Celebrate Year Twelve 2020
www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au
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COURAGE, COMMITMENT AND CONFIDENCE… Mr Nick Jolliffe - Dean of Curriculum The title of this publication has, for a few years now, been aptly named Celebrate, and perhaps there hasn’t been a year in recent memory that deserves such recognition of achievements, acknowledgement of resilience, an appreciation for the small things, and our collective capacity to overcome adversity. Indeed, to celebrate.
Cover: Jacqueline Eicher performs Mother - her HSC Drama Individual Piece at the 2020 Year 12 Final Assembly.
Notwithstanding the myriad events of 2020, a final year of schooling teems with activity and deadlines, responsibilities and academic requirements; it is a year as challenging as they come, both personally and academically for Year 12 students. In many ways our HVGS graduates enjoyed a greater continuation of learning and face-to-face support than perhaps most of their peers experienced at other schools, especially in Sydney, and of course Melbourne. Having our Year 12 students return as early as possible to the normalcy of a full school timetable on campus, following the disruptions and closures in Semester 1, provided obvious benefit. However, what characterised the challenge for school administrators, teachers and HSC students was the uncertainty that pervaded the educational landscape, the moving of the goal-posts and the weekly alterations to programs and HSC requirements. Delivery of curriculum imperatives and a sustained focus on the routine of academic endeavour didn’t abate, though the social and emotional impact was not insignificant, and acutely felt by all HSC students. Assessment schedules were revised, HSC Major Works and Performances altered, dates amended and important events cancelled; at one point, NESA wasn’t sure there would even be HSC Examinations held in October. It is through this sustained uncertainty, sense of inequity and concern about
University placement that our students met adversity and frustration with maturity and resilience. It was a year when this cohort of young adults impressed the School community with their patience, personal growth, collaborative support of one another and determination to get on with the job at hand. With an appreciation of what was going on in the wider world and a sense of how linked we all are, our students tackled each week, indeed each day, with tolerance, purpose and maturity. It was a year like no other too for our tireless and passionate staff right across the School, and particularly for those with HSC classes. It is important to acknowledge the significant work undertaken, often out of the view of colleagues and parents, borne from a professional and personal commitment to their students. The initiative, compassion and resilience of our staff really shone through in 2020, and it is with sincere gratitude that I thank our staff for the work they have done and continue to do. As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the various exceptional achievements of students, including Alexandra Gibb who achieved 1st in the state for HSC English Advanced, along with those who attained personal best results, or tackled the HSC with courage and commitment, and did themselves, their families and the School proud. The class of 2020 have emerged from the challenges this year has thrown at them with a greater sense of self and awareness of the world around them, with aspirations and confidence. Indeed they are “Young and eager, strong and vibrant, / Marching forward heads held high”, and with every reason to celebrate. Nick Jolliffe Dean of Curriculum
ALEXANDRA GIBB FIRST IN COURSE English Advanced Alexandra Gibb has achieved outstanding results in the English Advanced course, finishing first in New South Wales. Alexandra was honoured at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday 17 December. English Advanced is the third most popular HSC course, and Alexandra has outperformed 24,873 other students taking the course. Congratulations Alexandra on this incredible, and much deserved, accomplishment.
ALEXANDRA GIBB What further study do you intend to do after the HSC?
ALL ROUNDERS LIST
I intend to study international relations and law at the University of Adelaide.
Congratulations again to Alexandra Gibb who was honoured on the NSW Education Standards Authority All Rounders List for attaining a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or E4) in ten or more units of study.
Favourite subject at School?
TOP ACHIEVERS LIST Alexandra Gibb was also honoured on the NSW Education Standards Authority Top Achievers List; celebrating students who achieved one of the top places and a result in the highest band possible in one or more HSC courses.
Highest HVGS ATAR
Alexandra Gibb 99.85
I was always fascinated with modern history, but it wasn’t until I took up the subject that I began to see just how relevant it is in contemporary society. The study of modern history allows me to understand the people and events which shaped our world while providing an intimate look at humanity; our successes and failures amid the tumult of the 20th century. Modern history is a memorialisation of past adversity and a reminder of the relevance of the past when looking toward the future. How you define success? Success is such a complex concept. It’s relative and comprised of the small things like building positive habits, learning to let go of certain obligations and finding passion in your work. I’ve learnt that success is practically impossible when you base your own aspirations around the achievements of others. Drawing inspiration from those around me is a great way to guide our personal definition of success, but it shouldn’t restrict it. Your personal philosophy about how you approached this very unusual and tricky year... Ths year has been fairly intense and panic and stress are somewhat unavoidable. I’ve tried my best to approach this year with acceptance of those things out of my control and gratitude for what I’m still able to do and achieve.
