29 Jan 2018
Springwood High School takes pride in its Faulconbridge location and the connection to Sir Henry Parkes placing it at the heart of public education.
"We are a public comprehensive school, and proud to be comprehensive in advancing our students' learning, wellbeing and possibilities in life," says principal Dr Mark Howie. "This is evident in our 2017 HSC results and other recent exciting news. We applaud the achievements of students in the HSC and the full scope of school life."
Individual highlights include two students being recognised as ‘Top Achievers' by the NSW Educational Standards Authority. Tahlia Curley placed 5th in the state in French Beginners and Charlotte Hitchcock placed 16th in the state in Mathematics. Tahlia received a mark of 99 in French Beginners, and Charlotte gained a mark of 100 in Mathematics.
The school received 24 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List, encompassing the achievements of 18 students across 10 subjects, which attests to the range and depth of students' achievements across the curriculum.
The school's 3+3 Compacted Curriculum model for HSC delivery means the top and distinguished achievers may have been completing their first or their second year of HSC exams. Completing her first three subjects and exams, Tahlia achieved three Band 6 results, meaning she received marks of 90 or more in all of her subjects this year. Catherine Schweinsberg was completing her final two HSC courses and achieved Band 6 results in both.
At the time of writing, outstanding ATAR scores of which we have been informed were achieved by Zachary Mann, 96.45; Luke Simson, 91.15; Alexandrine Curtis, 90.55; and Catherine Schweinsberg, 90.4. More information may follow in coming days.
Dr Howie said that Springwood High students have also been publicly recognised in a notable way for their achievements in recent times. "This attests to the uplifting possibilities available to students through public education and Springwood High."
Elite athlete Jackson Sharp, who was also completing his first three HSC courses and exams this year, finished 4th in the 1500m at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in July. Jackson has since been awarded a CHS Blue, the highest award for sport in NSW public schools. In addition, the Sydney West School Sport Association awarded him Blues for Athletics and Cross Country, the President's Award for achieving two Blues, and the Premier's Sporting Scholarship.
Year 10 student Jessica Johnson, a proud young Wiradjuri woman, has been recognised by Adam Goodes, Michael O'Loughlin and the Board of the GO Foundation, being awarded The GO Foundation Scholarship. This will support Jessica in her education, and help her to further develop her leadership skills.
Year 9 student Ella Newton, also a proud young Aboriginal woman, has been awarded the Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship supporting girls of high potential. This will support Ella's educational achievements and career aspirations.
"Our best wishes go to our students as they move to the next stages in their lives," said Dr Howie. "Our students are well-equipped for further study, the workforce, and for facing the challenges of their life goals and ambitions."