Achievements HSC Highlights 2020 - plc.nsw.edu.au

2020

HSC AchievementsHighlights&

“Being a part of the PLC Sydney community will be a memory

I will cherish forever. My fondest memory will

always be how supportive and absolutely amazing

the class of 2020 was. And to the teachers who have guided me and shaped who I have become today -

I will forever be grateful. Thank you!”

Lily Dai

Each year group faces its challenges in its final year. Even the most capable of students can doubt themselves. How much more, in the Covid-19 year of 2020 did our students face challenges, both external and internal.

It is to their credit, and the credit of their teachers, that we can list their achievements in this booklet. Together they formed a strong partnership to assist the year group to do well.

We congratulate this PLC Sydney graduating cohort on their excellent HSC results.

As you read the results in this booklet, remember that we are a non-selective school. This means that the student who attends PLC Sydney is improving their overall outcome. Our average mark was about 82.6% gained across all courses. Many students in this year group were artistic, with a record number of nominations for ARTEXPRESS. Music was another standout. It is particularly pleasing to have received two nominations to ENCORE for student compositions. We congratulate each student who achieved a special award. We congratulate each student who did their best.

We are yet to receive the full list of student university place entries, but the cohort was very happy with the offers made to them. We are proud of our 2020 cohort. We celebrate the hard work of each student. Their results are very similar to the excellent academic results of recent years.

Finally, and more important than anything else, we are proud of the young women our graduating class has become. As their Principal, I am impressed by their grace and their diligence. Watching them interact at our morning tea in early December was a joy. We will follow their future vocational choices with great interest.

Dr Paul BurgisPrincipal

1PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020

55SELECTEDSELECTED

29 Nominations

For student showcases and exhibitions

99.7599.75

2121ststIN STATEIN STATE*

Top ATAR PLC Sydney students were in the top 10% of the State

(* inc Jennivine Chen)

88%%

PLC Sydney students (12 students) were in

the top 1% of the State

2020 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

PLC Sydney ranking in SMH ranking

* 21st in the State inc Jennivine Chen

5050%%*

1111

11 Top Achievers List

Students who earned top 20 places in individual subjects

1717

All-rounder Achievers List

Students who scored over 90% in every subject

Cambridge International A Levels: A Levels are the ‘gold standard’ of Cambridge and act as entry qualifications for universities around the world. They are highly specialised with students normally taking only three subjects. The A* at A Level is awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A on the A Level overall (80%), and who also achieve at least 90% on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across their A2 units. Jennevine Chen achieved three A Levels A* A* A in her Cambridge A Level Exams for Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science (equivalent of 99.9+) and was accepted to Oxford University.

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AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSIONS RANK*

Congratulations to the following girls who achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99 or more in the Higher School

Certificate or equivalent [eg Cambridge International Exams].

Name ATAR

Abbey Kumar 99.75

Linda Liu 99.65

Stephanie Howes 99.55

Olivia Lam 99.55

Jennivine Chen 99.50^

Name ATAR

Gwendalyn Dabaja 99.45

Amanda Lu 99.40

Caitlyn Wong 99.25

Helena Law 99.15

Yingyi (Emily) Zhao 99.05

*The above list may not be a full representative of these achievements as we are reliant on Year 12 students providing their ATAR or other information. Details are not made public or provided to the College.

[ ^ Jennivine’s ATAR estimate is between 99.50 - 99.95 based on her Cambridge results]

YEAR ON YEAR COMPARISON

Sydney Morning Herald HSC ranking top 100 schools

(* 21st in the State inc Jennivine Chen)

% of students in the top 10% of State ie achieving ATARs over 90

(* 50% inc Jennivine Chen)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

37%

51%56%

51% 50%*36th

21st

1st

100th

17th 20th 21st*


2nd 3rd 3rd 4th

4th 4th 4th 5th

6th 6th 19th

TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE

1ST PLACE IN NSW

Yianna Nikos Textiles and Design

Jacqueline KoutsoubosModern Greek Beginners

at NSW School of Languages

Haley MillsJapanese Continuers

Yanna GraltonChinese Extension

Stephanie HowesLatin Extension

Sophie AngusDesign and Technology

Amelia RaderFood Technology

Yingyi (Emily) ZhouEnglish EAL/D

Nina PowerGerman Beginners at NSW School of

Languages

Abbey Kumar French Extension

Jessica ChengDesign and Technology

Gwendalyn DabajaEnglish Extension 2

Stephanie HowesMathematics

Advanced

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EXCELLENCE IN HSC

PREMIER’S ALL ROUND ACHIEVERS

17students

recognised

For students who achieve more than 90% in all their courses (ie the highest band possible in at least 10 units).

