above, it is clear that our mission to reach and stretch every student has been realised.
Beyond these outstanding numbers, we celebrate the character of these young women. They have successfully transformed their individual “gifts” into the “talents” that will now serve them in the next chapter of their lives. We commend the Class of 2025 to you; they leave us as accomplished, compassionate leaders, and we look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly make on the wider world.
Dr Paul Burgis Principal
73%
PLC Sydney students were in the top 20% of the State (ATARs over 80)
5.5%
PLC Sydney students were in the top 0.5% of the State
53%
PLC Sydney students were in the top 10% of the State (ATARs over 90)
99.95
Top ATAR (Two students)
17
Top Achievers List
12 students earned top 20 places with 5 students achieving top 20 in more than one subject
41 NOMINATIONS
5 Selected For student showcases and exhibitions
8.5%
PLC Sydney students were in the top 1% of the State
87.4
PLC Sydney School Average mark was 87.4 out of 100
26
All-rounder Achievers List
Students who scored over 90% in every subject
16th IN STATE
PLC Sydney ranking in SMH ranking
AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSIONS RANK
Congratulations to the following girls who achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99 or more in the Higher School Certificate.
Nominated for the HSC Showcase OnSTAGE TAKE UP SPACE - Amelia Lai, Kate Barry, Lucy Carlisle, Surraya Carey and Lauren Coumbiadis.
Sofia Sok Cifuentes Spanish Continuers*
* Studied at NSW School of Languages
1 ST IN STATE
Youtan (Rachel) Yang Chinese Continuers
Jio Yim English Extension 1
TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE
Weiyi (Emma) Zhang Chemistry
Chloe Yee Ching Kwok Chinese in Context
Weiyi (Emma) Zhang English Advanced
Isabel Perry Design and Technology
Molly Robinson Legal Studies
Youtan (Rachel) Yang Chinese Extension
Jio Yim English Advanced
Tiffany Yi Mathematics Advanced
Sophie Robinson Chemistry
Enjia (Rachel) Liu English EAL/D
Chloe Yee Ching Kwok Chemistry
Sophie Pan Mathematics Advanced
Molly Robinson Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Cambridge Achievers
Reina Shi Chemistry
Jio Yim - Top in the World for Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (2023) Amelie Haigh - Top in the World for Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives (2023)
ALL ROUND ACHIEVERS
Twenty six (26) students were recognised on the All Rounders List (achieving more than 90% in all their courses ie the highest band possible in at least 10 units)
Kate Barry Yilan Chow
Zoe Crick
Amelie Haigh
students recognised
Aileen Yongzhi Huang
Madeline Hutchings
Soh Lin (Lin) Kim
Ella Kinslor
Alyssa Krestovsky
Chloe Yee Ching Kwok
Amelia Lai
Anabelle Lau
Cheuk Wing Angie (Angie) Li
Vicki Liu
Echo Luo
Harriet Lyford
Euna Oh
Delphi Robertson
EXCELLENCE IN HSC
Sophie Robinson
Jasmine Saha
Reina Shi
Ornice Tang Sun
Youtan (Rachel) Yang
Jio Yim
Cathy Zeng
Weiyi (Emma) Zhang
Proportion of Students in the Top Two Bands by Subject 100%
Chinese in Context, Chinese Continuers, Design and Technology, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, English EAL/D, Music 1, Music 2, and Visual Arts
Extension Courses: Chinese Extension, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Italian Extension, Japanese Extension, Latin Extension, Mathematics Extension 2, Music Extension and Science Extension
90% AND ABOVE
English Advanced, Mathematics
Extension 1
80% AND ABOVE
Economics, Food Technology, Italian Continuers, Japanese Continuers, Mathematics Advanced, Physics, Textiles and Design,and History Extension
75% AND ABOVE
Ancient History, Biology, Geography, and Modern History
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
IN TOP 2 BANDS WITH A MARK OF 80% OR HIGHER
COMPARED TO THE STATE AVERAGE
*Represents a very small cohort
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
A number of PLC Sydney students were selected for recognition as part of the HSC showcase events. To be nominated for any of these events is an outstanding achievement as it acknowledges their major works and performances as ‘best in the State’.
