2018 Academic Highlights 2018 Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank ATAR % OF MERIDEN STUDENTS 95+ 31% 90+ 51% 85+ 62% Median ATAR – 91.3 Top Achievers in a subject NAME COURSE POSITION IN THE STATE Katherine Li Chinese in Context 1 Betty Zheng Senior Science 1 Grace Li Chinese in Context 2 Jessica Wei English Extension 1 2 Jessica Wei Latin Extension 2 Tiana Lieng Biology 3 Margot McKeown English Extension 1 3 Jessica Qiao Mathematics 3 Betty Zheng Business Studies 4 Margot McKeown Community and Family Studies 4 Helen Zhang Latin Extension 4 Annie Dong Music 2 5 Betty Zheng English as a Second Language 6 Emma Carbone Senior Science 6 Elaine Wang Mathematics Extension 1 8 Helen Zhang Latin Continuers 9 Esther Wong Engineering Studies 9 Aileen Wang Mathematics 13 Sheeri Bao Business Studies 15 Yasmin Alali PD/Health/PE 15 Rain Wei Mathematics 16 All-Round Achievers All-Round Achievers are those students who have achieved results in the highest band possible for at least 10 units of HSC courses. Twenty-three Meriden students were named on the 2018 All-Round Achievers List. Annie Dong Scarlett Du Olivia Harrison Helena Huang Rebecca Huynh Madeleine Kim Grace Li Katherine Li Alicia Lieng Tiana Lieng Hannah Ma Tina Ma Margot McKeown Georgina Vimalaratnam Jessica Wang Elaine Wang Nikkie Wang Jessica Wei Esther Wong Amanda Yao Helen Zhang Betty Zheng Daphne Zhuang HSC Highlights for Meriden Students – 51% of students received an ATAR of 90 or more – 3 students awarded the highest possible ATAR, 99.95 – 22% of students named as All-Round Achievers – 1st in state in 2 courses – Placings within the top 10 in the state in 16 courses – 310 Distinguished Achievements (Band 6 results) – ARTEXPRESS, ENCORE, OnSTAGE and Shape nominations and selections – 3 students awarded scholarships to top USA universities – Meriden ranked 12th in the 2018 HSC Schools Ranking* * Sydney Morning Herald 13.12.2018 Meriden's HSC students celebrate their fantastic results
Transcript
2018 Academic Highlights
2018Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
ATAR % OF MERIDEN STUDENTS
95+ 31%90+ 51%85+ 62%Median ATAR – 91.3
Top Achievers in a subject
NAME COURSEPOSITION IN THE STATE
Katherine Li Chinese in Context 1
Betty Zheng Senior Science 1
Grace Li Chinese in Context 2
Jessica Wei English Extension 1 2
Jessica Wei Latin Extension 2
Tiana Lieng Biology 3
Margot McKeown English Extension 1 3
Jessica Qiao Mathematics 3
Betty Zheng Business Studies 4
Margot McKeown Community and Family Studies 4
Helen Zhang Latin Extension 4
Annie Dong Music 2 5
Betty Zheng English as a Second Language 6
Emma Carbone Senior Science 6
Elaine Wang Mathematics Extension 1 8
Helen Zhang Latin Continuers 9
Esther Wong Engineering Studies 9
Aileen Wang Mathematics 13
Sheeri Bao Business Studies 15
Yasmin Alali PD/Health/PE 15
Rain Wei Mathematics 16
All-Round AchieversAll-Round Achievers are those students who have achieved results in the highest band possible for at least 10 units of HSC courses. Twenty-three Meriden students were named on the 2018 All-Round Achievers List.
Annie DongScarlett DuOlivia HarrisonHelena HuangRebecca HuynhMadeleine KimGrace LiKatherine Li
Alicia LiengTiana LiengHannah MaTina MaMargot McKeownGeorgina VimalaratnamJessica Wang
HSC Highlights for Meriden Students – 51% of students received an ATAR of 90 or more
– 3 students awarded the highest possible ATAR, 99.95
– 22% of students named as All-Round Achievers
– 1st in state in 2 courses
– Placings within the top 10 in the state in 16 courses
– 310 Distinguished Achievements (Band 6 results)
– ARTEXPRESS, ENCORE, OnSTAGE and Shape nominations and selections
– 3 students awarded scholarships to top USA universities
– Meriden ranked 12th in the 2018 HSC Schools Ranking*
* Sydney Morning Herald 13.12.2018
Meriden's HSC students celebrate their fantastic results
Ms Bethany Cook, Mrs Rebecca Fienberg, Karen Chen, Tina Ma, Clara Jin, Annie Dong, Lucy Devine and Mrs Jodie Spooner-Ryan, Director of Music (P–12)
Excellence abounds...
