Congratulations
Class of 2023
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From the Headmaster I am pleased to share the academic achievements of the Class of 2023 across our three academic programmes: Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), Vocational Education and Training (VET) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Press coverage about the concerning low uptake of ATAR counting subjects in WA and early University offers, has continued throughout 2023, and the Minister of Education set up a review of pathways in 2023, of which I am part of his specialist review panel. I do share some legitimate concern about the ever-decreasing number of students studying ATAR scoring subjects. The public commentary, which has been building for some time, highlights perceived concerns that unconditional early offers impact the overall performance of students sitting their final ATAR exams. The perception is that students may stop working hard in the lead up to their exams, assessments, or work placements because they were already guaranteed a place at university.
... we prioritise ‘learning to learn’, not only learning to recall content at exam time. Scotch will never encourage students to take the easy option. We continue to promote the pursuit of courses based on passion, aspiration, and ability and encourage students to challenge and test themselves, not to look for the path of least resistance. As I have said before, it is no coincidence that long-term success and satisfaction tend to occur when passion intersects with ability. Pursuit of personal excellence, satisfaction and achievement is encouraged at Scotch, thus focussing on an internal locus of control driver versus an external locus of control measure such as an ATAR rank or an IB score. In essence, through focussing on our Approaches to Learning programme (a strategic attempt to assist students in understanding how best they study and learn), we prioritise ‘learning to learn’, not only learning to recall content at exam time. We continue to encourage every student to challenge and extend themselves, but in doing so, we ensure that their pastoral care and personal self-worth are at the core of how we counsel and develop each student. The concept of resilience should not be sacrificed under the guise of of improved wellbeing.
Superficially, the league tables are key markers of our students’ achievements, however, the examination results and final scores are only a fraction of what Scotch College offers. Once again, popular press has postulated as to why parents would send their son or daughter to private schools, given so many state schools scored well in the ATAR exams. Of course, such a simplistic narrative does not cover the full decision-making process why parents choose to send their son to an independent school such as ours. A rank is not an education, nor does it provide one with 126 years of connection, heritage, and a community for life. At every stage of our students’ education, we strive to deliver a breadth of experiences. We’re confident that the Class of 2023 will succeed in the next phase of their education and become courageous and compassionate members of our community, proving that we’ve achieved our mission, which extends past delivering just a rank. Furthermore, success of the 2023 leavers has been recognised throughout their time at Scotch, with outstanding achievement in Public Speaking, Debating, Maths Olympiad, ICAS, Work Placement, Certificate Qualifications, Academic Colours and Honours, to name a few. The Class of 2023 has shown a communal pursuit of excellence while reinforcing a supportive learning community. Their tremendous results and stories of accomplishment are a testament to their commitment. While scholarships and university prerequisites may still be a driving factor for some, for most, they simply worked to achieve their personal best. While these results indicate the achievements of the Class of 2023 in their final year, they are a representation of 12 years of learning. We thank every teacher who played a significant role in shaping, motivating, inspiring, challenging and supporting them throughout their journey. Similarly, to parents and families who have cared for, guided, shown respect and taught our students to take responsibility, we thank you for contributing to a positive culture and forming outstanding young people and role models.
Dr Alec O’Connell Headmaster
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2023 at a glance VISION A learning community with an international standard of excellence.
MI S S I O N To develop young people with strength of character, self-understanding, a passion for sustained learning and spiritual inquiry who will become active members of the global community.
Scotch is proud to offer its students a choice of three academic pathways – ATAR, AAP and the IBDP. With all results now in we are delighted to provide the combined results for the class of 2023. Once again, congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication and to their teachers who have supported them in reaching their best both academically and beyond the classroom.
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99.60 Top ATAR
45 Top IBDP score Equivalent to 99.95 ATAR
88.20 Median ATAR combined WACE and IBDP
99% Graduation rate combined WACE and IBDP
81% University bound
183 Total students
33
150
IBDP students
WACE students
93
43
ATAR students
Certificate IV awarded
AC ADEMIC PR O FIL E In total, there were 183 Year 12 graduates. Of the total Year 12 cohort, 126 (69 %) chose to sit either the WACE or the IBDP examinations; 93 students received an ATAR, and 32 students achieved their Diploma. 57 students studied the Alternative Academic Pathway (AAP). Of this group, 43 obtained a Certificate IV.
