2015 School Dux Kyle Franke (right), who achieved an ATAR of 99.85, with Proxime Accessit Brooke Young (left), who achieved an ATAR of 99.7.
YEAR 12 ACHIEVEMENTS
Class of 2015
Every Opportunity
Kyle Franke was a Westminster student from start to finish, commencing at the Early Learning Centre and finishing with the well-earned honour of becoming the School Dux in 2015, complete with three SACE Merits. Kyle excelled academically at his subjects, including Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Studies, Chemistry and Physics. He was a gold medal recipient in the National RACI
Analytical Chemistry Competition and he received the 2015 Lawrence and Haese Gold Medal for Excellence in Year 12 Mathematics. Aside from his academic success, he proved to be a very capable musician, primarily guitar and drums, while also enjoying his membership of the Senior Vocal choir throughout his five years in Senior School.
Q What were your strongest subjects?Certainly Mathematics and Physics have been strong for me throughout my education. However, the surprise for me was English Studies which I didn’t consider as my greatest strength yet I received a SACE Merit! Q What are your plans now that you have completed school?I am very excited to have been accepted into Medicine at the University of Adelaide as I want to study and work in a hospital environment, aspiring to take on a specialty in anaesthetics or surgery. I have already started tutoring a number of students who are considering Medicine as a line of study. Q With the benefit of hindsight, what advice would you offer Year 12s?Enjoy what you do. Year 12 is a ‘mind over matter’ year of schooling and I had to rethink to some extent how I was going to handle it. Understand what you need to do to achieve your goals and make effective use of your time and resources. Physical exercise and meditation helped me to keep both my body and mind in shape and I would encourage senior students to consider how these could benefit them too.
SACE 2015 HIGHLIGHTSFROM THE PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING
Our 2015 cohort are living examples of our broad and balanced ethos that offers every opportunity to our students. So many students achieved their academic personal bests, whilst maintaining other passions in their lives. As usual, Westminster students successfully passed their SACE with many more credits to their names than the internationally recognised qualification requires. This highlights the breadth of opportunity afforded to them and is a very real expression of their engagement with our program. It is with absolute delight that we celebrated their efforts to achieve a median ATAR of 85.8. All subjects can report brilliant individual successes, including English, Mathematics, Business and Psychology, but the students and teachers of Outdoor Education and Performing Arts have again produced a sweep of outstanding results. On a personal note, I will miss these wonderful personalities mixing with us on School grounds but I know they will forever be a part of the Westminster community and will probably visit us soon! Good luck Class of 2015 and best wishes to you all.
78.4%
>70
30%
88.0%
>50
50%
83.2%
>60
20%21.6%
>95
5%
61.6%
>80
40%40.0%
>90
10%
2.4%
>99 1%
D I S T R I B U T I O N O F A T A R S
Westminster School 2015
National Average 2015
TERTIARY OFFERS
FIELDS OF INTEREST
TERTIARY PLACEMENT OFFERS
Health Sciences: Medical, Psychology, Nursing, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Advanced Health, Human Movement, Speech Pathology
Humanities and Social Sciences: Arts, Creative Arts, Media, Language, Journalism, International Studies, Visual Arts
Mathematical Sciences: Engineering (architectural, electrical, civil and structural, mechanical, aero, chemical, biomedical, mechatronic, sports), Information Technology, Computer Science, Aviation, Software Development
Business: Commerce, Economics, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Tourism and Hospitality
Law and Justice Education
DUX OF THE SCHOOL
Steve Bousfield
Andrea Sherwood
Sciences: Animal Behaviour, Vet Bioscience, Marine Biology and Aquaculture
Architecture and Design
In total, 22 students gained 29 Merits across 13 subjects: Niav Andrews Outdoor EducationHayley Barney Research Project B (Year 11)Georgina Bradley Research Project B (Year 11)Joshua Chenoweth Solo Performance, Ensemble Performance (2014)Casey Donehue Research Project B (2014)Tess Fuller English Studies, Research Project B (2014)Kyle Franke English Studies, Mathematical Studies, Specialist MathematicsHannah Giles Outdoor EducationJessica Hancock English CommunicationsGeorgia Kappos Research Project B (2014)Madeleine McArthur Outdoor Education, Research Project B (2014)Natasha Meseldzija Outdoor EducationMichelle Nasteka Research Project B (Year 11)Mikayla Opie Research Project B (Year 11)Mykaela Podgorski Performance Special StudyMatthew Reseigh Outdoor EducationZarli Skinner Research Project B (Year 11)Joshua Walter Systems and Control Products IMatilda Westhead Outdoor EducationSarah Wyness Research Project B (Year 11)Brooke Young Psychology, Business and Enterprise, Dance (2014), Research Project B (2014)
SACE MERITS
The excellence achieved by our Class of 2015 continues the upward trend of the ATAR median, the best on record. All students eligible to complete their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) succeeded in doing so with 40% of our students gaining an ATAR of 90 or more, four times that of the national average.
