Chev Need to Knows 

2024 HSC and ATAR Results

Dear Parents and Carers

I trust you are well as we commence the Christmas/January school holidays.

On Wednesday this week, Higher School Certificate (HSC) results were released for all schools in New South Wales. Chevalier College can be very pleased with those results. Of the 36 courses completed by the 2024 Chevalier Year 12 cohort, 19 courses were above state average.

Much of the media hype which surrounds HSC results focuses on Band 6 and Band E4 results. Overall, we had 43 Band 6 results, with 21 students named on the Distinguished Achievers’ List. And whilst a school’s value is measured by much more than annual Band 6 results, there is still a place for us to recognise and celebrate academic rigour when it occurs, and just some of the many ‘data points’ appear below:

• 80% of History Extension 1 students achieved a Band E4 as compared to 28% of the state. 
• 75% of English Extension 1 students achieved a Band E4 as compared to 49.91% of the state.
• 40% of Music 1 students achieved a Band 6 as compared to 20.11% of the state.
• 28.57% of Engineering Studies students achieved a Band 6 as compared to 9.72% of the state. 
• 22.22% of Studies of Religion 1 Unit students achieved a Band 6 as compared to 13.99% of the state.
• 12.5% of Design and Technology students achieved a Band 6 as compared to 12.06% of the state.

Furthermore, when considering Band 5 and Band E3 results, these pleasing results were achieved:

• 85.71% of Visual Arts students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 49.68% of the state.
• 50% of Agriculture students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 19.85% of the state.
• 50% of Construction Examination students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 28.99% of the state.
• 50% of Mathematics Extension 1 students achieved a Band E3 as compared to 45.29% of the state.
• 37.5% of Earth and Environmental Studies students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 26.75% of the state.
• 37.5% of Mathematics Extension 1 students achieved a Band E3 as compared to 27.66% of the state.
• 32% of Biology students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 28.75% of the state.
• 22.8% of English Standard students achieved a Band 5 as compared to 12.8% of the state. Please note, only 0.55% of the state achieved a Band 6.

ATAR wise, the news is just as pleasing. 14 students out of a possible 96, that is 14.6%, attained an ATAR of 90 or more.  Our top 6 High Achievers are shown in the graphic below:

Another individual accomplishment of note was the excellent achievement of Jessica Charnock who placed fifth in the state for Primary Industries – an outstanding effort!

Of course, the narrow focus on Band 5 and 6 results and ATAR achievements, whilst extremely positive, does not convey the many hidden success stories of students who achieved results beyond what was expected of them. Another key source of data, known as the DeCourcy Analysis, will be shared with all New South Wales Catholic schools in the new year. Whilst this analysis cannot be used for promotional purposes or shared publicly, the DeCourcy analysis will be reviewed by key members of staff in the new year and discussions had with teachers about the achieved versus expected results for each student in their class.

Overall, the 2024 HSC cohort is to be congratulated on their very pleasing results, especially considering the start of this year. Just as importantly, the teachers who have been there for those students are also to be congratulated. Their subject matter expertise, experience of HSC delivery and willingness to go the extra mile, has ensured potential being realised through these satisfying results - after all, ‘teacher makes the difference!’. The pastoral care offered by Home Room Teachers and Stage Coordinators cannot be underestimated. The organisation, reflection and direction offered by Leaders of Learning played a significant part in these results, and we cannot forget the drive and expertise provided by both Mrs Rebecca Graham and Mr John Hargreaves, which starts when students are in their junior years of schooling.

Whilst we reflect as a community with pride on the results articulated above, we continue to remember that education is more than ‘one number on one day’. A recent newspaper article, which appears below, reflects this sentiment quite well. 

In 2025, we will continue to evolve and grow as an MSC educational community by nurturing the faith, overseeing the care, and extending the learning for each Chevalier student. With the mantra of ‘HSC and Capabilities, ATAR and Complex Competencies’, we look forward to maintaining our commitment to excellent HSC results and the next phase of future facing learning at Chevalier.

May you all enjoy the blessings of the Christmas season, and may you appreciate the rest that comes with January school holidays.

Warm regards

Greg Miller

Principal

This article was written by Eilidh Sproul-Mellis and published in the Daily Telegraph, Tuesday 17 December 2024.

Chev Need to Knows Archive

Click here for the Chev Need to Knows Archive