ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 1
ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
2023
2 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
CONTENTS From the Headmaster
1
From the Director of Teaching and Learning 2 At a Glance
3
Celebrating Brilliance
4
2023 Academic Achievers
6
2023 All-round Achievers
12
Visual Arts
14
Technology and Applied Studies
16
Performing Arts: Music and Drama
18
Careers and Student Enterprise
20
1 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
FROM THE HEADMASTER In 2023 our senior cohort demonstrated a real commitment to study, a curiosity to learn, and the discipline to reach their goals. The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding outcomes in and outside of the classroom, with another year of exemplary performances in debating, football, tennis and rugby. I am so pleased for the Class of 2023, with
their genuine efforts reflected in outstanding HSC results. While many boys have earned
results ranking them among the pinnacle
among the best in their subject across the state, earning them a spot on the HSC Top Achievers List: • Finan Maher – Modern History (1st)
of state achievers, I am also delighted by the results of those boys who achieved outstanding personal performances, lifting
their grades and results to new personal standards, which far exceed the goals set when they commenced in their Preliminary
• Finan Maher – History Extension (2nd) •
Benjamin Sestanovic – Studies of Religion II (10th) • Jackson Broad – Modern History (20th) The following boys have been recognised
HSC year. The most incredible stories are
as HSC All Rounders, having received the
of the newspapers and are not measured in
more units:
treasured for the triumph they represent for
• Finan Maher
often those that do not receive the fanfare
highest possible band (Band 6 or E4) in 10 or
the narrow realm of Band 6s, but are equally
• Benjamin Sestanovic
students, families and staff.
• Jackson Broad
Congratulations to Benjamin Sestanovic
on being awarded 2023 Dux of the College, with an ATAR of 99.95. This places Benjamin equal first in the state with the highest
possible ATAR, a remarkable achievement given there were more than 76,000 students
• Matthew Mulders • Timothy Shu • Noah Stuart-Brookes • Xavier Thomas We
also
celebrate
those
students
who sat the HSC in 2023.
whose practical works in Drama, Industrial
who earned an ATAR of 99.85, placing him
been judged to be of an exemplary standard,
this mark was an outstanding performance in
(OnSTAGE),
state in a field of more than 10,000 students.
Visual Arts (ARTEXPRESS):
Congratulations also to Finan Maher
Technology, Music and Visual Arts have
second in the Class of 2023. Contributing to
resulting in nominations for HSC Drama
Modern History, where he placed first in the
(SHAPE), HSC Music (ENCORE) and HSC
He also placed second in the state in History
• OnSTAGE: Individual: Jack Angwin,
Extension. There
were
many
notable
academic
achievements in addition to Benjamin and Finan, including outstanding ATARs for: • Jackson Broad – 99.55 • Timothy Shu – 99.35
• William Perkins – 99.20 In total, 10 students achieved an ATAR
over 98 and 26 achieved an ATAR over 95. In addition, the following students ranked
HSC
Industrial
Technology
Thomas Young; Group: Jack Angwin, Aston Looker, Angus Manley, Rushton Reid, Jack Scarf • SHAPE: Jack Cullen, Oliver Portelli
I commend the College staff, both academic and professional, who have guided our students over their time at Joeys. These dedicated and incredibly hardworking professionals have enabled each boy to reach his personal potential. We are grateful for their service and commitment to the special vocation of teaching. Please join me in congratulating and celebrating the Class of 2023.
• ENCORE: Harrison Cleary, Oliver Gardiner • ARTEXPRESS: Matthew Grech, Henry Hewson, Tsz Hin Huang, Charles O’Kane, Alexander Roche, Jai Schlederer (selected), Hwi Sharples, Thomas Williams, Jack Zipeure
Mr Michael Blake Headmaster
2 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
“FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE PACK IS THE WOLF, AND THE STRENGTH OF THE WOLF IS THE PACK”. – Rudyard Kipling, The Second Jungle Book
LEARNING TOGETHER
Joeys’ scholars were experts in learning
together. Student-led study groups in Year
12 break-out spaces in the dorms, and attendance at HSC Masterclasses, became the norm. Countless hours were spent in the
painstaking production of practical works,
beyond timetabled classes. The result … soaring individual performances.
As highlighted by the Headmaster, these
young men received their just rewards
– outcomes simply not possible without partnering with their exceptional teachers. Joeys’ educators worked without fanfare well beyond the school day, including holiday study
sessions and “value adding” feedback on
practice responses. The ultimate goal being to meet each scholar at their point of challenge. HSC SUBJECT HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to the individual and whole
The Class of 2023 must be
school highlights, there were outstanding
applauded for its individual
• The English scholars were adept at writing
and collective endeavour, as witnessed across the full gamut of subjects. From excellence
performances across multiple subject areas:
both persuasively and imaginatively in English Advanced and English Extension I.
• In
Mathematics,
Distinguished
an
Achiever
exceptional entries
52
were
recorded, including a mark of 95 by
in STEM, artful persuasion
Timothy Shu in the rigorous Mathematics
in the humanities, through
• The Latin, Chinese and French scholars
to exceptional creative arts performances. As each student diligently worked to unearth their unique talents, the Joeys “pack” became stronger.
Extension II course.
shone brightly in the Continuers and Extension courses.