Excellence in Music Annie Dong, violinist, placed 5th in the State in Music 2 and her performance was nominated for inclusion in the annual ENCORE concert. Karen Chen’s and Tina Ma’s performances also received nominations. Held at the Sydney Opera House, the ENCORE concert showcases exemplary works by HSC Music students.
Clara Jin was nominated for her Music 2 Core Composition titled Escapade for clarinet and piano. Influenced by the works of Sergei Prokofiev and Robert Muczynski, Escapade depicts the cyclic delusional chase within a self-created mental paracosm. The piece satirises the turbulent condition of the modern psyche
Tina Ma’s Core Composition has been selected for inclusion in ENCORE. The composition, I Wish I was a Happy Pensioner for clarinet and piano, will be performed by Tina on clarinet and Ms Bethany Cook on piano. Inspired by the works of Aram Khachaturian and Dmitri Shostakovich, Tina’s satirical piece is influenced by Armenian and Russian folk melodies and harmonic structures.
Lucy Devine’s Music Extension Musicology essay was identified as exemplary and will be featured on the honour roll in the ENCORE program. Titled The Beauty of Fibonacci Lucy’s essay explores the use of the Fibonacci sequence in music composition.
Karen Chen, Lucy Devine, Clara Jin and Tina Ma have accepted places at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to study a Bachelor of Music.
Excellence in Visual ArtsAmanda Yao’s major work, a painting titled Immersion into the Twilight Zone, and Olivia Harrison’s major work, four drawings titled At What Cost, were nominated for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS. This exhibition features exceptional works by HSC Visual Arts students. Olivia’s work has been selected for exhibition and will be on display in the Tamworth Regional Gallery from 2 August to 22 September 2019.
1 Amanda Yao 2 Olivia Harrison
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Excellence in Design and TechnologyThe design skills and innovation displayed by Heidi Atherton, Jessie Chen, Grace Li, Gloria Li, Sabrina Nicholas and Amanda Yao in the development of their major projects were acknowledged with their nomination for inclusion in Shape, the exhibition which showcases outstanding HSC Design and Technology projects.
Heidi developed an antiseptic burn sleeve for animals who have been affected by bushfires. The sleeve is designed to assist transporting injured animals safely to veterinary help.
Jessie worked closely with her client, The Starlight Foundation, to re-design the Starlight Express Room for The John Hunter Hospital.
Amanda’s passion for design and architecture saw her take on the job of redesigning the Burwood library.
Gloria produced a travel companion, My Little Explorer, for children between the ages of 5–12 which acts as a guide and way for children to document their travels.
Grace produced a learning aid, designed to help Stage 1 students learn the Chinese language. The project included a digitally illustrated a book and flash cards that tell the traditional story of the Great Zodiac Race.
Based on her extensive market research, Sabrina designed and prototyped more youthful bras for bigger-busted youth to fill a gap in the market. She also developed a comprehensive marketing campaign for the product.
Excellence in DramaConspiracy, the group performance by Drama students, Lucy Lukabyo, Sabrina Katay, Isobel Murdoch and Julia Pascale, was nominated for inclusion in OnSTAGE, which showcases the best of the Drama performances by HSC students across NSW.
1 Jessie Chen 2 Gloria Li 3 Sabrina Nicholas 4 Grace Li 5 Heidi Atherton
Sabrina Katay, Lucy Lukabyo, Isobel Murdoch and Julia Pascale
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Excellence abounds…
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Excellence in MathematicsRain Wei, Jessica Qiao and Aileen Wang achieved full marks in Mathematics. Jessica and Aileen also achieved full marks in Mathematics Extension 1, and Rain achieved 98%. These three remarkable students accelerated in Mathematics in 2018 to complete the HSC Mathematics courses while in Year 11.
The top 2 bands were achieved by all students in Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2.
Excellence abounds…
Excellence in academic and sporting performanceThree graduates from the Class of 2018 have been awarded scholarships to study at universities in the USA, also enabling them to compete in the highly competitive world of college sport under the banner of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Two of Meriden’s top Water Polo players will take up their tertiary studies in the USA. Hayley Ballesty has accepted a place at Arizona State University and Carla Traplin has accepted a place at Cal Berkeley.