Sophie Angus

Gwendalyn Dabaja

Ariana Galanos

Iris Gou

Yanna Gralton

Stephanie Howes

Abbey Kumar

Olivia Lam

Helena Law

Ruo Yin Linda Liu

Amanda Lu

Miriam Ly

Linda Wang

Caitlyn Wong

Keyi Zhang

Catherine Zhao

Yingyi (Emily) Zhao

Proportion of Girls in the Top Two Bands by Subject

100%

Chinese and Literature, Chinese in Context, Chinese Continuers, Chinese Extension, Community and Family Studies, Drama, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Italian Continuers, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Extension, Latin Continuers, Latin Extension, Music 1, Music 2, Music

Extension, Textiles and Design, and Visual Arts

90%AND ABOVE

Chemistry, English Advanced,

English EAL/D and Mathematics

Extension 1

80%AND ABOVE

Design and Technology, Physics

and Mathematics Extension 2

75%AND ABOVE

Business Studies Mathematics

Advanced and Modern History


STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN TOP 2 BANDS WITH A MARK

OF 80% OR HIGHERCOMPARED TO THE STATE AVERAGE

% Bands 5-6 or E3-E4COURSE PLC SYDNEY STATE

Ancient History 50 33

Biology 67 31

Business Studies 76 35

Chemistry 92 43

Chinese and Literature 100 69

Chinese in Context 100 89

Chinese Continuers 100 76

Chinese Extension 100 98

Community and Family Studies

100 34

Design and Technology 82 47

Drama 100 47

Earth and Environmental Science

29 30

Economics 70 51

Advanced English 91 63

English EAL/D 90 26

English Standard 56 12

English Extension 1 100 93

English Extension 2 100 82

Food Technology 60 30

French Continuers 60 64

French Extension 67 81

% Bands 5-6 or E3-E4COURSE PLC SYDNEY STATE

Geography 60 42

History Extension 60 76

Italian Continuers 100 58

Japanese Continuers 100 56

Japanese Extension 100 89

Latin Continuers 100 89

Latin Extension 100 100

Legal Studies 70 40

Mathematics Advanced 77 53

Mathematics Standard 2 28 25

Mathematics Extension 1 84 75

Mathematics Extension 2 92 84

Modern History 74 37

Music 1 100 64

Music 2 100 88

Music Extension 100 97

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

70 34

Physics 83 41

Studies of Religion 11 60 44

Textiles and Design 100 57

Visual Arts 100 65

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SHAPEFor exemplary work in HSC Design and Technology and Textile and Design

Yianna NikosSelected for exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum for an evening apparel gown consisting of a strapless corset, straight skirt and traditional smocked cape (pictured right)

Sophie AngusNominated for a campaign to promote greater integration support for refugees in the Inner West community

Jessica ChengNominated for a multipurpose flat-pack furniture and lighting concept for an apartment with limited space

Ariana GalanosNominated for an installation to promote sustainable fashion and waste reduction within the textile industry

SHAPE & TEXSTYLEFor exemplary work in Textile and Design

Halle Fisher Nominated for a two-piece costume with engraved bodice & open pleated sleeves

Ariana Galanos Nominated for a high couture innovative textile art piece

Giselle Gurr Nominated for a textile art piece, reflecting structural and aesthetic features present in Islamic architecture

Jessica Kim Nominated for a costume that utilises & promotes second-hand and upcycled materials

Yianna Nikos Nominated for an evening apparel gown

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

A number of PLC Sydney students were nominated for recognition as part of the HSC showcase events. To be nominated for any of these events is an outstanding achievement as it acknowledges

their major works and performances as ‘best in the State’.

GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDSThe Gold Award is the most demanding of all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and is made up of five components: Service, Physical, Skill, Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. It is a mark of great dedication to balance Year 12 students with the requirements of the Gold Award. In 2020, four students achieved this award.

