The Geelong College was thrilled with today’s outstanding VCE results. Dux of the College Agnes Ambrose achieved an ATAR of 99.90. Agnes attained a study score of 50 for English and Legal Studies and a 49 for French, she also studied Literature, History: Revolutions and Mathematical Methods.
Principal, Dr Peter Miller said “Today’s VCE results are cause for celebration for individuals, as well as for us as a school. Our 163 VCE students have excelled, not just academically, but in all their experiences, from sport, music and debating to community service, it is wonderful to see our highest achievers have availed themselves of a broad range of opportunities over their time at the College.
I was thrilled to see our median ATAR at 80.15, and more than a quarter of our students achieve an ATAR over 90, which means they are ranked in the top 10% of the state. It was also particularly pleasing to see over 15% of our students with ATARs above 95, including two students with scores over 99 or the top 100 students in the state.
We are so proud of what has been achieved by each of our Year 12 students over the past two years, and of the people they have become. Their hard work, balance and courage has paid off. We wish them every success and happiness as they seek their next adventure.
I would like to offer special congratulations to our Dux, Agnes Ambrose and our Proxime accessit, Sebastian Poliness both of whom have worked incredibly hard and been involved in the full gamut of opportunities the College offers. They leave school as some of the highest achievers in the state, but also as well-rounded and competent young people who I am sure will go on to great things.” Dr Miller concluded.
Dux of the College, Agnes Ambrose was very nervous when opening her results this morning. “My hands were shaking when I was typing in my password. When I saw the score, I was really surprised, happy and relieved” she said.
Next year Agnes plans to study Arts and a Diploma of French at Melbourne University before going on to do a Juris Doctorate for Law. “It’s something that really interests me, I really like reading, writing and languages so I just tried to choose something that incorporates those things.”
Reflecting on her VCE years, Agnes believes that the support she received from her parents and teachers was crucial to her success. “I really appreciate the support I got from my parents who were really hoping that I would do well but not putting too much pressure on me, and my teachers who were really good at helping me manage the stress and anxiety of wanting to do really well.”
And her advice for those coming into VCE next year is to set your own goals and find ways to achieve them. “For me the most important thing was to not get caught up in all the competitiveness of it, set your own goals and find ways to achieve them. As my mum always says run your own race!”
Agnes did achieve her goals, across a broad range of activities. She was awarded the Golden Endeavour Award (Semester One), The Stanley Calvert Prize for Debating and Public Speaking, a Year 12 Prize for Outstanding Academic Performance, The Literature Prize, The C A Bickford Prize for the top Year 12 English Student, The Kenneth T Andrews Memorial Prize for Legal Studies, The History Revolutions Prize, The B R Keith Modern Language Prize for French, Year 12 Prize for Outstanding Academic Performance, and a Year 12 Merit award. She served as the Debating Captain and was recognised with Honours for Academic performance, Symphony Orchestra and Debating.
Proxime accessit was School Prefect Sebastian Poliness who achieved an ATAR of 99.10.
Seb attained a study score of 50 for General Mathematics and also studied Chemistry, English, Latin, Mathematics Methods and Geography. He was awarded a Year 12 Merit Award and academic merits in Chemistry, English, Geography, General Mathematics, and Mathematical Methods. In addition to receiving an Academic Honour and General House Colours, his sporting efforts were acknowledged with House Colours in Cricket and Swimming.
Seb was visibly thrilled with his results. “I woke up a bit late actually, around 9am and my parents were just about to go to work, I heard the garage door close, and I rang mum and said to come back in, and I’ll quickly look at my results before you go. So that went well, I was very happy, and they were very proud! It was a complete relief; I was glad just to have it done and dusted” he reported.
He recognised the importance of both teachers and peers and balance in his excellent results. “I’d like to thank my teachers, they were great and so were my classmates, sharing ideas with others really helped me. Balance is also important, playing sport, going to parties or out for dinner with friends helped keep me a bit level headed and able to be more calm going into SACs or exams.”
Seb still has a few choices to make before settling his plans for next year. “I’m thinking either Philosophy and Law or Medicine, I still haven’t decided, and I’m not sure where, Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra, the College’s there are all great.”
Dr Miller wished all of the graduating class the best for their futures. “We can’t wait to see where the next few years take you, and hope that your experience here at the College sees you ready and excited for the coming challenges. I would also like to acknowledge the impact of our wonderful staff on these students, and their importance in shaping the experiences students’ have. Well done and thank you!”
Other outstanding achievers from The Geelong College VCE class of 2023 (in alphabetical order)
Thomas Afford (ATAR of 98.15)
Entered 2018; Coles
2023 Achievements: Tom was awarded The Music Prize for 2023. He also achieved Honours in Debating and in Contemporary Band. Tom’s efforts in his studies saw him awarded academic merits for English, General Mathematics and Music. He received School Colours for Supergroup and House Colours for Debating. Tom served as Co-Vice Captain of Coles House.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: English, French, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Contemporary Music, Chemistry, Physics.
Jack Ellis (ATAR of 98.45)
Entered 2018; Coles
2023 Achievements: Jack received The Classics Prize for his studies in Latin and the Athletics Award for contribution to the sport. In addition to Honours for Cross Country and Athletics, Jack also received academic merits in in Latin and General Mathematics. He served as the Cross Country Captain, School Athletics Vice Captain, and a School Prefect.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Chemistry, English, Latin, Mathematics Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematics General, Physics.
