Principal Denise Lofts praised the high achievers of the 2018 class for their work ethic, but reminded students marks don’t projects people’s trajectories for years to come.

“They’re a fantastic group of young people,” Ms Lofts said.

“Our high achievers set the standard. We do congratulate our students, and thanks to our teachers who helped deliver outstanding results.”

Ms Lofts said the year group have left their mark on the school.

“They become our alumni, they have added to our history and they are still a part of us.”

Rachael Knight-Derkowski recorded an ATAR of 95.8 with band sixes in English, PDHPE and biology and extension history.

Ms Knight-Derkowski had early-entry to pre-medicine at the University of Wollongong, so she was not nervous in the lead-up to the release of results. 

However, she was “stoked” with her ATAR.

“I just want to do medicine, I find it interesting, I wouldn’t mind being a doctor one day,” she said.

She advised future  HSC students to have a balanced approach to year 12. She reminded others the ATAR is “just a number” too.

“Make sure you don’t forget your friends, your family, exercise and hobbies,” she said.

Jonathan Schaap scored 89.50 on his ATAR. He had a band six in senior science – a mix of chemistry, biology, physics – and PDHPE.

“It’s really good [ATAR], I’m really happy with that,” he said.

“I was really nervous, I had no idea I’d get this high.”

Mr Schaap said he would listen to one artist, per subject, while he studied. When he was bored of an artist, he’d switch.

He plans to work until he figures out what he wants to study and where.