Our top students
Emily Rainer
Primary: Empire Bay Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 2nd English Advanced, 2nd Business Studies, 4th Ancient History, 5th Legal Studies, 1st PDHPE.
HSC Results: PDHPE 95, Ancient History 93, Business Studies 93, Legal Studies 93.
ATAR: 96.55
University Offer: Sydney University B. International Studies and Global Studies
Other: 2010 Dux
"I would love to end up working as a lawyer, travelling overseas, possibly someday for the UN and to help people all over the world.
"Completing my HSC has given me confidence and I have realised if you work hard and are determined you will get what you deserve.
"The best bit of doing my HSC was the relationships I built with teachers - I was best friends with them.
"Relationships with my friends and family developed because you realise how much you depend on each other.
"I recommend future students who undertake the HSC to play a lot of sport, go to the gym, be with friends and family and eat a lot of food to get you through a tough and rewarding year.
"I didn't give anything up, it's important to have fun as well as work hard."
Victoria Gapps
Primary: Ettalong Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 1st English Advanced, 1st Biology, 1st Chemistry, 1st French, 2nd Ancient History, 1st History Extension, 5th Mathematics.
HSC Results: Ancient History 92, Biology 90.
ATAR: 91.55
University Offer: Sydney University B. Science/Arts
"I have always wanted to go to Sydney University and study a combined Bachelor of Science and Arts.
"I really loved the sound of my degree - I just really wanted it.
"As a rule I don't get stressed out much, but when I do I take a step back do something unrelated to school or study, something fun and then come back with a fresh mind.
"When studying, break the task into smaller bits so you can pursue smaller goals, it makes everything go faster."
Liam Scarrett
Primary: Woy Woy South Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 1st English Advanced, 1st Biology, 9th Chemistry, 2nd Physics, 6th Ancient History, 1st Music, 3rd Mathematics, 3rd Mathematics Extension.
HSC Results: Ancient History 92, Music(1) 91
Other: 2009 College Captain
University Offer: Sydney University B. Science
Amanda Thorpe
Primary: Empire Bay Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 3rd English Advanced, 3rd Biology, 3rd Ancient History, 3rdChemistry, 4th General Mathematics, 1st Legal Studies.
HSC Results: Ancient History 91, Legal Studies 93.
ATAR: 92.70
University Offer: Sydney University B. Arts
"I gained a lot of analytical skills and also a lot of independence throughout my HSC.
"The best bits of the HSC were being able to come to school in such a great environment, socialise with friends everyday and the teachers who provided such a wonderful support network.
"The worst bits were the tonnes of homework and assignments which always happen to come at the same time."
Thomas Sharma
Primary: Point Clare Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 7th English Advanced, 5th Biology, 1st Ancient History, 6th Chemistry, 8th Mathematics, 4th Legal Studies
HSC Results: Ancient History 93, Legal Studies 91.
ATAR: 90.15
University Offer: Sydney University B. Engineering/ Medical Science
Tahra Brady
Primary: Empire Bay Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 4th English Advanced, 8th Biology, 4th Ancient History, 4th Chemistry, 8th Mathematics, 1st Legal Studies
HSC Results: Legal Studies 93
ATAR: 90.90
University Offer: Sydney University B. Science
Elizabeth Cansdale
Primary: Woy Woy South Public School
Year 12 School Assessment: 4th English Advanced, 2nd Biology, 8th Ancient History, 2nd Chemistry, 13th General Mathematics
ATAR: 88.00
University Offer: Sydney University B. Science
"At the moment my goal is to travel, be happy and to be doing something I love.
"Be confident in your own abilities is a must - that is something I lacked early in the HSC. Being organised is essential. Talk to your teachers and maintain close relationships with them because they are indispensible and are always willing to help.
"Always try your hardest and stay focused on your goal but keep in the back of your mind if you don't get there, it isn't the be all and end all.
"Also get enough sleep before exams and always make time to exercise."
Maani Truu, 5 Feb 2010