2020 HSC Achievements & Highlights

HSC Achievements & Highlights

2020

“Being a part of the PLC Sydney community will be a memory I will cherish forever.

My fondest memory will always be how

supportive and absolutely amazing

the class of 2020 was. And to the teachers who have guided me and shaped who I have become today I will forever be grateful.

Thank you!”

Lily Dai

Each year group faces its challenges in its final year.

Even the most capable of students can doubt themselves. How much more, in the Covid-19 year of 2020 did our students face challenges, both external and internal.

It is to their credit, and the credit of their teachers, that we can list their achievements in this booklet. Together they formed a strong partnership to assist the year group to do well.

We congratulate this PLC Sydney graduating cohort on their excellent HSC results.

As you read the results in this booklet, remember that we are a non-selective school.

This means that the student who attends PLC Sydney is improving their overall outcome. Our average mark was about 82.6% gained across all courses. Many students in this year group were artistic, with a record number of nominations for ARTEXPRESS. Music was another standout. It is particularly pleasing to have received two nominations to ENCORE for student compositions. We congratulate each student who achieved a special award. We congratulate each student who did their best.

We are yet to receive the full list of student university place entries, but the cohort was very happy with the offers made to them. We are proud of our 2020 cohort.

We celebrate the hard work of each student. Their results are very similar to the excellent academic results of recent years.

Finally, and more important than anything else, we are proud of the young women our graduating class has become. As their Principal, I am impressed by their grace and their diligence. Watching them interact at our morning tea in early December was a joy. We will follow their future vocational choices with great interest.

Dr Paul Burgis Principal

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

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2020 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

99.75

50%*

Top ATAR

PLC Sydney students were in the top 10% of the State (* inc Jennivine Chen)

8% PLC Sydney students (12 students) were in the top 1% of the State

21st

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PLC Sydney ranking in SMH ranking

11 Top Achievers List

IN STATE*

* 21st in the State inc Jennivine Chen

5

Students who earned top 20 places in individual subjects

SELECTED

17

29 Nominations

All-rounder Achievers List

For student showcases and exhibitions

Students who scored over 90% in every subject

Cambridge International A Levels: A Levels are the ‘gold standard’ of Cambridge and act as entry qualifications for universities around the world. They are highly specialised with students normally taking only three subjects.

The A* at A Level is awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A on the A Level overall (80%), and who also achieve at least 90% on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across their A2 units. Jennevine Chen achieved three A Levels A* A* A in her Cambridge A Level Exams for Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science (equivalent of 99.9+) and was accepted to Oxford University.

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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 or equivalent [eg Cambridge International Exams].

Name

ATAR

Name

ATAR

Abbey Kumar

99.75

Gwendalyn Dabaja

99.45

Linda Liu

99.65

Amanda Lu

99.40

Stephanie Howes

99.55

Caitlyn Wong

99.25

Olivia Lam

99.55

Helena Law

99.15

Jennivine Chen

99.50^

Yingyi (Emily) Zhao

99.05

*The above list may not be a full representative of these achievements as we are reliant on Year 12 students providing their ATAR or other information. Details are not made public or provided to the College. [ ^ Jennivine’s ATAR estimate is between 99.50 - 99.95 based on her Cambridge results]

YEAR ON YEAR COMPARISON 100th

51% 36th

56%

51%

50%*

37% 21st 17th

20th

21st*

1st

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Sydney Morning Herald HSC ranking top 100 schools

% of students in the top 10% of State ie achieving ATARs over 90

(* 21st in the State inc Jennivine Chen)

(* 50% inc Jennivine Chen)

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

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1 ST PLACE IN NSW

Yianna Nikos Textiles and Design

Jacqueline Koutsoubos Modern Greek Beginners at NSW School of Languages

TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE

2

3

3

Haley Mills Japanese Continuers

Yanna Gralton Chinese Extension

Stephanie Howes Latin Extension

4

4

4

nd

rd

th

th

Amelia Rader Food Technology

th

Sophie Angus Design and Technology

5

th

th

Yingyi (Emily) Zhou English EAL/D

Nina Power German Beginners at NSW School of Languages

6

19

6

th

Jessica Cheng Design and Technology

4

4

rd

th

Gwendalyn Dabaja English Extension 2

Abbey Kumar French Extension

th

Stephanie Howes Mathematics Advanced

PREMIER’S ALL ROUND ACHIEVERS For students who achieve more than 90% in all their courses (ie the highest band possible in at least 10 units).

