THE wait is finally over for Tenison Woods College Year 12 students with the release of the SACE results yesterday morning.
A total of 20 students this year achieved an ATAR greater than 90 at the private school with the college dux prize awarded to Laura Gazzard with an outstanding score of 98.75.
Following closely behind and rounding out the top five students were Keely Venn with 97.2, Kaitlin Beltakis with 97, Kaylah Lesslie with 96.65 and Skye Varcoe with 95.1.
In addition to the top 20 students, a further 20 also gained an ATAR of greater than 80.
Principal David Mezinec said he was extremely proud of the Year 12 cohort who achieved solid final grades.
“I am delighted to find 18pc of our students were in the top 10pc of the state and 35pc of our students were in the top 20pc of the state,” he said.
“Such results are a testament to the efforts of students, staff and families, who have worked incredibly hard to achieve this success.
“I am also delighted so many of our students who have achieved at the highest levels this year are from regional areas, in fact, seven of the twenty students who achieved an ATAR above 90 are from Millicent and three are from Penola.”
Kaitlin, who received a score of 97, said she was overwhelmed with emotion when she checked her score yesterday morning.
“I cried when I read my score this morning, it was better than I expected,” she said.
“I needed a score of 95 to get into the course I want, so I was going to be happy with anything above that.”
Studying biology, psychology, general mathematics, English literary studies, research project and integrated learning this year, Kaitlin said she plans on undertaking an advanced bachelor of health in medical science at the University of Adelaide.
However, Mr Mezinec also reminded students who may not have achieved the results they expected that ATAR scores are not the “be all and end all”.
“It is important they do not become too disheartened and remember the tertiary and higher education learning environment enables multiple entry points, articulations and pathways to achieve a final qualification goal,” he said.
“If students are entering the workforce, it is important to remember that SACE results are only one predictor of potential success.
“The significant currencies in the world of work remain attitude, presence and attention to the task, teamwork and loyalty to the organisation – all of which can be attained with a deliberate approach despite the level of academic achievement.”