• The Historians displayed their love of learning, with 35 per cent of both the Ancient
• Learning gains and excellent performances were prominent in the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and Geography courses. • The Science disciplines yielded nine Distinguished Achiever entries across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. • Three students placed in the top 100 in the state in Economics, a challenging subject requiring the deep marriage of theory and contemporary economic events. • In exploring the world’s prominent religions, 58 per cent of students elevated their performance to Bands 5 and 6 in Studies of Religion I and II. • In Visual Arts, an outstanding 89 per cent attained Bands 5 and 6, expertly balancing the practical and written components. • In Drama and Music, students adroitly balanced the performances and written components. • 36 accelerants performed to distinction, a year earlier than typical, in Mathematics, Business Studies and Studies of Religion II. Kipling’s quote captures the essence of this fine group of young men. The unique gifts and grit of each of the 195 scholars boosted the Year 12 results as a group. Likewise, the collective will and skill of the “pack” made each individual scholar incrementally stronger. The Class of 2023 must be congratulated for courageously building on 142 years of rich academic scholarship. Their story of striving to be better together will be writ large for years to come.
History and Modern History cohorts earning
Band 6s and 66 per cent of students an E4 in History Extension; a subject requiring advanced critical thinking skills.
• In Business Studies, a record 19 students were listed on the Distinguished Achievers
List, including 10 accelerants and a top
mark of 97 by Year 11 student James Forder.
Mr Matthew Bookallil Director of Teaching and Learning
Agriculture
SJC
Chinese Extension
Geography
Primary Industries
Studies of Religion I
Visual Arts
Studies of Religion II
2
Science Extension
students nominated for ENCORE
PDHPE
7
Physics
students acknowledged on the All Rounders List
Music Extension
Second highest ATAR and first in state – Modern History Finan Maher
Music II
99.85
Music I
Modern History
Mathematics Extension II
Mathematics Extension I
Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Standard II
5
Legal Studies
students nominated for OnSTAGE
Mathematics Standard I
entries on the Distinguished Achievers List
Latin Extension I
209
Latin Continuers
Industrial Technology
History Extension
German Beginners
9
French Continuers
2023 Dux and highest possible ATAR Benjamin Sestanovic
French Extension I
students nominated, one selected, for ARTEXPRESS
English Extension II
10
English Extension I
students with an ATAR above 98
English Standard
English Advanced
Engineering Studies
Economics
Drama
Design and Technology
99.95
Software Design and Development
State
Chinese Continuers
Chemistry
Business Studies
Biology
Ancient History
ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
3
AT A GLANCE
students with an ATAR above 99
5
state rankings on the Top Achievers List
4
students nominated for SHAPE
2
HSC BANDS 5 AND 6/E3 AND E4 2023
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0
4 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
CELEBRATING BRILLIANCE As the academic curtains were drawn on the Class of 2023, one name stood out amidst a sea of accomplishments – Benjamin Sestanovic – the St Joseph’s College Dux who achieved scholastic perfection, leaving an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape of the College. Benjamin’s pursuit of academic excellence
He acknowledges Joeys’ unparalleled
to represent the College at the Lawrence
“I feel like we’re so lucky at Joeys to have
highlights his intellectual acumen and his
culminated in the achievement of the highest
teaching support and resources, saying,
Despite his incredible individual result, his
teachers who are willing to see you outside
possible ATAR – an impressive 99.95.
first reaction was genuine joy for the entire
of class time, just out of the goodness of their
Campbell Oratory Competition in 2023, unwavering enthusiasm for debating. LOOKING AHEAD
year group: “Just hearing all the other results
hearts, to help you because they want to”.
everyone in the cohort. They contributed to
accelerated program for French at the end of
career in medicine. He expresses his innate
year we’re collaborating with each other …
Berriman, Benjamin’s dedication was evident
a desire to help people. “The science aspect
you can learn with and share ideas with.”
mark of 90, convincing him to undertake Year
bash as ‘trite’ the response of ‘I want to help
perfect score of 100 per cent in the 2022 HSC
resulted in his exceptional achievement, just
ninth in the state and setting the trajectory
Benjamin’s love for languages, particularly
to nurturing high-level learners. Accelerated
subjects, he placed third in the state in French
fondly of the personalised class environment
allowed him to thrive. “Honestly, I would say
of 97 in Advanced English; 97 in Studies of
teaching format. “Joeys’ tailored approach
My experience has broken down in my mind
98 in French Continuers (accelerated).
of us studying Latin … so we got to dive really
I think for me, it’s been a very academically
A HUMBLE TRIUMPH
good to have that opportunity.”
– everyone did so well and I’m so proud of
Offered
the
opportunity
to
join
the
Benjamin’s aspirations include pursuing a
my success because, at Joeys, for the whole
Year 9 by Head of Languages, Ms Courtney
draw to the field, citing a love for learning and
you have this really close network of people
as he completed the Year 11 exam with a
of medicine really interests me … people may
Benjamin’s academic success included a
12 HSC French Continuers in Year 10. This
people’, but it’s genuinely what I want to do.”
Advanced Mathematics exam, placing him
one mark shy of the state’s top in French.
at Joeys reflects the College’s commitment
for his remarkable HSC result. In his other
French and Latin, set him apart. He speaks
programs and a tailored educational approach
Extension (accelerated); obtained a mark
for Latin, highlighting the benefits of this
there’s just really something for everyone here.
Religion II, placing him 10th in the state; and
was so valuable for me. There were only two
the stereotype that ‘Joeys is a rugby school’.
deep into the course content. It was really
oriented experience,” remarks Benjamin.
Following the release of the HSC results,
Benjamin shares his “surreal” experience upon receiving the news. He humbly notes, “I expected to do well, but I don’t think anyone
really expects a 99.95. So for that to happen, it was just really gratifying”.