Tennis ace, Violet Apisah, has secured a place at Texas Tech University.
All-Round ExcellenceYasmin Alali has secured a Business Cadetship with UBS, a global financial services firm. Yasmin was one of four applicants selected from a pool of over 1,000. The criteria for selection included consistent academic effort and achievement, transferable skills relevant to banking and finance, evidence of leadership potential, team involvement, work experience and personal motivation.
In addition, Yasmin placed 15th in the state in the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education course.
1 Carla Traplin 2 Violet Apisah 3 Hayley Ballesty
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Sheeri Bao, Jessica Qiao and Aileen Wang
Yasmin Alali with Mrs Kirollos, Head of PD/H/PE
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Excellence in Academic Performance
Excellence abounds…
Helen Zhang and Jessica Wei with their Languages teacher, Mr Ben Tupman
Esther Wong, 9th in the state in Engineering Studies, with her teacher Mr Jonathan Chan
Dr Julie Greenhalgh with Helen Zhang and Jessica Wei who, together with Betty Zheng (not pictured), achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95
All-Round Achievers with Mrs Christine Kenny, Head of Teaching and Learning, and Mr Richard Loane, Dean of StudiesMargot McKeown and Jessica Wei with English teacher Miss Katie Bowie (left)
and Head of English, Mr Tim Archer
Katherine Li with Dr Julie Greenhalgh and Mr Ken Lu, Languages teacher
Excellence in LanguagesJessica Wei placed 2nd in the state and Helen Zhang placed 4th in Latin Extension. All students who undertook the Latin Continuers, Latin Extension and French Extension courses at Meriden achieved a Band 6 result.
Katherine Li topped the state in Chinese in Context, and all students in this course achieved the top 2 bands.
Excellence in Engineering Studies
Excellence in EnglishJessica Wei placed 2nd in the state and Margot McKeown placed 3rd in the state in English Extension 1.
The top 2 bands were achieved by all students in English Extension 1 and English Extension 2.
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Some of Meriden’s high flyers…Jessica Wei
ATAR 99.95
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedEnglish Extension 1ChemistryLatin ContinuersLatin ExtensionMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2
Helen Zhang
ATAR 99.95
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Kindergarten
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedFrench ContinuersFrench ExtensionLatin ContinuersLatin ExtensionMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2
Betty Zheng
ATAR 99.95
First Place in Senior Science
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 9
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English as a Second LanguageBusiness StudiesEconomicsMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Senior Science
Annie Dong
ATAR 99.90
ENCORE Nomination
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
Prefect 2018
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Music 2Music Extension
Esther Wong
ATAR 99.90
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryEngineering StudiesMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Physics
Katherine Li
ATAR 99.85
First Place in Chinese in Context
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryChinese in ContextMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Physics
Tiana Lieng
ATAR 99.85
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Pre-Kindergarten
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedBiologyChemistryEconomicsMathematicsMathematics Extension 1
Georgina Vimalaratnam
ATAR 99.85
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Pre-Kindergarten
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryHistory ExtensionLatin ContinuersLatin ExtensionMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Modern History
Scarlett Du
ATAR 99.75
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedBiologyChemistryMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Modern History
Alicia Lieng
ATAR 99.75
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Pre-Kindergarten
2018 International Physics Olympiad team member
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryLatin ContinuersLatin ExtensionMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2Physics
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Hannah Ma
ATAR 99.70
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedBiologyChemistryMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2
Daphne Zhuang
ATAR 99.70
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedEnglish Extension 1ChemistryFrench ContinuersFrench ExtensionLatin ContinuersLatin ExtensionMathematicsMathematics Extension 1
Margot McKeown
ATAR 99.65
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
Head Prefect 2018
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedEnglish Extension 1Community & Family StudiesEconomicsHistory ExtensionLegal StudiesModern History
Elaine Wang
ATAR 99.70
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 10
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English as a Second LanguageChemistryChinese and LiteratureMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2Physics
Helena Huang
ATAR 99.45
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Pre-Kindergarten
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2Music 2Music ExtensionPhysics
Jessica Wang
ATAR 99.45
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2Physics
Amanda Yao
ATAR 99.30
ARTEXPRESS Nomination
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedChemistryDesign and TechnologyMathematicsMathematics Extension 1Visual Arts
Nikkie Wang
ATAR 99.25
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Kindergarten
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedAncient HistoryFood TechnologyLegal StudiesMathematics Extension 1Mathematics Extension 2
Rebecca Huynh
ATAR 98.90
HSC All-Round Achiever
At Meriden since Year 7
Prefect 2018
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedEnglish Extension 1English Extension 2BiologyGeographyMathematicsModern History
Bianca Bader
ATAR 98.75
At Meriden since Pre-Kindergarten
Prefect 2018
SUBJECTS STUDIED
English AdvancedEnglish Extension 1BiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryMathematics
Some of Meriden’s high flyers…
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
The performance of each girl in each of her HSC subjects is indicated in levels, called Bands, from 1 to 6. Bands 5 and 6 are the highest levels. The table below shows the HSC subjects studied at Meriden in 2018.
