VCE Results

We are very proud of the achievements of all Strathcona students in 2022. Each year we are amazed by the range of talents and accomplishments. As students engage in challenges that help them develop socially, intellectually, and emotionally, they are rewarded with new connections, understanding and maturity that provide the foundations of a satisfying and productive life.

VCE results are just one measure of development. There are many others: performances, friendships, leadership and contributions to their community. Our Year 12 students again excelled in their VCE results. The wonderful achievements of the highest performing students deservedly catch our attention, but we celebrate the many personal triumphs of all the students.

They have entered a very diverse range of tertiary courses and will go on to take a vast range of roles in society, bringing the skills they have learnt and dispositions they have developed in their time at Strathcona into everything they do. We look forward to hearing about where their careers take them.

90.1 MEDIAN ATAR

80%

12% of students attained an ATAR of 80+ (Top 20% of the state)

4 of study scores were 40 or above

25% of students attained an ATAR of 98+ (Top 2% of the state) perfect study scores in Chemistry, Global Politics, Health and Human Development and Psychology

Where students have been offered a place in a double degree, the student’s main interest area has been allocated.

DUX OF 2022 Maha Thiagarajan

An extract from Maha’s assembly speech Stand up. Stand out. Stand tall.

It’s ironic that these words perfectly sum up my high school journey. As the shortest person in my year level, I’m no stranger to standing on my tippy toes in a crowd. But reflecting on the last few years, I’ve realised that the people I have met and the things I have learnt, both inside and outside the classroom, have helped fun-sized me to soar to new heights.

I’m someone who made the most of high school by giving everything a go. I actually mean everything — from playing the drums, netball, writing competitions, drama productions, Duke of Ed, cricket coaching, debating, outer space competitions, campaigning for equality for women in STEM and so on. Sure, I absolutely loved some clubs right away and they became a part of who I am today, whilst others lasted only a couple

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE » of months. But the friends I made, the confidence I gained, and the memories will be with me forever. Trying new things helped me gain a deeper insight into myself, even if my time in the drama production showed me that I probably won’t become the next Emma Watson or Jennifer Lawrence. Oh well, theatre was a fun stage to go through. Oops — I’ll try to limit any play on words from here.

As I approached Year 12, I was a bit apprehensive of what the year would bring. I can now tell you that it’s a combination of hard work, lots of practice exams and — they say it every year, but it’s true — watching Edrolo instead of Netflix. But at the same time, for me, Year 12 was spending lunchtime with my friends, winning best dressed at Formal in a saree, a traditional Indian dress, and celebrating those lasts — last athletics, last class, last day of school, last exam.

Now, if you’ve heard me speak before, you know that I ask for snaps whenever I speak about inspirational people such as Malala Yousafzai or Michelle Obama. But sometimes the people who motivate us, inspire us, are actually closer to us than we thought. As I run through the people I am grateful for, I’ll ask for snaps — let’s have a practice.

Thank you to my Year 12 teachers — Dr Endo for Chemistry, for answering all my emails, even the ones that tested his Sunday evenings. Mr Phillips for Physics, and showing me that women are just as powerful in any field we choose. We’re on the way to collapsing the stereotype and building your dream of equality in STEM. C’mon, let’s get some snaps for that! Ms Foreman for guiding me through Math Methods and Ms Kouris for helping me beat not only Specialist Maths, but also exam nerves. Thank you for the confidence boost. Snaps.

Ms Joubran for marking what seemed like a million of my English essays and yet somehow still having a smile on her face. Ms Cash for discovering my passion for Biology and unlocking my future as a doctor. Snaps to you, too. And finally, to my Head of House Ms Gazis for being my cheerleader, also to Ms Sowden and Mrs McConaghy for all the opportunities.

I want to remind this year’s VCE cohort that your teachers are your best resources and encourage you to trust and utilise them. Never be afraid to ask questions — because they really are always there for you.

It’s because of all the Strathy teachers I’ve had since Year 7 that I’ve fulfilled my dream and am studying Medicine at Monash University.

One last show of appreciation to my friends who made it the most memorable year and to my family. Dad, for being my personal Uber driver everywhere. Mum, those late-night hot chocolates are the reason I got through Year 12.

I often think short people maintain a great perspective on life since we are always looking up at the world — literally. To this group of Year 12s: I encourage you to be positive and optimistic this year. Look for the good in every day and use every moment wisely. I’m sure the rest of my awesome and #unstoppable cohort agrees with me when I say time is perhaps the most valuable commodity in the final year of school. Don’t forget to enjoy these last few precious moments with the people around you. I wish you all the best in following your dreams — never stop looking up.

Stand up, stand out, stand tall. To those of you in Year 7 and 8, I encourage you to Stand Up and give everything a go. In Year 9 and 10, I want to inspire you to Stand Out and celebrate your uniqueness. And in Year 11 and 12, it’s time to Stand Tall against the onslaught on VCE.