ENCORE
For exemplary performance in HSC Music.
Emma Zhang (cello - Music 2)
Suite for Solo Cello 3rd mvt Gaspar
Cassado
Hommage DSCH Albert Landa
Cello Sonata 2nd mvt Shostakovich
Stephanie Chew (violin - Music 2 and Extension)
Five Postscripts: for violin and piano Jack Symonds
Hebrew Melody, Op. 33 Joseph Achron
Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3 Fritz Kreisler
Duo for Violin and Cello, First Movement, Op. 7 Zoltan Kodaly
Recitativo and Scherzo-Caprice, Op. 6 Fritz Kreisler
La Ronde des Lutins, Op. 25 Antonio Bazzini
Holly Simon (voice - Music 1)
Monster from Frozen
If You Hadn’t But You Did from Two in the Isle
She Used to Be Mine from Waitress
Toxic (Britney Spears - Postmodern Jukebox Arrangement)
Congratulations to Emma Zhang who was selected to perform at ENCORE at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 2 March 2026.
ENCORE
For exemplary composition in HSC Music.
Stephanie Chew (Music 2 and Music Extension) Core Composition, Lost in the Arctic Melt, an evocative work scored for flute, vibraphone, marimba, violin and cello.
Evelyn Cahill (Music 2 and Music Extension). Evelyn produced the maximum number of permitted compositions, a diverse and ambitious set of four original works:
Blue Towers (Music 2 Core Composition) for two violins, viola, cello, and piano
Cascades (Music 2 Elective Composition) for solo piano
Antarctica Beckons (Extension Composition A) for two trombones, two trumpets, two French horns, timpani, and suspended cymbal
Orcas v Humpback (Extension Composition 2) for bassoon and ensemble
OnSTAGE
For exemplary performance in HSC Drama.
We are thrilled to report that every single Year 12 Drama student received a nomination for OnStage.
Individual Performances:
Kate Barry - My Name is Rachel Corrie
Peppa Burnett - Cheer
Ella Soo - Proof
Lauren Coumbiadis - Eat Up
Bethany Rand - Photograph 51
Grace Kaleel - Testimony
Surraya Carey - Anne Boleyn
Lucy Carlisle - August: Osage County
Zoe Guard - Rhinoceros
Kate Hooper - Once
Amelia Lai - Beyond the Neck
Isobel McLachlan - Minefields and Miniskirts
Kaelyn Shirto - Prima Facie
Holly Simon - A Song for Judy
Caitlyn Walker - Delia’s Clothes
Group Performances:
GOLDEN BOY - Bethany Rand, Sophia Miller, Grace Kaleel, Isobel McLachlan and Kate Hooper
TAKE UP SPACE - Amelia Lai, Kate Barry, Lucy Carlisle, Surraya Carey and Lauren Coumbiadis
THE NORD VAULT - Caitlyn Walker, Peppa Burnett, Kaelyn Shirto, Gianna Kouppas and Zoe Guard.
G.A.N.G. - Holly Simon, Jasmine Gifford, Ella Soo and Zoe Duarte
Two Individual Project Nominations:
Gianna Kouppas - Set Design - Antigone by Sophocles
Jasmine Gifford - Costume DesignTartuffe by Moliere
One Individual Project Selected:
Gianna Kouppas - Set Design - Antigone by Sophocles
SHAPE
For exemplary work in HSC Design and Technology and Textile and Design.
Design and Technology:
Isabella Chotar, Mia Kobylioukh, Gianna Kouppas, and Isabel Perry
Textiles and Design:
Frida Esposito and Jasmine Gifford
CALLBACK
Ciara Martin (Year 12) Accelerated HSC Dance completed 2024* Core Performance, Core Composition and Major Study Performance.
Madison Khoury (Year 11) Accelerated HSC Dance completed 2025* Core Performance and Major Study Performance.