17

students recognised

Sophie Angus

Abbey Kumar

Linda Wang

Gwendalyn Dabaja

Olivia Lam

Caitlyn Wong

Ariana Galanos

Helena Law

Keyi Zhang

Iris Gou

Ruo Yin Linda Liu

Catherine Zhao

Yanna Gralton

Amanda Lu

Yingyi (Emily) Zhao

Stephanie Howes

Miriam Ly

EXCELLENCE IN HSC Proportion of Girls in the Top Two Bands by Subject

100% Chinese and Literature, Chinese in Context, Chinese Continuers, Chinese Extension, Community and Family Studies, Drama, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Italian Continuers, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Extension, Latin Continuers, Latin Extension, Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension, Textiles and Design, and Visual Arts

90%

80%

75%

AND ABOVE

AND ABOVE

AND ABOVE

Chemistry, English Advanced, English EAL/D and Mathematics Extension 1

Design and Technology, Physics and Mathematics Extension 2

Business Studies Mathematics Advanced and Modern History

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN TOP 2 BANDS WITH A MARK OF 80% OR HIGHER COMPARED TO THE STATE AVERAGE % Bands 5-6 or E3-E4 COURSE

PLC SYDNEY STATE

% Bands 5-6 or E3-E4 COURSE

PLC SYDNEY STATE

Ancient History

50

33

Geography

60

42

Biology

67

31

History Extension

60

76

Business Studies

76

35

Italian Continuers

100

58

Chemistry

92

43

Japanese Continuers

100

56

Chinese and Literature

100

69

Japanese Extension

100

89

Chinese in Context

100

89

Latin Continuers

100

89

Chinese Continuers

100

76

Latin Extension

100

100

Chinese Extension

100

98

Legal Studies

70

40

Community and Family

100

34

Mathematics Advanced

77

53

Mathematics Standard 2

28

25

Studies Design and Technology

82

47

Mathematics Extension 1

84

75

100

47

Mathematics Extension 2

92

84

29

30

Modern History

74

37

Economics

70

51

Music 1

100

64

Advanced English

91

63

Music 2

100

88

English EAL/D

90

26

Music Extension

100

97

English Standard

56

12

70

34

English Extension 1

100

93

Education

English Extension 2

100

82

Physics

83

41

Food Technology

60

30

Studies of Religion 11

60

44

French Continuers

60

64

Textiles and Design

100

57

French Extension

67

81

Visual Arts

100

65

Drama Earth and Environmental Science

6

Personal Development, Health and Physical

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS A number of PLC Sydney students were nominated 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’.

SHAPE

ENCORE

For exemplary work in HSC Design and Technology and Textile and Design

For exemplary performance in HSC Music

Yianna Nikos Selected for exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum for an evening apparel gown consisting of a strapless corset, straight skirt and traditional smocked cape (pictured right) Sophie Angus Nominated for a campaign to promote greater integration support for refugees in the Inner West community Jessica Cheng Nominated for a multipurpose flatpack furniture and lighting concept for an apartment with limited space Ariana Galanos Nominated for an installation to promote sustainable fashion and waste reduction within the textile industry

SHAPE & TEXSTYLE For exemplary work in Textile and Design Halle Fisher Nominated for a twopiece costume with engraved bodice & open pleated sleeves Ariana Galanos Nominated for a high couture innovative textile art piece Giselle Gurr Nominated for a textile art piece, reflecting structural and aesthetic features present in Islamic architecture Jessica Kim Nominated for a costume that utilises & promotes second-hand and upcycled materials Yianna Nikos Nominated for an evening apparel gown

Lily Dai Nominated for cello Kim Leng Nominated for piano Catherine Zhao Nominated for violin

ENCORE Nominated for exemplary composition in HSC Music Lucy Froggatt Katia Nastasi

Yianna Nikos SHAPE Yianna’s Major Textiles Project is an evening apparel gown consisting of a strapless corset, straight skirt and traditional smocked cape. Inspiration has been drawn from 1940s Haute Couture, specifically its figure-hugging, asymmetrical silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.

