Congratulations to the Class of 2024
The Geelong College was delighted with its 2024 cohort's outstanding VCE results.
Dux of the College, Phillipa Pearce, achieved an ATAR of 99.75. Phillipa completed six VCE units (3 and 4), half of which resulted in study scores over 45—a perfect score of 50 for English, 46 for General Mathematics, 45 for French, as well as 41 for Chemistry, 34 for Latin and 38 for Mathematics Methods.
Principal, Dr Peter Miller said "Today's VCE results are a cause for celebration for our school, students, and their families. Our 180 VCE students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and passion in every aspect of their education. From academic studies to achievements on stage, in sports fields, debating, community service, and beyond, it is wonderful to see our students embrace such a broad range of opportunities throughout their time at the College."
We were thrilled to see 28.4% of our students achieve an ATAR over 90, ranking them in the top 10% of the state, and 14.5% achieve study scores over 40. As we celebrate 50 years of co-education at the College, the balanced representation of girls and boys among our highest achievers was also pleasing. Our median ATAR of 79.55 is six ranking points above the state average, indicating the continuing strength of our academic program, and the wonderful support provided to our students.
We would like to offer special congratulations to our Dux, Philippa Pearce and our Proxime accessit, Yunrong Fan. "Both students have worked incredibly hard and taken advantage of the wide range of opportunities the College offers. They complete their secondary schooling 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 Philippa Pearce is currently en route to Davos, Switzerland, where she will spend a few months travelling before returning home for university. When she lands this evening, she will undoubtedly be inundated with messages before she accesses her results, which will be a thrill.
Philippa had a wonderful year, receiving the B R Keith Modern Language Prize for French, The Classics Prize for Latin, The Year 12 Prize for Outstanding Academic Performance, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award. She was also awarded Academic Merits for Chemistry, English, French General Mathematics and Latin, and her efforts were recognised with Honours for Academic Performance and School Colours for Soccer.
Her father Simon commented: “She will be pleased. She has high expectations but should be proud of what she has achieved. The trip to Europe is a rite of passage—we wanted her to return to where she was born once she had completed exams, so she will spend some time travelling in Switzerland. She is also keen to visit Rome because of her love for Latin and languages, so she is looking forward to that. Next year she will study Arts Law at either Melbourne or Sydney and thanks to Mr Bauer, can’t wait to dive into to studying Epic Poetry. We definitely have the College to thank for her love of learning and languages.”
Proxime accessit, Yunrong Fan, achieved an ATAR of 99.35 and completed six VCE units (3 and 4). He achieved a perfect study score of 50 for General Mathematics, 48 for Mathematical Methods, 42 for Chinese Second Language Advanced, 40 for Physics and Specialist Mathematics, and 37 for English as an additional language.
Yunrong was recognised for his efforts with the General Mathematics Prize, The Mathematical Methods Prize, The Brian Lester Prize for Specialist Mathematics, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award. In addition to this, he received Academic Merits for English (EAL), Mathematics (General), Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. Yunrong also achieved Honours for Academic Performance and Quid Novi.
Yunrong was at home in Shanghai this morning when he received his results. He didn’t wake up until after 9am when his mum was about to go to work.
“Mum told me 'quick, open your results and check it before I go.' I was pretty happy with it all. I could maybe have done a little better in English and Specialist Maths, but overall, I am happy.”
After a holiday in China, travelling and spending time with family, he intends to study Maths and Computer Science at the University of Melbourne next year. He hopes university is as enjoyable as his time at the College.
“I’m looking forward to university—it will be another challenge. I have loved my time at College, especially being involved in sport and music. I have great memories from Year 8 Camp and my Fulfilling Lives trip. These things all helped me develop ‘a never-give-up mindset’ that has really helped in my studies.”
Dr Miller wished the class of 2024 the best for their futures. “Congratulations on all you have achieved. We hope that your experience here at the College sees you ready and excited for the challenges and adventures ahead. I would also like to acknowledge the impact of our wonderful staff on these students—our strength is our people, so well done and thank you!”