Image: Caelan Browne at the Senior School Music Soirée 2023. Caelan, an IBDP student, has been accepted to study Medicine at UWA.
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WACE ATAR results WA C E R E SU LT S ( ATA R )
T O P PER FO R MIN G ATAR S T U DEN T
In 2023, 10,377 (42%) of Year 12 students in Western Australia undertook full-time WACE studies by sitting four or more ATAR course examinations. At Scotch College, 51% of Year 12 WACE students sat four or more ATAR subjects, with 33% of those students scoring an ATAR above 90. Our students were celebrated as high performers in three Year 12 ATAR courses this year. Congratulations to Ross Whittome, Year 12 Dux of ATAR, on being our top-performing student with an ATAR of 99.60 – placing him in the top 0.4% of students eligible to sit the 2023 ATAR examinations. Ross Whittome | WACE Dux | 99.60 ATAR We are pleased to share that Henry Allan, Harry Burbury, Marco Ghiselli, Joshua Griffin, Nicolas Langsford, Will Parker, Fletcher McIntosh, Callum Mitchell, Harrison Smith, Matthew Turkich, Lucas Woolf and Mack Williams all received Certificates of Distinction in 2023.
99.60
150
Top ATAR
Candidates
ATAR score
99+ 1% (1 student) 95+ 18% (17 students) 90+ 33% (31 students) 80+ 60% (56 students) 70+ 76% (71 students)
85.00 Median ATAR Scotch College (93 students)
99% WACE graduation (State WACE graduation: 92.7%)
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WACE Certificate of Distinction Scotch subject awards: Chemistry, Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Modern History, Physics and the Stewart Literature Prize
84% Gained university access to at least one WA university
13 Certificates of Distinction 18 Certificates of Merit 43 Certificate IV (Qualification for university through an alternative academic pathway)
S T UDE N T SC OR I N G A N ATA R OF 9 9 +
Ross Whittome
S T UDE N TS SC OR I N G A N ATA R OF 9 8 +
Samuel Romero
My post-Scotch pathway involves completing a Bachelor of Applied Geology at the Western Australian School of Mines (Curtin University).
Callum Mitchell
Harrison Smith
Henry Allan
Lucas Woolf
I am grateful to have received an early offer and look forward to commencing in 2024. During the summer break, I will be interning at Northern Star Resources as a Geology Technician. Scotch has played a pivotal role in supporting my pathway choices and my case managers have been instrumental in offering guidance regarding career decisions, university choices, and valuable insights that have significantly contributed to shaping my career trajectory. This consistent support has enabled me to have clarity and confidence in making decisions regarding my future. Despite navigating a challenging and uncertain period due to personal circumstances, they guided me in making informed and constructive choices. Despite facing challenges which led to frequent absences from school, Ms Cathcart, along the many supportive teachers, ensured that I could successfully undertake ATAR studies and thrive in my academic endeavours. Joshua Hooke Year 12 student
Image: Joshua Hooke at March Out 2023
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Alternative Academic Pathways (AAP) A A P O VE R V I E W
VET DU X
In 2023 approximately 14,400 or 58% of Year 12 students across Western Australia chose a non ATAR pathway. This percentage continues to grow. At Scotch College, 57 of our students selected an Alternative Academic Pathway (AAP). Students in Year 12 had the option to combine ATAR and General courses with vocational Certificate II, III or IV qualifications. At Scotch in 2023 43 of our students graduated with a Certificate IV, the highest certification level awarded through a school-based programme, which is equivalent to an ATAR of 70 and provides a direct entry pathway to university. Our Dux of VET, Dean Brown, completed a combination of three ATAR subjects, and Certificate III in Music and a Certificate IV in Business. Dean commented, ‘my time at Scotch was amazing as I was able to make lifelong friends and mentors I will always go back to for help’.
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Dean Brown
2 0 2 3 YEAR 1 2 PAT HWAYS
Students took an AAP (31% of cohort)
43 Students achieved a Certificate IV allowing them direct entry into University
6 Students completed a Certificate III in Music
31% of students took an AAP (57) 51% of students took ATAR (93) 18% of students took IBDP (33)
20 Students completed a Certificate II
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YEAR 12 GENERAL PR I ZE WI N N E R S
Joshua Hooke Aboriginal & Intercultural Studies
Kaymus Brierly Arts Purchase, Visual Arts
Rory Keevil Design: Photography
Benjamin Ceglinski English
Lucas Woolf Materials, Design and Technology: Metal
Sam Thompson Mathematics: Essential
Aidan Coolican Outdoor Education
Oscar Dees Physical Education Studies
W HY C HO O S E T HE AAP PAT HWAY?