Performance in HSC subjects
COURSE
% IN BANDS 5 & 6
AT MERIDEN% IN BANDS 5 & 6 IN STATE
MERIDEN’S TOP MARKS IN EACH COURSE
Ancient History 94.11 36.1 94
Biology 75 36.87 96
Business Studies 90 36.96 99
Chemistry 70.21 42.08 96
Chinese In Context 100 93.49 98
Community and Family Studies
92.85 28.91 97
Design & Technology 84.2 46.69 95
Drama 69.22 42.37 95
Economics 64.28 46.39 95
Engineering Studies 100 35.74 96
English Advanced 89.41 62.61 96
English ESL 44.44 25.39 96
English Extension 1 100 95.43 50*
English Extension 2 100 71.12 49*
English Standard 29.4 15.06 90
Food Technology 70 32.11 96
French Continuers 80 64.15 94
French Extension 100 82.11 46*
Geography 80 43.18 91
History Extension 100 78.68 47*
COURSE
% IN BANDS 5 & 6
AT MERIDEN% IN BANDS 5 & 6 IN STATE
MERIDEN’S TOP MARKS IN EACH COURSE
Hospitality 71.42 28.67 93
Japanese Beginners 87.5 44.72 89
Latin Continuers 100 86.53 96
Latin Extension 100 98.92 50*
Legal Studies 100 43.99 95
Mathematics 75.4 51.8 100
Mathematics Extension 1
100 79.6 50*
Mathematics Extension 2
100 85.41 95
Mathematics General
69.22 26.64 97
Modern History 100 41.82 96
Music 1 100 64.5 94
Music 2 100 91.42 98
Music Extension 100 96 50*
PD/Health/PE 57.88 33.11 96
Physics 68.41 33.79 96
Senior Science 48.38 21.48 98
Spanish Beginners 71.42 44.86 88
Studies of Religion 50 36.73 46*
Visual Arts 85 12.34 97 * MARK OUT OF 50
The Class of 2018
2017Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
ATAR% OF MERIDEN STUDENTS
95+ 24%90+ 51%
2016Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
ATAR% OF MERIDEN STUDENTS
95+ 30%90+ 57%
2015Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
ATAR% OF MERIDEN STUDENTS
95+ 40%90+ 57%
2014Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
ATAR% OF MERIDEN STUDENTS
95+ 29%90+ 49%
Over the past decade, Meriden students have received top placings in the state in the following subjects:
– First in History Extension
– First in Spanish Beginners
– First in Community and Family Studies
– First in Heritage Chinese (Mandarin)
– First in Chinese in Context
– First in Senior Science
– Second in English Extension I
– Second in Mathematics
– Second in Latin Continuers
– Second in Latin Extension
– Second in Chinese Context
– Second in Community and Family Studies
– Second in Music Extension
– Third in English Extension I
– Third in History Extension
– Third in Mathematics
– Third in Modern History
– Third in Community and Family Studies
– Third in Japanese Beginners
– Fourth in Chinese Continuers
– Fourth in History Extension
– Fourth in Latin Extension
– Fourth in Mathematics Extension 2 and the top female student in this subject
– Fourth in Modern History
– Fourth in Music Extension
– Fourth in Business Studies
– Fourth in Community and Family Studies
– Fifth in Community and Family Studies
– Fifth in Music 2
– Fifth in Japanese Beginners
– Sixth in English as a Second Language
– Sixth in Senior Science
– Sixth in Ancient History
– Sixth in Community and Family Studies
– Seventh in Drama
– Seventh in History Extension
– Seventh in Design and Technology
– Seventh in Geography
– Seventh in Visual Arts
– Eighth in Mathematics Extension I
– Eighth in PDHPE
– Eighth in Legal Studies
– Eighth in History Extension
– Ninth in Biology
– Ninth in 2 Unit Mathematics
– Ninth in Engineering Studies
– Ninth in Latin Continuers
– Tenth in Geography
– Tenth in Modern History
– Twelfth in Chemistry
– Twelfth in Ancient History
HSC highlights from previous years
Tertiary studyTertiary CoursesThe most popular tertiary courses chosen by Meriden students over recent years
– Arts, Communications, Marketing
– Commerce, Business, Finance
– Design, Architecture
– Economics, Accounting
– Education, Social Work
– Engineering, Biomedical Design
– Human Movement, Exercise Science
– Information Technology, Website Design
– Law, International Studies
– Liberal Studies, Political Science
– Medicine
– Music, Performing Arts
– Science, Psychology
– Visual Arts
University OffersPreferred university destinations for Meriden’s HSC students over recent years
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
SYDNEY
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN
SYDNEY
UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH
WALES
MACQUARIEUNIVERSITY
OTHERUNIVERSITIES*
* Includes interstate and international universities 9
Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
NAPLAN Results
OverallTable 1: The percentage of Meriden students in the top two bands of achievement of NAPLAN reporting.
