The Mazenod Gazette

Faculty News

Humanities Faculty 

 

It was something of a surprise to receive a phone call from The Age in late December. As some of you might have subsequently read, the newspaper identified Mazenod’s 2019 Humanities VCE results as being foremost in the state. Alongside the College’s continually strong Religion and Society results, it was heartening to learn that, based on the number of 40+ scores (placing students in the top 9% of the state in their subject), The Age statistically evinced that Mazenod’s VCE History Revolutions, Global Politics and Geography VCE scores were, collectively, the most impressive of any school in the state (irrespective of all select-entry and high-fee schools). It was a wonderful accolade for the College, an academic apotheosis which highlighted the efforts of the talented colleagues in the faculty, coupled with the sterling efforts of our talented students.

 

Indeed, it is now clear that Mazenod College was the only school in the state to appear in the top 10 for published 40+s in the state for all three Humanities disciplines! Some of the statistical highlights included:

 

In VCE History Revolutions:

  • Eight 40+ scores
  • Six of the eight students were on the accelerated program
  • Mazenod placed 4th in the state for published 40+ scores (placed in the top 4 for the second year in succession!)

In VCE Geography:

  • Four 40+ scores (what is remarkable about this achievement is that none of the four students got a 40+ in any other subject)
  • Mazenod placed 8th= in the state for published 40+ scores, despite only having one class

In VCE Global Politics:

  • Highest VTAC (scaled) Mean (38.9) of any non-selective subject at Mazenod
  • Mazenod placed 7th= in the state for published 40+ scores, with four 40+ scores, despite only having one class

 

Such feats were underscored by the fact that this year’s Dux, Sam Warner, took three Humanities courses as part of his senior school pathway culminating in his outstanding ATAR ranking. Sam was a passionate and gifted Humanities student, who earlier last year also won the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria and Social Education Victoria 2019 Australian and Global Politics Essay Competition, and on behalf of the faculty I’d like to once more congratulate him on his exceptional attainment and wish his every success in his future studies.

 

It was telling that The Age highlighted the accelerated History enhancement program as being a key factor behind the outstanding VCE History results at Mazenod over many years. As such, enhancement classes in Year 8 have just started for the year, with the Year 7 program soon to commence. The Year 9 program this year will run as an elective in Semester 2, with the intention that many of these talented and passionate historians will apply to take the accelerated VCE History pathway in Year 10. 

 

 

Mr Nick Young

Humanities Coordinator