Other outstanding achievers from The Geelong College VCE class of 2024 (in alphabetical order):
Daisy Bain (ATAR of 96.55)
Entered 2019; McArthur Achievements: Daisy received the Excellence and Dedication Award for Football, a Gold Endeavor Award and Academic Merits in English, General Mathematics, and Physical Education. She served as the 1st Football Vice Captain and the 1st Tennis Vice Captain. Daisy received Honours in Academic Performance, Football and Tennis and School Colours for Athletics, Cross-Country and Swimming.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Mathematics (General), Mathematics, Physical Education, Biology, English Unit, Mathematics (Methods) Psychology
Ted Bain (ATAR of 96.55)
Entered 2019; McArthur Achievements: Ted received The Dr A J Campbell Perpetual Trophy Prize for all-round sporting contribution to the College, The Harry Hooper Environmental Science Prize, Cricket Fairest and Best, and a Gold Endeavour Award. He also received Academic Merits in Business Management, English, and Environmental Science. Throughout the year, Ted held the leadership positions of 1st Cricket Captain and 1st Football Vice Captain. His sporting efforts were recognised with Honours in Cricket and Football. Ted also received an Academic Honour.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Accounting, Business Management, English, Environmental Science, Mathematics (General)
Jessamy Bennett (ATAR of 96.05)
Entered 2019; Calvert Achievements: Jessamy was awarded The Art Making and Exhibiting Prize, along with a Year 12 Merit Award and Academic Merits in Legal Studies, English, Biology, and Art Making and Exhibiting. Throughout 2024, Jessamy held leadership positions as Calvert House Co-Captain and 1st Soccer Captain. She received Honours for Soccer and Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Psychology, Making and Exhibiting, Biology, English, Legal Studies, Mathematics (Methods)
Abby Bowyer (ATAR of 98.20)
Entered 2016; McArthur Achievements: Abby was presented with a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, The TW Davies Prize for the Vice-Captains of the School, The Fen and Roy Pillow Prize incorporating the A K H Thompson Prize, The Francesca Henricus Memorial Prize, The Excellence and Dedication Award for Cross Country, and a Gold Endeavour Award. She also received Academic Merits in English, Mathematical Methods, and Physical Education. Abby served as the Co Vice Captain of the College, Snowsports Captain and Cross Country Vice Captain. She was recognised with Honours for Academic Performance and School Colours for Tennis and Cross Country, Choir and Performing Arts.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Physical Education, Chemistry, English, LOTE (Latin), Mathematics (Methods)
Aliriah Feldman (ATAR of 98.20)
Entered 2017; Keith Achievements: Aliriah received an Academic Merit for English and was recognised with School Colours for Academic Performance, Hockey, and Softball.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: History (Ancient), Biology, Chemistry, English, LOTE (French), Mathematics (Methods)
Emily Foot (ATAR of 98.65)
Entered 2021; McLean Achievements: Emily was awarded The Mathematical Methods Prize, The Chemistry Prize, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award. Emily’s efforts were also recognised with Academic Merits in Chemistry, English, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Physics. She served as the McLean Co Vice Captain and received Honours for Academic Performance, Quid Novi, and Debating.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Mathematics (General), Physics, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, (Methods), Mathematics (Specialist)
Neil Harlapur (ATAR of 96.60)
Entered 2017; McLean Achievements: Neil was recognised with the History Revolutions Prize, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award. He also received Academic Merits for English, Economics and History – Revolutions and Honours for Academic Performance and Debating.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Physics, Economics, English, History (Revolutions), Legal Studies, Mathematics (Methods)
Saul High (ATAR of 96.50)
Entered 2016; Morrison Achievements: Saul received a Gold Endeavour Award and Academic Merits for English and Business Management. He was recognised with School Colours for Soccer.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Mathematics (General), Business Management, Economics, English, Mathematics (Methods), Psychology
Annabelle Hutchings (ATAR of 98.90)
Entered 2019; McArthur Achievements: Annabelle received The Principal’s Prize for the Captains of the School, The Margaret Shannon Cup, and The Theatre Studies Prize, as well as Academic Merits for Biology, English, and Theatre Studies. She served as Co-Captain of the College and was recognised with Honours for Debating and Performing Arts.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Drama, English, LOTE (Latin), Mathematics (Methods), Theatre Studies
Alice Kennedy (ATAR of 96.30)
Entered 2019; McLean Achievements: Alice was awarded a Gold Endeavour Award, the Swimming Excellence and Dedication Award, The Literature Prize, the C.A Bickford Prize for the top Year 12 English student and Academic Merits for Literature and English. She was Co-Captain of McLean House and was recognised with Honours for Swimming, Phoenix Voices, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: English, Literature, Mathematics (Methods), Physical Education, Psychology
Pria Lukkaraju (ATAR of 95.25)
Entered 2021; Coles Achievements: Pria was recognised with The Ancient History Prize, The Geography Prize, a Year 12 Merit Award and Academic Merits in English, Geography, History – Ancient History and Legal Studies. She received Honours for Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Geography, Economics, English, History (Ancient), Legal Studies, Mathematics (General)
Keiran Lane (ATAR of 97.60)
Entered 2017; McLean Achievements: Keiran received The Physics Prize and an Academic Merit in Physics. He was Co Vice Captain of McLean House and was recognised with General House Colours and Half Colours for Rowing.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Economics, English, Mathematics (Methods), Mathematics (Specialist)
Amy Lawson (ATAR of 95.00)
Entered 2021; Morrison Achievements: Amy was recognised with The Psychology Prize, a Gold Endeavour Award, and an Academic Merit in Psychology. For her efforts and contribution, she received General School Colours.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Art Making and Exhibiting, English, Legal Studies, Mathematics (Methods), Psychology.