Chelsey JohnsonKatia NastasiRoanne TaoubeHeidi Watkins

Yianna Nikos SHAPEYianna’s Major Textiles Project is an evening apparel gown consisting of a strapless corset, straight skirt and traditional smocked cape. Inspiration has been drawn from 1940s Haute Couture, specifically its figure-hugging, asymmetrical silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.

ENCOREFor exemplary performance in HSC Music

Lily Dai Nominated for cello

Kim LengNominated for piano

Catherine Zhao Nominated for violin

ENCORENominated for exemplary composition in HSC Music

Lucy FroggattKatia Nastasi

OnSTAGEFor exemplary performance in HSC Drama

Louisa CusumanoNominated for The Age of Consent

Molly Davies Nomination for Prima Facie

Nina PowerNomination for When the Rain Stops Falling

PLC SYDNEY HSC RESULTS 2020 7

ARTEXPRESSFor exemplary work in HSC Visual Arts

Ariana Galanos Selected for Maitland Regional Art Gallery for Painting: The Condition of the Compulsive

Amelia RaderSelected for Hazelhurst Arts Centre for Painting: The Stitches You Sew

Macey Watson Selected for Art Gallery of New South Wales - AGNSW and Tamworth Regional Gallery for Painting: Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic

Giselle Wong Selected for New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) for Painting: Therapy in a Bag of Flour

Olivia AntounNominated for Drawing: Sundowning 6:14 - 18:32

Olivia Lam Nominated for Drawing: Run, Hide, Fight

Helena LawNominated for Drawing: Not Waving, Drowning

Ruo Yin Linda Liu Nominated for Painting: Enduring Light

Heidi Watkins Nominated for Painting: Passage

Ariana Galanos The Condition of the Compulsive

Amelia Rader The Stitches You Sew

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1. Ariana GalanosARTEXPRESSThe Condition Of The Compulsive - Painting, Maitland Regional Art Gallery

Each interior provides a window into the life of a person with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to explore anxiety, thoughts and obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviours. We obsessively arrange our world using colour, form and space to organise and conduct our existence in a ritualistic manner to help us cope with what life throws at us.

2. Amelia RaderARTEXPRESS The Stitches You Sew - Painting Hazelhurst Arts CentreThe Stitches You Sew comments on the unethical fashion industry that so many of us unknowingly support. It is important for us to be aware that with every dollar you spend, you are voting either for or against the lives of these people. It is in your hands to unpick these stitches or, alternatively, sew them tighter within this unethical practice.

3. Macey Watson ARTEXPRESS Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic - Painting Art Gallery of New South Wales - AGNSW and Tamworth Regional Gallery

Leading viewers through a series of ordinary industrial settings, the work explores the importance of appreciating the everyday. The combining of contrasting mediums, styles and conflicting subject matter unveils the hidden intricacies and complexities within seemingly ordinary and dull environments.

4. Giselle Wong ARTEXPRESS Therapy in a Bag of Flour - Painting New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)Therapy in a Bag of Flour illustrates through a series of acrylic paintings the therapeutic and stress-relieving qualities found within the art of baking. Responding to the abundance of stress that students in their 2020 HSC year felt, the art of baking series aims to portray the step-by-step process that a pâtissier (pastry chef) takes.

Macey Watson Counterbalance: the dichotomy of the mundane and the chaotic

Giselle Wong Therapy in a Bag of Flour


NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

PLC Sydney congratulates our Year 12 students who represented Australia in their respective curricular, co-curricular and sporting areas.

Eliza MartinSCIENCE

Australian team for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona

Sophie Angus SCIENCE

Australian team at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona. (4)

Emma Bosco SNOW SPORTS

Australian Mogul Ski Team (2)

Gwendalyn Dabaja PUBLIC SPEAKING

Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition (AIDPSC) and

Member of the 2020 Australian team.

