Eight students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have received First in Course honours in the 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The students represent eight different schools from right across the Sydney Archdiocese and placed first in a diverse range of subjects:
- Angus Frawley, Holy Cross College Ryde – Electrotechnology Examination
- Christopher Nabih Gabriel, Marist College Kogarah – Mathematics Standard 2
- Francisca Carvalho Braga E Silva, St Patrick’s College Sutherland – Portuguese Continuers
- Asteer Saleem, Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley – Arabic Extension
- Gloria Audrey Lie, St Clare’s College Waverley – Indonesian and Literature
- Jayda Sciberras, Casimir Catholic College Marrickville – Information and Digital Technology Examination
- Alex Luke, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton – Industrial Technology
- Cooper Knowles, St John Bosco College Engadine – Construction Examination
The eight students were among 131 students to place first or joint-first across 114 subjects in the state.
The students were acknowledged in a ceremony on Tuesday morning at the University of New South Wales by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car.
Marist College Kogarah student Christopher Nabih Gabriel said he was rather surprised to find out he had come first in Mathematics Standard 2.
“After the exam, I thought I might not have done as well as I had hoped to but when I got a text saying I was about to receive some exciting HSC news, I had a feeling it was going to be about the state ranking,” he said.
Christopher credited his teachers at Marist College Kogarah and also his peers for guiding him along the way.
“My teachers definitely helped and my friends played a really big part too. We had in-class and out-of-class study groups where we would work collaboratively and I think that really improved my attitude towards the subject.”
SCS Director of Education and Research, Kevin Carragher, congratulated the eight students on their fantastic achievement.
“Topping the state in an HSC course is something each student should be immensely proud of,” Mr Carragher said.
“It speaks volumes of their dedication and ability, as well as the support of their teachers and families.
“As a system, we’re delighted to see the variety of the subjects our students placed first in. It’s a reflection of the idea that no matter what students’ interests or passions may be, SCS provides opportunities for them to flourish.”