Alexis McCann (ATAR of 97.20)
Entered 2018; Morrison Achievements: Alexis achieved a Gold Endeavour Award and Academic Merits for Physical Education, General Mathematics, Psychology and English. Her contribution to sport was recognised with School Colours for Football and Tennis.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: English, Chemistry, Mathematics (Methods), Psychology, Physical Education, General Mathematics
Will Mithen (ATAR of 98.75)
Entered 2017; Wettenhall Achievements: Will received The A T Andrews Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science, The MacFarlane Burnet Prize for Proficiency in Science generally and Biology in particular, The General Mathematics Prize and a Year 12 Merit Award. He was also recognised with Academic Merits for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, and Physics. Will served as a School Prefect and was recognised with Honours for Academic Performance and School Colours for Football.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Mathematics (General), Chemistry, English, Mathematics (Methods), Physics
Eilish Murphy (ATAR of 95.25)
Entered 2012; McLean Achievements: Eilish was recognised with The Music Prize, The Humble Club Prize, and an Academic Merit for Music. She was the Music Co Captain and received Honours for Phoenix Voices and School Colours for Choir, Stage Band, Rock Band, Pegasus Singers, Performing Arts and Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Psychology, English, LOTE (French), Mathematics (Methods), Music Contemporary, VET Certificate III (Music)
Tom Patterson (ATAR of 97.10)
Entered 2019; Calvert Achievements: Tom received The Business Management Prize, The Dr Gus Kearney Memorial Prize, The Kenneth T Andrews Memorial Prize for Legal Studies, a Golden Endeavour Award, and a Year 12 Merit Award. He was awarded Academic Merits for Geography, General Mathematics, Legal Studies, and Business Management. Tom served as a School Prefect and was recognised with Honours for Debating, Academic Performance and Cricket.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Geography, Accounting, Business Management, English, Legal Studies, Mathematics (General)
Pippa Pearce (ATAR of 99.75)
Entered 2019; Coles Achievements: Pippa received the B R Keith Modern Language Prize for French, The Classics Prize for Latin, The Year 12 Prize for Outstanding Academic Performance, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award. She was also awarded Academic Merits for Chemistry, English, French General Mathematics and Latin. Her efforts were recognised Honours for Academic Performance and School Colours for Soccer.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Mathematics (General), Chemistry, English, LOTE (French), LOTE (Latin), Mathematics (Methods)
Jesse Russell (ATAR of 96.90)
Entered 2019; Calvert Achievements: Jesse was recognised with a Gold Endeavour Award and an Academic Merit for Mathematical Methods. He was a strong contributor to Calvert House receiving House Colours for Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, Debating and Music
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics (Methods), Mathematics (Specialist), Physics
Eliza Savvides (ATAR of 97.10)
Entered 2021; Wettenhall Achievements: Eliza was awarded The Stanley Calvert Prize for Debating and Public Speaking, The Colin Carstairs Bell Rowing Bursary, The Alec G Stewart Prize for Economics, The James and Dolina Arbuckle Memorial Prize and a Year 12 Merit Award. She also received Academic Merits for General Mathematics, Economics, English, and Business Management. Eliza served as a School Prefect and Debating Captain and was recognised with Honours for Rowing, Debating and Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Legal Studies, Business Management, Economics, English, Mathematics (General), Mathematics (Methods)
Jacob Sprunt (ATAR of 96.20)
Entered 2019; Shannon Achievements: Jacob was recognised with the Cross Country Excellence and Dedication Award, a Year 12 Merit Award, and a Gold Endeavour Award, as well as Academic Merits in Physical Education, General Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. He served as Co Vice Captain of Shannon House and Cross Country Captain, and was awarded Honours for Cross Country, Athletics and Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics (General), Mathematics (Methods)
Joshua Whan (ATAR of 97.00)
Entered 2012; Shannon Achievements: Joshua received a Gold Endeavour Award and Academic Merits for English and Physical Education. He was recognised with School Colours for String Orchestra and Academic Performance.
Unit 3 and 4 Subjects: Mathematics (General), Physics, Chemistry, English, Mathematics (Methods), Physical Education.