Gippsland Grammar once again celebrates great VCE results with perfect study scores and great Australian Tertiary Admissions Rankings.
A total of 13 per cent of the 2023 graduating cohort achieved an ATAR above 90, placing them in the top 10 per cent of students in the state. Twenty-six students achieved a study of 40 or above in at least one subject placing them in the top nine per cent of students in that subject in the state. Two students achieved perfect scores of 50, Zara Clydesdale in Media and Ellen Roberts in Biology, both Year 11 students. A highlight of the results is that 40 per cent of Gippsland Grammar’s students achieved an ATAR of more than 80 and the School’s median ATAR is 73.8.
Gippsland Grammar’s DUX is Georgia Shell with an ATAR of 97.6. Georgia is from Forge Creek in East Gippsland and hopes to study at the University of Melbourne in 2024.
Gippsland Grammar Principal Michele Wakeham is thrilled to celebrate the results of all the School’s graduating students.
“This year’s cohort has shown such resilience through the adversity of Covid during much of their secondary education. Congratulations to all for the excellent effort the students put into their classes, co-curricular activities and assessments. They have been wonderful role models for other students to follow. A huge thank you to the teachers who persisted with skill and expertise. We are very proud of our community and our Year 12 students.”
Students joining Dux Georgia Shell as the School’s highest achievers with an ATAR above 90 include Nathaniel Shelton (Bairnsdale), Samithri Kaluarachchi (Sale), Leah Brutovic (Paynesville), Lailah Moore (Bairnsdale), Monty Richardson (Eagle Point), Edward Courtier (Bairnsdale) and Sophie Alexander (Bairnsdale). An ATAR score determines a student’s position relative to all the other students in the state and is one of the key factors used to grant students a tertiary place in the first round of offers, which take place on December 21 this year.
"When I saw that result I was shocked because I wasn't really expecting it," Georgia said. "But at the same time I felt a lot of relief and pride because I knew I had worked hard to deserve it."
Georgia said being named dux was a surprise because she had always associated high ATAR rankings with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. She studied French, PE, Business Management, General Maths, Psychology and English Language and achieved study scores of more than 40 in all but one.
"[French] is considered one of the hardest VCE subjects to take and I poured my heart and soul into it - it's always been my favourite," she said. Georgia was grateful to her teachers and the school for the opportunities it provided including the Anzac Music and Languages Tour which was one of the highlights of her year.
Gippsland Grammar is also pleased to acknowledge the students who made a successful transition into the workforce through an apprenticeship or traineeship this year.
“Tertiary study is not the desired destination for all students, and we are so proud of the students that have this year started their journey in the workforce. We are grateful for the ongoing support of local businesses and companies who support our work experience activities and employ our students. We aim to prepare our students for the next step in their journey, regardless of the pathway they choose.”
Gippsland Grammar’s 2023 Year 12 cohort included 67 students from across Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley and far East Gippsland. Some of these students were either full-time or part-time boarders at the School’s Blackwood House. Four students chose to complete their Victorian Certificate of Education unscored, meaning they did not receive an ATAR but successfully obtained the VCE.
