The Red Bend HSC class of 2016 has much to celebrate as they achieved the best results in the recent history of the College. The College Dux is Nicholas Rhodes with an exceptional ATAR of 99.80, and 23 students being recognised as distinguished achievers with 55 band 6s across 19 separate courses. A band 6 is equivalent to a mark above 90.
Brendan King, Nicholas Rhodes and Matthew Todd have been recognised as all rounders. They achieved Band 6s in at least 10 units. Brendan King and Jessica Zieltjies have been recognised as top achievers being placed among the highest places in the state for an individual subject with a 17th place for Modern History and 10th for Agriculture respectively. A further 58 students achieved band 5s across 26 courses. In total, the cohort received 164 band 5s, which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 89.
Cameron Harvey’s excellent Design and Technology HSC Major work was nominated for Shape, which showcases the top individual major projects from Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design. Cameron’s project comprised a set of drum-inspired outdoor furniture, including chairs and a table that incorporated a series of high quality metal, timber, textile and perspex skills. The 2016 class also had significant success with early entry offers to university. Nicholas Rhodes not only received early entry to the University of Sydney but is also the recipient of a Dean’s Entry Scholarship to the Faculty of Science.
Bailey Crocker has received early entry to the Australian National University to study a double degree in Engineering/Advanced Mathematics, and he received the university’s Spirit of Excellence Award for credit towards leadership, sport and other notable achievements. Early Entry applications to the University of Wollongong and others range from Engineering to International Studies.
Charles Sturt University offered 23 students early entry into 34 courses. The courses range from a Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), to a Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology. Some courses such as teaching are pending and will be based on the student’s ATARs. This is a result of the initiative to increase the entry results of teaching to elevate the expectations of this professional area.
Red Bend Catholic College is proud and ecstatic with the strong academic performance across all levels of achievement for the HSC class of 2016. “The students’ results are a reflection of their conscientious attitude and enthusiastic approach. It is also a reward for intense effort and study. They have worked well with their teachers by engaging with the curriculum and responding to ongoing feedback. “Congratulations and best wishes for the future to this graduation class. We are confident that they will prove to be good christians and good citizens, the goal of Marist Education.”