Year 3 ResultsFifty-seven Year 3 Meriden students took part in the NAPLAN testing in 2018.
Table 2: Percentage of Meriden students in Year 3 in top two bands compared to the state.
READING WRITING SPELLINGGRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION NUMERACY
Band 6 State 30 13 27 32 18
Band 6 Meriden 74 70 81 88 72
Band 5 State 24 36 24 24 24
Band 5 Meriden 19 25 11 2 16
Year 5 ResultsFifty-seven Year 5 Meriden students took part in the NAPLAN testing in 2018.
Table 3: Percentage of Meriden students in Year 5 in top two bands compared to the state.
READING WRITING SPELLINGGRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION NUMERACY
Band 8 State 17 5 15 16 12
Band 8 Meriden 49 18 51 60 44
Band 7 State 22 12 23 22 19
Band 7 Meriden 25 33 30 25 21
Year 7 ResultsOne hundred and twenty-seven Year 7 Meriden students took part in the NAPLAN testing in 2018.
Table 4: Percentage of Meriden students in Year 7 in top two bands compared to the state.
READING WRITING SPELLINGGRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION NUMERACY
Band 9 State 10 5 13 12 13
Band 9 Meriden 36 14 40 51 50
Band 8 State 18 18 21 19 18
Band 8 Meriden 30 40 37 23 28
Year 9 ResultsOne hundred and twenty-nine Year 9 Meriden students took part in the NAPLAN testing in 2018.
Table 5: Percentage of Meriden students in Year 9 in top two bands compared to the state.
READING WRITING SPELLINGGRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION NUMERACY
Band 10 State 6 7 8 6 11
Band 10 Meriden 26 10 30 44 42
Band 9 State 16 12 18 15 17
Band 9 Meriden 33 23 34 19 30
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Business StudiesThe Meriden Year 10 team of Alicia Molesworth, Paris Koic, Tiffany Linggoputro and Isabella Fang was named runner-up in the NSW Plan Your Own Enterprise (PYOE) competition. PYOE is coordinated by Business Educators Australasia and requires students to present a creative idea for a small business in the form of a business plan. Students from seventy schools entered this year’s competition.
CommerceSound financial literacy skills paid off for Year 9 Commerce student, Sophie Lin, earning her the winner’s title in the 12–15 years age group in the Suncorp ESSI Money Challenge. The Challenge took the form of an online financial literacy simulation game where Sophie made employment, investment, spending and savings decisions in order to increase her income.
Da Vinci DecathlonThe Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students. Meriden’s Years 7–11 students gained impressive results, with the Year 11 team achieving fourth place overall. Every Meriden team from Years 7–11 gained a top 15 placing in English amongst a field of 146 high-performing schools. Results in individual subjects included: Year 8 team, third in Code Breaking and fourth in English; Year 9 team, third in Ideation and fourth in Mathematics; Year 10 team, second in Science; and the Year 11 team, second in Creative Producers and third in English.
DebatingThe AHIGS Archdale Debating Competition is rigorous and challenging and Meriden’s debaters proved themselves to be skilled and informed throughout debates on a diverse range of topical issues. Meriden placed second in its division and fifth overall out of twenty-two schools in the 2018 competition.
