Key Takeaways
- Julia Ades, a fellow student, is considering a career in international relations and diplomacy and has been offered a place at the University of Edinburgh.
- Caulfield Grammar’s students achieved exceptional results in politics, with 46 students scoring 40 or above.
- The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority found that only 28% of year 10 students passed a national assessment on civics and citizenship.
- Several schools, including Yarra Valley Grammar, Melbourne Grammar School, and Ballarat Clarendon College, achieved high scores in various subjects such as product design and technologies, classical studies, and philosophy.
- The success of these schools is attributed to supportive parents, good teachers, and aspirational students.
Introduction to Exceptional Student Achievements
Fellow student Julia Ades is also considering international relations and diplomacy as a career. She intends to study politics, philosophy, and economics abroad and has been offered a place at the University of Edinburgh. Julia achieved a study score of 46 in politics and an overall ATAR of 97.95. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering that all study scores are between zero and 50. This year, 719 students achieved at least one perfect study score, and 23,494 students achieved at least one score above 40.
Caulfield Grammar’s Bumper Politics Results
Caulfield Grammar’s students achieved exceptional results in politics, with 46 students scoring 40 or above. This is a significant achievement, especially in light of the recent calls for urgent action to address the decline in Australian secondary school students’ knowledge of civics and citizenship. A national assessment conducted by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority found that only 28% of year 10 students passed, highlighting the need for improved education in this area. Caulfield Grammar principal Ashleigh Martin expressed his pride in the class of 2025, not only for their academic achievements but also for their integrity, resilience, and generosity.
Success in Less-Popular Subjects
Students at other schools also scored highly in less-popular subjects. At Yarra Valley Grammar in Ringwood, 11 students scored a 40 or higher in product design and technologies, with two of them receiving perfect scores. Principal Mark Merry attributed the school’s success to the teachers’ passion for the subject and the supportive parents, good teachers, and aspirational students. Melbourne Grammar School students excelled in classical studies and philosophy, with eight students achieving a score of 40 or above in each subject. Five Melbourne Grammar School students received ATAR scores of 99.95, demonstrating the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Schools’ Achievements and Approaches
Melbourne Grammar School principal Philip Grutzner said that the students’ achievements in philosophy were no surprise, as the school encourages curiosity and exploration. The school values big ideas and differences of opinion, reflecting its approach to teaching and learning. Melbourne Grammar achieved 20 study scores of 50 this year, with 14 students achieving a perfect score in one subject and three students achieving a perfect score in two subjects. Other schools, such as Glen Waverley Secondary School and Scotch College, also achieved high scores in subjects like systems engineering and Latin. Ballarat Clarendon College achieved the top median study score, 37, and 35% of its students had scores of 40 or higher.
Conclusion and Reflection
The achievements of these schools and students demonstrate the importance of supportive parents, good teachers, and aspirational students. The success of Caulfield Grammar’s students in politics and other schools in various subjects highlights the need for improved education in areas like civics and citizenship. As Caulfield Grammar principal Ashleigh Martin said, "Success is never measured by numbers alone. It is found in the character of our young people and the way they contribute to something bigger than themselves." The achievements of these students and schools serve as a reminder of the importance of education in shaping the next generation of leaders and citizens.