What is your post-Scotch pathway? I have received an early offer to study Bachelor of Science/Clinical Chiropractic at Murdoch which was my first choice.
Why did you choose the AAP pathway? The main reason for choosing the General/AAP pathway was that the course suited how I work. I have always found it difficult to sit at a table, with paper and pen. I spoke to a number of my teachers, including those at the Residence, I met with the careers advisor a few times and we felt that the TAFE and general pathway would be a better choice for me as it was non-exam based.
What did you enjoy about this pathway? The AAP pathway gave me the option of completing a Certificate IV Business course which was one of the subjects I enjoyed the most. The course was self-paced and module-based and I really enjoyed it as it was a good fit for me. I attended a class in Fremantle one day a week and met people from a range of other schools. Completion of this course also guaranteed me an equivalent 70 ATAR and three C grades.
Would you recommend this pathway? The support that this pathway offered was truly remarkable, and upon the completion of Year 12, it led me to receive an early offer into the Bachelor of Science and Clinical Chiropractic course at Murdoch University. I am incredibly appreciative of having had the opportunity to complete this course and what it has enabled me to achieve. I highly recommend this to anyone who is considering an alternative pathway. Benjamin Ceglinski Year 12 student
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Scotch College ATAR courses with the highest performing students Physical Education Modern History Drama We are delighted to share that Scotch College had the highest performing students in three of its ATAR courses. This figure is based on the percentage of students who had Year 12 ATAR course combined scores in the top 15% of all students in that course.
Certificates of Distinction Henry Allan Harry Burbury Marco Ghiselli Joshua Griffin Nicolas Langsford Will Parker Fletcher McIntosh Callum Mitchell Harrison Smith Matthew Turkich Lucas Woolf Mack Williams
Certificates of Merit Joshua Cahill James Caporn Jack Cook Aidan Coolican Jake Deveney Thomas Eagleton Lochie Elliott Andrew Ellis Harry Ellis Henry Feutrill Oliver McCaw Zachary Mills Sullivan Moody Samuel Mumme Oscar Petersen Herman Strydom Oscar Sumich Finn Wright Certificates of Merit and Certificates of Distinction recognise student achievement in the WACE and are dependent on the degree of difficulty of the courses and programmes undertaken, together with the student’s level of achievement. These awards are based on the grades awarded to students by their schools. Of our WACE cohort, 33% received a Certificate of Distinction or Certificate of Merit, which is an excellent result.
Image: March Out 2023
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IBDP results At Scotch College, 33 students sat the final examinations and achieved an average IBDP total of 35, 5.94 points above the global average of 29.06. I BDP RE SU LT S
T O P PER FO R MIN G IBDP S T U DEN T
Australian universities recognise the Diploma points by converting them to an ATAR equivalent. Our students achieved an outstanding median of 35 IBDP points, equivalent to an ATAR of 92.85 at all universities except UWA, where it represents an ATAR of 95.85. However, it is essential to note that an IBDP score of 26 points now provides direct entry to UWA. Furthermore, Curtin also recognises several subjects which qualify for advanced standing. 32 of our 33 students achieved this benchmark. Of the 33 students, nine achieved a score over 40. Robert Eastman scored a perfect 45 (equivalent to an ATAR of 99.95 and in the top 0.2% of the IBDP globally). Robert has accepted a place to study PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Balliol College Oxford next year. Thomas Jackson scored 44 points, equating to an ATAR of 99.90. IBDP Dux Andrew Walker scored 42 points, equating to a 99.50 ATAR. Overall the IBDP cohort performed exceptionally well, outperforming their predicted totals by an average of 1.4 points.