As a day student, taking advantage of
the Extended Day Program at Joeys meant
Benjamin often could be found in the dorms in discussion with other students after night
study had finished. His academic pathway
at Joeys was marked by unique choices and opportunities. He studied English Extension,
English Advanced, Latin Continuers, Latin
Extension and Studies of Religion II in his final year, having spread his workload through
Benjamin’s exceptional academic success
His parting words sum up his time at Joeys:
Looking back, “Benjamin’s resounding
“It’s been like a language – it’s been a cultural
from Joeys in 2021 was in no small part
things for me. And I think Joeys is not just
autonomously and collaboratively”, especially
of different things that you can get involved
“His dedication, grace and gratitude for
absolutely unmatched. Being involved in that
success as the youngest HSC student
experience. It has been all these different
attributable to his ability to work both
one single experience. You have this plurality
during remote learning, reflects Ms Berriman.
in. And the amount of opportunity here is just
learning were always evident, as he managed
was so rewarding. I’m so grateful.”
accelerating not only in French but also in
study medicine at the University of Sydney, he
particularly his motivation for languages
level, which, says Ms Berriman “is the truest
activities in class as well as an unfailing work
lifelong passion within your discipline”.
his workload and the extra demands of
While Benjamin has been accepted to
Mathematics. Benjamin’s love of learning,
also hopes to pursue languages at a tertiary
was apparent; he had an enthusiasm for all
compliment for a teacher – to have ignited a
ethic,” says Ms Berriman.
As Benjamin embarks on his university
Benjamin’s
studies, with plans to travel and put his
GPS Debating team in 2022 and as captain
College not only as a brilliant scholar but as
Beyond
the
classroom,
accelerated courses. “I did my HSC over
brilliance shone as an integral member of the
language skills to use, he leaves St Joseph’s
the accelerated course because I had less of
in 2023, securing back-to-back premierships.
an inspiration to his peers and an immense
three years … I was really lucky to have done a load every year,” states Benjamin.
This historic feat, along with his selection
source of pride for the entire Joeys community.
5 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
“… Joeys is not just one single experience. You have this plurality of different things that you can get involved in. And the amount of opportunity here is just absolutely unmatched. Being involved in that was so rewarding.”
6
2023 ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
FINAN MAHER
JACKSON BROAD
ATAR: 99.85
Which subject did you like the best? I found the History Extension course aligned most closely to my interests, and I enjoyed the creativity. It was a subject that was not at all about rote learning, more so about just understanding history, and then structuring an answer based on the question. What study strategies did you use in Years 11 and 12? A good strategy is to find likeminded friends. If you really care about doing well, surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals is the easiest way to consistently engage with your work and to achieve your best. How did you motivate yourself to study? Turning it into a game. I was never great at math, so I gamified doing trial papers, trying to achieve a better score than I had before, or doing well-known school papers, such as James Ruse and Sydney Grammar, and seeing how good I could do.
Modern History was about learning all the content, and then practising writing this content out; but Module C in English required thinking on the spot. Knowing the difference between these types of courses makes preparing for the exams much easier. What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? That goals cannot be achieved without rigorous planning and work. What role did your family play in your academic journey? A vital role, both in helping me academically and also emotionally. What role did teachers play in your academic success? My teachers motivated me. I think the best teachers push you to do your best, and you find yourself working super hard just so you can live up to their expectations and the goals they have set for you.
What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? My highlight was winning the debating premiership in Year 11 and making the GPS Firsts team. The highlight of Year 12 was boarding with my mates and becoming much closer with some really great people.
What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? It’s crucial to understand that if you want to do well, it is not just about doing well in the final exams. Every single internal assessment is vital to success in a subject as it can have a major impact on your rank, and subsequently your mark. I would say to give 100 per cent from the second you enter Year 12, and to not stop until your final exam.
What learning strategies helped you? A strategy I liked was deciding which courses had to be simply rote learned, and which required more creativity. So for example,
What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? I am hoping to do arts law at the University of Sydney and major in politics. I will see where this takes me.
ATAR: 99.55
What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? You need to put in the hard work. Not only that, but I found a combination of hard work and using study time effectively to be the best way to achieve my goals.
they’d sacrificed a lot to send me to Joeys. I found thinking about university and how I wanted to feel when I got my ATAR motivated me. Also, externally, there was friendly competition that drove us to improve.
Which subject did you like the best? I accelerated five units of my HSC including Mathematics Advanced and Extension I as well as Business Studies. Out of these, I found Mathematics more enjoyable and rewarding. I believe this is because of the growth in marks I experienced as the year progressed. I was forced to apply new techniques in response to more challenging concepts, which I inevitably found satisfying. My teacher, Mr Habib, inspired us as a class, which was fundamental in helping us to thrive under pressure. His teachings of character inspired success, and as such, he deserves significant credit for my performance in the HSC. In 2023, I completed English Advanced, Modern History, Economics and Studies of Religion I. My two favourite subjects were Economics and Modern History, largely due to my class and teachers; Ms Purnell and Dr Frappell were amazing and deserve credit for the success in their classes. They made learning enjoyable, establishing a healthy mix between fun activities and high expectations.
How did your family support your academic journey? My family significantly supported me by providing mental support, helping me to study over the holidays and providing connections to talk to past students.
How did you motivate yourself to study? Motivation for me came intrinsically and externally. Intrinsically, I wanted to make my parents proud because
What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? Find what works best for you. I would say work hard when it’s time to work and rest when it’s time to rest. Find something you like to do to forget about schoolwork and do that to reset your brain. Be wary of burnout. Don’t isolate yourself socially. If you are turning 18, balance is key. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? My highlight at Joeys was the entirety of Year 12. What structures or routines helped you? The study structure helped me significantly. To prepare for exams, I found waking up 15 minutes before everyone else to revise content worked well. Staying up late was not beneficial for me. What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? Going to St Paul’s College at the University of Sydney to study a Bachelor of Commerce/Advanced Studies, majoring in accounting and finance.
