Scotch College

VCE Results - just one part of the picture

Dr Donaldson, Hui-Shyang lee, James Barton, Jeonghyun Kim and David Heaton Monash prize for top history student James Munro, from the class of 2003, has received the Monash University 2003 Enhancement Studies Prize for History of World War II. The prize is awarded to the top student in each enhancement subject. James received high distinctions in semester one and two last year, with grades of 90 per cent and 93 per cent respectively. In announcing the prize, Monash University acknowledged the support of Scotch History teacher Mark Johnston who was JamesŐ nominated mentor. 'It is the contribution of the mentors that assists our enhancement students with the transition to university level studies,' said a university spokesperson. 'We would like to thank you for your support of the Enhancement Studies Program, and look forward to a continued relationship between Monash University and Scotch College in the future.'

The Class of 2003 had displayed great promise throughout their years at Scotch. They had impressed teachers, tutors and heads of year with their personal qualities, achievements and dedication to task through music, drama, debating, sport and studies. So it was not surprising that the young men of the Class of 2003 delivered outstanding performances in all facets of the educational spectrum during their final year at Scotch. In addition, they displayed a genuine concern for the welfare of others, rallying to support individuals and families in crisis during Years 11 and 12. The concept of the Scotch Family was seen at its very best in this wonderful group.

APS premierships are incredibly difficult to win in the current environment and the boys of this Year 12 formed the backbone of winning teams in cricket, hockey, rugby and cross-country. They also formed the bulk of the winning second, third and fourth eights at the 2003 Head of the River where the first crew's narrow loss to Geelong College was a wonderful effort. Year 12 boys displayed leadership and genuine talent at the various concerts throughout the year, culminating in the outstanding 2003 Foundation Day Concert. The massed singing, led by the Class of 2003, in the performance of John Farnham's You're the Voice was exceptional. The talent of the drama group, exemplified by Dougal Beatty in his lead role in The Rise of Arturo Ui proved to us all that Mr David Mustafa and his team had shaped an enthusiastic group of young men into polished performers. The Scotch senior DAV debating team had regularly impressed the judges with their ability to express their ideas and opinions articulately and for one member, Jeonghyun Kim, the exceptional achievement of winning a National Public Speaking competition was a real bonus.

The final challenge for the young men of the Class of 2003 was the results of the 45,000 strong VCE competition. As in all other situations, they raised the bar higher than ever before. We learnt that only 18 students in the State in 2003 had been awarded the highest score of 99.95 and that four of these, James Barton, David Heaton, Jeonghyun Kim and Hui-Shyang Lee were Scotch boys. Added to their joy was the fact that each of the four had received one of only 10 National Melbourne University Scholarships. A statistical analysis of the results showed that, by any measure, the Class of 2003 performed brilliantly. Ten per cent scored 99.00 and above, 20 per cent scored 98.00 and above, 27 per cent achieved higher than 97.00 and 37 per cent of the group achieved higher than 95.00. Of course, the power of these achievements goes beyond simply high numbers. It translates into the vast majority of young men in the group gaining places in preferred and highly sought after tertiary courses. In a non-selective entry school, in a state where 17,000 young people did not gain entry to a tertiary course, it is a point worth noting that virtually all of the 230 students from Scotch were offered a place. The most popular destinations continue to be, typically, in double degrees in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law and Science, with courses such as Medicine/Surgery, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy still attracting around 10 per cent of the group. Media and Communications and Property and Construction/Construction Management drew more interest than normal.

In summary, this group of fine, young men, supported by caring, interested parents and educated by the dedicated and professional team of teachers at Scotch, left their indelible stamp on the school and we are all justifiably proud of their achievements.

Neil Cracknell
Head of Year 12