OnSTAGE For exemplary performance in HSC Drama Louisa Cusumano Nominated for The Age of Consent Molly Davies Nomination for Prima Facie Nina Power Nomination for When the Rain Stops Falling

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 to balance Year 12 students with the requirements of the Gold Award. In 2020, four students achieved this award.

Chelsey Johnson Katia Nastasi Roanne Taoube Heidi Watkins PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

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ARTEXPRESS For exemplary work in HSC Visual Arts Ariana Galanos Selected for Maitland Regional Art Gallery for Painting: The Condition of the Compulsive Amelia Rader Selected for Hazelhurst Arts Centre for Painting: The Stitches You Sew Macey Watson Selected for Art Gallery of New South Wales - AGNSW and Tamworth Regional Gallery for Painting: Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic

Ariana Galanos The Condition of the Compulsive

Giselle Wong Selected for New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) for Painting: Therapy in a Bag of Flour Olivia Antoun Nominated for Drawing: Sundowning 6:14 - 18:32 Olivia Lam Nominated for Drawing: Run, Hide, Fight Helena Law Nominated for Drawing: Not Waving, Drowning Ruo Yin Linda Liu Nominated for Painting: Enduring Light Heidi Watkins Nominated for Painting: Passage

Amelia Rader The Stitches You Sew

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1. Ariana Galanos ARTEXPRESS The Condition Of The Compulsive Painting, Maitland Regional Art Gallery Each interior provides a window into the life of a person with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to explore anxiety, thoughts and obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviours. We obsessively arrange our world using colour, form and space to organise and conduct our existence in a ritualistic manner to help us cope with what life throws at us.

2. Amelia Rader ARTEXPRESS The Stitches You Sew - Painting Hazelhurst Arts Centre The Stitches You Sew comments on the unethical fashion industry that so many of us unknowingly support. It is important for us to be aware that with every dollar you spend, you are voting either for or against the lives of these people. It is in your hands to unpick these stitches or, alternatively, sew them tighter within this unethical practice.

3. Macey Watson ARTEXPRESS

Macey Watson Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic

Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic - Painting Art Gallery of New South Wales - AGNSW and Tamworth Regional Gallery Leading viewers through a series of ordinary industrial settings, the work explores the importance of appreciating the everyday. The combining of contrasting mediums, styles and conflicting subject matter unveils the hidden intricacies and complexities within seemingly ordinary and dull environments.

4. Giselle Wong ARTEXPRESS Therapy in a Bag of Flour - Painting New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)

Giselle Wong Therapy in a Bag of Flour

Therapy in a Bag of Flour illustrates through a series of acrylic paintings the therapeutic and stress-relieving qualities found within the art of baking.

Responding to the abundance of stress that students in their 2020 HSC year felt, the art of baking series aims to portray the step-by-step process that a pâtissier (pastry chef) takes.

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

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NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES PLC Sydney congratulates our Year 12 students who represented Australia in their respective curricular, co-curricular and sporting areas.

Sophie Angus

Emma Bosco

Gwendalyn Dabaja

Lily Dai

SCIENCE

SNOW SPORTS

PUBLIC SPEAKING

MUSIC (CELLO)

Australian team at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona. (4)

Australian Mogul Ski Team (2)

Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition (AIDPSC) and

Finals of the Kuring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Anna Dowling POLO

Australia Polo Team at the World Youth Olympic Games (3)

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Member of the 2020 Australian team.

Music Scholarship to The Juilliard School in New York City. (5)

Chelsey Johnson

Amanda Lu

Eliza Martin

SNOW SPORTS

PUBLIC SPEAKING

SCIENCE

Australian Biathlon Development Team and

Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition (AIDPSC)

Australian team for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona

Australian Winter Youth Olympic Team. (1)

1

2

3

4

5 PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020 11

REFLECTIONS USHANG ADIE

LUCY BERRELL

University of Sydney Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Flexible First Year)

Boarders Prefect University of Newcastle Degree in Teaching (Primary)

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities?