GeographyThe NSW Geography Teachers’ Association awards prizes to students who have completed outstanding research and fieldwork. In the Junior section of Geographical Fieldwork and Research, Olivia Yu, Year 8, was awarded First Prize and Trisha Chari, Year 8, was awarded Second Prize for their projects undertaken in Year 7 which investigated the liveability of the suburbs where they live.
HistoryNSW Schools Constitutional ConventionA compelling submission by Tilda Stafford, Year 11, resulted in her selection as a delegate to the 2018 NSW Schools Constitutional Convention held at Parliament House, Sydney. On the strength of her performance at this event, Tilda has been appointed to represent NSW at the 2019 National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra.
History CompetitionMeriden students in Years 8 and 10 achieved outstanding results in the Australian History Competition with more than 25% achieving either High Distinction or Distinction. High Distinctions were awarded to: Skye Blair, Adele Dang, Sandra He, Joanna Li, Madeleine Low, Sophie Massey, Hannah Silberman, Rebecca Starling and Shirley Wang in Year 8; Brydie Arkell, Grace Blomfield, Georgia De Silva, Shameen Gaffoor, Annabel Gill, Teresa Ho, Anna Jin, Joanna Kontogiorgis, Meika Kovac, Melanie Megale, Katriana Stamson, Annalise Tran, Isabelle Tran, Catherine Wang, Lydia Xu and Helena Yan in Year 10.
Academic Highlights Across the School
1 Tiffany Linggoputro, Paris Koic, Alicia Molesworth and Isabella Fang 2 Archdale Debating team 3 Sophie Lin 4 Olivia Yu and Trisha Chari 5 Tilda Stafford
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
iSTEM and EngineeringThe Meriden Robotics team won first place in the NexGen Code Camp Robotics Competition. Lily Yang, Year 11, Annalise Tran, Teresa Ho, Madeleine Whip, Angela Shan and Joanna Kontogiorgis, Year 10, designed, built and coded a fully autonomous robot to navigate a cityscape and publish data to the cloud.
LanguagesThe ACER Assessment of Language Competence test draws on students’ sociocultural knowledge, cognitive skills and their knowledge of the structure and purpose of language. To achieve a High Distinction in both the reading and listening sections of the test is the hallmark of an outstanding student. The following students achieved this honour in 2018:
French: Skye Blair, Adele Dang, Sophie Massey and Eunice Thi for Certificate 1; Keya Giri, Clare Spicer and Anna Zhou for Certificate 2. Chinese: Milan Ji and Shirley Wang for Certificate 1; Elaine Zhang for Certificate 3. Chinese Background Speakers: Jacaranda Zhu for Certificate 1; Sabrina Yang and Yara Zhang for Certificate 3.
MathematicsInquisitive Minds Mathematics CompetitionYear 10 students in Meriden’s Parnassus Mathematics class won the 2018 Inquisitive Minds Mathematics competition. Six independent and government schools from Sydney participated in the event which is designed to extend and challenge students in Mathematics. Meriden secured first, second and third places in the first section of the competition, an interactive lesson on problem-solving strategies.
Australian Mathematics CompetitionIn the 2018 Australian Mathematics Competition, Meriden students were awarded twenty-one High Distinctions and eighty-six Distinctions. High Distinctions were awarded to: Kitty Jiang, Jacinta Rees, Helen Liu, Talia Yin, Misri Kotecha, Taylor Koic, Linda Wang and Sunny Lee in Year 7; Emma Feng, Paris Chia, Chi Nguyen, Skye Blair, Sandra He and Callista Budihardjo in Year 8; Vivian Chen, Michelle Oh, Catherine Shin, Esther Wu and Coco Chung in Year 9; Helena Yan, Angela Shan and Grace Li in Year 10.
MusicSydney EisteddfodMeriden’s music ensembles excelled at the 2018 Sydney Eisteddfod winning first place in the Female Youth Choir (19/u); first place in the Sacred/Gospel (19/u) and third place in the Premium Youth Orchestra (19/u); Highly Commended in the Primary String Ensemble, Intermediate Youth Orchestra, Premium Concert Band and Chamber Strings sections.
The Senior Singers then took out second place in the John Lamble Foundation Australasian Championship for Youth Choirs (19/u).
