VCE 2017: The wait is over for south-west students

We’ll be adding details for schools in the region as they come in.

Brauer College: Brauer College student Yasmine McDonough has achieved an outstanding ATAR result, with a score of 98.95.

Yasmine, 18, said her score had far exceeded her expectations. Yasmine described the year as challenging and stressful at times, but she’s now looking forward to hopefully studying science at Monash University next year.

Principal Jane Boyle said quite a few students achieved scores into the 90s and the high 80s.

"We’ve always said that Brauer College is a school of academic excellence," Ms Boyle said.

"Our results are an indication of that trend.

"Congratulations to all students across Warrnambool who achieved the results to further their pathways."

Hawkesdale P12 College: Hawkesdale P12 College principal Colan Distel said while the school had a policy of not disclosing its scores, he was very happy with students’ achievements.

“We’re quite happy with our students and how they have grown,” he said of the school’s 26 year 12 students.

Camperdown College: The college’s dux for 2017 is Bridget Moyle with an ATAR of 88.3.

Principal Cherie Kilpatrick said Bridget now planned to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) at RMIT.

Ms Kilpatrick said the school's subject means equalled or exceeded state means in the majority of subjects, with exceptionally strong results in both product design and technology and health and human development.

“The strong study scores within and across subjects are a testimony to the students' and teachers' combined efforts and dedication,” she said.

“Our year 11 students who undertook a year 12 subject this year also achieved very pleasing study scores, laying a solid foundation for further success next year.”

Derrinallum P-12 College: Derrinallum P-12 College student Simon Cameron was the school's dux with an impressive score of 86.4.

Year 12 co-ordinator Ken Smith said all four students completing their final year - including one doing VCAL - had done very well.

He said high-achiever Simon has worked very hard over the past few years.

Emmanuel College: Jacob Pope has been crowned the dux of Emmanuel College with an ATAR of 98.45.

“I’m over the moon,” Jacob, 17, said. “It’s not what I was expecting.” It’s an early birthday present for Jacob, who turns 18 on Saturday.

Warrnambool College: The dux of Warrnambool College is Isobel Madden, who achieved an ATAR score of 97.9.

Warrnambool College principal Dave Clift said he was "absolutely stoked" for his year 12 students who completed VCE, but also for those who finished their VCAL.

He described Isobel's achievement as brilliant.

The Warrnambool College cohort of students receiving ATAR scores today was made up of 124 students.

Mr Clift said the group achieved an average ATAR score of 62.7 per cent, which is higher than the state average.

"I want to again pass on my congratulations for their achievements and to recognise the fact that those who have gone ahead and finished their VCE have done an incredible job and myself and the school are incredibly proud of them," he said.

"They see the evidence that if you put in the effort then the results come."

King’s College: The 2017 dux of King's College in Warrnambool is Alana Johnson, with an ATAR score of 95.5.

Alana has been sharing her journey through year 12 with The Standard over the course of the year.

Principal Allister Rouse said the 11 students completing year 12 had achieved "really positive results".

He said nine per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, and 18 per cent achieved an ATAR of 80 or above.

"I'd like to congratulate all of our year 12 students who have worked extremely hard throughout he year to achieve some well-deserved result and wish them all the best with whatever pathway they’re heading down next year - whether that's work or university."

Mercy Regional College: Sarah van der Schans said she was “stoked” to receive her school’s top score of 95.4. 

“It’s overwhelming. It’s exceeded my expectations,” the Cobden resident said.

Sarah, 18, plans to head to Swinburne University next year to study engineering.

Principal Darren Egberts said he was thrilled for Sarah and all of the school’s year 12 students.

“She had an outstanding year. We were also very pleased with all of the kids who got in the 70s and 80s as well,” he said.

Mortlake College: The dux is Raezel Fuertez with an ATAR of 91. 

Principal Graeme Good said Raezel came to Australia from the Philippines three years ago with very little English. She went on to receive 44 in her English as an additional language.

Raezel was heading back to the Philippines for a month’s holiday on Friday. She said settling into school life in Australia was a challenge at first, especially with limited English.

“It was really hard, but the school was really supportive and friendly,” she said.

Timboon P-12 School: Timboon P-12 School principal Sean Fitzpatrick said he was “super proud” of the 10 students finding out their VCE results today.

Mr Fitzpatrick said he had spoken to the school’s dux this morning, however, the student was not yet aware of his score because he was waiting for his results to come in the mail.

“The kids have worked really hard, and I hope this proves to them that hard work pays off,” he said.

Cobden Technical School: Cobden Technical School principal Rohan Keert said the school’s dux was Helen McMaster, who wanted her ATAR to remain private.

However, Helen said she gained study scores of above 30 in five of her subjects, including accounting by distance education. When Mr Keert and year 12 co-ordinator Stacey Henderson telephoned Helen today to congratulate her, she was ecstatic.

“All of my teachers were highly supportive and motivating,” she said.

In relation to her approach to her studies, Helen said, “I just did as many practice questions as I could because they helped the most”.

Helen hopes to receive an offer from Deakin University in Geelong to study a Bachelor of Commerce and will defer the offer. Her future strategy is to pursue training at TAFE to become a hairdresser and in a couple of years will undertake her tertiary studies with a long-term plan to run her own hairdressing business with her combination of training and education.

Mr Keert said the school placed equal emphasis on all three senior pathways – VET, VCAL and VCE.

“We value multiple pathways and we are proud of our students’ achievements. We are delighted with our VCE results. Some of our students have already gained employment, others will be looking forward to further training, higher education at university or a gap year. We are offering continued career support and advice to our year 12 students,” he said.

Hamilton and Alexandra College: The school’s 2017 dux is Hamilton resident and 2017 vice-captain Madeleine Bradbeer scoring 98.4.

Other top students included 2017 college captains Eloise McLean and Lukas Egger, both from Hamilton, who each scored 98.15; Cassidy Chellis, from Portland, who scored 98.1; Bridie Kelly, from Port Fairy, who scored 96.55; Nikki Bedworth, from Naracoorte, who scored 96.2; and Claire Paulet, from Drumborg, who scored 95.15.

Principal Dr Andrew Hirst said he was delighted with the results. “Our results today are testament to the dedication of our students and teachers. Members of this year’s close band of students have worked hard and should be proud of their results,” he said.

Portland Secondary College: Erin Husband is the school’s dux for 2017 with a score of 86.05.

Portland Secondary College senior students have achieved very pleasing results in both the Victorian Certificate of Education and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. With an ATAR score of 86.05 Erin Husband is Dux for 2017.

All of the school’s finishing students have passed their year 12 year, including its successful senior VCAL group.

Monivae College: The college’s 2017 captain Cameron Webb has also been named its dux, but preferred to keep it private.

Principal Mr Mark McGinnity said the college could not be prouder.

“We are very proud of all our students and their achievements this year,” he said.

“Congratulations to Cameron Webb, our dux for 2017. His impressive results are a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout the year.”