The celebrations at St Ursula’s Kingsgrove are even bigger and better this year as they celebrate success in both HSC and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

The IB is traditionally at home in Sydney’s elite, private schools, but 2022 changed this landscape as St Ursula’s welcomed its first senior group to the IB Diploma Program which is recognised by many universities all over the world.

Vivienne Awad, College Principal, says “Our 2024 results are outstanding and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our girls.  These results are a testament to the work that the teachers and students put into their learning each day.” 

St Ursula’s College this year ranked 92nd in the State maintaining its position as one of the top 100 schools in NSW with 56% of students having received an ATAR above 80.

In our very first IB cohort, Annabelle Johnson, who achieved the highest IB ATAR of 96.8 , reflects on her experience “The IB has opened my mind up to a new way of thinking which allows me to conduct my learning with a global perspective”. Annabelle has received an early university offer to study a Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences)/Bachelor of Law.

170 Distinguished Achievements were earned by 85 of our HSC students which means these students were awarded a mark over 90 in one or more subjects. 

Daniella Haklane, who scored an ATAR of 98.4 is to be congratulated for achieving the top ATAR in her HSC cohort. Daniella attributes part of her success to her supportive family and teachers “I feel so relieved and I am really happy with how I’ve done. I don’t think I would have done as well without my family and teachers to support me and care about my wellbeing.” Daniella has received early university entry into Medical Science and hopes to pursue a career in dentistry.

Other notable achievements include 16 students who were nominated for HSC showcases: ENCORE, SHAPE and ARTEXPRESS, with three of these students having been selected. Jessie-Marie Rifkin and Jennifer LoGiudice have had their HSC Bodies of Work selected for the ARTEXPRESS exhibition, and Mikaela Vassilimis has been selected to exhibit her Design and Technology Body of Work at SHAPE exhibition. She has also ranked 4th in NSW for Design and Technology. Mikaela said “I am over the moon with my results and I am excited to see my work on exhibition. Although hard work, I have loved my HSC year and the relationships I have formed. I am grateful for my supportive teachers, in particular my STEM and Mathematics teachers who have encouraged me to pursue my passions.” Mikaela has also received early offers into university and will be studying a double degree in Mechatronics Engineering and Science.

Bibby Brooks, Year 12 Coordinator for 2024 was so pleased to see students from the Class of 2024 return to the College for morning tea, “I am so proud of the 2024 cohort. They have had a fabulous year, worked hard, and deserved their wonderful results. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their adventures beyond the College gates.”

Ms Awad continues, “At this time of year, not only do we look back on our successes but plans for the future. In 2025 the senior IB program will offer psychology whilst our existing broad curriculum and co-curricular program will continue to offer our students a wide range of opportunities to stimulate their curiosity and develop in them a love of learning which they will take into their future careers.”