MORE THAN A NUMBER
THIS morning our VCE students will be waking up to their final results. After an intensive two-year process – made even more difficult for this current cohort by the repeated lockdowns that delayed key assessments and enforced remote learning – there will no doubt be plenty of relief among students happy to put their secondary studies behind them.
Despite the way the system is set up, this year more than ever students would do well to remember that they are more than a number. That one ATAR figure that they received this morning does not sum up who they are or what they are worth. It does not even accurately represent their entire 13 years of schooling or potential for the future. It is merely a ranking based on academic performance in select subjects over past two years, which it goes without saying, have been the most disruptive in our lifetime.
Of course, we should, and will, celebrate the success stories – those phenomenal academic achievements and displays of excellence that have seen local students named among the best in the state.
To perform at that level under such intense pressure takes incredible discipline and sacrifice and is a credit to all who achieve top marks.
But the achievements of many other locals who don’t score an ATAR in the 90s are also worth celebrating – and worth reminding that no matter the score, don’t forget that today’s number doesn’t define you. 1631
More than 3000 people are killed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 1653
English soldier Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.
1773
At the Boston Tea Party, American colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians throw 342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Co into Boston Harbour to protest against a tax on tea. 1838
Voortrekkers kill 3000 Zulu at the Battle of Blood River. 1903
The first federal election is held in which women have the same rights as men to stand for parliament and vote. Vida Goldstein, Nellie Martel and Mary Ann Moore Bentley stand for the Senate, Selina Siggins for the House of Representatives. 1961 British medical journal The Lancet publishes a letter by Sydney doctor William McBride (pictured) about thalidomide, warning many women who took the drug gave birth to children with deformities. 1971 Pakistani troops surrender to Indian forces in East Pakistan, giving birth to Bangladesh.
1976
The Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act gives Aborigines freehold title to former reserve land in the NT and provides a procedure for them to claim other Crown land.