HSC HIGHLIGHTS NOTABLE MENTIONS •
The Class of 2020 achieved 90 Band 6 results - a slight increase on 2019. This is our second best result against this measure since 2013.
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Alexandra Gibb has achieved an ATAR of 99.85 - equal highest in the region.
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11 students received an ATAR above 95, 20 students above 90, and 41 students received an ATAR above 80.
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Design and Technology students more than doubled the state average for Band 6 results.
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50% of English Extension 1 students achieved a top band (E4), and Alexandra Gibb secured a result of 98/100.
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40% of Legal Studies students achieved a Band 6 result, nearly triple the state average.
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Ten of the sixteen Music 1 students achieved a Band 6 result - triple the state average.
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Tynan Fuller, Jayden Mackenzie and Adam Walters all attained a mark of 99/100 in Music 1.
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In Music Extension, Alexandra Boyling achieved a mark of 49/50. An exceptional result.
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In Society and Culture, four of our nine students achieved Band 6 results - that’s four times the state average for this course.
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Alexandra Gibb added to her ARTEXPRESS selection with a mark of 98/100 in Visual Arts.
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HVGS enjoyed its highest number of early entry offers in 2020, with approximately half of our graduates receiving early entry offers for university placement either via direct application to tertiary institutions, or through UAC’s early entry and SRS schemes.
1
Student achieved First In Course honours for English Advanced
1
Student on the All Rounders List
1
Student on the Top Achievers List
13 Nominations for HSC major works and performances; and one selection in ARTEXPRESS
90
Band 6 results (from 42 students)
42 Students on the Distinguished Achievers List
20
Students received an ATAR above 90
98th HVGS was ranked 98th in the Top 150 Schools by the Sydney Morning Herald
HSC NOMINATIONS OnSTAGE NOMINATIONS (DRAMA) Congratulations Tynan Fuller, Jacqueline Eicher, James Patton and Connor Edwards who each received OnSTAGE nominations for their 2020 Individual Performances in HSC Drama. OnSTAGE is a presentation and exhibition of group and individual performances and projects by HSC Drama students.
TYNAN FULLER What is your true passion in life? The performing arts is my true passion, I know firsthand the thrill of storytelling to an audience, and hearing their immediate feedback and appreciation for the craft. Whether it’s more serious roles (Les Miserables) or opportunities to be completely absurd (Ursula), my passion for performing arts is something which I cherish, and which I will continue to pursue well into my future. What further study do you intend to do after the HSC? Earlier this year, I was given early entry into the Australian Institute of Music to study a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Musical Theatre. Over the three year course I hope to gain valuable skills and guidance from industry professionals which could transition into a successful career. Favourite subject at School? Combining my favourite of the performing arts disciplines with the strongest, kindest, wittiest and most cohesive faculty - there is no question that Music (with seven of the eight years of my Music life being taught by Bass Master Mr Steve Gidney) has been my favourite subject at HVGS. How you define success? I think that there is a vast misconception about the nature of success - that it is measurable by external forces to oneself. In reality, success is truly gauged by the person who desires it. Success can be found looking at our own behaviours, honestly reflecting on our attitudes towards others, and adapting our own actions accordingly.
HSC NOMINATIONS ENCORE NOMINATIONS (MUSIC) Congratulations Samuel Moore (Tuba and Composition), Tynan Fuller (Vocal and Musicology Viva Voce), Adam Walters (Piano and Musicology Viva Voce), Alexandra Boyling (Cello) and Jayden Mackenzie (Saxophone) who have each received ENCORE nominations for their HSC Music performances.
PATERSON MURPHY
ENCORE is a program of outstanding performances and compositions from the HSC Music examinations. How do you define success? Success isn’t a certain level of achievement that is universally defined - it varies from person to person and is entirely dependent on you as an individual. If at the end of an experience, you know you tried the best you could and feel accomplished with your effort, I think you’ve been successful in your endeavours. What further study do you intend to do after the HSC? I intend to study medicine, but you never know things can change really quickly! If you had your time over again, would you do anything differently? I am very thankful for the time I’ve had at HVGS. While I was here, I thought it was important to have a go at everything I could. I feel I accomplished this goal and ‘threw my hat in the ring’ for the many different academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities. Overall, participating in such a wide variety of activities really enhanced my time here at School and I recommend that everyone try as many different things as they can. Favourite subject at school? My favourite subject at school is mathematics because I find the content interesting, it usually makes sense, and the answers are definite.
HSC NOMINATIONS ARTEXPRESS NOMINATIONS (VISUAL ARTS) Congratulations to Alexandra Gibb, who was nominated and selected in ARTEXPRESS for her artwork titled Strings Attached. Alexandra’s work consisted of expressive portraits and demonstrated high-level technical skills and an understanding of how to draw the human face in a way that captured the characteristics, emotions and the individuality of the faces. ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks.