TOP 10 ATARS
Ella Bond 97.3Matthew Reseigh 97.1Joel Wilson 97.05Olivia Hoeper 96.9Harley Thomas 96.4Patrick Triglau-Phillips 96.3Hannah Giles 95.95Holly Wilson 95.95Julia Weltner 95.85Raaj Walee Masaud 95.5Hannah Sanders 95.5Jessica Hancock 95.4Alysha Storer 95.3
MORE SHINING ATARS
Specifically, of the 125 students who achieved their SACE and gained an ATAR:• The median ATAR for the Class of 2015 was 85.8% representing an overall improvement for the School of more than 3.62% compared to 2014• 2.4% of students achieved an ATAR of 99 and above • 21.6% of students achieved an ATAR of 95 and above• 40.0% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 and above• 61.6% of our students achieved and ATAR of 80 and above• 42.0% of grades achieved were As and 81.0% were As and Bs
SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) Requirements: • credits are earned for completed subjects or courses • 200 credits are needed to achieve SACE over 2-3 years • some subjects are compulsory • A to C- grades are required to pass compulsory subjects • one semester in a subject is worth 10 credits • two semesters in a subject is worth 20 credits
Offers made to our Class of 2015 students, summarised by tertiary institution:
Interstate/International Universities
Dana Cropley 95.1Alexander Chan 94.6Charlotte Betro 94.3Kara Nimon 94.0Amy Bower 93.75Divyan Mahadeva 93.1Ben Forrest 92.85Jordan Curtis 92.75Max Wayne 92.75Harriet Gray 92.5Olivia Johnson 92.35Yik Li 92.1Olivia Roberts 91.95
Joshua Walter 91.65Meg Davis 91.55Sharon Prashanth 91.4Liam Porter 91.25Tara Mutze 90.85Jenny Nguyen 90.75Georgia Darcy 90.6Elyse Kytka 90.6Daniel Holland 90.35Nikolaos Kappos 90.25Hongic Won 90.25
Our School and community are delighted with the results from the Class of 2015. All eligible students received their SACE and we achieved some of our long–term statistical targets with regard to student ATARs. I would particularly like to congratulate Dux of the School Kyle Franke with an outstanding ATAR of 99.85 and three subject merits.Our students continue to excel academically whilst availing themselves of the comprehensive range of opportunities accessible at Westminster. This balanced approach within a caring and supportive environment enables our graduates to pursue their dreams and become true global ambassadors. As we continue to strive to be the best school for an exceptional all-round education, I am confident that our Class of 2015 Old Scholars will successfully embrace life beyond Westminster as they continue to learn and grow.
