Sunshine Coast high school graduate Aidan Chambley is relishing a perfect ATAR result amid plans to continue his studies abroad.
The dux of Matthew Flinders Anglican College was one of 36 Queensland students to achieve a Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 99.95.
He was one of four MFAC students to achieve a score above 99, placing them in the top 1 per cent of graduates in the state, with a median rating of 89.28.
Aidan, who achieved straight As in all subjects, said he intended to study physics at a university in the United Kingdom.
He recently sat two interviews for a coveted position at Oxford University and has been offered a place at Durham University in England.
His career goal is to work within academia, researching and teaching physics at a university.
“I love the process of learning and sharing knowledge, particularly in physics, and I hope to keep learning through research,” he said.
He advised students in their final year to prioritise study but also explore other interests – which for Aidan were music and sport. He completed a marathon during Year 12.
“Make sure you have other interests outside of study to give yourself a break and to keep some perspective about life,” he said.
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Meanwhile, six students at Sunshine Coast Grammar scored in the top 1 per cent.
Almost one in three students at the school achieved a ranking score of 95 of above, while the majority achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
James Luu was acknowledged as the school’s top-performing Year 12 student.
He earned a prestigious QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation.
James credited the support of his teachers and mentors, starting with Mrs Parbery, who identified his talent in mathematics early on.
“She set me on a path that allowed me to complete mathematical methods two years earlier than expected,” he said.
Zara Kerin-Bird was acknowledged for receiving a QCE Achievement Award for the highest achievement in the humanities, after scoring 100 per cent in three subject areas.
She planned to study law at the University of Queensland and complete a diploma in French with a view to working for the United Nations, advocating for human rights.
More than 28,000 Year 12 Queensland graduates jumped online to check their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank results late last week.
About 25 per cent received an ATAR of 90 or above.
The nationwide ATAR indicates a graduate’s position, in terms of academic results, relative to other graduates from the same state or territory of Australia.
Its primary purpose is to determine entry for most courses at tertiary institutions, right across Australia, in addition to other requirements such as subject prerequisites.
But it’s not the only post-school opportunity, as some students will embark on shorter certifications or enter straight into the workforce.
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre’s first major offer round to university prospects will be on Monday, December 23.