SHAPE 2020 NOMINATIONS (DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY) Alannah Galloway has been nominated for SHAPE 2020 for her major work, Enlighten, a portable emergency education kit for children who find themselves displaced due to social change or emergency. SHAPE 2020 is a selection of exemplary Major Projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students. This is our first nomination for this exhibition.
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS Congratulations to the following students who were named on the NSW Education Standards Authority Distinguished Achievers List for achieving a result in the highest band (Band 6/E4, equivalent to 90%) in one or more of their subjects.
ASPEN BLOMFIELD What is your true passion in life? My collection of world flags in Junior School has transformed into an interest in politics and international relations in Senior School. I am fascinated by the way governments operate and do business between one another. I could see myself working in any number of areas – from working on political campaigns to working as a foreign correspondent. What further study do you intend to do after the HSC? I want to study a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of International Relations at ANU. Still, with so many great universities and opportunities available – this could change! Your personal philosophy about how you approached this very unusual and tricky year... This year has taught me the importance of staying connected - working together with peers and seeking regular feedback from teachers. Whether you’re in three weeks of a lockdown or it’s the final school holidays before exams, it is essential to ask for help and seek clarification. If you had your time over again, would you do anything differently? I would tell myself that everything will work out okay in the end. This year has been incredibly stressful and uncertain, so I spent a lot of time worrying about exams and life after school. I would tell myself that everything I’ve learnt has prepared me well to handle these challenges.
Sarah Abrams
Patrick Mainey
Abbey Allomes
Georgia Mayfield
Aspen Blomfield
George Mitchell
Grace Bowd
Samuel Moore
Alexandra Boyling
Daniel Mortel
Andrew Burfitt
Georgia Mortimore
Adam Capotosto
Paterson Murphy
Adam Chesher
Bella Murray
Connor Edwards
Tristan Reid
Jacqueline Eicher
Ava Robertson
Tynan Fuller
Sebastian Rollings
Alannah Galloway
Florence Searle
Alexandra Gibb
Isaac Smith
Ella Gidney
Edward Sutherland
Mia Gould
Saffron Tang
Frederic Heslin
Thomas Tavares
Sarah Higgins
Sienna Taylor
Makayla Kearns
Adam Walters
Melinda Knight
Nevada Whitten
Claire Lamph
Molly Wills
Jayden Mackenzie
Abbie Young
UNIVERSITY EARLY ENTRY OFFERS More than 50 students from the Class of 2020 have been successful in receiving early entry offers to university. The following infographic shows the courses broadly grouped by area of study, displayed in order of the greatest number of offers received.
ABBIE YOUNG What is your true passion in life?
Engineering and related disciplines
Psychology
Laws
Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like setting all of your sights on something so distant can be counterproductive. I try to face each new challenge as it comes and focus on short term goals (finish school, get into university...). I want to keep learning and growing- which is a bit cheesy I know, but predominantly, I would like to be able to help others, so I am focusing on pursuing a career into medicine. Fondest memories from School?
Business and related disciplines
Creative Arts and related disciplines
Sciences and related disciplines
I have the best friends. We are still so close after cementing our friendship in Year 9 on the Urban Challenge camp. Favourite subject at School? I’m enthusiastic about science because it’s a great blend of being mathematical while still valuing articulate expression. I love knowing how the world works.
Nursing
Arts and related disciplines
Education & Teaching
Communications and related disciplines
Technology and related disciplines
Construction
You had your time over again would you do anything differently? This is so hard to answer because it’s impossible to say where all of the minute fluctuations and influences would have led me. But if I did have my time again, I don’t think I would choose to do much differently (except spend less time stressing over the little things).
YEAR 12 TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPS MELINDA KNIGHT What further study do you intend to do after the HSC? I’m currently planning to study a Psychology (Honours) degree at UNSW, probably followed by a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Fondest memory of school? In Junior School, we have the wetlands, and I was an avid member. We’d plant a garden, take care of it, and sell our produce at stalls. We’d go fishing for tadpoles in the pond and scoop up the algae. I was involved for as long as I could, and I saw the wetlands go from a pond with a couple of plants and flowers to this blooming garden we have now. Wetlands stalls were one of my favourite things to do: I loved showing off the produce we had grown, engaging with customers, and making money to support the ongoing growth of the wetlands. Your personal philosophy about how you approached this very unusual and tricky year... This year has been challenging, but my approach was fairly simple: stay connected and persevere. Yes, things were hard, but if I still wrote my lists and worked my way through schoolwork and around problems, it seemed much more manageable. My most formidable challenge was being cooped up inside during the lockdown period, and I survived that through online chats with my friends and long walks in the sunshine.
