Hard work pays off for HSC high achievers

HSC success stems from three key areas: hard work, planning and, most importantly, balance.

This year’s top achievers also credited the support network provided by their teachers, family and friends.

The top scorer in the year 12 final exam for Camden Haven High School is talented cricketer Andrew Lowe who earned an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 94.3. The sportsman and strong academic also came fourth in the state in music, scoring 99.

The all-rounder said planning and balancing study with sport, music and a social life played a role in his excellent score.

“I was aiming high so I was pretty happy with [my score],” Andrew said from Sydney - he relocated to the state’s capital to take up a post for Northern Districts in grade cricket as batsman/wicket keeper.

“I worked hard, put a lot of effort in. For me the support of my parents and teachers helped a lot. I made the most of what they know and balanced study with things I enjoy so I didn’t burn out.

“Every person has their own way of studying but you have to plan and make the most of your spare time.”

Andrew thanked his teachers, family - dad David and mum Ellie Morris - and friends for their continuous support.

“I wouldn’t have achieved this without this support network around me,” he said.

Andrew, 18, moved to Sydney shortly after finishing his HSC to fulfil one of his goals to play grade cricket full time - where it all starts for some of the sport’s elite.

“I started in the lower grades and I’ve moved up. I’m now playing in third grade,” Andrew said.

“I’m looking to go to higher levels and will continue to play while going to university.”

Andrew’s first preference for tertiary education is a course in business and sports management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), with a view to working in the cricketing world.

“It’s a good combination of what I want to do and what I enjoy,” said Andrew.

His musical strengths will not be left behind either. With nine years playing the saxophone Andrew said he is looking to join a band... in his leisure time, maybe even do some private teaching.

“There’s always something to do,” laughed Andrew.

Got to love these young folk where the world is their smorgasbord of oysters.

Emily Graham, 18, said she was surprised by her high score of 93.55.

“I got my score from the Internet on Thursday and my mum was there. When it came up on the screen she said ‘No way. Refresh it.’” Emily joked.

“I worked hard. I’m not one of the smart kids. I have to work harder than others but it paid off in the end. I needed 72 to do the course I want to, I was expecting around 80 but this is ridiculous!”

Emily, former CHHS vice captain, hopes to study physical education and geography teaching at Griffith University in Brisbane. She has received an early entry offer from the University of New England but is still hanging out for first round offers from Griffith in January.

“A lot of people have asked if I’m going to change my mind on the course I want to do because I got a high mark,” Emily said.

“But I’m not going to suddenly decide to do law. This is what I really want to do.”

She credited her physical education teacher Ben Rudder as her mentor and biology teacher Mark Canterbury for encouraging her to try harder.

“You have to work hard to get a good score, there’s no doubt about it,” Emily said.

“You have to know the system, know the syllabus, do the practise questions so you know what’s coming in the exam, you have to like learning and I loved all the subjects I did and my teachers were great.

“Don’t set yourself limits. I knew I needed a score of 72 but my teachers said I can do better if I just keep working and I did it. Not only are they good teachers but very encouraging and for someone like me, I really needed that. If you’re willing for someone to help you and are open to it, they are there. And they all rang or text messaged me to find out my score and congratulate me.”

Emily said success in the HSC is not only for the brilliant minds and offered this advice to future year 12 students.

“You don’t have to be a genius to do well, you just have to put the effort in.

“You have to study smart. If you just read pages in a text book it doesn’t do anything. I made my own summaries and had Post-It notes everywhere, in really random places. I played lots of sport too. You have to have a good balance between social life and study... unless your idea of social life is going out and getting wasted. Sport really helps.”

Emily thanked the support of her parents Leah and Rod and encouragement from her older brother Scott.

Between now and university Emily said she will work part time, is taking an Austswim course to teaching swimming while at university and taking a well-earned break from study before hitting the books to achieve her teaching dream.

Overall Camden Haven High School earned excellent results in the HSC.

Principal Margaret Hutchinson said 16 students placed in Band 6 (scoring between 90 and 100) in at least one subject in face-to-face classroom while 19 distance education students earned a Band 6.

Five students earned an ATAR of 90 and above.