Trying new things and putting yourself a bit out of your comfort zone (e.g. doing co-curricular activities and participating in competitions) is extremely worthwhile. It feels good and it looks good on your resume.

Balancing academic focus and other activities during your final years of school is important as it gives your brain a break from school work and helps with re focusing when it comes to doing your school work both in and out of school.

SOPHIE ANGUS

EMMA BOSCO

Top Achievers in Course List 4th Design and Technology All-Round Achievers List (ATAR Over 99.0) Nominated For Shape University of Sydney Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)

National Representative Snowsports - Australian Mogul Ski Team Planning on studying UNSW Sydney Mechanical Engineering

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success?

Consistent effort from the first term until the very end of Year 12 made the biggest impact on how I was able to succeed in Year 12. Chipping away at larger tasks, for example writing summary notes every day, made studying for the Trial and HSC exams a lot more achievable and less overwhelming allowing me to achieve my best.

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success?

I think you have to know when it’s time to work hard and study a lot, and when to take your foot off the accelerator to avoid burnout. I made sure I had a good balance between school, sport, and life. Even during lockdown I made sure to break up my day between study, gym, and relaxing. The HSC is important but your general health (especially mental health) will always be more important!

JENNEVINE CHEN A*A*A Cambridge A Level Exam Currently studying Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford University in the UK What contributed to your final year/and Cambridge success?

My subject teachers were so supportive and all helped me tremendously in this process, especially this year due to COVID-19 and Cambridge exam cancellations. The school environment at PLC Sydney is uniquely unifying in its sense of community. Also PLC Sydney’s encouragement for girls to pursue STEM subjects has definitely influenced and shaped me. Students who came before me, inspired me to push the limits and gave me the courage to embrace challenges. This year in particular has put us all to the test. It has taught me to keep moving forward and keep trying to anticipate the unexpected along the way. * Jennevine Chen, achieved three A Levels A* A* A in her Cambridge A Level Exams for Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science (equivalent of 99.9+). The A* at A Level is awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A on the A Level overall (80%), and who also achieve at least 90% on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across their A2 units.

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LOUISA CUSUMANO

MADELINE GEE

Nominated for Onstage: Individual Drama Performance School Captain University of Melbourne, VCA (Victoria College of the Arts) Bachelor of Fine Arts, Acting

University of Sydney Bachelor of Arts

What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney?

Having fun with my Year Group and Mr McHugh’s History classes. I also loved performing in school plays and musicals, even the cheesy ones—crying with the cast after shows or joking in rehearsals.

Just spending time creating stuff with really amazing people was the best.

LILY DAI

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be?

To use yourself as the biggest motivation to see what you’re capable of - looking at hsc/exams as a test to yourself, then, reflecting on your progress ends up as the biggest reward. Also to understand that this last year is a big chance to prove to yourself your capabilities and really see your strengths for the future - it would be underwhelming to finish 13 years of school without knowing what you’re capable of. Lastly to keep in mind that everyone is on their own path within school, so even if you haven’t completely applied yourself throughout high school, it’s never too late to start.

Nominated for Encore (Cello) Currently a Music Undergraduate at The Julliard School In NYC What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success?

My teachers have been supportive and some have been understanding towards my goals which was what I needed throughout my HSC year. They understood my mindset and worked around it. and...honestly...

Covid cancelled so many activities and gave me a bit more time.

Yanna Gralton in Matilda

CELINE FARRUGIA ANU - Art and Law Advice to younger students: Keep yourself busy, don't free your schedule just for study.

I still did the musical and saturday sport. I found that when I was bored I was less likely to work, so I needed to keep busy. Also, try and expand your friendship circle and get to know everyone in your year.

“Consistent effort from the first term until the very end of Year 12 made the biggest impact on how I was able to succeed in Year 12.”

Sophie Angus

YANNA GRALTON Top Achievers In Course List 3rd Chinese Extension All-Round Achievers List (Atar Over 99.0) Lead Role in the PLC Sydney Production of Matilda.