Lily Dai MUSIC (CELLO)

Finals of the Kuring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Music Scholarship to The Juilliard School in New York City. (5)

Anna DowlingPOLO

Australia Polo Team at the World Youth Olympic Games (3)

Chelsey JohnsonSNOW SPORTS

Australian Biathlon Development Team and

Australian Winter Youth Olympic Team. (1)

Amanda Lu PUBLIC SPEAKING

Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition (AIDPSC)

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1 2

3

4 5


REFLECTIONS

USHANG ADIEUniversity of Sydney - Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Flexible First Year)

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney? Trying new things and

putting yourself a bit out of your comfort zone (e.g. doing co-curricular activities and participating in competitions) is extremely worthwhile. It feels good and it looks good on your resume.

LUCY BERRELL Boarders PrefectUniversity of Newcastle - Degree in Teaching (Primary)

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities? Balancing academic focus and

other activities during your final years of school is important as it gives your brain a break from school work and helps with re focusing when it comes to doing your school work both in and out of school.

SOPHIE ANGUSTop Achievers in Course List 4th Design and TechnologyAll-Round Achievers List (ATAR Over 99.0)Nominated For ShapeUniversity of Sydney - Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success? Consistent effort from the first term until the very end of Year 12 made the biggest impact on how I was able to succeed in Year 12. Chipping away at larger tasks, for example writing summary notes every day, made studying for the Trial and HSC exams a lot more achievable and less overwhelming allowing me to achieve my best.

JENNEVINE CHENA*A*A Cambridge A Level ExamCurrently studying Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford University in the UK

What contributed to your final year/and Cambridge success? My subject teachers were so supportive and all helped me tremendously in this process, especially this year due to COVID-19 and Cambridge exam cancellations. The school environment at PLC Sydney is uniquely unifying in its sense of community. Also PLC Sydney’s encouragement for girls to pursue STEM subjects has definitely influenced and

shaped me. Students who came before me, inspired me to push the limits and gave me the courage to embrace challenges. This year in particular has put us all to the test. It has taught me to keep moving forward and keep trying to anticipate the unexpected along the way.

* Jennevine Chen, achieved three A Levels A* A* A in her Cambridge A Level Exams for Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science (equivalent of 99.9+). The A* at A Level is awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A on the A Level overall (80%), and who also achieve at least 90% on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across their A2 units.

EMMA BOSCO National Representative Snowsports - Australian Mogul Ski TeamPlanning on studying UNSW Sydney - Mechanical Engineering

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success? I think you have to know when it’s time to work hard and study a lot, and when to take your foot off the accelerator to avoid burnout. I made sure I had a good balance between school, sport, and life. Even during lockdown I made sure to break up my day between study, gym, and relaxing. The HSC is important but your general health (especially mental health) will always be more important!

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MADELINE GEE University of Sydney - Bachelor of Arts

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? To use yourself as the biggest motivation to see what

you’re capable of - looking at hsc/exams as a test to yourself, then, reflecting on your progress ends up as the biggest reward. Also to understand that this last year is a big chance to prove to yourself your capabilities and really see your strengths for the future - it would be underwhelming to finish 13 years of school without knowing what you’re capable of. Lastly to keep in mind that everyone is on their own path within school, so even if you haven’t completely applied yourself throughout high school, it’s never too late to start.

YANNA GRALTONTop Achievers In Course List 3rd Chinese ExtensionAll-Round Achievers List (Atar Over 99.0)Lead Role in the PLC Sydney Production of Matilda. ANU - Law and International Studies

What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney? Playing the lead role in our musical, ‘Matilda’ - that was a big deal. I started rehearsing in September, but then it was called off in April due to COVID. It was so strange not knowing whether or not the production would actually ever take the stage. It did eventually go ahead with a special production for some students and another for parents (after graduation). The rest of the school watched it online. It was really fun. The best part of Year 12 is usually all the events that take place, but this year most of them were cancelled, except for the exams. ‘I guess have me more time to study’.

LOUISA CUSUMANONominated for Onstage: Individual Drama PerformanceSchool CaptainUniversity of Melbourne, VCA (Victoria College of the Arts) - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Acting

What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney? Having fun with my Year Group and Mr McHugh’s History classes. I also loved performing in school plays and musicals, even the cheesy ones—crying with the cast after shows or joking in rehearsals. Just spending time creating stuff with really amazing people was the best.

LILY DAINominated for Encore (Cello)Currently a Music Undergraduate at The Julliard School In NYC

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success? My teachers have been

supportive and some have been understanding towards my goals which was what I needed throughout my HSC year. They understood my mindset and worked around it. and...honestly...Covid cancelled so many activities and gave me a bit more time.