We recognise the 13 students who gained the top ten ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for the School: • Kyle Franke is Dux of the School after achieving our top score: ATAR of 99.85 and three Merits.• Brooke Young (four Merits) is Proxime Accessit with and ATAR of 99.7• Tess Fuller (two Merits), our 2015 School Captain, achieved an ATAR of 99.2• Tasha Mitchell and Mykaela Podgorski (Merit) each achieved an ATAR of 98.7• Casey Donehue (Merit) achieved an ATAR of 98.5• Natasha Meseldzija achieved an ATAR of 98.4• Peter Gardiakos and Matilda Westhead (Merit) each achieved an ATAR of 98.1• Georgia Kappos (Merit) achieved an ATAR of 97.85• Thomas Morgan achieved an ATAR 97.65• Madeleine McArthur (two Merits) and Niav Andrews (Merit) each achieved an ATAR of 97.6
Flinders University
University of South Australia University
of Adelaide
TAFE/Other
The majority of our graduating students
undertake tertiary study as they prepare for a variety of careers and vocations, confirmed here by their expressions of interests.
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Each year our students have every opportunity to participate in rich and fulfilling programs both at Westminster and beyond. The Class of 2015 is no exception with many worthy achievements being recorded throughout the year, whether academic or in service, sport or performing arts. Following are just some of these highlights:
CLASS OF 2015 ACHIEVEMENTS
TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
SCHOLARSHIPS & ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
ROUND SQUARE
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARDS
SACE STAGE 2 // SUBJECT PRIZES AND ACADEMIC AWARDS
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SPECIAL AWARDS
Madeleine McArthur was awarded the 2015 ADF Long Tan Leadership Award in recognition of her demonstrated values and respect, leadership and teamwork within both the School and local community.Joshua Chenoweth won the first chair in Superband 1, in the 2015 Jazz SA Superbands.Sophie Jones was selected to compete in the Australian Canoeing National Sprint Championships in Penrith.Ally Storer passed her Associate Diploma in Piano (AMusA) exam. Niav Andrews received a certificate of commendation in the Young Writers Award 2015, which is the most significant state-based writing competition for young people.Ella Bond competed in the World Junior Swimming Championships. Ella received silver as part of the Australian medley relay team, and reached the final in the 50m breaststroke and the semi-finals in the 100m breaststroke.Hongic Wong received a Credit in the SA School Mathematics Competition for SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Prizes.
Westminster School is the only South Australian member of Round Square, an international association of 160 schools from 40 countries. Round Square Service Award for the King Constantine Medal for supporting and promoting the ideals of Round Square through outstanding service work: Niav Andrews.
In the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Analytical Chemistry Competition, Raaj Wallee Masaud and Divyan Mahadeva each received the Certificate for Excellent Accuracy and Precision both at School and the State Finals, and a Gold medal in the National Finals. Kyle Franke received the Certificate for Excellent Accuracy and Precision both at School and the State Finals, and a Silver medal in the National Finals. Niav Andrews, Tess Fuller, Jessica Hancock, Georgia Kappos, Nicholas Kappos, and Hannah Sanders each received the Certificate for Excellent Precision and Accuracy in the School Phase of the Competition.At the Coeducational Cup Boys’ Athletics Carnival, first places went to Alexander Chan (Hurdles, Pole Vault), Matthew Ward (Javelin, setting a new record).At the Achilles Cup Athletics Carnival, first places went to Alexander Chan (Hurdles and Pole Vault), Fergus Gray (Javelin), Matthew Henry-Whiskey (Discus), Webb Sarris (800m), Patrick Triglau-Phillips (Triple Jump), Matthew Ward (Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin). In Girls’ Athletics, at the Coeducational Cup, first place getters were Tameka Baxter (4x100m Relay), Georgia Darcy (High Jump, 400m), Casey Donehue (Long Jump, 100m Hurdles, Triple Jump, 4x100m Relay), Annabella Kumantjara (Javelin).At the IGSSA Athletics Carnival, first places went to Tameka Baxter (Javelin), Georgia Darcy (High Jump), Casey Donehue (Triple Jump, 100m Hurdles, 100m, Long Jump), Annabella Kumantjara (Javelin).