Australian Music Board ExaminationsTwo Meriden musicians were awarded their LMusA diplomas by the Australian Music Examinations Board this year. They were cellists Hannah Kolos, Year 11, and Michelle Stafurik, Year 11. Six students achieved their AMusA diplomas: Michelle Jiang, Year 11 – Piano; Olivia Bonanno, Year 11 – Violin; Mingxi (Sissi) Shen, Year 10 – Violin, Eunice Park, Year 10 – Viola; Chaewon Park, Year 8 – Cello, and Jade Park, Year 6 – Trumpet.
Academic Highlights Across the School
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1 Joanna Kontogiorgis, Madeleine Whip, Teresa Ho, Annalise Tran, Lily Yang and Angela Shan 2 Inquisitive Minds Mathematics Champions 3 Senior Singers 4 Michelle Stafurik and Hannah Kolos 5 Chaewon Park 6 Sissi Shen 7 Eunice Park 8 Olivia Bonanno
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
CompetitionsOutstanding performances in several competitions were from Isabella Fang, Year 10, who achieved first place in the Under 19 Mallet Percussion section and Tina Ma, Year 12, who placed first in the Under 19 Clarinet section and was named “Champion of Champions” in the Band Association of NSW State Solo Competition.
Amy Lee, Year 7, won First Prize at the 2018 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, Junior Section, and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Jade Park, Year 6, was awarded First Prize and Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize at the 2018 International Music "Rome" Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition. Jade was also awarded a scholarship to perform at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Texas.
Savannah Li, Year 4, won first place in the BMTG Intercontinental Piano Competition and was one of two Australian pianists chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Research and Critical ThinkingParnassus AwardsStudents who complete an original and evaluative research-based composition of creative work in any discipline are eligible for a Parnassus Award. A Gold Parnassus Award is granted when the work demonstrates outstanding rigour and merit. The 2018 Gold Parnassus Medallions were awarded to Teresa Ho for her English Project and her STEM Foundry Project; Freja Newman for her Independent Research Project (Drama); and Jessica Zheng for her Geography Project.
PhilosothonRobust discussions on philosophical and ethical issues secured second place in the NSW Philosothon for the Meriden team of Juna Suh, Year 8; Vernica Mehta, Year 9; Freja Newman, Year 10; and Ananya Deshpande, Year 11. The individual results were also excellent with Vernica Mehta placing second in the Year 9 division and Ananya Deshpande placing third in the Year 11 division. Freja Newman was awarded full marks in three out of the four discussion groups which is a remarkable achievement in this event.
ScienceScience OlympiadsFollowing the phenomenal success of Alicia Lieng, Year 12, in both the International and Asian Physics Olympiads this year, a record number of Meriden students registered to participate in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads Competition. In the Chemistry Olympiad, Aileen Wang, Rain Wei and Selina Hu were awarded High Distinctions and Lily Yang and Michelle Miao were awarded Distinctions. Aileen Wang has been invited to participate in the Australian Chemistry Olympiad Summer School in January 2019.
Helena Yan attained a Distinction in the Biology Olympiad and in the Physics Olympiad, Helena Yan received High Distinction and Aileen Wang, Rain Wei and Ananya Deshpande were awarded Distinctions.
ICAS Science CompetitionThe ICAS Science competition tests students’ scientific skills. This year, High Distinctions, which place the students in the top 1% of the state, were achieved by Jacinta Rees and Vanessa Wu in Year 7; Skye Blair, Rebecca Starling, Eunice Thi, Olivia Yu, Elaine Zhang and Kate Zhong in Year 8; Keya Giri, Michelle Oh, Eva Scoufis and Anna Zhou in Year 9; and Grace Blomfield and Helena Yan in Year 10.
Academic Highlights Across the School
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1 Jessica Zheng, Freja Newman and Teresa Ho 2 Juna Suh, Ananya Deshpande, Freja Newman and Vernica Mehta with Mrs Priscilla Curran 3 Aileen Wang 4 Crystal Zhao 5 Helena Yan
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Academic Highlights Across the School
Big Science CompetitionThe Rio Tinto Big Science competition tests students’ knowledge of science. Twenty-nine students gained High Distinctions in this competition, placing them in the top 5% of the state. They are: Kitty Jiang, Misri Kotecha, Jacinta Rees, Sophia Yang and Jasmine Ye in Year 7; Skye Blair, Emma Feng, Sandra He, Chloe Lay, Madeleine Low, Riley Stafford, Rebecca Starling, Eunice Thi and Kate Zhong in Year 8; Tania Chang, Vivian Chen, Vivian Gao, Nicole Jiang, Linda Liao, Livia Lin, Eva Scoufis, Clare Spicer and Esther Wu in Year 9; Olivia Arvanitis, Grace Blomfield, Joanna Kontogiorgis, Evalyn Leung, Isabella Tran and Lydia Xu in Year 10.
