WITH the exams behind them, these HSC graduates can now bask in the glory of their achievements.
St George and Sutherland Shire school students who excelled in their subjects were recognised at the NSW Board of Studies HSC First in Course annual awards on Tuesday.
The talents of 121 students across 112 courses were acknowledged. Awards were given to students who got the highest possible band in a course.
More than 75,000 students sat for the HSC this year.
Several St George students excelled in a range of subjects, notably in languages and vocational education and training courses.
Yuan (Angela) Gao, of Monterey, who studied at Kogarah High School's Saturday School of Community Languages, was the first in-course recipient for Chinese background speakers.
This year also marked the first examination of the financial services course Yongxin (Cindy) Feng, of Beverly Hills High School, placed first in that.
Girls out-performed the boys again this year, with 83 girls and 38 boys on the merit list.
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said it was an incentive for boys to work harder next year.
"It's a great outcome for the girls in these awards but it's good to see the performance of government and non-government schools and students from non-English-speaking backgrounds top their subjects," Mr Piccoli said.
Board of Studies president Tom Alegounarias said results were a "public branding credential". "[That's why] we unapologetically set the standard of the HSC high," he said. "It requires students to be motivated and committed. They've met that challenge."
Australian tertiary admissions ranks, or ATARs, are released today.
Board of Studies HSC results inquiry centre: 1300 138 323.
FIRST PLACE
Larissa Grinsell, of De La Salle Senior College Cronulla for studies of religion 2. ‘‘First in the state was a surprise. I want to study theology at university.’’
Rhonda Douroukis, of George River College Oatley Senior Campus for modern greek beginners. ‘‘I put in enough effort, so I’m happy. I want to study more languages at uni.’’
Jonathan Hopkins, of Sydney Technical High for physics (equal first). ‘‘I’m all about maths, science and engineering. Girls have gone well but boys can do good things, too.’’
Claudia Saab, of Sydney Institute StGeorge College for human services examination. ‘‘I like the nursing course. I want to study medical science and law next year.’’
Natalie Betteridge, of St Patrick’s College Sutherland for retail services examination. ‘‘It was a big shock because I thought I stuffed up my test. It worked out well for me because it took a lot of stress off my other subjects.’’
Yongxin (Cindy) Feng, of Beverly Hills High for financial services. ‘‘I always had an interest in commerce and maths but I was very surprised to get all band6 marks, too.’’