7 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
TIMOTHY SHU
WILLIAM PERKINS
ATAR: 99.35
Which subject did you like the best? My favourite course was Physics because our class of like-minded people found it easy to get along and made the learning environment very enjoyable. What study strategies did you use in Year 12? The most effective strategy in Year 12 was doing past papers and handing them into teachers. What learning strategies helped you to improve? For me, reviewing notes and focusing on class helped me understand new concepts. Also, group discussions within the class were very beneficial. What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? Joeys taught me that achieving my goals comes with hard work and dedication. It is a long path and it helps to start early. How did you motivate yourself to study? I take time to relax and really tune out from the regular study and to regenerate my stamina. How did your family support your academic journey? My family kept in touch with my academic progress and regularly offered advice when I was faced with challenges and celebrated with me when I achieved my goals. What role did teachers play in your academic success? My teachers helped greatly as their insights on my abilities helped to fill in my weaknesses and propel my strengths.
What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? Take it easy and don’t burn out at the start. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? My highlights were all the times I got to hang out with my friends during free time and take a break from studying. What structures or routines helped you at Joeys? The study routine, although rigorous, ensured that the effort I was putting in was consistent. What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? I’m planning on going to UTS to pursue employment opportunities provided through my current course.
ATAR: 99.20
Which subject did you like the best? Economics captivated me during my school years due to its profound impact on how we understand the world. With its blend of theory and real-world application, it equipped me to comprehend fluctuations in global markets and inspired me to stay up to date with challenges in the economy. I was fortunate to have Mr Matthew Bookallil as my teacher for Years 11 and 12. His expertise and feedback helped me to achieve my best. What strategies helped you to improve? Learning the content by myself or with a friend before going through it in class is a valuable strategy. If you look into the content beforehand, you can use class time to ask your teacher more challenging questions. As the class will be the second time you have recalled the content, you are more likely to remember it later. I found setting one academic goal a day is a useful strategy. If you set yourself one significant task to complete, you feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep working. How did you motivate yourself to study? There were plenty of times when I didn’t want to study – so whenever I didn’t feel like studying, I just didn’t study. However, if you are familiar with Parkinson’s Law, it suggests that more effort is required when you have less time allocated to complete a task. By setting a
task a day with a deadline that same day, you are more inclined to complete it. By this same logic, it also motivated me prior to exams, as my fear of failure or not knowing the content overcame my dissatisfaction with study. How did your family support your academic journey? My family played an instrumental role in my academic journey as they encouraged and instilled a passion for learning in me from an early age. Their unwavering support created an environment in which I felt comfortable to discuss my troubles and successes. What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? Plan out what you want to do and keep yourself accountable. It is important to work in the holidays, as even small amounts of work add up and will go a long way in your study and revision. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a balance between study and life. Get involved in sport and with your mates because your time in Year 12 is far more memorable and enjoyable if you accompany your study with other activities. Get involved in all aspects of College life, because it can go a long way when being considered for internships and scholarships. What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? Commencing a combined Bachelor of Commerce/Laws degree at the University of Sydney.
8 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
9 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
MAX MERIFIELD
BENJAMIN BAYFIELD
ATAR: 98.90
Which subject did you like the best? I enjoyed Science Extension, as it allowed me to explore an area of interest independently without being restricted by a syllabus. The Research Report challenged me to stay consistent over one year, dive deep down rabbit holes in various scientific fields and slowly build, knock down and rebuild a scientific report until I had an expertise in and a scope of the field. What learning strategies helped you? The greatest learning experience for me over the course of the year was realising the importance of practice papers and past questions. These helped to refine my skills and knowledge in each subject, test myself before internal exams and properly prepare myself before the HSC. How did you prepare for the HSC? Peer support was crucial in preparing for the HSC, as it diversified my ideas and perspectives. Talking to others during lunch or chatting about work in each other’s rooms helped to refocus my attention on the work that was important. This collaboration is so important in maintaining a work–life balance, whilst also keeping me on track when studying alone. How did you motivate yourself to study? At the beginning of the year, I pinned my subject goals on the wall in front of my desk. Every time I got distracted,
procrastinated or got lazy, I was reminded quickly of the standards that I had set myself, and was re-motivated to study. What role did teachers play in your academic success? My teachers provided the core support in refining my skills and work over the year, and properly preparing me for the HSC. They were incredible in providing feedback on drafts submitted with short notice, encouraging me to achieve academic success, whilst also making the classroom a fun and motivating work environment. What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? The most important asset for completing the HSC is your friends and peers. Although it is crucial to use the wide variety of supports here at Joeys, I think it is most important to talk to those in your year group, because they are all experiencing similar emotions and anxieties during the HSC.
ATAR: 98.30
What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? Joeys taught me a harsh truth – that you’re not always going to achieve your goals, but that’s okay because in that process you can find what you’re good at and in turn aspire for new goals out of that. How did you motivate yourself to study? I would often turn to my dorm neighbour Jackson Broad, whenever I was unmotivated. I would walk into his room and see him studying hard and he would motivate me to study. I would also do the same thing when he didn’t feel like studying. It helped us get through. How did your family support your academic journey? My family played an important role. My sister would always message me tips and tricks leading up to an exam and was always happy to read my English work. They would always send me motivating and caring messages that helped me stay positive. What role did teachers play in your academic success? Some of my teachers played a crucial role in my success. Dr Frappell, in particular, was always motivated to get the best out of our whole class and sacrificed her own time to mark the hundreds of essays we would send to her leading up to exams. She would also always point us in the right direction, which is reflected in the high results many of my Modern History classmates received in the HSC.