Sophie Jones, Olivia Roberts, and Ella Bond have been awarded 2016 Bond University Scholarships. Sophie and Olivia have received Bond Collegiate Scholarships. Ella has received a Bond Scholarship for Excellence, as well as an Elite Sporting Scholarship.Joshua Chenoweth has been awarded a full scholarship to attend the Los Angeles College of Music, USA.Mykaela Podgorski has received a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Mac Thomson has received a Future Leader Scholarship at Lincoln University, Christchurch, NZ.Maha Naito has received a study scholarship to the Adelaide Central School of Art.Luke Wiles has been awarded the 2015 Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award, having shown academic and sporting achievement and demonstrated a high level of leadership potential.
Westminster School consistently has the highest participation and medal count in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in South Australia.Gold Medal: Henrique Alemao, Niav Andrews, Ashleigh Chappill, Jordan Curtis, Georgia Darcy, Ben Francis, Hannah Giles, Jessica Hancock, Daniel Holland, Riley Irvine, Madeleine McArthur, Natasha Meseldzija, Matthew Reseigh, William Robinson, Webb Sarris, Luke Wiles; Silver Medal: Amber Smith, Lachlan Verrall, Matthew Ward.
Lawrence and Haese Medals 2015 for Excellence in Mathematics – Gold Medal: Kyle Franke, Silver Medal: Joel Wilson. Malcolm George Western Award (Agricultural Science) – Charles Rowett; SF Heaslip Award (Boarding) – Ben Forrest and Jordan Curtis; Caltex Best All-rounder Award – Madeleine McArthur; Head of Senior School Award – Webb Sarris; Chairman of Council Award (Service to the School Community) – Mac Thomson; Douglas Highmoor Forder Award (Excellence in Attitude) – Patrick Triglau-Phillips; Principal’s Award (Leadership) – Tess Fuller.
Agriculture and Horticultural Studies, English Communications – Jessica Hancock; Biology, Academic Achievement – Ella Bond; Biology, English Studies, Flinders University Business School Prize for Psychology, Mathematical Methods, Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – Tess Fuller; Chemistry, Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Academic Achievement – Kyle Franke; Creative Arts: Art – Jenny Nguyen; Creative Arts: Design – Luke Wiles; Creative Arts: Fashion and Textile Design, Visual Arts: Design – Charlotte Betro; Creative Art: Photography, Information Processing and Publishing – Nicholas Walker; Dance, Academic Achievement – Sarah Wyness (Year 11); Design and Technology: Communication Products Multimedia – Stephen King; Design and Technology: Material Products (Metal) – Lewis Williams; Design and Technology: Systems and Control Products (CAD Engineering) – Joshua Walter; Drama, Academic Achievement – Dana Cropley; English Pathways, Academic Achievement – Jason Dawson; Flinders University Business School Prize for Accounting, Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – Tasha Mitchell; Flinders University Business School Prize for Business and Enterprise, Flinders University Business School Prize for Psychology, Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – Brooke Young; Flinders University Business School Prize for Economics, German (Continuers), Legal Studies, Academic Achievement – Peter Gardiakos; Food and Hospitality – Elyse Kytka; Geography, Academic Achievement – Matilda Westhead; German (Continuers) – Hala Othman; Information Technology – James Gillham (Year 11); Japanese (Continuers), Academic Achievement – Sarah Wildy (Year 11); Mathematical Applications – Matthew Reseigh; Mathematical Studies – Joel Wilson; Modern History, Academic Achievement – Benjamin Ollerenshaw (Year 11); Music: Ensemble Performance – Nao Hisada (Year 11); Music: Individual Study – Luca Saj; Music: Musical Styles – Tara Mutze; Music: Musicianship, Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – Alysha Storer; Music: Solo Performance – Joshua Chenoweth; Outdoor Education – Hannah Giles; Outdoor Education – Madeleine McArthur; Physical Education – Callum Read; Research Project, Academic Achievement Award – Georgina Bradley (Year 11); Visual Arts: Art, Music: Composing and Arranging, Music: Performance Special Study, Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – Mykaela Podgorski.
