Good OP score no accident

THE ingredients that go into producing Cairns’ top performing students can’t be easily measured.

But St Augustine’s College director of studies Les Helms said there were a few factors which he was sure had resulted in the Parramatta Park school getting eight OP1s last year.

“In Year 10 we want them to think of the mantra, ‘choose what you like and what you’re good at’. The class who graduated last year took that on board. During the QCS they were on board with what they wanted to accomplish and were very motivated,” he said.

“We are about creating an environment through the school for the boy’s education that is beyond just being academic and we have all the teachers on board with that.

“So there are a variety of things on offer and that im- pacts the students and their character and how they approach their studies.

“The students have access to teachers in one-on-one tutorials and group tutorials before school and after school. The teachers do make themselves available.”

Principal Matt Brennan said he did not think there was “any magic formula” for the high marks.

“It was just hard work from boys and hard work from teachers,” he said.

“There is certainly a partnership with students and staff.

“Teachers really care about getting the best results for students and those results aren’t necessarily an OP 1-5. I have met with every boy who has had a birthday so far this year and there is not one who said the teachers aren’t fantastic.

“We all enjoy the successes of the boys but we are grateful to be there when they’re struggling as well.”