What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? You don’t have to do it alone. Find a mate as committed and motivated as you are. This doesn’t mean you have to stop hanging out with your other friends; but in crucial times where you really need to focus and study, you can turn to each other and help each other get the best possible marks. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? The 2018 Joeys v Riverview rugby game, which is pretty selfexplanatory. Highlights of Year 12 were the last day of school and the City v Country game. What learning strategies helped you? Just asking teachers and friends for help outside of school times in the areas I wasn’t sure about helped me to improve. I would turn to friends so they could help me and when friends came to me asking for help, I was always happy to help them, which also benefitted me by reinforcing the coursework I was strong at. What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? I am planning on deferring my university course for 2024 to take a year off. During this year I plan to work and save up money to go travelling in Europe for around three months.
10 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
XAVIER FINK
VITORIO RIBEIRO SARDINHA
ATAR: 97.30
What learning strategies helped you? During Years 11 and 12 there are a lot of non-school related influences that can impact your academic success. Learning to prioritise your time during the HSC is a very important skill. You must learn to say “no” to things and accept that you just need to focus for a few months. This is not to say you can’t enjoy yourself during Year 12, but I think learning to prioritise your time is a very successful skill that will serve you well during your HSC year. What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? I think the Joeys prayer says it all, “to strive for better things”. Joeys taught me the importance of making small steps towards a big vision. Joeys encourages you to set your goals high and then make small but meaningful steps daily to achieve them. This combination of setting a large goal and contributing towards it every day was the key to my academic success. What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? To those embarking on the HSC, I wish you the best of luck and the following advice: a mind full of knowledge is better than a book full of knowledge. A thousand pages of perfect notes and endless worksheets mean nothing if you don’t actually know the content. Focus on practise and understanding instead, as in the exam it’s what you know, not what your notes know. A game changer for my HSC success
came from writing my notes each weekend throughout the term and creating them online. Writing your notes online gives you the ability to easily shorten them and make changes, rather than having to rewrite them by hand. This gives you extra time to memorise and do past papers, activities that will improve your knowledge and understanding of content. I encourage you to be grateful for the opportunity to sit the HSC. It’s going to be a challenging experience, however it’s important to enjoy the process, celebrate the small wins and just keep at it. How did you motivate yourself to study? I became motivated by reminding myself that if I wanted the most options outside of school, the work in front of me was required. When I was feeling tired of study, motivation came from reminding myself that the HSC has a time limit – “you only have a couple months left, let’s just get this done”, would replay in my head. What study strategies did you use? My personal choice was independent study, which I found served me well. When working alone, I was able to focus and understand concepts better. I see the value in productive collaborative work, however I found to prepare well for exams, boring, uncomfortable, individual work was required.
ATAR: 96.90
Which subject did you like the best? From a young age, I have always found Mathematics the most enjoyable subject as it just came easily to me. The most satisfying part is finishing a question that took a whole page of working out and opening the solutions to find you’ve answered the question correctly. I spent every day doing maths and just getting better and better at it. It’s also very easy to study as there can only be one answer so you know if you got it right or wrong and you know what areas to improve on. What learning strategies helped you? Taking part in accelerated courses was helpful as I experienced what was necessary to excel in a course and was able to implement some strategies that worked and things that I needed to change. I found that listening and taking part in class discussions was important as you have to modify your essays during exams and most ideas came from the class discussions and teacher comments. For mathematics, the more questions the better. There were only so many questions they can ask in the exams so if you have seen and answered every type of question, there won’t be any questions you can’t do. What structures or routines helped you? I had many study periods during the day so I found it helpful to use those periods to write
the class notes or study notes so I could spend the night sessions on homework, practice questions and timed responses. I would also try to spend the first session of study doing English so I could finish the night on Mathematics or another subject I liked. To keep the night productive I would give my phone to one of my dorm mates so I wouldn’t be distracted. How did you motivate yourself to study? I would start with Mathematics, which I found enjoyable, or a subject I found easier, or just start writing some class notes. I would then keep chipping away at the tasks until I felt motivated to do a harder subject. What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? Your HSC doesn’t have to be stressful. If you keep chipping away throughout the year and doing what’s necessary or even beyond, the weeks leading towards your exam become less stressful as you aren’t worried about things you’ve missed or haven’t learnt. Enjoy the holidays but find time to just read your notes and get ahead so you don’t have to completely relearn everything when you return to school.
11 ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
12
2023 ALL-ROUND ACHIEVERS ACHIEVEMENT REPORT 2023
HWI SHARPLES
JACK CULLEN
ATAR: 93.80
Which subject did you like the best? Visual Arts – I enjoyed this subject, not only because of the great teachers, but the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction it gave me after creating an artwork. It took my mind away from outside noise, such as rugby, and it enabled me to express how I was feeling, through taking photos, drawing or painting.
pivotal; they had a great rapport with the cohort and dedicated their time to get the best out of us.
What study strategies did you use? When studying during Trials and the HSC, staying focused is very hard. However, I got through this by planning out my days and nights. I liked to study by myself, however, I would use breaks to spend time with my mates, go to the gym or swim in the pool.
What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? My plans are to continue to play rugby and study at the University of Sydney. To keep a balanced lifestyle between rugby, study, family, friends and free time. The balancing of time is what I learnt from Joeys, and it’s something I will take into the future, which I am sure will help me in everyday life. It’s a skill for life.