ANU - Law and International Studies What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney?

Playing the lead role in our musical, ‘Matilda’ - that was a big deal. I started rehearsing in September, but then it was called off in April due to COVID. It was so strange not knowing whether or not the production would actually ever take the stage.

It did eventually go ahead with a special production for some students and another for parents (after graduation). The rest of the school watched it online. It was really fun. The best part of Year 12 is usually all the events that take place, but this year most of them were cancelled, except for the exams.

‘I guess have me more time to study’.

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020 13

ALLIRA PURCELL HAMMOND

EMMA HOOTON Humanities Captain ANU - Arts Law

University of Sydney Bachelor of Arts How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities? eg. co-curricular activities etc In Year 12 co-curricular activities were not important to me, however I ensured I balanced my study with time to spend with family and friends.

Balancing HSC and other activities: Music groups are really important because they help me to relax. Of course, in Year 12, it is important to have a balance, and sometimes even if that means shifting your priorities once in a while- that's okay!

SOPHIA KING

MARGARET (MAGGIE) O’REILLY

Pickard House Captain University of Technology Sydney - Bachelor of Business

Sports Captain University of Sydney Architecture/Engineering (double degree)

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success?

Making sure I made time to have fun and improve my health but ensuring when I set time aside to study I was productive during that time eg. switching off your phone and limiting distractions so you work effectively.

KIM LENG Music Captain University of Sydney Commerce/Law What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?

The opportunity to apply myself to a range of challenges and activities at PLC Sydney allowed me to push myself and develop my self confidence and figure out my strengths and weaknesses, what type of daily routine worked for me, and how I was able to work most efficiently.

Through both failure and success, I tried to learn what was best for my wellbeing (I am still learning everyday), adopting something like a 'work hard, play hard' mindset which personally for me has been a game-changer in the way I use my time and how I apply myself in different situations.

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Balancing HSC and other activities: I am living proof that anyone is capable of working hard in school and maintain many co-curricular activities in Year 12. I believe having the hectic schedule that I do, has enabled me to be organised and more efficient with my time, which are very important life skills. I’d write a schedule of all my activities in the afternoon and the work I would do in the periods of time when I had no activities, as this would hold me accountable for being productive but would also allow me to clearly see everything I had to complete. I believe balancing co curricular and studies enriches your experiences and provides you with vital lessons that will not only help you in the future. It also looks good on your university applications too!

Maggie’s cocurricular activities in 2020 including AFL, Netball, Football, CIS Cup Football, Triathon, The PLC Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

“I ensured I balanced my study with time to spend with family and friends.”

Allira Purcell

JANICE NGUYEN

AMELIA RADER

Planning to study at University of Sydney Pharmacy

Top Achievers in Course List 4th Food Technology Selected for Artexpress University of Wollongong Pre-Medicine, Health and Science

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?

That only a small chapter of our lives has been completed, so whatever happens now is not the end of life itself. It is only the beginning of something new, no matter the number. Also if someone wants to define something they will ( i.e sqrt -1 = i)

NINA POWER 4th In State, German Beginners (NSW School of Languages) Nominated For Onstage: Individual Drama Performance Drama Captain Macquarie University Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) What advice would you give to younger students about the HSC? I think it is really important to choose subjects that genuinely interest you so that you enjoy going to class, and you are more motivated to study and work hard. Even in year 12, try and make your learning revolve around your life not your life revolving around school. Also, don’t base your self-worth on academic success and don’t let a few bad marks ruin your confidence.

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities?

Balance between school and other activities/ relationships is crucial to ensuring that you are not controlled by the HSC and reminds you to have perspective and not be trapped in your own little world.

YINGYI (EMILY) ZHAO Top Achievers In Course List 4th English Eal/D All-Round Achievers List (Atar Over 99.0) University of Melbourne - Bachelor of Biomedicine (guaranteed entry to Medicine) What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney?

The experience of living in the boarding house has been an asset of my life. We not only meet so many girls with different backgrounds, but also have a group of the most supportive staff members who are always here for us whenever we needed.

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020 15

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PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020 17

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