Noah Gait (ATAR of 98.75)
Entered 2018; McLean
2023 Achievements: Noah was awarded The A T Andrews Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science in Year 12 along with The MacFarlane Burnet Prize for proficiency in Science generally, and Biology in particular. Noah received academic merits in Biology, Chemistry, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Physics. His efforts in swimming were acknowledged with a House Colour, and Noah also received an Academic Honour.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Chemistry, English, Mathematics Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, General Mathematics.
Tom Greer (ATAR of 98.65)
Entered 2018; Keith
2023 Achievements: College Co-captain, Tom was awarded the Golden Endeavour Award for Semester One, The Dr Gus Kearney Memorial Prize, The Physics Prize, The General Mathematics Prize, The Francesca Henricus Memorial Prize, and The Principal’s Prize for the Captains of the School. Tom also received academic merits in English, General Mathematics, and Physics. His efforts were recognised with School Colours for Tennis and Waterpolo, Half Colours for Cross Country, a General House Colour and House colours in Cross Country and Tennis.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Chemistry, English, French, Mathematics Methods, General Mathematics, and Physics.
Poppy Hughes (ATAR of 98.05)
Entered 2018; McArthur
2023 Achievements: Poppy was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and The Geography Prize. She was also awarded academic merits for Biology, English, and Geography. In addition to being awarded General House Colours, Poppy also received House Colours in Athletics, Cross Country, Music, and Netball. Poppy was also the Co-Captain of McArthur House.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, French, General Mathematics, Geography.
Oliver Moran (ATAR of 98.65)
Entered 2018; McLean
2023 Achievements: Oliver was awarded The Chemistry Prize. He received academic merits in Chemistry and General Mathematics, as well as a House Colour for Swimming.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, French, General Mathematics, Mathematics Methods, Specialist Mathematics.
Ashley Ng (ATAR of 98.40)
Entered 2020; Wettenhall, Mossgiel House
2023 Achievements: Ashley received a Gold Endeavour Award for Semester One, The E H Morrison Prize, which acknowledged Ashley’s all-round ability and service to the College, The English Additional Language Prize, The D Geoffrey Neilson Prize for Accounting, and The Visual Communication and Design Prize. Ashley was also acknowledged with academic merits in Accounting, English Additional Language, General Mathematics and Visual Communication Design. Ashley was rewarded with an Academic Honour and Honours in Badminton, Choir and Quid Novi. Ashley was a Mossgiel Prefect and the Firsts Badminton Co-Captain.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Accounting, English (EAL), French, Mathematics Methods, Mathematics General, Visual Communication Design.
Georgia Phung (ATAR of 98.70)
Entered 2018; McArthur
2023 Achievements: Georgia was awarded a Gold Endeavour Award for Semester One as well as The History Revolutions Prize. Georgia received an Honour for Choir, Concert Band, Stage Band, Symphony Orchestra, Debating, and Quid Novi, and an Academic Honour. Georgia received academic merits in History Revolutions, English, French and Legal Studies. She also served as the Debating Vice-Captain and a School Prefect.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: English, French, History: Revolutions, Legal Studies, Mathematics Methods, Music Performance.
Hannah Phung (ATAR of 98.10)
Entered 2018; McArthur
2023 Achievements: Hannah was the recipient of a Gold Endeavour Award for Semester One, the E R Scott Prize for best instrumentalist, the Humble Club Prize for leadership and contribution to music, the Margaret Shannon Cup Prize for outstanding overall service to the College community, the B R Keith Modern Language Prize for Chinese, and the Music Performance Prize. Hannah received academic merits in Music Performance, English, Literature, and Chinese Second Language, and was recognised for her efforts with Honours in Debating, Quid Novi, Choir, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. She also received an Academic Honour. Hannah served as the Music Captain and a School Prefect.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Chinese Second Language, English, Literature, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Music Performance.
Tansy Sagar (ATAR of 98.50)
Entered 2019; Shannon
2023 Achievements: Tansy was awarded a Gold Endeavour Award for Semester One, The T W Davies Prize, which acknowledges the service and contribution of the Vice-Captain of the School, The Physical Education Prize, and The Alec G Stewart Prize for Economics. Tansy also received an Academic Honour as well as an Honour for her involvement and dedication to Equestrian. Tansy’s efforts in her studies saw her awarded with academic merits in Economics, English, Geography, and Physical Education and a General House Colour. She served as the School Co-Vice Captain and the Equestrian Captain.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Chemistry, Economics, English, Mathematics Methods, Physical Education, Geography.
Haobo Zhang (ATAR of 98.00)
Entered 2018; Keith
2023 Achievements: Haobo received The Brian Lester Prize for Specialist Mathematics and, while serving as the Futsal Captain, he achieved the Futsal Best and Fairest. Haobo’s efforts in his studies were recognised with Academic Merits in English, General Mathematics, and Specialist Mathematics. Haobo was also acknowledged with School Colours for Futsal, Half Colours for Soccer and House Colours for Debating and Swimming.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics Methods, General Mathematics, Specialist Mathematics.