What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? Joeys taught me that to reach your goals, you have to be determined in everything you do. You have to work hard and be disciplined. I believe the harder you work, the luckier you get. How did your family support your academic journey? My family played an instrumental role. They didn’t get angry if I got a bad mark or failed a test. They were only disappointed if I hadn’t studied for that test! They pushed me into doing the best I could. What role did teachers play in your academic journey? My teachers played a vital role, answering my questions, marking my papers and always being there to support me. Their role was
What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? My advice is to use the allocated study time efficiently; use every minute of it, as I believe Joeys provides the perfect amount of study time. Also, take the opportunity to have free time.
How did you motivate yourself to study? What motivated me was knowing the HSC goes for less than a year, and although I wanted to go out and see friends and skip study, I realised I had the rest of my life to do that. Also, all of my mates and peers were studying, putting their heads down, so that motivated me to keep going. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? My highlight was formal and graduation; it was the last time everyone would be in the same room. This allowed me to take my mind off study and enjoy the year that had finished.
ATAR: 76.70
Which subject did you like the best? I found metalwork the most enjoyable subject, as working with metal provided a unique and fulfilling outlet for my creativity. The practical nature of metalwork allowed me to enter a state of flow, where I could immerse myself fully in the act of creation. This aspect of working with metal not only made the process enjoyable but also allowed me to tap into a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The process of problem-solving inherent in metalwork, such as figuring out the best way to join pieces or creating structurally sound designs, added an intellectual challenge that complemented the hands-on, creative aspects. This balance between physical engagement and intellectual stimulation contributed to the overall enjoyment I found when working with metal. What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? Joeys assisted a lot with learning how to set goals and achieving specific goals. How did you motivate yourself to study? I usually start study with my most unenjoyable or hardest subject to study for; when I was unmotivated, I would choose easy quick tasks to start off. How did your family support your academic journey? My family was always there with unwavering support and assistance.
What role did teachers play in your academic success? Teachers were always there with a helping hand and always went above and beyond their expectations as a teacher. How did peer support and collaboration help in preparing for the HSC? I preferred to study alone, however using peers for help with questions or assignments was always useful. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? Having fun with my peers. What is your advice to Joe-Boys embarking on the HSC? Just always look at the bigger picture, because your mates last a lifetime, and your ATAR only matters for half a year.
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JACK ANGWIN ATAR: 75.35
Which subject did you like the best? The most enjoyable subjects were those that gave me a different classroom perspective on learning, as seen through Drama and Music 1. These two subjects have a strong practical element, satisfying my passions within high school, however, effectively balancing the theory element through a style of learning that was collaborative, engaging, ingenuitive and, overall, interesting. I would highly recommend a student partake in the more practical subjects that allow them to flourish creatively. I found that through these subjects, I was able to maintain solid academic progress whilst providing opportunities to express my creativity. What study strategies did you use? Take interest in what you’re studying. Finding a genuine and authentic connection between yourself and what you’re studying, allows you to apply yourself and provides a greater understanding of the exam content. What learning strategies helped you to improve? The greatest strategy that improved my skills was to use the feedback given by my teachers. As a shy student, I found this hard to apply, so I understand how hard it can be to approach a teacher. However, it’s worth knowing that your teachers aren’t there to simply teach you the content, mark your exams and go home. If you don’t understand
something, it’s your job to approach them to gain a stronger understanding. Not only will this improve your academic skills, but they will grow a greater respect for you because of this. What structures or routines helped you at Joeys? The boarding routine was a massive help for me in terms of my academic progress. It’s important to take time for yourself and disconnect from your studies temporarily. Use Friday nights and the weekends to do things you enjoy, allowing you to come back to your study environment fresh and ready to keep working. For me, I played sports like golf to help reset my mind, as well as going to the theatre and watching Netflix to entertain myself. What did Joeys teach you about achieving your goals? Joeys instilled in me a greater understanding of how individual hard work ultimately helps you achieve your goals. Setting yourself individual goals is an effective way to achieve your goals. For me, I found that applying an “unsatisfied” mindset allowed me to disregard previous results and focus on the current and future state of my abilities. What was the highlight of your time at Joeys? The highlight in Year 12 was the HSC Drama Showcase. What are your plans for 2024 and beyond? I’m planning on attending drama school to train to become a professional performer.
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VISUAL ARTS Our HSC students continue to set high goals
HENRY HEWSON
the HSC year marks the culmination of a
Le Flaneur takes the audience on a journey
and to strive for better things. For most, six-year continuum of study in the Visual Arts, strengthening skills and knowledge, to become erudite in a selected media discipline.
Our Visual Arts department is known
and respected for its authentic collaborative
practices. It is a pedagogy that is lived throughout our programs and daily lessons. Artistic
collaboration
relies
on
respect,
trust and sensitivity. This guided discovery,
in partnership with the historical study of artists and artworks, helps to galvanise each student’s understanding of their place
within the wider context of an art world. The outcome has again been that of outstanding
Nominated
of unassuming observations of the everyday. The body of work comprises three large
photographic prints and three comprehensive
uniquely printed photobooks, curated with analogue black and white photographs from my world of family and adventures. TSZ HIN HUANG Nominated
Primavera (meaning Spring) is a body of work in graphic design, which uses as a reference the Renaissance artist Botticelli’s iconic painting of the same name, to explore fashion through a manga style and aesthetic.
