Celebrating NSW HSC High Achievers: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Their Exceptional Results!

In NSW, over 130 exceptional students were honored for attaining top results in their HSC subjects. Notably, four individuals excelled by topping multiple courses, while 33 others shared equal first place honors, showcasing remarkable academic excellence.

P24 News Media

December 18, 2024

1 minute

Celebrating NSW HSC High Achievers: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Their Exceptional Results!

India

In 2021, Abigail Barfield faced a life-altering challenge when she suffered a traumatic brain injury during a football match. This incident led to the onset of severe migraines and headaches, significantly affecting her academic performance. Despite these obstacles, Barfield persevered with her studies, navigating the dual difficulties of physical discomfort and emotional vulnerability that accompanied her condition. "That is something that I really had to struggle through … also the emotional side of that where the vulnerability is really difficult to deal with," Ms. Barfield reflected on her journey.

Determined to succeed, the student from Pymble Ladies College has now been recognized as the highest achiever in Aboriginal Studies for the 2024 HSC. For Barfield, this accolade signifies not only her hard work in academics but also her triumph over her health adversities. "I really came into it with the attitude of I want to be able to push through things and come out with no regrets, and I took that attitude towards dealing with pain," she noted, highlighting her commitment to overcoming her challenges.

At a recent ceremony held in Sydney, Barfield was among the commendable achievers of the HSC, sharing the limelight with other outstanding students. This year, the event celebrated over 130 exceptional students who received top awards across a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Technologies, and Vocational Studies. The ceremony, marking the largest HSC cohort to date, featured participants from 82 schools across New South Wales, offering 135 awards to high achievers.

Among those recognized was Thomas Collins from Sydney Grammar School, one of the few students who excelled in more than one subject. Securing first place in both Chinese Extension and French Extension, Collins shared his unique journey with language learning. Initially, he had no intention of studying Chinese; he began the subject in Year 8 simply to accompany a friend. Despite that friend eventually abandoning the course, Collins chose to continue and developed a profound passion for the language. "Starting in year 8 and sort of going throughout high school I just really grew to love the subject, the language, the culture," he expressed.

Collins spoke candidly about the challenges he faced due to his lack of prior exposure to Chinese language and culture. "It's been a challenge having no Chinese background, having to learn hundreds, thousands of characters, having to learn all about a totally different culture. It's been very rewarding," he remarked. His dedication to both Chinese and French has not only broadened his linguistic capabilities but also fortified his understanding of cultural nuances, elements he finds beneficial in his studies.

Looking ahead, Collins is set on pursuing a double degree in Law and Arts at the University of New South Wales, with an emphasis on languages. His aspirations are geared towards securing a position that involves international relations, showcasing his interest in global opportunities. "I'm really interested in international work, whether that be working overseas in a normal job, working between countries in trade or diplomacy in law," he articulated. While he remains open-minded about specific career paths, the international dimension remains a focal point of his ambitions.

The excitement and nervousness surrounding the release of HSC results loom large for many students, including Collins. With over 79,400 candidates completing at least one HSC course this year, results will be communicated through SMS, email, and online platforms. "I'm a bit nervous like everyone across the state, I'm hopeful that my work will have paid off but I'll just have to wait and see," he admitted, echoing feelings of anticipation shared by many in his cohort.