* Studied at Bradfield College
Selected for ENCORE, Emma Zhang - Cello - Music 2
Nominated for OnSTAGE:
Nominated for OnSTAGE:
for OnSTAGE:
G.A.N.G. - Holly Simon, Jasmine Gifford, Ella Soo and Zoe Duarte
Nominated
GOLDEN BOY - Bethany Rand, Sophia Miller, Grace Kaleel, Isobel McLachlan and Kate Hooper
THE NORD VAULT - Caitlyn Walker, Peppa Burnett, Kaelyn Shirto, Gianna Kouppas and Zoe Guard
Nominated for SHAPE Design and Technology: Isabel Perry
Nominated for OnSTAGE:
Jasmine GiffordCostume Design
- Tartuffe by Moliere
Nominated for SHAPE Design and Technology:
Nominated for SHAPE Design and Technology: Gianna Kouppas
for SHAPE Design and Technology:
Nominated for SHAPE Textiles and Design: Jasmine Gifford
Nominated for SHAPE Textiles and Design: Frida Esposito
Isabella Chotar
Nominated
Mia Kobylioukh
ARTEXPRESS
The annual showcase of exemplary artworks that celebrates the high standards reached by Visual Arts students.
Maddison Beanland
Painting - Through Their Eyes, Through Mine
Jasmine Gifford Painting - Shelf Life
Isabella Loo
Drawing - What She Knew
Echo Luo Drawing - Echo
Euna Oh Painting - Came for the Cake!
Reina Shi Painting - In Transit
Phoenix Tomlinson Painting - The Art of a Japanese Winter
Tanika Young Painting - 404 Not Found
Congratulations to Maddison Beanland, Jasmine Gifford and Reina Shi who were selected for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS.
Selected for ARTEXPRESS: Maddison Beanland - Through Their Eyes, Through Mine
Nominated for ARTEXPRESS: Echo Luo - Echo
Selected for ARTEXPRESS: Reina Shi - In Transit
Selected for ARTEXPRESS: Jasmine Gifford - Shelf Life
Nominated for ARTEXPRESS: Euna Oh - Came for the Cake!
Nominated for ARTEXPRESS: Isabelle Loo - What She Knew
Nominated for ARTEXPRESS: Phoenix Tomlinson - The Art of a Japanese Winter
Nominated for ARTEXPRESS: Tanika Young - 404 Not Found
GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS
The Gold Award is the most demanding of all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and is made up of five components: Service, Physical, Skill, Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. It is a mark of great dedication that Year 12 students can balance the requirements of the Gold Award with their studies. In 2025, 16 Year 12 students achieved this impressive award. Congratulations go to:
Aliza Ali
Maddison Beanlan
Lucy Carlisle
Yilan Chow
Kate Doan
Jasmine Gock
Amelie Haigh
Mia Kobylioukh
Alyssa Krestovsky
Isobel McLachlan
Isabella Pelosi
Reina Shi
Ruby Staunton
Elyse Tan
Elizabeth Tran
Amelia Watson
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
PLC Sydney congratulates our six Year 12 students who represented Australia in their respective curricular, co-curricular and sporting areas.
Tiffany Gao ACADEMIC - SCIENCE
Following an exceptional performance at the Australian Science Olympiad, Tiffany was selected to represent Australia at the 2025 International Earth Science Olympiad. Tiffany’s strong performance continued at the international level, resulting in her winning a silver medal.
Lucy Carlisle
ORATORY - PUBLIC SPEAKING
Lucy qualified for the Australian team in 11th position to represent at the 2025 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. She earned a semifinals position in every discipline (Reading, AfterDinner Speaking, Debating, and Impromptu Speaking). Lucy finished in an impressive 4th place overall in the world.
Stephanie Chew ARTS - VIOLIN
Stephanie was awarded the Absolute Award for violin in the youth section of the Singapore International Music Competition. She has also accepted a position to study violin in the Bachelor of Music course at the world-renowned Royal College of Music in London, commencing in 2026.
Jio Yim
ORATORY - PUBLIC SPEAKING (2nd time recipient)
Jio stands alone in her speaking achievements for our school and our nation. She secured first place in After-Dinner Speaking and runnerup in Impromptu Speaking at the 2025 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. Jio ultimately finished in 16th place overall worldwide.