HSC results, artwork of high aesthetic quality
CHARLES O’KANE
student’s own creative potential. We are
Subterfuge is a body of work using digital
congratulate them on their achievements.
connected to distance and perspective.
for exceptional works via nomination or
the opportunity to transform the pinnacles
Congratulations to the boys listed below.
somewhat deceptive landscapes, creating a
and a deeply felt understanding of each
Nominated
immensely proud of our Year 12 artists and
manipulated photography to explore ideas
Several students have been recognised
Engaging with macro photography presented
selection for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS.
of a rustic garden fence into large scale,
THOMAS WILLIAMS Nominated Sonder is a time-based artwork that also includes a three-metre photographic scroll. Intended to be viewed across two screens, the video extracts sequences from the movement of people through the streets, the traffic and the complexities of daily living, and creates an abstract, immersive experience of colour and sound for the viewer. JACK ZIPEURE Nominated Palimpsest comprises eight A1 colour digital photographs exploring ideas connected to the urban landscape and associated culture of paste-ups of posters. Time is suggested through altered text, a consequence of the pasting, peeling and repasting process, with visible traces of earlier forms of posters enhanced through post-production layering.
dynamic digital aesthetic. ALEXANDER ROCHE Nominated
ARTEXPRESS
This photographic artwork is about beauty,
JAI SCHLEDERER
Water, references the residential structures
landscape and transformation. Its title, Falling
Selected (Art Gallery of NSW, Cowra
of modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright,
Regional Art Gallery)
Benediction is a body of work in photomedia
that sensitively captures the ethereal nature of
the light as it emanates through stained glass windows of chapels and cathedrals. The soft-focus aesthetic deliberately establishes a harking of the otherworldly. MATTHEW GRECH True Love is a series of 17 black and white that
whose philosophy was to bring the outdoors,
or nature, indoors. Different local landscapes
have been photographed, projected onto
geometric boxes and mirrors and then re-photographed with the intention to lure the
audience into visual portals, potentially into other worlds – beautiful worlds. HWI SHARPLES
Nominated
photographs
1
cleverly
highlight
the
simplicity of classic design and implicate its idealised beauty. Reflective light is captured through the camera, transforming the duco and surfaces of vintage automobiles into dynamic lines and shapes.
Nominated
The Ties That Bind Us is a sensitive reflection
on family and history. The black and white
photographic images, each consisting of two
selected family photographs superimposed, float
on
organza
fabric,
allowing
the
audience to gently reflect on the sentimental connections within families.
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1. Charles O’Kane, Subterfuge, photomedia 2. Henry Hewson, Le Flaneur, photomedia 3. Jai Schlederer, Benediction, photomedia 4. Alexander Roche, Falling Water, photomedia 5. Matthew Grech, True Love, photomedia 6. Tsz Hin Huang, Primavera, graphic design 7. Jack Zipeure, Palimpsest, photomedia 8. Hwi Sharples, The Ties That Bind Us, photomedia 9. Thomas Williams, Sonder, time-based forms
3
4
7
8
2
6
9
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TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED STUDIES This year has been very eventful, working with the boys through the highs and lows in the development of their major projects. We witnessed everything from farming apps for chicken eggs to architectural solutions for sustainable housing. What makes teaching the senior Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) courses most rewarding is guiding the boys through their individual situations, seeing the raft of solutions that showcase individual interests and, ultimately, result in some inspiring pieces. This year, two such projects caught the eye of HSC markers, receiving SHAPE nominations in recognition of the efforts of our boys and give evidence to effective teaching pedagogy. Both Oliver Portelli and Jack Cullen from our Industrial Technology – Metal course demonstrated a broad range of high-quality practical skills through comprehensive individual pieces.
JACK CULLEN My metalwork major project was an opportunity to showcase my metalworking and culinary arts skills, as it represented my passion for both fields. It is a project that demanded various skills and required significant time outside of regular classes to complete. The offset smoker was an ambitious project that I undertook in the senior metal room of St Joseph’s College, where I utilised both theory and practical work to ensure its success. The manufacturing of the offset smoker required various skills and techniques such as welding, grinding, lathing, plasma cutting, magna bending and more. As someone who is passionate about cooking and driven to complete this project to the highest standards, I am proud of what I produced. The offset smoker is a valuable addition to my home and serves my family during large gatherings.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY – METAL OLIVER PORTELLI The design came about due to the need for mobile sheep drafting races, which were required for use in various location on our rural properties at Dunedoo when handling sheep. The challenges encountered when doing the design were accessing the required materials and desired measurements, while also being located at school in Sydney. Through careful planning during holiday periods and seeking out people who work in the industry, I was able to design, plan and access the material needed for the term to allow me to obtain a level of workmanship I was happy with, and allowing the job to be an enjoyable project and a successful functioning one as well.
1 1. Oliver Portelli, mobile sheep drafting race 2. Jack Cullen, offset smoker
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This year, two such projects caught the eye of HSC markers, receiving SHAPE nominations in recognition of the efforts of our boys and give evidence to effective 2
teaching pedagogy.
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PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC AND DRAMA The performing arts are a critical aspect of the College’s learning and teaching programs, with students provided an array of opportunities to engage in across 2023. With learning occurring through academic, cocurricular and vocational domains, students embraced these opportunities to showcase their growth in a multitude of ways.
