Results give top students a reason to celebrate
AFTER a year of online learning, lockdowns, academic stress and anxiety, recently graduated year 12 students can finally relax after receiving their HSC results.
The past school year has been a year of new challenges and innovation for Dubbo’s HSC students but results indicate incredible achievement despite the difficult year.
The Central West (North) public school HSC merit list illustrates three top achievers for 2021: Joe Lukkett from Dubbo School of Distance Education for his construction examination and Luke Dunkley and John Liddell from Western Institute Dubbo for automotive examination and electrotechnology.
There were also 26 distinguished achievers of 2021 with 16 students from Dubbo College Senior Campus (DCSC).
Senior Campus principal Marisha Blanco said the school’s leadership team was thrilled with the results, with an increase of band six results from the previous year.
“This year’s HSC results were an incredible achievement under normal circumstances, so we are elated that despite two challenging years, student resilience, grit and determination has been rewarded,” Ms Blanco said.
The college boasted above average state results in a diverse range of courses indicating strength across various curriculum areas.
“The year’s results are a testament to the unrelenting commitment and drive to the exemplary teachers, support staff and incredible families of Dubbo College,” Ms Blanco said, explaining the seamless transition to remote learning, out-of-hours tutoring, holiday coaching and extended classes that teachers have focused on providing significant wellbeing support for students.
Ms Blanco acknowledges that while HSC results are being celebrated, providing a pathway for every student’s future is ultimately important, she continued by stating many students have been offered apprenticeships, further education and direct employment opportunities.
Dubbo College Senior Campus 2021 Dux, Mackenzie Mccarthy-rooke received a 94.75 ATAR achieving four band six results in her HSC.
Mackenzie studied mathematic advanced, English standard, chemistry, business studies, personal development, health and physical education and visual arts.
“Mrs Nelson, Mr Braithwaite and Ms Blanco have been fabulous in their support for me over the past two years and my Strive mentor, Mrs Damen, was great,” Mackenzie said.
Mackenzie shared that through her year of online learning, she showed up to every class, proving that consistency is key.
She has been relentless in her pursuit for excellence, according to Ms Blanco.
“Her greatest strength has been her engagement with all our specialised programs, from regular tutoring with her teachers, Strive mentoring and Strive programs to maximising the skills of the exemplary teachers,” Ms Blanco said.
“Her disciplined and sustained application, throughout two very difficult years, has been outstanding.”
Ms Blanco is looking forward to hearing how the students from Dubbo College Senior Campus will make a positive impact as they pursue their futures.
Mackenzie now plans to have a gap year working in the hospitality industry in Dubbo and will take up a placement at the University of Newcastle in 2023 to study a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) and hopes to have a career in the health system assisting youth.