CREST AwardsCreativity in Science and Technology (CREST) is a non-competitive, nationally accredited award program, supporting students to design and carry out their own open-ended science project. This year, Crystal Zhao achieved a Silver CREST Award and 126 students from Years 8–10 at Meriden were awarded Bronze CREST Awards.
STA AwardsIn the Science Teachers’ Association (STA) awards, Eduarda da Costa was awarded third place in the Year 7–8 Earth and Environmental category; Olivia Arvanitis was awarded third place in the Year 9–10 Inventions and Innovations Awards category; Michelle Oh achieved second place in the Year 9–10 Biology category and Shirley Wang was awarded second place in the Year 7–8 Biology category.
Science and Engineering AwardsShirley Wang was named as a finalist in the BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards and will travel to Melbourne in 2019 to attend the Science and Engineering Camp.
STEM ShowcaseMeriden’s annual STEM Showcase highlights the ingenuity of students in Years 8, 9 and 10 as they exhibit and discuss their science inventions and projects which are judged by a panel of representatives from various fields of STEM. Shirley Wang, Mariya Bartosh, Freja Newman, Grace Blomfield and Joanna Kontogiorgis were awarded first place for their outstanding projects in 2018.
SpeechFestival of SpeechMeriden placed sixth overall in the annual AHIGS Festival of Speech out of a field of twenty-eight schools. Adele Dang, Year 8, placed second in Poetry and Pavitra Ravi, Year 11, gained fourth place for her readings from Ephesians 4 and Julia Gillard’s misogyny speech. The team of Saffron McKeown, Eloise Bennett, Freja Newman and Vanessa Hamilton-Kane placed fifth in Drama.
Rostrum Voice of YouthIn the Junior section of the Rostrum Voice of Youth, Vernica Mehta, Year 9, was awarded first place for her interesting parallel between world discoveries and war. Pavitra Ravi was awarded runner-up in the Senior section with an emotion filled speech on acceptance.
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1 Recipients of High Distinctions in both ICAS Science and Big Science competitions 2 Mariya Bartosh 3 Michelle Oh, Eduarda da Costa, Olivia Arvanitis and Shirley Wang 4 Rain Wei 5 Selina Hu
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Meriden Academic Highlights 2018
Academic Highlights Across the School
Youth ForumThe Youth Forum is an annual event which enables motivated and talented students to identify, research and present an issue of importance to today’s youth. The winners of the 2018 Youth Forum were Melanie Megale, Ainslee Bakunowicz, Madeleine Mills and Amber Chang for their project, Men’s Mental Health.
Tournament of MindsTournament of Minds (TOM) offers teams of students the opportunity to solve authentic open-ended challenges that foster creative, divergent thinking whilst developing collaborative enterprise, excellence and teamwork. Five enthusiastic teams from Meriden entered this year’s Tournament of Minds and achieved a school record with two teams winning Tournament Honours in the Language-Literature and Social Science challenges.
Visual ArtsJanice Gao, Jessica Lim and Coco Wang won selection to attend the National Art School’s HSC Intensive Studio Practice in 2018. A highly selective and prestigious course, the National Art School’s HSC Intensive Studio Practice only accepts thirty applicants annually. The course is designed to enhance and extend students’ technical, conceptual and intellectual skills under the direction of experienced, practising artists.
WritingThe What Matters? literary writing competition is run annually by the Whitlam Institute. What Matters? asks young Australians to express their views on the issues that are important to them. This prestigious competition receives thousands of entries covering a wide range of subjects.
This year, Year 8 student, Eduarda da Costa, was named State Runner-up in the Year 7/8 category. Titled Self Expectations, Eduarda’s 500-word essay drew on her personal experiences about the pressure people put themselves under in striving for perfection.
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1 Ainslee Bakunowicz, Amber Chang, Madeleine Mills and Melanie Megale 2 Janice Gao, Jessica Lim and Coco Wang 3 Meriden's respresentatives for the 2018 Festival of Speech 4 Eduarda da Costa
