We congratulate all our Year 12s for determination, perseverance

Congratulations to the VCE Class of 2021 for finishing their studies and receiving their ATARs today. The outstanding results demonstrate tremendous perseverance and spirit to overcome the challenges of the past two years.

The entire MLC Community is immensely proud of our Year 12s and their ability to make the most of every opportunity. They have modelled maturity and leadership to our younger students, who look up to them for reassurance and guidance. We have been especially impressed by their grit and strength of character in the face of so much global uncertainty.

Of our VCE and VCE VET Class of 2021:

• 3 students achieved an ATAR of 99.95, of only 11 female students across Victoria to achieve this score
• 19 students, 9% of the cohort, achieved 99 or above, placing them in the top 1% of the state.
• 31% were in the top 5% of the state with an ATAR of 95 or above
• 45% were in the top 10% of the state with an ATAR of 90 or above
• An outstanding 27 perfect study scores were achieved in 13 subjects – including Chemistry, Food Studies, Health and Human Development, History: Revolutions, Hospitality: Kitchen Operations, Hospitality, Legal Studies, Mathematical Methods, Media, Product Design and Technology: Fashion, Psychology, Visual Communication Design and an astonishing six in English.

Importantly, our Year 12s have also excelled across diverse areas of achievement. They have grown in leadership and commitment across 124 leadership positions, participated in 36 student clubs, developed their musical talents in 15 College music ensembles, showcased their artistic expression in the Senior School Performing Arts Festival, attained more than 100 nationally recognised VCE VET qualification certificates, and pursued sporting excellence in 30 sports and numerous competitions.

Moreover, in all their endeavours, our Year 12s have demonstrated a remarkable resolve to support one another, nurture friendships, and show compassion to the wider community.  

MLC extends a special congratulations to this year’s duces, Alex Atcheson, Ellie Bennett and Suzy Dingle, who achieved ATARs of 99.95, and our duces secundae, Nicola Anderson, Rachael Beckwith and Gabby Walker, who received ATARs of 99.90.

Students from the Class of 2021 were invited to celebrate their hard work at a morning tea held today at MLC.

Through the eyes of our students

Students and staff have worked and learned together, strengthening bonds through shared experience. As the first cohort in history to undertake their entire VCE studies amidst lockdowns, this impressive student and staff group has pioneered an extraordinary period of digital transformation in education and continued our college’s proud tradition of outstanding results.

One of our College Duces, Suzy Dingle, took online studying for the VCE in her stride and also found time to support other students who struggled through lockdowns as MLC’s Head of House Prefect.

“I didn’t really mind working from home, so I wasn’t too put down by that news of more lockdowns when it came. But I knew there were other students in the cohort who were really disappointed by it. For me, the priority was looking after those students as well, because I knew I could hold my own during lockdown,” she said.

Now, with her high school days behind her, Suzy is looking forward to tertiary study. “At this stage I’m hoping to get a position studying medicine at Monash. Otherwise I’m really interested in anything around science, biomedicine and engineering.”
 

Pictured here, from left: Two of the College’s duces, Alex Atcheson and Ellie Bennett, with two of the duces secundae, Nicola Anderson and Gabby Walker.

Dux secondus, Gabby Walker, said her time at MLC helped her gain the confidence to pursue anything she puts her mind to.

“During VCE, I was able to pursue my passions. I was in orchestras, choirs, the MLC kayaking team, and I debate. I loved my clubs, like the Connecting to Country Club, and the Green Team,” she said.

Gabby is interested in a career in science: “I want to be a changemaker and maths and science have always drawn me in.”

Netball champion, Grace Markovic, continued to shoot hoops during lockdown – in every sense of the phrase. Despite cancelled netball tournaments and the transition to remote learning, Grace received a conditional offer from Melbourne University through the Elite Athlete Program.

Mia Jenkinson excelled in hands-on endeavours, such as fashion, photography and art. The young creative turned the challenge of COVID into an opportunity to deepen her interest in conceptual photography. Her portfolio earned Mia an offer for early entry into RMIT’s competitive photography course, but then also her first preference of a degree in fashion design.

As a boarder, Maggie Skewes’ VCE experience was unique during the pandemic. “It was really hard, especially not having family around to support you,” she says. “But being in the boarding house, I had friends around me through lockdowns and that really helped when we were under the harsh restrictions.”

Maggie plans to continue swimming for the MLC Aquatic Club and hopes to undertake study involving commerce, economics, politics and public policy.

We would also like to thank the staff and teachers staff who have supported our students along their journey. They have been invaluable to the students’ achievements and wellbeing throughout their time at the college.

Sarah Cato is particularly thankful for the support of her teachers. “It was really easy to reach my teachers through Microsoft Teams and message them there.”

Next year Sarah hopes to study physiotherapy, pursuing her passion for sport. The Oakleigh Chargers player is also eager to get back on the AFL field early next year.

For two tough but rewarding years, these world-ready and resilient young women have displayed tenacity, grit and confidence in pursuing their goals. Through the uncertain and the unknown, they have risen to every challenge, and delivered exceptional outcomes across 48 subjects.

Year 12 students undertaking the International Baccalaureate (IB) will receive their results on Monday, 3 January 2022.