Year 12 students at Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) demonstrate that opportunities and encouragement to discover and nurture their passions can be a driving force behind achieving their personal bests.
Today, the Melbourne-based all girls' school applauds its 2023 cohort for their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) results, rounding off a successful year of significant achievements across 66 different subjects and a myriad of co-curricular pursuits. These include having played over 30 sports, taking part in 14 music ensembles and 199 leadership roles guiding and inspiring their younger peers.
These results testify to the power of all students' determination to discover their passions and take responsibility for exploring all that is on offer to achieve their best. The College is proud to offer extraordinary teaching, enriched learning and wellbeing environments, and an unmatched breadth of curriculum and co-curricular activities catering to all our students' individual interests, talents and aspiring pathways.
Key results include:
One student achieved a top ATAR of 99.95
Nine students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above, in the top 1% of the state
There were 11 perfect study scores of 50 across eight subjects, including Chemistry, Biology, English, French, General Mathematics, Product Design and Technology, Psychology and Visual Communication Design
MLC looks forward to sharing the holistic results of their Year 12 cohort in early January when over 20% of their Year 12 students receive their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme results and corresponding ATARs.
Speaking on the results, Principal Julia Shea said:
"At MLC, we wholeheartedly believe that a well-rounded, balanced education where students can explore their interests is the key to every student's personal growth and success. It is why we place such an emphasis on supporting our students to discover what excites, challenges and motivates them so that they feel empowered to achieve their best. This is displayed not just through today's academic results but a plethora of achievements across sport, music, social service, performing arts and more.
"Individual academic achievements and pursuing one's interests are intrinsically linked. At MLC, we aim to instil in our students the invaluable qualities of resilience, self-belief and confidence, enabling them to carve a path towards a future they genuinely love.
"We take immense pride in fostering a vibrant learning environment that encourages this, and our dedicated teachers and staff who support students in balancing studies and co-curricular activities while providing them with strong foundations for success in their careers and lives.
"It has been an incredible privilege to witness our Year 12 students grow in confidence, expand their knowledge and find strength in the support surrounding them. While we are immensely proud of each and every student, it is equally crucial to remind them that their worth extends far beyond an ATAR score. As we have emphasised to them through their schooling, there are numerous pathways to achieve their dreams, and we are here to support them every step of the way."
Remarkable student stories
When it came to exploring interests, one of MLC's students left virtually no stone unturned, from undertaking maths competitions, international chemistry quizzes and sporting tournaments, to orchestras, drama productions, and leading the many student clubs. Sienna Wang was a dedicated VCE student who spent the last few years exploring her talents and interests through MLC's breadth of co-curricular offerings:
"I see all these co-curricular activities as additives to our studies. I like challenging myself, and I think that these activities help develop creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills."
Charlie Millard was just one of many students who were able to effectively balance her senior studies alongside her personal ambitions in competitive swimming and ultimately secure a university scholarship in the US. Early morning training, a heightened study load and late-night swim coaching were her norm; however, despite her demanding schedule, she noted the unwavering support of her teachers has played a huge role in her accomplishments:
"There's a lot of teachers that would have a lunchtime meeting with me if I'd missed a class or would come see me if I needed help. I always had that support."
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Phan channelled her enthusiasm into music, a balance from her passion for STEM and aspirations to study medicine, following in the footsteps of her GP father. "I want to help people, that's what inspired me to follow a similar pathway." Elizabeth learnt her favourite songs to help unwind from her intensive study programme, saying, "Right now, I am into playing the ukulele and singing a lot of Taylor Swift."
Jess McGregor seized the opportunity to curate a personal study pathway at MLC. Driven by her love for competitive snowboarding, including competing at the Junior World Championships this year, Jess opted to undertake a vocational subject, VCE VET Sport & Recreation, which means she graduates with a Certificate II in her desired field and a deepened understanding of sport, alongside VCE Physical Education and Health and Human Development.
"I value P.E because I was able to learn about what the body needs to be healthy and recover faster after intensive training. I've always had a passion for adventure sports. My dream is to compete on the global snowboarding stage."
Year 12 students undertaking the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme will receive their results on Tuesday, 3 January 2024. VTAC will release full ATAR results for schools incorporating the IB scores on Wednesday, 4 January 2024.