Kate Barry ORATORY - PUBLIC SPEAKING
After finishing 3rd overall at the national level, Kate was selected to represent Australia at the 2025 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. While finishing just outside of the World Top 100, Kate showed true hallmarks of leadership and sportsmanship.
Sophie Robinson SPORT - CROSSFIT
Sophie is Australia’s top 16-17-yearold CrossFit athlete, having qualified for the 2025 World CrossFit Games. She competed against the 30 fittest 16-17-year-old girls in the world, and after eight gruelling events, Sophie placed 10th overall.
REFLECTIONS
ANASOFIA ANTONAKIS
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
Staying true to myself while respecting others. Being surrounded by strong voices and high expectations, I realised that real strength comes from being honest, kind, and grounded in your values.
KATE BARRY
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
It’s okay to have fun and take a break from school - doing co-curricular activities is really important and can be a great break from the classroom.
MADDISON BEANLAND
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
The importance of balancing academics with sporting activities. The school’s strong emphasis on community and leadership taught me how to work collaboratively, support others, and communicate effectively.
NOA BLUM
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about what to do their final year, what would it be?
Manage your time to achieve a balance in your life. When you constantly have exams and assessments, you can feel the temptation to spend all the time you can studying, and even sacrifice things like sleep for it. However, doing that will quickly lead to burnout and even make your academic performance worse.
PEPPA BURNETT
Wilkie House Captain
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
Treat others as you would like to be treated. This simple principle has shaped the way I interact with people both inside and outside the classroom. I’ve learned that empathy and understanding go a long way.
ZOE CRICK
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about their final year, what would it be?
Advice I would offer to someone in their final year would be to make time for the things you enjoy doing, as this helps sustain a positive mindset and bring balance into your routine. It is also important to remember that your personal worth is not defined by your results as success looks different for everyone.
ELLA KINSLOR
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about their final year, what would it be?
To try new things, join a club or group, and speak to new people.
CHLOE KWOK
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
Always embrace opportunities and do not be afraid to try new things. The international outlooks of exchange, science conferences and Cambridge courses all gave me new perspectives on the world, while the wide variety of cocurriculars has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.
ALLEGRA LATTUCA
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
Apply myself in every opportunity I’ve been given. Over my years I recognised that I’ve never regretted working hard on something that didn’t particularly work out the way I had hoped, but I have regretted not engaging wholeheartedly with an opportunity or committing to it.
CIARA MARTIN
Wilkie House Vice Captain
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about their final year, what would it be?
Start early, stay consistent, and don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. The pressure can be loud, so make space to listen to yourself too.
ISABEL PERRY
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about their final year, what would it be?
To take every struggle in Year 12 as a chance for improvement. Whenever you do not get the mark that you hoped for in an exam, know that this is only a number on a piece of paper, and it is actually a prompt for you to learn from your mistakes, improve and work harder.
SOPHIE ROBINSON
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was from my chemistry teacher Mrs McGrouther, she always says, ‘You must be in the driver’s seat of the bus, not asleep in the back’ meaning that you have to be proactive in your learning and your life and work hard for the things that you want rather than just hoping things will work out.
JAMIE RONIS
If you could offer advice or a tip to someone about their final year, what would it be?
Give it your all in both your studies and your friendships, take advantage of every opportunity presented to you, and remember that self-care can be just as productive as study time.
YOUTAN (RACHEL) YANG
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
To appreciate life and all its moments. I have learnt to have gratitude, humility, and love for life and to live in the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to move forward in life.
CATHY ZENG
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
That excellence isn’t just about high marks, it’s about integrity, discipline, and using your strengths to serve others. PLC taught me that leadership is quiet persistence, that service is a responsibility, and that pushing your limits is more meaningful when you bring others with you.
WEIYI (EMMA) ZHANG
What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?
Even amidst a school of over a thousand students, what I did and how I did still mattered. I felt this in the way my teachers have taught me with care from my junior years all the way until now, as well as how the school seeks to address every achievement whether big or small - because it mattered to us.