The Hunter Valley Grammar School Tertiary Scholarship for Law Abbey Allomes
The Jason Johnston Tertiary Scholarship for Health Sciences Lucinda Coren Melinda Knight
The Cameron Built Environment, Design Technologies and Engineering University Scholarship Charlotte Carey
The Tassell Financial Planning Pty Ltd Tertiary Scholarship for Business and Finance Adam Walters
The Whitelaw McDonald University Scholarship for Law Alexandra Gibb
The Tassell Financial Planning Pty Ltd Tertiary Scholarship for Performing Arts Alexandra Boyling Jacqueline Eicher Tynan Fuller Samuel Moore
Abbey Allomes
Lucinda Coren
AVA ROBERTSON What is your true passion in life?
Melinda Knight
Charlotte Carey
I love to surf as much as I can, it’s my happy place. Getting out into the water is such a special feeling, and nothing can beat it. What further study do you intend to do after the HSC? I intend to do a degree in Agricultural Sciences in New Zealand, or if I chicken out of living so far away, I’ll go to the University of Sydney and complete my studies there. Your personal philosophy about how you approached this very unusual and tricky year...
Adam Walters
Alexandra Gibb
I made sure that I listened to my body and had balance. Before COVID, my best friend and I would go away each weekend surfing; on the way up and back I would study and then surf all day. Just because I was doing my HSC didn’t mean my life stopped, I’ve had the best year so far of my life! How you define success?
Alexandra Boyling
Jacqueline Eicher
My personal view of success is just to be happy! In Japan there’s a tradition called ‘Ikagai’ which translates to ‘what makes you get out of bed in the morning’. I want to find my Ikagai, and I want to pursue a career in it - that is success to me.
Tynan Fuller
Samuel Moore
STORIES OF SUCCESS MUSIC Earlier in the year, Alexandra Boyling attended UNSW to receive her AMusA with distinction in cello. She has also been accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to study cello and was nominated for ENCORE for her HSC Music performance. The HVGS Song Writing Competition is an exceptional opportunity for our musicians and performers to demonstrate their talent ‘behind the microphone’. Congratulations to Sarah Higgins, who won this year’s top prize. Congratulations also to Georgia Mortimore who was awarded Highly Commended and Nevada Whitten who won the Encouragement Award.
Alexandra Boyling
Ellen Sharman debuted a symphony orchestra score so impressive that she was awarded the 2020 HVGS Composition Competition. Sarah Higgens
Georgia Mortimore
Nevada Whitten
Ellen Sharman
STORIES OF SUCCESS Sebastian Rollings
Angus McMahon
Sarah Abrams
Sarah Higgens
Nicholas Bignall
Bella Murray
SPORT It is such a shame that many of the sporting opportunities enjoyed by the sportsmen and sportswomen in our Year 12 cohort, could not proceed in 2020. We wish to honour our fantastic elite athletes from the Class of 2020 who have shown grit and determination over the years to represent their school, their state and, in some cases, their country in a variety of sports.
Sebastian Rollings - Hockey Angus McMahon - Golf Sarah Abrams - Rowing Sarah Higgins - Aerobics Nicholas Bignall - Athletics Bella Murray - Athletics Timothy Ryan - Athletics Riley Woods - Athletics Sidney Searle - Athletics Kaitlyn Klein - Cross Country
Timothy Ryan
Riley Woods
Hannah Scarborough - Rowing Georgia Mortimore - Rowing Emily Kent - Equestrian
Congratulations Adam Walters who served up some fantastic tennis to win the 2020 AICES Tennis Championship.
Sidney Searle
Kaitlyn Klein
Congratulations also to Bella Murray who finished her last year strong - 2nd in 19 year 400m and 4th in 200m at the 2020 NSW All Schools Track and Field
Hannah Scarborough
Georgia Mortimore
Emily Kent
Adam Walters
ENDEAVOUR STUDENTS We wish to celebrate our Year 12 graduates who have attended Hunter Valley Grammar School for all of their schooling. Sarah Abrams Abbey Allomes Mackenzie Arnott Theo Atkins Maegan Bell Alexandra Boyling Caleb Bright Andrew Burfitt Lylly Cornwell Kynan Davies
Connor Edwards Jacqueline Eicher Mia Gould Sebastian Graham Mashara Hanks Mia Jarrett Henry Johnston Makayla Kearns Melinda Knight Georgia Mayfield
Brady Miller-Simmons Georgia Mortimore Bella Murray Chelsea Passmore Henry Pethers Holly Reibel Tristian Reid Patrick Simmons Adam Walters
Celebrate is a Hunter Valley Grammar School publication 42 Norfolk Street Ashtonfield NSW 2323 | 4934 2444 | hvgs.nsw.edu.au.