45 Top score (Equivalent to 99.95 ATAR*)
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Robert Eastman | 45 points (Equivalent to 99.95 ATAR*) Scotch subject awards: FG Medcalf Proficiency, French SL, Global Politics HL and Physics SL
33 Candidates
16
Median IBDP score (Equivalent to 95.85 ATAR*)
Grade 7s awarded (13 students)
35
2
Average IBDP score (Global average 29.07)
Average bonus points (Global average 1.5)
97% Graduation
*Converted ATAR scores are based on the UWA selection rank. The maximum IBDP score is 45 points, calculated from each student’s results in their six subjects (with a seven-point maximum for each subject, making a potential total of 42 points), including a compulsory language. Furthermore, students can earn three additional points in the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay.
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S T UDE N TS SC OR I N G 40 T O 4 5 I B D P P OI N TS (Equivalent to 99+ ATAR*)
Robert Eastman
Thomas Jackson
Alasdair Orr
Patrick Hayes
For Robert Eastman, Sacha Faneco, Patrick Hayes and Thomas Jackson, Year 12 was about maintaining a balance between their studies and broader life at Scotch.
Andrew Walker
Jose Villanueva Astorgo
Jason Pocock
Sacha Faneco
Coming to the College at the end of Year 10, Robert described his favourite part of his final two years as “the ability to balance doing other things like tennis, athletics and debating at a high level while still doing the IB Diploma”. It is a view that Patrick shared, looking back on his role as House Vice-Captain as a highlight of his school years, while Thomas combined his studies with 1st XI Soccer. The boys also reflected on how they grew as learners. Looking back on his studies, Robert says, “I think I grew the most in being able to think through the new concepts and understand why and how they are important to us as learners and as people”. For Sacha, “the IB has cultivated determination and intellectual curiosity, yet its greatest impact for me lies in fostering meaningful connections with teachers and peers. I’ve learned that genuine compassion and camaraderie stem from challenges”. Both he and Pat reflected on the way they grew increasingly confident communicating their ideas. Brendan Zani IB Diploma Coordinator
Caelan Browne
Image: Thomas Jackson, Sacha Faneco and Patrick Hayes
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Combined WACE and IBDP results Although we celebrate the achievement of each cohort separately, it is essential to look at them collectively through the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). This lens enables us to gain insight into the school’s academic performance and provides a valid point of comparison that includes both the Diploma and WACE students. While we encourage all students to take the most academically rigorous pathway to provide skills for future study, not all students wish to use this preparation for university education. We are proud to share that many students have already successfully gained highly competitive scholarships or achieved entry into specialised colleges that require a different admission process, such as a portfolio of work, interview, aptitude testing or prior experience.
Combined WACE and IBDP results at a glance
99.95
88.20
Combined top ATAR*
Combined median ATAR*
Combined ATAR scores*
99%
99+ 7% (10 students)
Graduation rate
95+ 29% (37 students)
90+ 46% (58 students)
80+ 68% (86 students)
70+ 82% (103 students)
*Converted ATAR scores are based on the UWA selection rank.
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81% Gained university access to at least one WA university by obtaining a 70+ ATAR, achieving the IB Diploma or completing the Certificate IV
Final comments Once again, our graduating class benefited from the academic tutoring and support programme funded by the Old Scotch Collegians. I thank the OSC for their continued generosity on behalf of our students and their families. You’ll often hear me speak about our community for life, and I truly believe this is a unique and significant part of our College. The ongoing connection between the OSC and our Teaching and Learning strategies are the perfect example of this outcome.
Whether in the classroom or on the sporting field, I thank the entire Year 12 cohort for their tenacity throughout their educational journey at Scotch College. Whether in the classroom or on the sporting field, I thank the entire Year 12 cohort for their tenacity throughout their educational journey at Scotch College. Behind our students’ success is the tireless work of our staff, who are outstanding
Image: Arts Day 2023
in their areas of teaching expertise. While these results paint a picture of our students’ final year, these achievements would not be possible without the contributions of many teachers throughout their learning journey. Teachers have the power to make a difference for young people, and I do not doubt that many of our staff have made a positive mark. Finally, thank you to the broader Scotch community for your continued support. While academic success is important to us, we will continue to provide a world-class education underpinned by balance and breadth. These experiences will undoubtedly empower our students to pursue their personal best and seek fulfilment in whatever pathway they take. I hope you have enjoyed reading about the successes of our graduating class and, more importantly, share in my pride in celebrating well-rounded, compassionate, and capable young men who are ready to tackle whatever is next for them. Dr Alec O’Connell Headmaster
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