VCE success for Jewish schools
AS Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores were released on Monday morning, it became apparent that Melbourne’s Jewish schools were once again among the top of the class.
AS Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores were released on Monday morning, it became apparent that Melbourne’s Jewish schools were once again among the top of the class.
While no students from Jewish schools attained the highest possible ATAR of 99.95, two students – one from Bialik and one from Mount Scopus – recorded a near-perfect 99.9.
At Bialik, 12.9 per cent of students scored 99 and above, placing them in the top one per cent of the state; 40.3 per cent of students scored 95 and above, while 66.1 per cent scored 90 or above, placing them in the top five and 10 per cent of the state respectively. Moreover, the cohort achieved eight perfect study scores of 50 across seven subjects.
In a letter sent to parents, Bialik principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner congratulated the VCE class on their achievements academic and otherwise.
“While the academic statistical summary of the Class of 2015 is impressive, success and impact are measured rightly through a much wider lens,” he wrote.
At Mount Scopus, 9.8 per cent of students received an ATAR of 99 or higher, placing them in the top percentile of the state. Meanwhile, 36 per cent landed a score of 95 or above, and 61 per cent a score of 90 or above. In addition, the school recorded nine perfect study scores across three subjects.
“Among our top students are many who have gained so much from Scopus – the Jewish life, performing arts, community and service and sports programs – and now they have shown their academic excellence as well,” said principal Rabbi James Kennard.
Leibler Yavneh College saw five per cent of students place in the top one per cent of Victoria, with an ATAR of 99 or above. Twenty-four per cent of the Yavneh cohort attainted an ATAR in the top five per cent, while more than half of the year level landed themselves in the top 10 per cent of the state.
“Our college’s primary purpose is to provide a first-class, 21st-century Jewish education to underpin Jewish continuity,” principal Roy Steinman said.
The King David School also emerged with impressive results, with six per cent of students achieving an ATAR of 99 or above. Thirty-one per cent ranked in the top five per cent, while 48 per cent scored 90 or above, placing them in the top 10 per cent.
“The Class of 2015 are an inspiring group of young people who show gratitude for what they have and a commitment to striving for a better world. We are honoured to have them venture into the world as King David alumni,” commented principal Marc Light.
Beth Rivkah Ladies College finished with flying colours, too, with an impressive median ATAR of 92.75. In this climate, 37 per cent of students achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, while 56 per cent recorded over 90. The cohort also boasts three perfect study scores – one in Further Maths and two in English.
At Yeshivah College, 20 per cent of students received an ATAR of 97 or above, while 45 per cent of study scores were 38 and above.
“We are filled with pride in the accomplishments of all our students,” said Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah principal Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler. “What a fitting way to celebrate a year of devotion and hard work with such stellar VCE results,” he said. “Just looking at our graduates and seeing the young ‘menschen’ they have become, is a testament to the nurture and care they received in our unique school community.”
Yesodei HaTorah College this year saw its second ever VCE cohort graduate, with all four students in the class achieving an ATAR of above 96. Dux Aharon Zuckerberg achieved an ATAR of 99.85.
PHOEBE ROTH
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