CELINE FARRUGIAANU - Art and Law

Advice to younger students: Keep yourself busy, don't free your schedule just for study. I still did the musical and saturday sport. I found that when I was bored I was less

likely to work, so I needed to keep busy. Also, try and expand your friendship circle and get to know everyone in your year.

“Consistent effort from the first term until the very end of Year 12 made the biggest impact on how I was able to succeed in Year 12.”Sophie Angus

Yanna Gralton in Matilda


KIM LENG Music CaptainUniversity of Sydney - Commerce/Law

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney? The opportunity to apply

myself to a range of challenges and activities at PLC Sydney allowed me to push myself and develop my self confidence and figure out my strengths and weaknesses, what type of daily routine worked for me, and how I was able to work most efficiently. Through both failure and success, I tried to learn what was best for my wellbeing (I am still learning everyday), adopting something like a 'work hard, play hard' mindset which personally for me has been a game-changer in the way I use my time and how I apply myself in different situations.

MARGARET (MAGGIE) O’REILLYSports CaptainUniversity of Sydney - Architecture/Engineering (double degree)

Balancing HSC and other activities:

I am living proof that anyone is capable of working hard in school and maintain many co-curricular activities in Year 12. I believe having the hectic schedule that I do, has enabled me to be organised and more efficient with my time, which are very important life skills. I’d write a schedule of all my activities in the afternoon and the work I would do in the periods of time when I had no activities, as this would hold me accountable for being productive but would also allow me to clearly see everything I had to complete. I believe balancing co curricular and studies enriches your experiences and provides you with vital lessons that will not only help you in the future. It also looks good on your university applications too!

Maggie’s cocurricular activities in 2020 including AFL, Netball, Football, CIS Cup Football, Triathon, The PLC Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

SOPHIA KINGPickard House Captain University of Technology Sydney - Bachelor of Business

What contributed to your final year/and or HSC success? Making sure I made time to have fun and improve my

health but ensuring when I set time aside to study I was productive during that time eg. switching off your phone and limiting distractions so you work effectively.

EMMA HOOTON Humanities CaptainANU - Arts Law

Balancing HSC and other activities: Music groups are really important because they help me to relax. Of course, in

Year 12, it is important to have a balance, and sometimes even if that means shifting your priorities once in a while- that's okay!

ALLIRA PURCELL HAMMONDUniversity of Sydney - Bachelor of Arts

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities? eg. co-curricular activities etc

In Year 12 co-curricular activities were not important to me, however I ensured I balanced my study with time to spend with family and friends.

“I ensured I balanced my study with time to spend with family and friends.”Allira Purcell

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JANICE NGUYENPlanning to study at University of Sydney - Pharmacy

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney? That only a small chapter of our lives has been completed,

so whatever happens now is not the end of life itself. It is only the beginning of something new, no matter the number. Also if someone wants to define something they will ( i.e sqrt -1 = i)

NINA POWER4th In State, German Beginners (NSW School of Languages) Nominated For Onstage: Individual Drama PerformanceDrama CaptainMacquarie University - Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

What advice would you give to younger students about the HSC? I think it is really important to choose subjects that genuinely interest you so that you enjoy going to class, and you are more motivated to study and work hard. Even in year 12, try and make your learning revolve around your life not your life revolving around school. Also, don’t base your self-worth on academic success and don’t let a few bad marks ruin your confidence.

AMELIA RADER Top Achievers in Course List 4th Food TechnologySelected for ArtexpressUniversity of Wollongong - Pre-Medicine, Health and Science

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities? Balance between school and other activities/relationships is crucial to ensuring that you are not controlled by the HSC and reminds you to have perspective and not be trapped in your own little world.

YINGYI (EMILY) ZHAOTop Achievers In Course List 4th English Eal/DAll-Round Achievers List (Atar Over 99.0)University of Melbourne - Bachelor of Biomedicine (guaranteed entry to Medicine)

What is your fondest memory of PLC Sydney? The experience of living in the boarding house has been an asset of my life. We not only meet so many girls with different backgrounds, but also have a group of the most supportive staff members who are always here for us whenever we needed.


Achievements HSC Highlights 2020 - plc.nsw.edu.au

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