One of the key deliverables for our community was the College Musical, Pippin. This reimagined version saw more than 50 boys and girls present an outstanding four-night run of this powerful story, which was just right for our times. Working through a rigorous rehearsal process, students co-created this magical tale to showcase a culmination of educational pedagogy, circus, movement, orchestration, costume and design. In all, this model of excellence is testament to what the learning at Joeys is all about. The momentum of positively challenging students in the arts rolled out in a multitude of ways. Some of these key moments included: DRAMA • Short & Sweet Festival • Winter Theatre Festival • HSC Drama Showcase • Senior Drama Production • Villa Maria Kindergarten Performance Series • Spring Theatre Festival MUSIC • Scholars Soirée • Gala Evening • HSC Music Showcase • Joeys Jazz Club • Villa Maria Band Day • All Ensembles Concert • Recording Day • Battle of the Bands Wrapped around these are ongoing moments where the performing arts have been integral in the daily lives and experiences of Joeys boys. These include Masses, studio concerts, assemblies, information evenings, as well as various social justice and community services.
In addition, our students have built the skills, knowledge and confidence to hone their craft through a range of excursions and workshops. These included working with: recent graduates, actors Laurence Coy and Russell Cheek, Erin Lollback from the Sydney Trapeze
School,
musical
director
Mark
Chamberlain, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, as well as attending concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Theatre Company. We have had students accepted into workshops with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and The Young Wharfies; conduct work experience at Sydney Trapeze School; broadcast on radio; be part of pit bands for professional shows; and attend theatre workshops in Los Angeles. Further, more than 60 boys obtained music performance credentials with either the AMEB or Trinity College London. We are proud of the boys nominated for their performances for OnStage (Drama) and ENCORE (Music). These accolades affirm the sustained commitment to learning the boys underwent for these individual and group nominations. Many of these boys have been accepted for further study with NIDA and/or the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The diversity of offerings and subsequent achievements in the performing arts across 2023 speaks to the ongoing commitment the College places on these disciplines. As a critical component of learning, the arts at Joeys provide a positive environment to engage in deep, transformative learning. It is through these experiences that the boys are developing the essential dispositions and characters to thrive. Our arts offerings are contributing to the wellbeing of these young men, shaping them to be accepting, resilient, optimistic, informed and creative people of integrity who lead with the spirit of St Marcellin.
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CAREERS AND STUDENT ENTERPRISE The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding university offers in both the early entry rounds and the University Admissions Centre offers. A total of 161 boys received university offers based on their ATAR results. This is in addition to the 112 boys who received early offers following the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations, with numerous boys receiving more than one university offer. In terms of early offers, 27 boys received
Management, Commerce and Law, Natural and
Leaders and Achievers Scheme. Twenty-
Industries, Sport, Fitness and Exercise Science.
offers through the Macquarie University
one boys also received early offers from
the University of New England (UNE), which continues to be a popular choice with Joeys boys as their number one regional destination,
particularly in Agribusiness, Agriculture and Rural Science.
Notably, 64 boys received early offers from
the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Of the 161 ATAR-based offers in December,
most boys received offers from the four main universities in Sydney:
Physical Sciences, Society, Culture and Creative Boys also received offers to study unique
and exciting courses, including Artificial Intelligence, Science
Criminology,
and
Design,
Sports
Physiotherapy,
Information
Relations,
Landscape
Systems, Computer Science, Psychology, International
Architecture, Security Services and Cyber Security.
Significant achievements include:
• Dux Benjamin Sestanovic received an offer to study the Doctor of Medicine/
• 51 boys received offers from the
Bachelor of Arts degree at USYD.
University of Sydney (USYD)
• Kobi Ashby received an offer to undertake
• 42 boys received offers from UTS
• 36 boys received offers from Macquarie University
the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law degree at USYD.
• Jack Angwin and Oliver Gardiner received
• 16 boys received offers from the
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Students received ATAR-based offers from
numerous universities, including Australian
offers from the Sydney Conservatorium
of Music to study the Bachelor of Music (Performance).
• Alexander Roche has been accepted into
Catholic University (ACU), Charles Sturt
the Bachelor of Fine Arts at the National
Canberra, UNE, University of Newcastle
• Matthew Mulders received an offer from
of Wollongong (UOW) and Western Sydney
• Jarrod Dominish received the prestigious
University, Griffith University, University of
(UON), University of Notre Dame, University University (WSU). Private colleges including the Australian College of Physical Education,
the International College of Management Sydney and Torrens University were also
Fifteen boys also received offers to study the prestigious Bachelor of Commerce at USYD, with the majority undertaking a double degree in one of either Advanced Studies, Advanced Computing or Engineering. Notably, 17 students received offers to complete a Bachelor of Construction Management at one of the following universities: UNSW, UON, UTS or WSU. Seventeen students also received offers in Engineering and related degrees. Several students will also undertake apprenticeships in high demand trade areas, including construction, electrotechnology, plumbing and landscaping. The teaching and professional staff of St Joseph’s College are extremely proud of the students from the Class of 2023 and their achievements.
Institute of Dramatic Art.
ACU to study Physiotherapy.
Ramsay Scholarship from UOW to study a double degree in Arts/Law.
• Ethan Hart received a 50 per cent
scholarship at Bond University to study
Boys also received offers to study unique and exciting courses, including Artificial Intelligence, Criminology, Design, Sports Science and Physiotherapy, Information Systems, Computer Science,
Exercise Science.
Psychology, International
demonstrated their broad range of interests,
awarded the esteemed Dalyell Scholars
Relations, Landscape
Engineering,
Bachelor of Commerce/Advanced Studies
represented.
students
• William Perkins and Henry Spencer were
with offers in Agriculture, Architecture and
program and scholarship, as part of the
Architecture, Security
Hospitality, Information Technology, Finance,
at USYD.
Services and Cyber Security.
In
terms
of
industry
Building,
areas,
Education,
Health,
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www.joeys.org Locked Bag 5009 Gladesville NSW 1675
+61 2 9816 0900
sjc@joeys.org